“But Teacher," they said, "a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?"
Here Jesus’ students question His decision to return to Judea. Why would He go back to a place where only a few days ago His enemies attempted to kill Him?
Surely this is a mistake!
No Mistake!
Jesus answered, “A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light."
The Teacher knows what He is doing. Unlike His enemies, Jesus is purposeful because He is walking in the light of His Father’s Will for His life.
His students don’t understand it yet, but Jesus is going back into the teeth of the opposition to fulfill His destiny.
Soon, Jesus will give Himself over to His enemies. That’s why He isn’t afraid of their stumbling efforts to destroy Him. In fact, at the right time their very hatred of Him will play into the plan of God.
And the Teacher has another purpose for returning to the Jerusalem area. He shares the news of the death of His friend Lazarus - Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.
Then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.”
Contrary to His student’s assessment, Jesus makes no mistake in returning. Nor are His actions – as they appear on the surface – either random or reactionary. He always clearly sees where the Father is leading Him because He is living in the light.
No mistake. It is the sure-footed walk possible for every one who comes to the Light. Those who walk in darkness stumble and fall.
"so that you may believe."
ReplyDeleteThere is a plan, and a purpose. Jesus knew 2 days prior that Lazarus was ill. He knew he was going to die, yet he had said, "this won't end in death." He knew it wouldn't end there because He knew he would bring Lazarus back from death - for specific reasons - that they may believe.
That was the purpose of miracles - to lead to belief.
As well, God has a plan for our lives. That we will believe in Him. And He still leads us today. He allows trials and situations to happen, so that our faith may be built up. (see James 1:1-12)
Are we looking, listening, and understanding that God still has a plan? That God still works in our lives? So that our faith can be built up.