John 12:27–36 - Don't Miss This Opportunity!

In the thirty-second message of our series through the Gospel of John, Pastor Richard continues into John 12:27–36 with a powerful reminder not to miss the opportunity to respond to Jesus while we have the light.

As Jesus approaches the cross, we see a side of Him that can sometimes feel unfamiliar. He is troubled, afraid, and honest about the suffering ahead. Yet in His struggle, Jesus chooses trust and obedience, declaring, “Father, glorify Your name.” His honesty does not weaken His faith—it reveals the depth of His obedience and the purpose for which He came.  

This message explores the difference between simply “seeing” Jesus and truly following Him. Pastor Richard reminds us that struggling is not a sin, but staying trapped in our struggle can keep us from experiencing the new life God has made available to us. Like Jesus, we are called to trust who God is and remain obedient to what He has called us to do.

Through Jesus’ teaching about judgment, the cross, and the defeat of the “prince of this world,” we are reminded that the crucifixion stands at the crossroads of history. Jesus came not to condemn the world, but to save it, making a way for us to be restored to a right relationship with God. His invitation is extended to everyone, and His desire is that all people would come to know the truth, experience forgiveness, and receive new life.  

Pastor Richard then turns our attention to Jesus’ final public teaching in this passage: “Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” The warning is clear—don’t allow darkness to overtake you. Jesus has made a way, but our time to respond is not guaranteed.

As followers of Jesus, we are not only called to receive His light but to become people who push back the darkness around us. Because of Christ, we can live a new kind of life—one that reflects His presence and points others toward the hope, grace, and transforming power of God.

Join us as we continue our journey through the Gospel of John, learning that following Jesus means surrender, sacrifice, transformation, and ultimately a joy that cannot be taken away.