“After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.” John 11:11-17
After waiting two days, Jesus tells His disciples they’re going back to Judea—a place where His life had recently been threatened (John 10:31-39). The disciples are baffled. “But Rabbi,” they say, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you!” It’s not just worry—it’s fear. Going back feels like walking into danger.
But Jesus speaks of walking in the light. He’s not talking about the sun; He’s talking about purpose. When you walk in step with the Father’s will, you don’t stumble. Even though they don’t fully understand, Thomas responds with bold loyalty: “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”
Following Jesus can lead into places that don’t feel safe or make sense—but we walk on in faith. Jesus doesn’t promise it will be easy; He promises Himself.
Something to prayerfully consider: Am I willing to follow Jesus even when the path leads into uncertainty or discomfort.
