Let Us Go

 John 11:7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 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. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

This chapter focuses on Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.  It is such a fascinating and encouraging event that we often just skip over the other things Jesus was teaching His disciples.  Going to see Lazarus was heading toward danger, as Lazarus and his sisters lived on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Every time that Jesus went there the religious leaders became more intent on eliminating Him.  As Thomas put it: going there was a death wish.  But Jesus reminded his followers that He was the Light of the World and was not going to hide His light. He also was not going to let His friend down; He was going to raise Him up again. This was not only a demonstration of His life-giving power, but also an example for us as His followers to not back down from being a witness, and to hold the needs of others above our comforts and fears.