One of the songs on my youth is MC Hammer’s “Can’t Touch This.” It’s all about how Hammer is untouchable because he is so good. Be careful in thinking too much of yourself, it didn’t work out too well for him. Jesus told His disciples something similar when they told Him about a mob that wanted to attack Him. Nothing was going to happen to them until the right time because He was with them.
John 11:8-10
The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
Twelve Hours
There were twelve hours the Jews considered to be the day. Those hours started at 6 am and ended at 6 pm. The other twelve hours were considered night time. Everything was supposed to happen during the day when it was light. Anything that happened at night was considered suspect. There was a lynch mob that wanted to take Jesus out, and the disciples were concerned. Jesus reassures them that they aren’t going to attack him until it’s the right time because the people would turn on them.
Darkness Won’t Prevail
The subtle message behind what Jesus is saying is that the mob won’t lay a hand on Him until it is the right time. He is the light of the world, and darkness doesn’t won’t prevail. This should be a great encouragement for believers. It is easy to get worried about what the world can do to you that you take your eyes off of Jesus and cower in fear. Instead, you should be walking in confidence that nothing can happen to you unless the Lord allows it. Jesus wasn’t worried about the mob in Jerusalem because He knew they couldn’t touch Him.
Can’t Touch This
Walk in the light of Christ, and you won’t stumble. Venture into the darkness of temptation and sin, and you face plant right into the ground. Trust Him with your life and walk in the confidence of His protection.