–George Sheffield “Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow-disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” (Jn 11:16) Bethany, where Lazarus lived, was in Judea. Judea was where the Jerusalem Pharisees ruled. Jesus was in Perea across the Jordan River, and the Jerusalem religious rulers had no authority there. Jesus was out of their reach. In Jn 10:39 these leaders had tried to stone Jesus while He was in their jurisdiction, but He “escaped out of their hand” going to Perea.
When Jesus decided to return to Judea to raise Lazarus from the dead, His disciples were concerned. They knew He was a wanted man there.
“His disciples say unto Him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest Thou thither again?”--Jn 11:8. But Jesus said “I go” (v11).
Thomas spoke up saying with fatal resignation “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” The disciples were willing to follow Jesus even unto death.
They knew they were also targets of the Jewish leadership in Judea, but they resolved to follow Jesus even if it meant death-and eventually every Apostle but John was martyred for Jesus.
Are you willing to follow Jesus even unto death? Are you joyfully resigned to suffer for Christ? The hymn sings “Wherever He leads I’ll go“. Do you, do I, mean that when we sing it or are we lying?
