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John 12:36
Verse
Context
Jesus Predicts His Death
35Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Children of light - Let the light, the truth of Christ, so dwell in and work by you that ye may be all light in the Lord: that as truly as a child is the produce of his own parent, and partakes of his nature, so ye may be children of the light, having nothing in you but truth and righteousness. Did hide himself from them - Either by rendering himself invisible, or by suddenly mingling with the crowd, so that they could not perceive him. See Joh 8:59. Probably it means no more than that he withdrew from them, and went to Bethany, as was his custom a little before his crucifixion; and concealed himself there during the night, and taught publicly every day in the temple. It was in the night season that they endeavored to seize upon him, in the absence of the multitude.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them--He who spake as never man spake, and immediately after words fraught with unspeakable dignity and love, had to "hide Himself" from His auditors! What then must they have been? He retired, probably to Bethany. (The parallels are: Mat 21:17; Luk 21:37).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But though he had done so many miracles before them,.... Openly, and in the presence of them; meaning those miracles which were done at Jerusalem, as those which brought Nicodemus to him, and to an acknowledgment of him as a teacher sent from God; and particularly the cure of the lame man at Bethesda's pool, the giving sight to the man that was born blind, by anointing his eyes with clay, and sending him to wash in the Pool of Siloam, and the raising Lazarus from the dead at Bethany, which was within two miles of Jerusalem, in the presence of many of them who were come there to comfort Martha and Mary. Yet they believed not on him; the miracles done by Christ before their eyes, which they could not deny, nor disprove, and were so many, and so great, were aggravations of their unbelief; and such indeed is the nature of that sin, and so deeply rooted is it, that the most powerful means, and mighty works, will not bring a person to believe in Christ, without the powerful and efficacious grace of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:36 Jesus was the light (1:4, 7-9; 3:19-21; 8:12), and he urged the crowd to quickly make the choice to believe in him before it was too late. • They had the choice of becoming children of the light by rebirth through the power of God (1:12-13). • Jesus . . . was hidden from them: Jesus withdrew first from Judea (11:54) and then from this audience (12:36), and soon he would withdraw from the world (17:11).
John 12:36
Jesus Predicts His Death
35Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(John) 17 - the Light Shinning
By Alan Redpath5.7K44:13JohnJHN 12:27JHN 12:32JHN 12:36JHN 12:44In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verse "While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." The sermon is divided into three main points: opportunity, responsibility, and transformation. The preacher emphasizes that while we have the opportunity to believe in the light, which is Jesus, it is our responsibility to respond and believe in Him. This belief in Jesus brings about a transformation in our lives, making us sons of light. The preacher also highlights John's verdict on Jesus' work, emphasizing that belief in Christ is identified with belief in God, a vision of Christ is a vision of God, faith in Christ dispels all darkness, and Jesus came to save the world, not to judge it.
(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Upper Room
By Willie Mullan1.5K53:48Upper RoomMAT 6:33JHN 12:36JHN 13:4JHN 13:38JHN 21:17REV 1:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the humility of Jesus and his willingness to serve others. Jesus washes the disciples' feet as a demonstration of his love and humility. The preacher relates this act to the idea that sometimes God allows difficult circumstances in our lives for a greater purpose that we may not understand at the time. He shares a personal story of a child's death and how God used that situation for a greater purpose. The sermon encourages listeners to humble themselves and serve others, following the example of Jesus.
Epistle 267
By George Fox0Unity in the ChurchLove and Grace in MinistryMAT 18:15JHN 12:361CO 13:71CO 14:322CO 5:18GAL 4:28EPH 4:16COL 4:61TH 5:51PE 4:10George Fox emphasizes the importance of unity and love among believers who are children of the light. He urges ministers not to judge one another in public meetings, as this creates confusion and harms the congregation. Instead, he advocates for patience and private communication to resolve issues, reflecting the spirit of order and humility. Fox highlights that true ministry should be rooted in grace and love, edifying the body of Christ and maintaining unity. He calls on all to recognize the divine presence in each other and to minister accordingly, fostering a spirit of fellowship and truth.
Epistle 268
By George Fox0RestorationFaith in God's ProvisionGEN 1:27PSA 8:6PSA 24:1MAT 6:27MAT 6:30JHN 12:361CO 3:7EPH 4:24HEB 1:31PE 2:22George Fox emphasizes that God provided for humanity even before creation, making man in His image and endowing him with righteousness and holiness. He explains that Christ's mission is to restore humanity to this original state, highlighting the futility of worrying and the importance of faith in God's provision. Fox reminds us that true growth and increase come from the Lord, as He is the Creator and sustainer of all things. He calls believers to recognize their dominion and purpose in glorifying God through righteousness and holiness, as intended from the beginning. Ultimately, Fox encourages faith in the light of Christ to achieve spiritual growth and restoration.
Epistle 284
By George Fox0Living in RighteousnessUnity in FaithISA 9:7ISA 32:1AMO 5:24JHN 1:12JHN 12:36ROM 14:17EPH 4:161TH 5:51PE 1:31PE 1:23George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in the peace and truth of Christ, who removes the curse and rules in righteousness. He encourages believers to let righteousness flow among them and to maintain a spirit of love, kindness, and gentleness in their gatherings. Fox warns against abusing the power received through Christ and stresses the need for purity and holiness in their meetings, ensuring that God is honored and glorified. He calls for unity in faith and encourages everyone to set their affections on heavenly things, contending for the faith that brings victory. Despite his burdens and travels, Fox rejoices in the power of Christ that sustains and leads them.
Epistle 155
By George Fox0Unity in FaithLight of ChristJER 32:40JHN 1:12JHN 12:36ROM 2:15ROM 5:51CO 13:62CO 4:6COL 2:191PE 1:41JN 5:4George Fox emphasizes the importance of turning to the light of Christ, which unites believers and reveals the truth about the world and its vanities. He encourages the faithful to meet together in this light, which brings peace with God and knowledge of His glory, leading to victory over worldly temptations. Fox highlights that in the light, believers are transformed into the likeness of God and are called to walk in love, unity, and truth, while remaining vigilant against the deceptions of the world. He reassures the faithful that by abiding in the light, they will experience God's promises and eternal life. Ultimately, he calls for perseverance in faith and mutual encouragement among believers.
Epistle 317
By George Fox0Unity in ChristGospel OrderISA 63:10JHN 12:36ACT 26:182CO 5:19EPH 4:301TH 5:19HEB 12:21PE 1:121JN 1:1REV 14:6George Fox emphasizes the importance of returning to the light and power of God, urging believers to be reconciled with Him through the eternal gospel. He warns against the spirit of confusion that seeks to undermine the established meetings for men and women, which are rooted in divine order and the Holy Spirit. Fox encourages the faithful to maintain their possessions in the gospel's power, asserting that true unity and liberty come from being in Christ and His teachings. He cautions against those who oppose the gospel order, reminding the congregation that the power of God will ultimately prevail over all false spirits and orders. His message is a call to live in love, unity, and the practice of pure religion, which is essential for spiritual growth and community edification.
The Answer to Disillusionment
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's PurposeVision of ChristJHN 12:36T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's ultimate purpose in securing a people for His glory, as illustrated through Isaiah's vision of the exalted Lord. He warns against the dangers of disillusionment that arise when we place our trust in human leaders, like King Uzziah, rather than in the infallible Lord Jesus. Sparks highlights that true ministry and purpose stem from a clear vision of Christ's glory, which sustains us through trials and disappointments. The sermon calls for believers to understand their role as instruments in God's plan, shaped by His purpose, rather than seeking personal significance. Ultimately, the vision of Christ is presented as the antidote to disillusionment and despair.
Because He Saw His Glory - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks0Vision and DisillusionmentGod's PurposeJHN 12:36T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of Isaiah's vision of God's glory as a transformative experience that shapes his prophetic ministry. He explains that God's ultimate purpose is to secure a people for His Son, and that individual experiences of disillusionment can lead to a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and purpose. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing that the instrumentalities in the Bible, like Isaiah, serve a greater purpose beyond their individual identities. Sparks warns against placing trust in human leaders, as they are fallible, and stresses the necessity of anchoring faith in the exalted Lord Jesus, who is the only reliable source of hope and purpose.
John 9:1-5
By St. John Chrysostom0DEU 24:16EZK 18:3JHN 9:3JHN 12:36ROM 5:20ROM 13:121CO 12:16John Chrysostom preaches about Jesus healing a man born blind, emphasizing that the man's blindness was not a punishment for sin but an opportunity for God's glory to be revealed. Chrysostom explains that Jesus' miracles, like restoring sight to the blind, demonstrate His power as the Creator and the Light of the world. He contrasts the temporary nature of earthly dwellings with the eternal glory of heavenly homes, urging believers to invest in building their spiritual houses in heaven through acts of charity and faith. Chrysostom encourages his audience to prioritize their eternal dwelling place in God's kingdom, where there is no envy, malice, or decay, and where the presence of saints and angels brings eternal joy.
Are Believers to Seek "More Light"?
By H.J. Vine0JHN 12:36JHN 14:62CO 11:14EPH 5:81JN 1:5H.J. Vine emphasizes the importance of believers growing in their understanding of the truth after coming into the light of Christ. In John's Gospel, the focus shifts from light shining outward to the world to the internal truth revealed to believers by Jesus. The distinction between 'light' and 'truth' is highlighted, with Jesus being the ultimate Light of the world and the Spirit of truth guiding believers. Believers are cautioned against seeking 'fresh light' or 'new truth' beyond what is already revealed in Christ, as Satan can deceive by masquerading as an angel of light.
Epistle 266
By George Fox0PRO 4:18ISA 25:6JER 15:19EZK 34:16MAT 20:9LUK 15:24JHN 12:36ROM 6:23EPH 5:132PE 2:1George Fox preaches about the importance of believers in the heavenly light seeking out the lost and driven away, distinguishing themselves from false prophets and teachers by putting a difference between the precious and the vile. He emphasizes the joy in finding the lost, drawing parallels to the parable of the prodigal son and the heavenly rewards awaiting those who return to the Father's house. Fox urges believers to diligently seek out those who have strayed, guided by the light to bring them back to the path of righteousness and away from the devil's influence.
Epistle 288
By George Fox0GEN 3:15MAT 18:20JHN 8:32JHN 12:36JHN 16:13ACT 4:12EPH 2:20EPH 4:3COL 2:6REV 1:11George Fox preaches about the importance of gathering in the name of Jesus, who is the source of salvation and the foundation of faith. He emphasizes the need to wait in Jesus' power and light to become children of the light and be grafted into Him. Fox encourages believers to be faithful in their measures of the spirit of God and Christ, walking in newness of life and worshiping in spirit and truth.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Children of light - Let the light, the truth of Christ, so dwell in and work by you that ye may be all light in the Lord: that as truly as a child is the produce of his own parent, and partakes of his nature, so ye may be children of the light, having nothing in you but truth and righteousness. Did hide himself from them - Either by rendering himself invisible, or by suddenly mingling with the crowd, so that they could not perceive him. See Joh 8:59. Probably it means no more than that he withdrew from them, and went to Bethany, as was his custom a little before his crucifixion; and concealed himself there during the night, and taught publicly every day in the temple. It was in the night season that they endeavored to seize upon him, in the absence of the multitude.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them--He who spake as never man spake, and immediately after words fraught with unspeakable dignity and love, had to "hide Himself" from His auditors! What then must they have been? He retired, probably to Bethany. (The parallels are: Mat 21:17; Luk 21:37).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But though he had done so many miracles before them,.... Openly, and in the presence of them; meaning those miracles which were done at Jerusalem, as those which brought Nicodemus to him, and to an acknowledgment of him as a teacher sent from God; and particularly the cure of the lame man at Bethesda's pool, the giving sight to the man that was born blind, by anointing his eyes with clay, and sending him to wash in the Pool of Siloam, and the raising Lazarus from the dead at Bethany, which was within two miles of Jerusalem, in the presence of many of them who were come there to comfort Martha and Mary. Yet they believed not on him; the miracles done by Christ before their eyes, which they could not deny, nor disprove, and were so many, and so great, were aggravations of their unbelief; and such indeed is the nature of that sin, and so deeply rooted is it, that the most powerful means, and mighty works, will not bring a person to believe in Christ, without the powerful and efficacious grace of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:36 Jesus was the light (1:4, 7-9; 3:19-21; 8:12), and he urged the crowd to quickly make the choice to believe in him before it was too late. • They had the choice of becoming children of the light by rebirth through the power of God (1:12-13). • Jesus . . . was hidden from them: Jesus withdrew first from Judea (11:54) and then from this audience (12:36), and soon he would withdraw from the world (17:11).