The Power of Christ's Death
F. Carter. John 12:31-33 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.… I. THE MANIFESTATION OF THE POWER OF CHRIST'S DEATH. 1. Evidences of this power are to be found in the national and social life of countries wherever His death has been proclaimed. Is it not marvellous that an obscure teacher, who spent but a few years in making known His doctrines to a despised people, and was so despised by them that they put Him to death, should draw to Him the steadfast gaze of all who have heard His name? 2. Within the broad circle of popular homage to Christ, there is the narrower one containing those who are personally attached to Him. He who was despised and crucified is loved by millions with an ardour that death cannot quench. 3. Whatever may now be the power of Christ's death, it will be greater still. "Every knee shall bow" to Him. The fulness of the promise is not yet realized; but because the stream of homage has daily risen higher, the hope is kindled that the whole family of man will be gathered into the household of God. 4. But if this hope be not realized, in yet another sense all men will be drawn to Christ. "When He cometh with clouds every eye shall see Him." II. WHENCE COMES THIS ATTRACTIVE POWER? 1. Christ's death is significant, because in it He triumphed over the prince of this world (ver. 31). He shook the kingdom of evil to its foundation, and gave to all the power to become the sons of God. So men are drawn to Him as their Deliverer. 2. Christ's death exemplifies the highest form of self-sacrifice, and declares with greatest emphasis the love of God. The world knows of no greater forces than love and self-sacrifice. 3. Christ's death is the ground of the impartation of spiritual life (ver. 24). (F. Carter.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. WEB: Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out.