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.
