Conclusion Of A Mission Of Mercy Into Judea

Apparently it is shortly after Jesus gives this illustration that a messenger arrives. He was sent by Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, who live in Bethany of Judea. "Lord, see! The one for whom you have affection is sick," the messenger relates. Jesus replies: "This sickness is not with death as its object, but is for the glory of God, in order that the Son of God may be glorified through it." After remaining two days where he is, Jesus says to his disciples: "Let us go into Judea again." However, they remind him: "Rabbi just lately the Judeans were seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?"

"There are twelve hours of daylight, are there not?" Jesus asks in response. "If anyone walks in daylight he does not bump against anything, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he bumps against something because the light is not in him."

What Jesus apparently means is that the "hours of daylight," or the time God has allotted for Jesus' earthly ministry, have not yet elapsed and until they do, nobody can harm him. He needs to use the full the short time of "daylight" left for him, since afterward will come the 'night" when his enemies will have killed him.

Jesus adds: "Lazarus our friend has gone to rest, but I am journeying there to awaken him from sleep." Evidently thinking that Lazarus is resting in sleep and that there is a positive sign that he will recover, the disciples respond: "Lord, if he has gone to rest, he will get well." Then Jesus tells them outspokenly: "Lazarus has died, and I rejoice on your account that I was not there, in order for you to believe. But let us go to him."

Realizing that Jesus could be killed in Judea, yet desiring to support him, Thomas encourages his fellow disciples: "Let us also go, that we may die with him." So at the risk of their lives, the disciples accompany Jesus on this mission of mercy into Judea. Luke 13:22; 17:1-10; John 10:22, 31, 40-42; 11:1-16.

Next time: The Resurrection Hope

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991