October 14. A Savior for All
J.R. Miller explains that Christ's sacrificial death on the cross reveals God's love and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, draws all people to salvation.
In this evangelistic sermon, J.R. Miller explores why Jesus’ crucifixion became the pivotal moment that drew all people to salvation. He emphasizes that the cross reveals the depth of God's love and highlights the essential role of the Holy Spirit in drawing hearts to Christ. Miller invites listeners to understand the power of divine love and the Spirit’s work in their own journey toward faith.
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"But I, when I am lifted up from the earth — will draw all men to Myself." John 12:32
As we read the gospel story we are surprised to see how few people were really drawn to Christ during His life. Crowds followed Him — many from curiosity — but very few were savingly drawn to Him in heart and life. We see at the last, how few; there was but a little handful of clinging friends about His cross.
It was not until He had made His great atoning sacrifice — had been "lifted up" on the cross — that all men began to be drawn to Him. Why was the influence of a crucified Jesus so much greater than that of a living, miracle-working Jesus?
For one reason, the death of Christ revealed the wonderful love of God. All of His sweet, gentle, helpful life told of love, too; but it was when He went to His cross that the full, rich glory of the Divine love was manifested. And love always draws. It is love which men need, and wherever they find it — they want to come and rest in its warmth and tenderness.
Another reason why Jesus drew most powerfully after He had be "lifted up," was because then the Divine Spirit was present to work on human hearts and lives. Without the drawing of the Spirit — none would ever come to Christ!
There was an old legend that when Jesus was dying a dove came and settled on His cross. It is only a legend; yet it suggests the truth that even after His precious blood had been poured out, men would not have come to Christ — had they not been drawn by the Holy Spirit.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Limited Draw of Jesus During His Earthly Life
- Many followed Jesus out of curiosity, few were truly drawn
- Only a small group remained faithful at the cross
- His miracles did not fully reveal God's love
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II. The Power of the Cross to Draw All Men
- Christ’s atoning sacrifice revealed the fullness of Divine love
- Love is the compelling force that draws people to Christ
- The cross manifests God’s love in its richest form
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III. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Drawing People
- The Spirit works on human hearts to bring them to Christ
- Without the Spirit’s drawing, no one would come to Jesus
- The legend of the dove symbolizes the Spirit’s presence
Key Quotes
“But I, when I am lifted up from the earth — will draw all men to Myself.” — J.R. Miller
“It was when He went to His cross that the full, rich glory of the Divine love was manifested.” — J.R. Miller
“Without the drawing of the Spirit — none would ever come to Christ!” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Recognize that true drawing to Christ comes through the revelation of His love on the cross.
- Invite the Holy Spirit to work in your heart to deepen your relationship with Jesus.
- Share the message of Christ’s love and sacrifice to draw others toward salvation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did few people follow Jesus during His earthly ministry?
Many were curious, but only a few were truly drawn in heart and life because the full revelation of God's love had not yet been manifested.
What changed after Jesus was crucified?
His sacrificial death revealed the full glory of God's love, which powerfully draws all people to Him.
How does the Holy Spirit relate to coming to Christ?
The Holy Spirit works in human hearts to draw them to Jesus; without the Spirit’s work, no one would come to Christ.
What does the legend of the dove on the cross represent?
Though a legend, it symbolizes the presence and work of the Holy Spirit at the time of Christ’s sacrifice.