“The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?” Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.” John 12:34-36
The end is near for Jesus. He’s speaking more and more about death, suffering and the resurrection. At this point the crowd is listening to his teaching but responding with confusion as they ask about the Messiah living forever. And why would this one be talking about death? “And who is this Son of Man, anyway?”
Jesus doesn’t answer directly, he rarely does. He speaks a spiritual-heavenly language that we don’t often understand. While he does not answer their questions, he does reply by saying — “My light will shine for you just a little longer.” What does this mean? That he would soon die? Is his light his life? Certainly both. As the light of the world, Jesus brings hope, meaning and life to all humanity. While in the world he is the light of it. (Pretty amazing if you ask me.)
And then Jesus tells us to ”walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will overtake you.” Because as Jesus says, “those who walk in darkness cannot see where they are going….put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”
Jesus is the light. In order to walk in the light we must walk in step with him, as close to him as possible. We must not only imitate him but ask him to live inside of us by the power of his Holy Spirit. We must do as he does and live as he lived. Only his grace can save us from the darkness in the world. He is the light of the world and in him there is no darkness.
As a Christ-follower I’ve made it my life goal to walk in the light. Sometimes I succeed and other times I struggle to maintain my bearing. If you are like me and desire to live according to his righteousness, then don’t become weary in doing good! Strive to become like Jesus, trusting in his name and receiving his blood for the forgiveness of sins and for everlasting life. For in him there is no darkness — he is the light of life.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving me and for allowing me to be your hands and feet. Thank you for the joy of your salvation and of walking in your truth. Thank you for Christian community that pushes us to lean into you. Come Lord Jesus, fill me with your power and love. Help me know the truth of your strength and the power of your spirit. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen