Teaching time has come for the twelve. Jesus seizes the moment and makes it a memorable one. He begins somewhat cryptically, but closes with a twist that must have left them wondering.
I sense Jesus is trying to instill in them a sense of perspective they seem to lack. They see the danger. Jesus see the opportunity. They see tomfoolery in returning to the city. He sees mission accomplished. They see darkness and foreboding. He tells them that light is a precious commodity that comes in limited amounts. Yes, darkness may eventually descend, but light is here as long as He is among them. They must strike “while the iron is hot.” They must act and press forward before darkness descends and danger ascends. Then comes the clincher. Jesus does not say “the danger of stumbling is minimized.” He plainly states that the stumbling is eliminated. That is a surprising statement to say the least.
After all, how can the possibility of stumbling be eliminated, even in the light of day. People trip in the day time. Obstacles appear as if out of nowhere that cause us to stumble and stagger. So what does Jesus mean when he says, “he does not stumble” (NKJV). It only begins to make sense when he clearly changes the focus from the “light of day” to “the light of this world”. He adjusts his disciples’ focus to the Light of this world—himself. And if they keep themselves in this light they will not stumble. They will not stray. They will not be groping in the dark.
Does that mean they will never fail or flounder? Doubtful. But it does mean that whatever comes their way they will not be left in doubt as to the direction of their life. Jesus has it covered. They need only to remain in the light. I need only to remain in the light of his grace and love, I need not fear anything—even failure. Failure is simply success dressed in trial. I have the assurance from Jesus’ lips that my life in secure even in the most tempestuous day of my life if I choose to remain in His light!
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