We look at John 12:35-41 this morning at Calvary Chapel Cypress. In chapter 8 Jesus said in the second I Am statement that He was the light Of The World. (8:12) In chapter 12 He returns to this idea of bringing light to a dark place.

Verses 35 and 36 are pivotal to understanding this section in that He says a person must "walk in The Light" (verse 35) so as to avoid darkness. The "walking" assumes a leading and a following. He leads since He knows where He is going and we are to follow.

Verse 36 says we must "believe in The Light" that we may become "sons" (children) Many in the church mock the idea of accepting Jesus into the heart as the means of salvation but this is pretty easily understood when acceptance is what John 1:12 tells us and that it is a matter on the heart in Romans 10:9-13. Now, there is a change of life, action and worldview from then on and the life we had is to be dead to us. Sanctification is to begin the moment we leave what we were to follow Him.

The tragic part of the text today is in the following verses. Jesus made His statement and doesn't remain to argue. He hides Himself, and they are left to consider His words. John goes on to add his commentary over the reaction, that some believed (verse 42) but a number didn't believe and John uses the opportunity to point out this is what Isaiah prophesied. Hardened hearts of unbelief, and God set them in that decision. Simply tragic.

The second part of this is for next week as the chapter ends in verse 50.
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