May God be merciful and bless us.
….May his face smile with favor on us. Psalm 67:1 NLT
John 11:16 (<<click here to read the passage)
In the middle of the whole Lazarus narrative, another character with a solitary line of dialogue speaks volumes.
In verse 16, once Jesus said it was time to go and see Lazarus, Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, said something that I have never really caught before. Now it’s probably because the versions I primarily read and heard for a good portion of my life did not pointedly say what was being said. I’m sure that makes no sense to you whatsoever!
OK, here is how both the King James and the New International Versions translate what Thomas said in verse 16.
“Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
Leading up to this statement Jesus had been speaking of Lazarus’ death.
In verses 14-15 Jesus…
…told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.” NLT
So, I have always thought that Thomas was speaking of Lazarus’ death. In my mind it made sense. To some degree, he understood Jesus’ line of thought and he desired to be a part of what Jesus was doing so he associated himself with Lazarus’ death
But when you read it in other translations, we see that the “him” is actually “Him”!
“Let us go too, that we may die with Him.” Amplified Bible
The New Living Translation literally spells it out.
“Let’s go, too—and die with Jesus.”
Understanding that puts a whole different spin on things!
As we’ve seen, Jesus had been threatened with bodily harm and arrest on numerous occasions for the “blasphemous” statements He made (John 8:59, 10:31, 10:39).
This is the note regarding verse 16 from my study Bible*.
We often remember Thomas as “the doubter,” because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:24-25). But here he demonstrated love and courage. The disciples knew the dangers of going with Jesus to Jerusalem, and they tried to talk him out of it. Thomas merely expressed what all of them felt. When their objections failed, they were willing to go, even though it appeared they might have to die with Jesus. They may not have understood why Jesus would be killed, but they were loyal.
The disciples, much like ourselves, were very complex individuals. None of us are simple cardboard cutouts. Thomas was prepared to die with Jesus, much as Peter and the others proclaimed vehemently later in Matthew 26:35 following the Lord’s Supper,
“Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. NLT
Lord Jesus, may we be patient and long-suffering in our thoughts of the disciples. It is so easy to point accusing fingers at their denial and fear…but we were not in their “sandals” and could very well have had the same response in the chaos and fear of that terrible night. With much clearer hindsight, may we be diligent in maintaining our relationship with You. Hold us close, we pray! Amen.
*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation
Aug 3rd. 2021, Tues, 8:19 pm
