John 12:31-35 (NRSV)
Read John 12:31-35 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. Verse 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." Verse 33He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. Verse 34The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Verse 35Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going.
Devotion
Jesus said, "When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself." The author comments that Jesus said this to show by what death he was to die. The Christ of the cross draws us to his life, a life of love and service, and invites our commitment to follow his example. Anthony Padovano writes: "Jesus of Nazareth called us to discipleship, not serfdom." As serfs we are enslaved to do whatever the master demands—no questions; but as disciples we lovingly follow what we have decided is right, just and true. We find this direction in our new Easter life with Christ to follow him in whatever we do. And it's O.K. to ask questions along the way. We are drawn to the cross because of the loving, open arms of Christ which welcome all of us into his full embrace.
Prayer
Is there a greater love, dear Lord, than to spend our life unsparingly for others? Amen.