“Let’s go, so we can die with him.”
This line sounds like an action adventure thriller. It’s buried in a story about a friend receiving a message concerning a sick loved one. For the friend to travel to visit his sick friend would be dangerous, because people in that area want to kill him. What are we missing?
Thomas…said to the other disciples, “Come on. Let’s go, so we can die with him.” John 11:16 CEV
Thomas, a follower of Jesus, most well-known for his doubt, is voluntarily going with Jesus into dangerous enemy territory and encourages his friends to go as well.
Jesus received a message that his friend, Lazarus is sick. He knows what will happen to Lazarus. His disciples don’t.
Enter sickness of a friend.
After two days, Jesus gathers his disciples and tells them that they are going to Judea. The disciples question Jesus’ decision to venture into a place where people desire to stone him. Why would Jesus want to go where people want to harm him?
Enter the possibility of death for Jesus and his followers.
Jesus has to speak clearly to his disciples and tell them that Lazarus is dead.
Death has struck.
Jesus addresses his disciples with these words, “Lazarus is dead! I am glad I wasn’t there, because now you will have a chance to put your faith in me. Let’s go to him.”
That little 5 letter word is what trips us up every time – faith. Put your faith in Jesus. The questions with faith begin with what we hope won’t happen. The disciples’ focus probably isn’t on Lazarus or his circumstances when Jesus challenges them.
Thomas is the first to respond.
Thomas…said to the other disciples, “Come on. Let’s go, so we can die with him.” John 11:16 CEV
It is what it is.
Right?
Jesus is leading the way.
Death permeates this story.
Yes, we know that there is more to the story,
John 11:17-45.
Faith. Do we say “It is what it is”
or do we put our faith in Jesus?
It is what it is....or is it? 