When God spoke aloud, why did some hear only thunder? In John 12:27-36, the voice of God the Father booms from heaven — yet the crowd dismisses it as thunder. Dr. Toby Holt explores why people explain away even the clearest signs from God. As the cross draws near, Jesus prays, "Father, glorify Your name," and the Father answers audibly. Some say it merely thundered. Jesus says His death will judge the world, defeat its evil ruler, and draw people to Himself.

Questions this study answers:

1. Why did some hear God's voice as only thunder? Because a hard heart can explain away even a clear sign. People often want proof, then dismiss it when it is given.

2. What did Jesus mean by being "lifted up"? He was speaking of the cross. His death would draw people from every nation to Himself.

3. What did the Father's voice confirm? That Jesus was walking the path God had set, and that His death would glorify God and rescue His people.

"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." — John 12:32 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.