John uses a simple vocabulary to tell the story of Jesus in such a magnificent way. The term "lifted up" can mean to physically lift something up or it can mean to exalt. The latter use is more prominent in the New Testament and in common usage. For John, however, the two meanings converge. Jesus is exalted when he is lifted up on the cross. Even though a cross was normally a place of shame, in Jesus' case it was God's way of reaching the hearts of people. Jesus does what he does because it is the Father's way of reaching people. Unfortunately, so many miss the wonders of this sacrificial love. Yet for those of us who have been touched by this display of grace, it is God's power to cleanse and transform us.