Escape from the Dark

April 16, 2019

DAILY READING

John 12:20-36
This weekend’s reading: Matthew 28:1-10

FIELD NOTES

A few years ago I went with my co-workers to one of those “escape” game places — where they lock you in a room and you have an hour to uncover clues to free yourself. The employee showed us to the room, ushered us in, and then, as we entered, the room suddenly went completely dark. The lights were extinguished and there was nothing but an empty black void in front of me. I knew it was a game but I still felt my heart pounding in my chest as I reached out my hands and felt around anxiously for anything I could identify. In spite of it being a “game,” the terror of complete darkness momentarily overtook me.

During Jesus’ last week on earth, he was speaking to a crowd of people who had come to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. They challenged him about his teaching and he replied, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light” (John 12:35-36).

As we navigate the ups and downs of life, it might be easy to feel overwhelmed and “in the dark.” Sometimes when we face sorrow, loss, illness or death, we may feel the terror of darkness closing in around us. Jesus reminds us he is the Light of the world (John 8:12) and as long as we walk with him, we will have plenty of light to make the right choices and go the right way. His presence banishes the darkness and floods our hearts with hope. Jesus offers us an escape from anxiety and fear that’s no game! It’s the real deal.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD 

• What situations in your life make you feel engulfed in darkness?

FAMILY FIELD TALK 

• Find a closet in your house and go in and turn off the light. What does the darkness feel like? Can you see where you’re going? Do you know what’s in front of you when the lights are out? Now turn on the light. How does being able to see clearly make you feel? Remember that Jesus said that if we trust him, we will always have his light to guide us.

PRAYER GUIDE

Light of the World, shine on us. Remind us that as we seek to walk with you, your light will guide our way and send the darkness fleeing. Amen.