THE MAGNETISM OF THE CROSS is intense as the Passion approaches. Jesus is constantly assailed by seekers and detractors alike, each according to the light that is guiding them. The stakes are high for all concerned. As the end of his own earthly life comes in sight, Jesus cries out, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:25)
His three years of ministry – three years that culminate the Covenant of the Law and inaugurate the Covenant of Grace, three years that literally separate linear time even as they give access to eternity – are coming to their predestined end. He has become the focal point upon which all earthly, all satanic, and all heavenly forces bring to bear the cataclysmic powers of change. Within each of these realms, the outcomes seem utterly predictable. But only from one realm do all outcomes coincide.
These potent energies are like mighty tides of a cosmic ocean, and they are stirring a tsunami of soul in Jesus. He cries out again, “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” (John 12:27-28a) And his Father, and ours, immediately responds, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” (John 12:28b)
The scriptures record here something that we should pay close attention to. Many times, O.T. and N.T., the voice of God speaks. He speaks to Moses, and the people will either hear or ignore. He speaks through David and the Prophets, and the people may hear or ignore. He speaks at Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan, and some hear him say, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11) Now, he speaks, and “ The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.” (John 12:29) Every time God speaks, the people of every age hear his voice, but most choose to attribute that to some natural phenomenon. If we attempt to understand God from the worldly or the satanic realm, we are doomed to misunderstand his voice. And those who do so are indeed doomed.
Jesus has oft-time spoken of those “who have eyes to see” or “ears to hear.” (cf. Matt. 13:16) His heart is breaking for all of them, for he came to save the world, not condemn it. (cf. John 3:16-17) Always, he strives for everyone’s salvation: “They hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” (Matt. 13:15 Now, he says, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine.” (John 12:30) And as the various factions before him quibble over what he says, he makes it clear that only some will understand.
The tone of the scriptures changes now. The din of competing voices diminishes, and Jesus’ next words, we sense, are spoken only to those who are keenly looking, and avidly listening. His words are both comforting and challenging: “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” (John 12:35-36a)
And then there is one more thing for us to pay keen attention to: “When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.” (John 12:36b) We are left to ponder the effect that Jesus has had upon the listeners, and we must distinguish between the listeners and the hearers. It seems only obvious that the worldly people would not pay any attention to his words, because they are unable to hear. More disturbing is this: that the satanic ones are enraged by his words – it’s not just that they have nothing in common with Jesus, but instead that they are forces diametrically opposed to him.
Jesus leaves all three groups standing, somewhat dumbfounded. But the third group has heard. The question is, how will they respond? How long does the light last before it fades?
Q. Is there a “lamp for my feet, a light on my path?” (Psa. 119:105)
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