JOHN 11
John 11: 7-16 (ESV)
"Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 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.” After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” So Thomas, called the Twin,[Didymus] said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”"
As far the disciples were concerned, Jesus's announcement that he wanted to return to Judea came as an unwelcome development. They raised the possibility of a hostile welcome for Jesus in that territory.
Jesus responded by telling them his main purpose was to "awaken" Lazarus. But he also included a "hidden" statement about the hours of the day and the difference between walking by light and or in darkness. Jesus was using the observation about natural light to point to the significance of supernatural light and the specific time frame by which his "day" was unfolding on earth. As long as the disciples were walking in the light of Christ, they would not stumble like those in the world who had no real light.
When the disciples realised that Jesus was finally answering the call to help Lazarus, they were puzzled by what they thought was Jesus's unnecessary visit to a friend recovering from an illness. So Jesus clarified by telling them his friend was dead and that there would be a benefit for them because of Jesus's absence during Lazarus's sickness and death. His purpose was that they "may believe". Jesus intended to bring his friend back to life, and part of his purpose was to strengthen the faith of the disciples.
When Jesus then said, "Let us go to him", Thomas voiced what must have been the general thought among the disciples: "Let us also go, that we may die with him". The mixed faith revealed by Thomas was precisely the reason Lazarus was raised.
Getting Personal
- In what ways might following Christ open you up to new areas and therefore new fears?
- What incidents in your life with Christ have particularly increased your faith?
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31–32, NIV
Prayer
Dear Father in heaven, grant that we may come to you in the Spirit. Through your Spirit gather us and many others on earth around our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Savior of humankind. May our hearts become truly free because you deliver us from all bondage to our own natures and to the world around us. As free people may we be led safely through distress, fear, and want, through need and death. May we become happy children whom Jesus Christ has called to life, children who are not discouraged by the struggle but who fight joyfully for your kingdom until it can be revealed to all the world. I Jesus Name. Amen.
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