Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 12:31

"Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." — John 12:31 (ASV)

Jesus recognized and announced unmistakably that the final crisis had arrived. Both the disciples and the more sympathetic segment of the crowd were uncertain of what his fate would be (7:25–27, 40–44; 10:19–24; 11:55–56). Now he declared that a decisive action must follow. God’s purpose is to glorify him. The hour for judgment has come, and the prince of the world must be exposed for what he is. “Judgment” (GK 3213) does not imply that the final day of judgment has come or that only now is retribution for sin exercised. Jesus conveyed the meaning that God, having now made his final revelation, must hold people responsible for their obedience or disobedience (cf. also Ac 17:30–31). The revelation of God in Christ is itself a disclosure of sin and a judgment on it.

“The prince of this world” can be none other than Satan (cf. 14:30; 16:11; similarly in 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2; Ephesians 6:12). The Cross and the Resurrection spelled Satan’s defeat and marked the glorification of all Satan renounced and the reversal of all he sought to attain. Satan was motivated by self-will; Jesus, by the will of the Father. Satan’s power brought destruction and death; Jesus’ power imparted renewal and life. Though Satan is still active, his action is only the desperation of futility (cf. Revelation 12:12).