Become Children of Light

Week Eight - Day 4

Today's Reading

Gospel according to John 10:22 to 12:50

Jesus is once more in Jerusalem, this time for the festival of the Dedication of the temple by Judas Maccabeus, which is known today as Hanukkah, the feast of lights.  When he is challenged by "the Jews" he once again appeals to his relationship as the Son of God.  Jesus continually refers to God as 'my Father', raising the wrath of his opponents to the point that he want to kill him for blasphemy. Once again, however, Jesus escapes from their hands.

There then occurs a pivotal event in John's gospel, and that is the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  He and his sisters are friends of Jesus, and upon his death Jesus sees the opportunity to offer a further sign of his divine connection with God.  It also provides the chance for Martha declare about her brother Lazarus, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day" (11:24).  Four full days after Lazarus died, Jesus appealed to God the Father to allow Lazarus to live again so that the crowds "may believe that you sent me" (11:42).  When Lazarus comes out of the tomb, the final movement towards Jerusalem and the crucifixion is set in motion.  Jesus is seen as a threat to the religious and national existence of Israel, and the leaders were more determined than ever to have Jesus put to death.

Jesus then makes his third and final appearance at the annual Passover festival in Jerusalem.  Word about him has spread, and his raising of Lazarus has gained him some additional followers from among the Jews.  As Jesus enters Jerusalem, he comes as light to a city and nation that is dwelling in darkness. Jesus then said to the crowds, "The light is with you for a little longer.  Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you.  If you walk in the darkness, you, you do not know where you are going.  While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light." (12:35-36).