In chapter 12 John records the final events in
Christ’s public ministry before the cross. Verses 35
and 36 warn against letting the opportunity for
salvation pass by. John says (verse 36b), “These
things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself
from them.” In the verses that follow, John explains
why Christ hid Himself and why the Jews were
condemned. They had rejected the evidence (verse 37).
The Light had been shining for more than three years,
as Christ walked here on this earth and preached to
them, yet they refused to believe and follow that
Light.
Verse 48 gives the basis of all future
judgment against mankind. “He that rejecteth me, and
receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the
word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in
the last day.” God has given us His wonderful Word for
instructions in how to prepare to live and die. If we
fail to follow these instructions, that same Word will
judge us in the last day.