Sunday 18th August
Read John 12:35-36
“Then Jesus told them, ‘You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.’ When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.” (NIVUK)
Jesus does not answer the crowd’s question. Probably because He has already answered it. What Jesus does say brings to a conclusion everything He has taught and done in His ministry. Whilst the Son of Man and Messiah is indeed eternal Jesus wants the crowd to realise that He will only be with them a short while longer.
The New Testament authors regularly encourage us to consider the bigger picture when choosing how to live in this world. In this instance though Jesus urges the crowd to take advantage of the limited time left before He leaves and darkness falls. Follow Him whilst He shines brightest because the opportunity to do so will not last forever.
To emphasise this simple truth, when He finishes speaking, He leaves. He hides Himself from them. Acting out in the flesh the consequences of not following Him when the opportunity presented. An act of judgement being brought upon the people.
Many people only consider divine claims upon them when they are in the direst circumstances, putting off decisions until later. A dangerous path indeed.
