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21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining close to his heart; 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” So, when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” 28 Now no one knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.

 

As I have been studying the assigned readings and the ones they linked to throughout Lent, I have noticed nothing good happens at night. In today's reading the author specifically notes “And it was night.” as Judas flees to go and betray Jesus. Jesus is betrayed in the garden at night. Peter denies Jesus three times during the night. Even earlier in the gospels we see Nicodemus sneak at night to meet Jesus to avoid others knowing.

 

Near the end of chapter 12, Jesus tells the disciples: “I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.” (verse 46) From the opening words of John’s gospel we hear “What has come into being in [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it”. (1:5-6) and “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” (1:9).

 

Jesus is the Light of the World. He calls us repeatedly to abide in Him; to live in the light. Despite how much we want to hide or cower in the darkness of shame, sin, and death, Christ seeks to pull us into the light. The light gives life. It reveals the truth and gives us the ability to see the path ahead. Amid this Lenten journey, I hope that Christ illuminates your heart and mind so that you can see God’s calling for you. Good Friday plunged the world into darkness. Easter morning reveals the light of salvation that echoes throught eternity.

 

Light of Life, turn my life from darkness and envelope me in your life-giving light. Amen.

 

Chad Ryberg Cryberg@livinglord.org

 

Prayer Concern: Anger between neighbors.