Therefore Go & Lift Him High
"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." John 12:32
[SPOILER ALERT]: In the World War 1 movie "1917," there are two young British soldiers who are chosen and sent with a message on a critical mission that could mean life or death for 1600+ of their comrades. Mostly, they have to travel passed the front line in France, and make their way through a German-occupied territory to save the day — And they had one day to do this. A seemingly impossible task.
Now, at some point, one of the British soldiers is killed, leaving the other to complete the mission on his own. As this lone soldier enters into the German-occupied City, evading the German soldiers, he accidentally encounters a young french woman and a baby. She urges him to stay with her to keep her and the baby safe and wait out the war. With tears in his eyes, he refuses, leaves her in her basement hideout, and continues on the mission. Long story short, he gets to the other troops in the knick of time to rescue them.
This British soldier could've given up at any point. He could have been easily discouraged being left all alone after seeing his fellow soldier killed. He could've been overwhelmed with fear for that the fact German soldiers constantly surrounded him. He could have even given into his over-bearing emotions for the young woman and the baby. But instead, he chose to finish the mission. That was what pulled him through every barrier and obstacle he faced, and the result: countless lives were saved.
Similarly, we can see a glimpse of the mission of Jesus in this. Jesus was ultimately sent for one purpose: To be sacrificed on the cross, so that Christ may be joyfully treasured in the heart of every man.
Yes, Jesus, of course, did many other incredible signs and wonders during His time here on earth, but not once did He ever allow Himself to be distracted from accomplishing His mission. John 12:32 is one verse that sums up what Jesus came to do:
"But for this purpose, I have come to this hour." John 12:27.
He was given orders from our Heavenly Father, and Jesus was obedient.
In the same way, we who follow Christ have also been given a mission: We are to continually lift Him high in our own lives for people to see Him. This can be done in many different and practical ways, but here is one that is non-negotiable:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…" Matthew 28:19-20.
This is our Great Commission, making disciples is not only a command, but it is one of the most selfless, Christ-magnifying things we can do. We are to make disciples and teach them to see Christ as their highest treasure. Our Heavenly Father delights in this obedience.
"His authority on earth allows us to dare to go to all the nations. His authority in heaven gives us our only hope of success. And His presence with us leaves us no other choice.” — John Stott
We have no other choice, “therefore GO and lift Him high.”