Our scripture this week is John 11:1-45.
Then Thomas (also known as Didymus ) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
John 11:16-22
Thomas, most remembered for asking proof of Christ after the resurrection, shows his loyalty to Jesus by encouraging the disciples “let us also go, that we may die with Him”. Following Jesus was never easy but now they are faced with returning to an area where they had recently been threatened with harm or death. It shows what Jesus is willing to do for those He loves – all of us – as well as what He calls His followers to risk for their faith.
Jesus knew that Mary and Martha needed His love and care most desperately after the death of their brother. Even though it was dangerous to go to Bethany, Jesus and the disciples went out of their love for their friends. Jesus calls us to “live dangerously” to support those around us, not acting in an unsafe manner perhaps, but putting the welfare of our neighbors above our own.
What are we willing to risk for God and our neighbors? Even when it’s not convenient, even when it’s uncomfortable, God calls us to minister to those around us. He was willing to give Himself for us, we must be ready to do so as well.
Loving Lord, we are often selfish with our time and money, afraid or unwilling to share for fear there won’t be enough. Help us to see that by sharing our blessings, we can be blessed beyond anything we can comprehend. Amen.