THE THREAT WAS REAL

John 11:9-16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Raising of Lazarus

9 Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. 10 But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” 11 Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.”

12 The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!” 13 They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died.

14 So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.”

16 Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too—and die with Jesus.”


The disciples perceived the threats on Jesus’ life to be real. Thomas feared that not only would Jesus be stoned to death if He returned to Judea, he also feared for his own life. Hanging out with Jesus was more than a stroll in the park. It was a walk “through the valley of the shadow of death.”

There are places in the world today where the Christian walk is a dangerous decision. Like Thomas, believers follow Jesus in spite of the very real threats to life and limb. In countries where religious freedoms are guaranteed, often Christians still face ridicule and persecution.

Our young people are preparing to return to school where prayer is restricted. Saying grace at the lunch table or living by Christian principles before their peers can mean a death sentence to their popularity. Let us pray diligently for them as they live out their faith, encouraging them to be like Thomas … willing to follow despite the threat.

Seek out a young person this week … in your home, church, family or community … and tell them about Thomas.