Tuesday 16th July
Read John 11:8-10
“‘But Rabbi,’ they said, ‘a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?’
9 Jesus answered, ‘Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the day-time will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.’” (NIVUK)
Scary and comforting at the same time. The disciples clearly thought that Jesus’ reluctance to heed Mary and Martha’s plea was out of fear. The last time they were anywhere near Jerusalem the people tried to stone Him, and the disciples know they are equally in the firing line (see v16).
Jesus’ response to their fears is both scary and comforting at the same time. The repeated and continued references to time throughout this passage are meant to have us reflect on exactly what the time is. Is it the hour which Jesus knows approaches yet? Or does time yet remain in the day for the One sent by the Father to continue to work? The clues lie in the language Jesus uses. One works and walks in the day where it is safe and easy to see. When darkness falls, danger increases. Jesus argues that whilst it remains day He and they should continue to work – for when that hour comes the opportunity for work vanishes like the light.
The prospect for the disciples of walking without Jesus is scary indeed. It is dangerous and risky. Yet Jesus’ words are also comforting, for whilst He remains they can safely continue to work. The signals are beginning though that the time for work is shortening, we are approaching the end of the day. Darkness and death await. This side of the cross we know that there is hope and light on the other side – but John and Jesus make clear that it is not a temporary, trivial interruption to the joy of walking in the light with Jesus that approaches. It is a dark night indeed.
