John 11:9-16

Although the disciples were concerned that Jesus planned to return to Judea, where people wanted to kill Him, Jesus was confident that He could do so. He had already stated that Lazarus’ sickness would result in the Father’s and His own glory, so He viewed this trip as part of His work. His work was not yet over; it was still “daytime” for His work. So Jesus could travel to Lazarus, confident that He would be able to overcome or avoid the obstacles.

 

After alluding to Lazarus’ death by calling it sleep and finding that the disciples were confused by this, Jesus told them plainly that Lazarus had died. He also said that He rejoiced for their sakes, that they might believe. Their belief would be bolstered because He had not been there, yet knew that Lazarus was dead. And their belief would also be bolstered by what they would witness when Jesus arrived at Lazarus’ tomb with them. But Jesus did not tell them what He intended to do (yes, Jesus had already alluded to it by saying that He intended to wake Lazarus up, but the disciples had not understood that, and Jesus apparently did not try to tell them His intentions in plain language. They probably would not have understood, anyways). It is striking, though, how Jesus was concerned for His disciples’ faith!

 

It is not hard to see their confusion, though. After Jesus says, “Let us go to [Lazarus],” Thomas says to the other disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” They thought Jesus intended to commit suicide!

 

The disciples’ confusion reminds me of our own confusion today. So often we really do not know what Jesus intends to do. We do not know why Jesus is leading us in certain directions. We may mis-read His intentions, even, and get depressed! But Jesus is bringing us toward glory – toward His glory and the Father’s! Jesus is leading us to life! There may be difficult circumstances. But Jesus is working through them for our faith even now. He cares for His disciples. He loves them dearly. What Jesus has in store for us, His disciples, is beyond our imagination! We must learn to follow Him with hope rather than fear. He is our God, and He is good. Let’s trust Him as we follow Him into what confuses us.