John 12:33
“But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die.”
What does John 12:33 mean?
Jesus had just spoken about being "lifted up," using language that could sound mysterious or unclear. John adds this explanatory note so we understand what Jesus actually meant: he was hinting at his own crucifixion, since crucifixion was execution by lifting someone up on a cross. Jesus knew how he would die, and he was preparing his followers (and us) for what was coming. There's something both sobering and tender in this moment, where Jesus speaks plainly about his own suffering rather than leaving his death as a surprise or shock.