John 12:35
“Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.”
Context:It is important to understand the context in which this verse is found. John 12:35 is part of a larger passage where Jesus is speaking to the people, particularly the Jews, during His public ministry. This particular verse comes after Jesus talks about His impending crucifixion and how it serves as the judgment of the world.
The metaphor of light and darkness:Jesus often used metaphors to convey spiritual truths, and in this verse, He uses the metaphor of light and darkness. Light is a recurring theme in the Gospel of John, representing the truth, righteousness, and the presence of God, while darkness symbolizes ignorance, sin, and separation from God.
The temporary nature of the light:Jesus begins by saying, “Yet a little while is the light with you.” Here, He is referring to Himself as the light of the world (John 8:12). Jesus was physically present with the people at that moment, but He knew that His time on earth was limited. He was soon to be crucified, resurrected, and ascend to heaven. Therefore, He urges the people to take advantage of His presence and teachings while they still have the opportunity.
Walking in the light:Jesus continues, “Walk while ye have the light.” Here, He encourages the people to actively follow Him and live in accordance with His teachings. To walk in the light means to embrace the truth and righteousness that Jesus embodies. It involves believing in Him, obeying His commandments, and living a life that reflects His character.
The consequence of rejecting the light:Jesus warns that if the people do not walk in the light, “darkness come upon you.” This indicates the consequence of rejecting Jesus and His teachings. Those who choose to live in darkness, who reject the truth and choose sin, will experience spiritual blindness and separation from God. They will be lost and unable to find their way.
Spiritual guidance:Jesus concludes by saying, “for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.” This emphasizes the importance of the light for spiritual guidance. Just as physical darkness makes it difficult to navigate, spiritual darkness leads to confusion and uncertainty. Only by walking in the light of Christ can one find true direction and purpose in life.
