In recent visits we began an inductive study of chapter 9 of the Gospel of John. After observing what is said in the chapter you then need to interpret what it means. To help understand what took place in this chapter I encouraged you to reflect on verses 4 & 5 as a basis for interpreting this material.
Jesus said, “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” He identifies Himself as the light of the world and says that the disciples were to join Him in His strategic and urgent mission to enlighten the lost and hurting before it’s too late.
“As long as it is day” suggests opportunity everywhere. “Night is coming” suggests opportunity ebbing away. “When no man can work” suggests opportunity ended. For the disciples the opportunity was for them to join Jesus in doing what God the Father had assigned to Him. What a privilege! What an awesome responsibility!
At the time they didn’t know how long they had, nor understand that Jesus would be taken from them. In fact, they didn’t fully understand His mission. But they did continue to follow Him and work with Him as best they could. This prepared them for the larger opportunity that awaited them after Jesus was gone.
Had they not followed on with him, opportunity would have ebbed away and eventually ended. This indeed did tragically happen to Judas. Don’t let it happen to you.
