Thomas said, Let us go...
Illustration
Object:
Thomas said, "Let us go that we may die with him."
The home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus had always been open to Jesus. Surprisingly when he first heard about the needs at the home of Mary and Martha, he was in no hurry to be there, knowing in his heart that Lazarus would die from this sickness. Here was a crisis that would provide opportunities for the Lord Jesus. Jesus was always turning a "crisis" into an opportunity. Here was an opportunity. An opportunity to demonstrate not only that he had power over sickness and could heal, but he had power over death and could demonstrate that with Lazarus. If he had arrived earlier he could not have demonstrated the power over death.
Other than Jesus, the surprising hero of this incident is Thomas, when he says, "Let us go that we may die with him" (John 11:16). Death was a real possibility at this time because of the fury and uproar Jesus had caused with his last visit. Thomas well knew that he and the other disciples could be facing imprisonment and possibly even death. No doubt he was truly afraid, but he was brave. Bravery includes knowing that a danger is very real, but having a willingness to do the right thing despite the danger. Thomas did the right thing and helped open the door to the marvelous resurrection that was soon to take place.
The home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus had always been open to Jesus. Surprisingly when he first heard about the needs at the home of Mary and Martha, he was in no hurry to be there, knowing in his heart that Lazarus would die from this sickness. Here was a crisis that would provide opportunities for the Lord Jesus. Jesus was always turning a "crisis" into an opportunity. Here was an opportunity. An opportunity to demonstrate not only that he had power over sickness and could heal, but he had power over death and could demonstrate that with Lazarus. If he had arrived earlier he could not have demonstrated the power over death.
Other than Jesus, the surprising hero of this incident is Thomas, when he says, "Let us go that we may die with him" (John 11:16). Death was a real possibility at this time because of the fury and uproar Jesus had caused with his last visit. Thomas well knew that he and the other disciples could be facing imprisonment and possibly even death. No doubt he was truly afraid, but he was brave. Bravery includes knowing that a danger is very real, but having a willingness to do the right thing despite the danger. Thomas did the right thing and helped open the door to the marvelous resurrection that was soon to take place.
