John 11:5-10 — Walking In The Light — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel with Aneel Aranha. Today we will reflect on John 11:5-10. Listen.

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”
Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”
Jesus loved Lazarus and his family. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was for two more days. There is an important lesson contained here. God's actions are not always immediate or aligned with human expectations. This delay signifies a deeper purpose in God's plan, challenging us to trust in God's timing, even when it seems counterintuitive or difficult to understand.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Let us go back to Judea.' Here, he demonstrates his resolve and courage. His decision to return to Judea, where he faced threats to his life, displays his commitment to his mission. We must be able and willing to face challenges and threats to fulfill our purpose in life.

His following statement is enigmatic. When his apostles tried to dissuade Jesus from returning to Judea, where the people tried to stone him, Jesus said, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world's light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light." 

What is the connection between their question and his answer? 

Jesus is not dismissing the disciples' concerns. Instead, he is redirecting their focus from physical dangers to spiritual truths. As long as one is doing God's work —walking in the daytime— they are in God's light and, therefore, under God's protection and guidance. This is what the "daylight" in this metaphor signifies, and Jesus has to do what he can while there is daylight. 

This passage challenges us to re-examine our understanding of God's ways. It encourages us to trust in the divine plan, even when it doesn't make sense. And it reminds us that walking in the 'daylight' of God's will provides the truest form of guidance and protection.

God bless you.