John 11: The Risk He Took

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So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days,and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” John 11:5-8

Then Thomas… said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:16

Lazarus died, but Jesus waited. He had His purpose (I discussed this in my most recent blog). Now He says “let’s go!” Why would He go now? Because Lazarus and His sisters needed Him, and because it suited His purpose.

His disciples point out there is serious danger with this plan – people are plotting to kill Jesus! There is life-threatening danger! But He says let’s go. The disciples decide to go along, though they fully expect to die. They would rather be with Jesus, even if it means death, than to be in this troubled world without Jesus. These guys are serious followers.

It was a risky act to go back to Bethany where people were planning to capture Him and put Him out of business or to death. But Jesus was ready and willing to take that risk. He did more than risk His life for us, He actually gave it up for us.

How does that benefit us? God so loved the world that He gave……

  • Gave up his son to death – you, as bereaved parents, have a deeper understanding of what it means for a father, even the Heavenly Father, to loose a Son.
  • Gives us righteousness and grace. (See Ephesians 2:1-10, especially verses 4-5)
  • Gave us his spirit to be with us, ALWAYS. (See John 14:16)
  • On the other hand, He does NOT give us more than we can bear. He gives a way out or a way through the pain, through the valley.  (See I Corinthians 10:13)

Are you willing to follow the Savior, not to your death, but through this valley of shadow that you are traveling since the death of your child? It is worth the risk for you to follow Him because He is truly the Comforter in the face of your loss. Like the disciples decided, It better to be with Him when facing death, loss and sorrow, than to be in this troubled world without Him.