Life Spark: Ask Jesus about life and death. (John 12:31-36)
Years ago when Michael Jordan was racking up wins in professional basketball, “I want to be like Mike” was a common saying. “I want a 40 inch jump reach.” “I want to be an elite athlete.” “I want to be popular.” “I want to be rich.”
I doubt that anyone who saw Jesus gasping for air on the cross thought just then, “I want to be just like him!” His feet were three feet off the ground, but it wasn’t pretty.
Although few present at Golgotha cheered or felt drawn to God on that dark day, multiplied millions would do so in years to come. 32 “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. (John 12:32-33, NIV)
What kind of death did Jesus die? He died a brutal death. He died a criminal death. He died your death and my death. Ultimate death is separation from God. He absorbed our sin and was separated from God for three days so we could be connected to God forever.
His being “lifted up” makes sense to me now, but it didn’t to his listeners. Most of the people who understood that He was talking about death by crucifixion wondered how He could think He was the promised Messiah if He knew He was going to be executed.
34 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?” (John 12:34, NLT) When God answers one question, it usually raises two more. Do you ever ask God questions? Does He answer? If so, do you usually like His answer?
35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you.” (John 12:35a, NIV)
So Jesus said, “Stay close to me and I’ll turn the light on when you need it. I’ll answer your questions at just the right time.” I need to remember that today.
Life-question: Could asking questions be considered a form of prayer? What question would you ask Jesus if He was standing beside you right now (which He is).