February 03, 2022 – Thursday
John 11:8-10 NIV
8 “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 daytime 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.”
Comment.
Earlier the Jews (the Pharisees) sought to seize Him again, and again He escaped their grasp. Next in 10:40-42 we read, Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus.
Now though, the sisters of Lazarus sent word that he was sick, deathly ill. When Jesus heard this Jesus said (v4-7), “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” Then we come to our verses for today where His disciples were concerned about His safety and perhaps their own as well for Bethany, a small village on the eastern slopes of the Mount of Olives, was but a mile or so from Jerusalem. The concern was valid for Jesus would be crucified approximately two weeks after (spoiler alert) raising Lazarus from the dead.
But what of Jesus’ reply in verses 9 and 10, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime 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.” First, stating the obvious, when it’s daylight most people did their work safely in the light of the sun and as darkness came the work slowly came to an end. But Jesus is saying much more than that as His ministry has only a limited time left or His twelve hours of daylight and He must be about His Father’s work until darkness – His death – comes. The world would stumble, and Jesus would be crucified removing the light for those who lived in darkness. Who are those who walk at night and stumble? Those who do not have any divine guidance to light their path, they have rejected Jesus and His Grace. Thus, they will stumble when they least expect it.
Prayer: Father God, It is my hope that my steps will always be guided by Your Light, the Light You gave to us through Your Son Jesus, our Lord and Savior. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek