Twelve Hours in a Day
Reflective Reading: John 11
In John 11 we come upon another of Jesus’ peculiar responses to a question. First, let’s add a backdrop to this picture. In chapter 10, Jesus claims to be one with His Father, He claims to be the Son of God, and He claims to be God! There is no question about His claim. And the response of the Jewish leadership is to stone Him!
“Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him…
“The Jews answered him, saying, ‘For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God’
Jesus said, ‘Because I said, I am the Son of God?’ Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand…. And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.”
In the next chapter Jesus wants to go back. The apostles are concerned, saying:
“Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?”
Kind of crazy, if you ask me. Can you imagine being one of the disciples? I can imagine them saying, “We’re going to die today!” In fact, Thomas did:
“Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
This brings us to chapter 11, where Jesus receives news that Lazarus is sick. At first Jesus claims that he is only sleeping, but shortly after, he announces that Lazarus is dead. This brings us to a dilemma.
What dilemma? The opposition, of course—the very good possibility that Jesus will be stoned to death today, and the likelihood that they may all die today if they go back.
“The disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?” (John 11:8)
“Jesus answered, ‘Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him’” (John 11:9, 10).
There you have it! Another, what appears to be, a makes-no-sense Jesus response. Why are His answers so difficult to understand, so often? Hmm… Maybe Jesus is helping us to be sure we know what we’re getting into; or maybe He is causing us to dig deeper so that we can more readily discern His will for our lives, especially when facing opposition. I think that might be it!
Let’s examine this passage. The disciples are worried about going back because Jesus (and they) might be stoned to death. It was just a few days ago that this opposition came upon them. What should they do? Jesus’ responses is, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.” What does this mean?
Let’s add the next piece of the puzzle and it might become clearer. In chapter 12 Jesus explains what He means by walking in the light:
“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words…” (John 12:46-48).
Ah, I get it! Jesus just told them with His words that they were going back, regardless of the threats. And if He told them they were going, then they could trust Him. They could trust that He knew what was best—His Words are trustworthy. This was their assignment, and there was nothing to fear as long as they were following Jesus and His words.
So, we too are to walk while we have the light of God’s Word directing our paths; helping us make difficult decisions. Like many missionaries who were martyred, though they faced extreme opposition, they moved forward within the light that God had given them through His word. And as a result of their obedience, many were drawn to the light for their deliverance. Sadly, many are compelled and prompted today to obey the Word they’ve heard. They hear God calling them, but they remain frozen in darkness. When God gives us light through His Word, we need to move quickly and obey His leading. To linger in the darkness is to miss the glorious opportunities that occur in the light. Had the disciples stayed back, they would have missed the greatest miracle of their lives to that point—the resurrection of Lazarus.
My friends, are there not twelve hours in the day (daylight)?
“‘Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knows not where he goes. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.’ These things spoke Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them”(John 12:35, 36).
Please don’t miss the last sentence. If we linger too long in the darkness and refuse to obey the light of His word, we not only miss the miracles, but we miss seeing Jesus altogether, for where there is light, there is Jesus. And where there is Jesus, there is the miracle of resurrection!
Sincerely,
Mark Hamby
M.S., M. Div., Th. M., D. Min.
Recommended Reading:
Trusty Gets Off Track, Illustrated (Ages 2+)
Joseph’s Shield (Ages 6+)
Teddy’s Button Book and Dramatic Audio (Ages 9+)
The Silver Keys (Ages 12+)
