What Jesus Did! 'Limited Opportunities' — John 12:34-36

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

[When Jesus referred to his crucifixion, the] crowd responded, "We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?"

Jesus replied, "My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light."

After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.

— John 12:34-36 NLT

Key Thought

So often, people think they will have plenty of opportunities to decide about Jesus. Satan ensures that this is not true. This reality was brought home tragically to me when a good friend of mine in high school was killed in a motorcycle accident a few months after I had tried to share Christ with him. He said, "I will do that when I am older. Christianity is for old people." He didn't take advantage of the light when he had the opportunity. His words will forever haunt me and remind me that God wants his grace to reach its mark. Let's share Christ with a greater sense of urgency, for we don't know when the opportunity for someone to come to the light will end.

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive me for not living with a greater sense of urgency, especially in my relationship with my non-Christian friends. Please be with me as I try to share my faith in Jesus with the following people: ... In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
  • John 5:19-27
  • Acts 26:19-29

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Casting Out the Evil Prince
Illustration of John 12:31-46
Inspirational illustration of John 12:31-46 -- Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

Illustration

Illustration of John 12:34-36 NLT — "We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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