Definition: The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 12:34. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage. Here's my explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about the future resurrection of Jesus Christ and how people are reacting to it. Let’s look at each part: “The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever.” – This means people have heard about Jesus' life and teachings through scriptures (the Old Testament law). They’ve read about his coming, his sacrifice, and his promise. The word “abideth” means to remain or live forever. “and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?” – This is where it gets a little more complex. The person speaking (likely Jesus himself) is asking: "How can something like him, who’s been living and teaching for so long, possibly be lifted up?" So, what does it mean? Jesus is essentially saying that the idea of his future resurrection – rising again after death – is a big deal. It's a fundamental part of the plan God has for humanity. He’s asking: “How can something so powerful and significant as Jesus be lifted up?” The Significance & Interpretation: This verse is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of Jesus' sacrifice. It's suggesting that: Jesus’ Sacrifice is Permanent: His death on the cross wasn’t just a brief event; it was meant to be eternal. Resurrection is a New Beginning: The act of being lifted up signifies a transformation – a new life, a new beginning for humanity, and ultimately, salvation from sin and death. It's a poetic question! The writer isn’t necessarily asking how it will happen, but rather why it is so significant. It speaks to the core of the Christian belief that Jesus' death and resurrection are essential for God’s plan for humanity. In short: The verse is posing a profound question about the future and the importance of Jesus Christ. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of the passage in the Gospel of John? How this relates to themes of resurrection and eternal life?