John 11:7-8
Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Christ says "Let us go to Judea again," but the disciples hear the implicit danger of returning to a place where they had recently tried to stone Him. This highlights how often we focus on the risks of obedience rather than trusting the One who leads us through them.
Jesus had just heard that his friend Lazarus was gravely ill, but he intentionally waited two days before suggesting they travel back to Judea. Now, he tells his disciples, "Let us go to Judea again," a statement that immediately alarms them because of the recent hostility and danger they faced there. This journey is pivotal, setting the stage for the dramatic raising of Lazarus from the dead, a powerful sign that highlights Jesus' divine authority and foreshadows the resurrection itself.
Jesus received news that a dear friend was gravely ill. His immediate response? 'Let us go to Judea again.' But Judea wasn't a safe place for him at this time. What does this 'again' tell us about Jesus' mission and heart?
When Jesus says, 'Let us go to Judea again,' He’s deliberately recalling their recent, dangerous departure from Jerusalem. The scholars note that Judea, and specifically Jerusalem, was where the religious leaders had just tried to stone Him (John 10:31). Yet, hearing Lazarus is sick, Jesus doesn't hesitate to plan a return to that very place of hostility.
A Mission Driven by Love
This isn't recklessness. It's a profound demonstration of His love for Lazarus and his sisters, and a commitment to the divine plan. He knows the risks, but His love and the ultimate purpose of glorifying God outweigh personal safety. This highlights that following God’s call, especially when fueled by love for others, often involves stepping back into challenging or dangerous territory.
The disciples were understandably nervous about returning to Judea. Jesus’ response? 'Are there not twelve hours in the day?' What wisdom is hidden in this seemingly simple statement?
Jesus uses the imagery of a day’s twelve hours to teach His disciples about divine timing and purposeful action. The scholars explain that this wasn't just a comment about daily schedules; it was a profound theological point.
Walking in God's Light
God's Appointed Time: Jesus is reminding them that He operates according to a divine timetable, set by the Father. His 'hours' for ministry are ordained, and during this time, He is safe to carry out God's work.
Walking in the Day: Just as daylight provides clarity and safety for travel, God's guidance—His Word and His Spirit—illuminates the path for believers. When we act according to God's command and timing, like Jesus walking in the 'day,' we are protected and guided, even amidst threats.
Understand the original words
rhabbi · Greek Noun
A title meaning "my great one" or "master," used by students to address their teacher. In the New Testament, it is frequently used to address Jesus, acknowledging his authority and role as a rabbi/teacher.
Ioudaioi · Greek Noun
An ethnic and religious designation for the descendants of Jacob. In the Johannine literature, it frequently refers specifically to the Jewish religious leaders and those who opposed Jesus's mission.
lithazō · Greek Verb
To execute someone by throwing stones at them; it was the prescribed legal punishment for certain capital crimes under the Mosaic Law. In this context, it represents the hostile intent of the religious authorities against Jesus.
This passage places Jesus and his disciples in a precarious position. They had recently fled hostility in Judea and were now considering a return to the very region where Jesus was nearly killed, all for the sake of a sick friend. The disciples' fear highlights the political and religious tension of the time, making Jesus' decision to go a bold act of love and trust in divine timing.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus withdraws East of Jordan
After Jesus narrowly escaped an attempt to stone him in Jerusalem, he withdrew to Peraea, a region east of the Jordan River, for safety.
c. AD 27-28
News of Lazarus's illness arrives
While Jesus is in Peraea, word reaches him that his friend Lazarus, living in Bethany (in Judea), is gravely ill.
c. AD 27-28— this verse
Jesus delays his return to Judea
Despite knowing Lazarus is sick, Jesus deliberately waits two days before suggesting they travel back to Judea, much to his disciples' concern.
c. AD 27-28
Disciples express fear of Judea
The disciples are hesitant to return to Judea, reminding Jesus that hostile crowds there had recently tried to stone him.
This passage provides the immediate context for Jesus' decision to go to Judea again, as he had previously fled there to escape those who wanted to stone him.
Matthew 10:16Jesus warns his disciples that they will be sent out like sheep among wolves, highlighting the dangerous situations they would face, which resonates with the disciples' fear of returning to Judea.
John 11:9-10This passage directly follows Jesus' statement to go to Judea and illustrates the disciples' apprehension due to recent danger, and Jesus' response about the 'twelve hours of the day'.
John 14:27Jesus speaks of leaving his peace with his disciples, contrasting with the turmoil and danger they often faced, including the decision to return to a place of peril.
calvinJohn 11:1-10: "Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha."
- And one named Lazarus was sick. The Evangelist passes on to another narrative, which contains a miracle eminently worthy of being recorded. For not only did Christ give a remarkable proof of his Divine power in raising Lazarus, but he likewise placed before our eyes a lively image of our future resurrection. This might indeed be said to be the latest and concluding action of his lif…
ellicottJohn 11:7: "Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again."
(7) Let us go into Judæa again. —He does not mark out the place more definitely, and the word “again” recalls the dangers from which they had escaped at the close of their last visit to Jerusalem.
Christ says "Let us go to Judea again," but the disciples hear the implicit danger of returning to a place where they had recently tried to stone Him. This highlights how often we focus on the risks of obedience rather than trusting the One who leads us through them.
Jesus had just heard that his friend Lazarus was gravely ill, but he intentionally waited two days before suggesting they travel back to Judea. Now, he tells his disciples, "Let us go to Judea again," a statement that immediately alarms them because of the recent hostility and danger they faced there. This journey is pivotal, setting the stage for the dramatic raising of Lazarus from the dead, a powerful sign that highlights Jesus' divine authority and foreshadows the resurrection itself.
Jesus had just heard that his friend Lazarus was gravely ill, but he intentionally waited two days before suggesting they travel back to Judea. Now, he tells his disciples, "Let us go to Judea again," a statement that immediately alarms them because of the recent hostility and danger they faced there. This journey is pivotal, setting the stage for the dramatic raising of Lazarus from the dead, a powerful sign that highlights Jesus' divine authority and foreshadows the resurrection itself.
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Discernment is Key: The contrast is the 'night,' when without light, one stumbles. This applies to acting outside of God’s will or timing, relying on our own fear or wisdom instead of His. Jesus, therefore, is not acting rashly but with full confidence in His Father's plan and protection, urging His disciples to trust this principle as well.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus resolves to go to Bethany
Jesus, using the metaphor of the twelve hours in a day, asserts his determination to travel to Lazarus, despite the dangers.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus arrives at Bethany
Jesus and his disciples travel to Bethany, where they discover Lazarus has already been dead and in the tomb for four days.
"Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?”" — Christ says "Let us go to Judea again," but the disciples hear the implicit danger of returning to a place where they had recently tried to stone Him. This highlights how often we focus on the risks…
