Thoughts on the Gospel of John (93) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

These things he said, and after that he said to them, Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up. Then his disciples said, Lord, if he sleeps, he will get well. However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that he was speaking about taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus said to them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless, let us go to him. Then Thomas, who is called the twin, said to his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
John 11:11-16.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (93)
The Lord had spoken of our way of life as if in a parable as walking in God's light. He now again reverts to imagery: Lazarus was asleep and needed to be awakened. The disciples' understanding was limited to what was visible and natural. But the Lord had something greater in mind than hindering death through healing. He wished to show that He is the Victor over death.

We now learn that Lazarus' illness and death not only occurred "for the glory of God that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (v.4), but also for the disciples' sake. Their faith should be strengthened by witnessing Jesus' resurrection power. Even today God permits trials in a Christian family not only for those immediately involved, but also for the blessing of fellow believers (cf. Romans 8:28).

Thomas, a disciple, was perplexed. Though the Lord had spoken of resurrection, he saw only death. Yet his words show that, despite the gloomy prospect, Thomas clung to Christ. Out of love he would rather die with Him than live without Him. Maybe we have more understanding than Thomas, but less love than he had.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Leviticus 4:13-26 · Psalms 50:1-15