Light of the World
Opening Prayer
Lord, please soften my heart as I come to read Your Word today so that I am ready to hear and obey You.
Read John 12:27–36
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
34 The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”
35 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.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What things trouble you?Was there anything on earth that could trouble Jesus? Yes: the growing realization of the spiritual, emotional, physical suffering and agony that awaited him (27). The other gospels tell us that this “trouble” produced sweat drops of blood (Luke 22:42,44). But Jesus knew that if he turned back he would fail to achieve his purpose on earth. “The hour has come!” he told the crowd (23). They still failed to grasp who he was and how he would fulfill the Law (Matt. 5:17). The cross did not belong in their mental map of a Messiah, yet it was always Jesus’ goal (24,32).
What an experience for the crowd, to hear the audible voice of God
thundering from heaven (28,29)! And yet it did not cause them to automatically put their trust in Jesus (29). Indeed, what an experience for the crowd to be in the presence of God incarnate! And yet it did not lead to all of them placing their trust in him. Pray that Christ’s light will shine in the hearts of your friends and family who aren’t yet followers of Jesus.
Apply
Jesus can sympathize with every struggle you will ever have. Write down your troubles and “send” them to Jesus.
Closing prayer
Jesus, I turn to You now, the One who is Light of my life, and I receive Your strength and comfort.
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