This week’s inspiration comes not only from John again, but from Anna Kendrick of Pitch Perfect – random, I know. But you’ll get my point later on.
This week’s passage comes from John 12:27-36 27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name.”
Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” 29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.
30 Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.
34 The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”
35 Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”
After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.
When I read this passage, specifically verses 31 and 35, all I could think was, “You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone.” This is where Anna Kendrick comes in.
Now if any of you guys are familiar with Pitch Perfect (Pitch Perfect 2 just came out, by the way!) or listened to the radio, Anna Kendrick sang a song called “Cups” in the movie. It was a simple song, but became extremely popular. If you want to listen to it, I’ve attached a snippet of it from the movie below:
Now, what does this have to do with what Jesus said? Here are the full lyrics to the song:
I’ve got my ticket for the long way ’round
Two bottle whiskey for the way
And I sure would like some sweet company
And I’m leaving tomorrow. What d’you say?
When I’m gone, when I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me by my hair
You’re gonna miss me everywhere, oh
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone
When I’m gone, when I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone
You’re gonna miss me by my walk
You’re gonna miss me by my talk, oh
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone
I’ve got my ticket for the long way ’round
The one with the prettiest of views
It’s got mountains, it’s got rivers
It’s got sights to give you shivers
But it sure would be prettier with you
[Chorus Repeats]
Doesn’t that sound fairly similar to what Jesus was saying to the people? He wasn’t talking about whiskey, of course, but you get the point…
In that passage, and all throughout the book of John, Jesus was telling the people, “I’ll be leaving soon. You may wanna enjoy me while you have me, cause you’re gonna be kicking yourself when you see what I’m gonna do for you. And you’re going to hate yourself for not embracing me before.” Jesus was going back home to be with His Father in a place so beautiful, we can’t even imagine. And he wanted the people to come with him; all they had to do was accept him. This same rule applies to us now.
This song also made me think of what the scene would look like when Jesus ascended to Heaven in front of the disciples(Acts 1:6-11). Not saying that the disciples didn’t appreciate him, but Jesus was their friend; of course they were gonna miss him. And their relationship with Jesus was both physical and spiritual – one can only imagine how they felt.
Speaking of disciples, how do you think Judas felt? He allowed greed to take him over, selling Jesus for less than $20. He knew what he did was wrong, and drove himself to suicide. Do you think this song could have been playing in the back of his mind?
Now I want to encourage you: Embrace Jesus for who he is and for what he did for you. Do you want to be like the Pharisees, whose hearts were hardened? Do you want to be like Judas who didn’t realize his mistake until it was too late? Jesus wants us all to make it to Heaven with him – all we have to do is accept him.
If you’d like to share something (Bible verse, a song, or a message…anything!) that God has put on your heart or have a question or comment you would like to share, you’re more than welcome! If you’re interested in writing a post for “Weekly Blessings,” or offer an opinion or topic suggestion, get in touch with me via Facebook, Twitter, or Email; you can also simply comment below and I’ll make sure to get back with you!
