Articles
How Jesus Draws Us
A question we might ask a dating or married couple is “what is it that drew you to one another?” In other words, what were the main character traits or attributes that caused you to be attracted and interested in the other person? As the bride of Christ, we might ask the same question about those who are “married,” in a figurative sense, to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 19:7-9; Ephesians 5:22-33). What is that draws us to Jesus?
The term “draw” (HELKUO) is used several times in the New Testament. In a physical sense, it may be translated as “to draw, drag off.” For example, Peter literally “drew his sword” in John 18:10). The apostles literally had to “drag” the net to shore after the big catch of fish (John 21:6, 11). Paul was literally “dragged” before the authorities on two different occasions (Acts 16:19; 21:30). James seems to reference this common form of abusive persecution saying, “Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?” (2:6, NKJV).
Yet, Jesus does not physically and literally drag us, by force, to become His followers. Instead, the term “draw” is used in a metaphorical sense in two verses of New Testament Scripture as well (see John 6:44; 12:32). So, how does Jesus “draw” us towards Him today?
First, we are drawn by God, the Father. John 6:44 says, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day” (NKJV). Clearly, God the Father has a drawing power. But, how does He do this work? Read the next verse. “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me” (John 6:45). It is not, as some denominations teach, by some better-felt-than-told experience that God draws us. No, He draws us through the power of teaching. This is especially seen when one contrasts the broader teaching of Jesus in John 6. He is constantly pointing to Old Testament examples to help the people see clearly these were but a faint picture of a greater fulfillment in Him as “the bread of life” (John 6:35). Thus, we must use the Old Testament Scriptures to draw souls to Jesus!
Secondly, the attractive nature of Jesus is seen in the love demonstrated by the cross. John 12:32 says, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (NKJV). There is something beautiful about the sacrificial love of Jesus that would suffer and die on the cross for the sake of mankind (see also Romans 5:6-8). Such love is unparalleled in the history of mankind. His love draws us to Him. Jeremiah the prophet once wrote of God, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you” (31:3, NKJV). Jesus, draw us ever nearer.
