John 11:8-16 CSB
"Rabbi," the disciples told him, "just now the Jews tried to stone you, and you're going there again?" [9] "Aren't there twelve hours in a day?" Jesus answered. "If anyone walks during the day, he doesn't stumble, because he sees the light of this world. [10] But if anyone walks during the night, he does stumble, because the light is not in him." [11] He said this, and then he told them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I'm on my way to wake him up." [12] Then the disciples said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will get well." [13] Jesus, however, was speaking about his death, but they thought he was speaking about natural sleep. [14] So Jesus then told them plainly, "Lazarus has died. [15] I'm glad for you that I wasn't there so that you may believe. But let's go to him." [16] Then Thomas (called "Twin" ) said to his fellow disciples, "Let's go too so that we may die with him."
1 Peter 1:3-4 CSB
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead [4] and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.
Safe in the Lord
In the Old Testament, sleeping is often used as a metaphor for death. This was particularly true for the patriarchs of the Jewish nation when it was said that they rested with their fathers. There are other passages that speak of “sleeping in the dust,” and the promise that those who sleep in the dust shall awake.
As Christians, we have a reassuring hope. 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 talks of this hope—not only for us, but also for our friends, family, and other believers who have already fallen asleep or are still with us in the Lord. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, our loving Father will also awaken those who have fallen asleep to eternal life. This is what Jesus bought for us on the cross. I will not be offended by the cross, for by it we have mercy.
Why did Jesus not just say the words and bring Lazarus back to life from where they were? The Jews wanted to kill Jesus where Lazarus was laid to rest. The disciples were understandably afraid, but Jesus answered their fear with a lesson on divine timing.
He explained that there are twelve hours in a day, meaning there is a set time appointed by the Father for His work. As long as Jesus was walking within those “twelve hours” of God’s will, He was walking in the light and could not “stumble” or be killed before His time. He was teaching them that the only real danger is walking in the “night”—trying to move through life apart from God’s presence and timing.
It was in God’s plan for the disciples to see the miracle to reinforce their faith. It was also for those in the area, comforting Lazarus’ sisters, to see the miracle and believe. Jesus waited for days and then traveled to the tomb so there would be no doubt; he wanted to ensure that no one thought Lazarus had returned to life by some mere chance. Lazarus was “sleeping” with his fathers, and Jesus would call him back to his sisters. This miracle was to bring the onlookers to a sure and certain faith.
The disciples knew the danger. In a moment of profound loyalty, they decided to go with Jesus, even if it meant dying with Him. They would eventually give their lives for the gospel, but not during this time. First, they needed to see Jesus Himself rise from the grave. With that absolute assurance of faith, they would later proclaim the gospel to kings and emperors, stepping into the lion’s den like heroes of old.
Reflection Questions
- Jesus mentions that those who walk in the day do not stumble. Are you currently moving forward in a direction you know God has lit for you, even if there is “danger” ahead?
- How does viewing death as “sleep” change the way you grieve for fellow believers who have passed away?
- Thomas was willing to go and die with Jesus before he even saw the miracle. What is one area of your life where you need that “let’s go too” kind of commitment, regardless of the cost?
Prayer
Father,
We thank You for the living hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We thank You that for those who love You, death is but a sleep from which we will surely awaken. Give us the courage of the disciples—to follow Jesus even when the path looks dangerous. Help us to walk in the light of Your will, trusting that our inheritance is imperishable and kept in heaven for us.
Amen.
