Day 44-Thursday, March 28th
John 11:8-16
Faith or Fear

When Jesus announces that He intends to travel back to Judea to go to Bethany at the request of Mary and Martha, His disciples panic in fear because the Jews attempted to stone Him the last time they were there (see John 10:31-32). (Bethany was about 1 mile from Jerusalem and the Temple).
…and then He (Jesus) said to His disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” John 11:7-8 NIV
the dangers and fears they may face.
Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” John 11:9-10 NIV
In other words, Jesus says that they must go to Bethany because the opportunity far outweighs the obstacles. All the debates, the arguments, the threats, the attacks have all led up to this moment, and Jesus has the opportunity to show His power in a way that will deeply impact the faith of those who witness what He does.
going there to wake him up.” His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but His disciples thought He meant natural sleep. So then He told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” John 11:11-15 NIV

Jesus could have gone to Bethany immediately and healed Lazarus before he died, but instead Jesus chose to wait and raise Him from the dead instead. Why? So that those who witness this miracle will believe in Him and have their faith transformed.

It is entirely possible that Jesus could be arrested or attacked when word got around that He had returned to the region, but He worked from a mindset of faith rather than fear so He told His disciples that they were all headed to Bethany.

On the other hand, these disciples could only see the danger they faced when they returned Judea and the Pharisees, chief priests, and teachers of the law waiting in Jerusalem. Thomas summed up their fear…

Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” John 11:16 NIV

Questions to consider:
When have you ever chosen not to do something based on fear of the unknown?
What would it take for you to step out in faith to do hard things that God is calling you to do?

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