John 12. As we open John 12, the author gives us this helpful benchmark, “Six days before the Passover…” (John 12:1). Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem and the events of the final week of his life, prior to crucifixion, are unfolding. Jesus just raised Lazarus from the dead, there is a big celebratory dinner marking the occasion, and Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume (John 12:1-8).

At the start of this final week, John seems to highlight various people groups and their response to all that is happening. Let’s consider who they are:

On one side were those who did not believe and grew increasingly agitated. “The chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.” (John 12:10). (Can you kill Lazarus twice? This seems like a foolish plan.) Yet there were many who had hard hearts. “Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him.” (John 12:37).

On the other side were all who witnessed the miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead – “The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.” (John 12:17-18) It was an incredible display of divine power, and many people believed in Jesus and could not stop talking about it.

Did you notice that there were some Greeks who came looking for Jesus also? (John 12:20-22). They were not the first gentiles who were curious about the identity of Jesus! Remember the Samaritan villagers in John 4? John made specific note of the High Priest Caiaphas’ accidental prophetic word in the previous chapter: “… he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather the children of God who were scattered abroad.” (John 11:51-52). The opportunity for salvation through the death of Jesus was soon to be available for all peoples, regardless of their ethnic heritage.

To all who would listen, Jesus proclaimed his purpose: “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness… I came to save the world.” (John 12:46-47). Jesus knew his death would be soon, so he encouraged those who were listening: “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” (John 12:35-36)

Jesus would soon give up his life so that humankind would have the opportunity to be restored to a right relationship with God. “The hour has come… Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me.” (John 12:23-26)

Think of darkness as the death trap of sin and the tomb, Jesus calls everyone to embrace the light and walk out of the tomb! Jesus also set the standard for his followers, including us: If we cling to our earthly lives and resources too closely, we lose it all. If we follow Christ and hold our lives loosely, giving richly of all we have for the kingdom of God, we produce much fruit. What do you choose today, darkness or light?