Jesus received bad news about his friend. Lazarus was not just sick: he was going to die. And yet to the amazement of his disciples, there was no urgency in Jesus at all. He stayed where he was for two extra days before leaving to go to Judea.

This was especially not good news to the disciples: Jesus had nearly been stoned there only a few days previous. They weren’t looking for an encore.

Jesus was determined, however, to continue. He had set his course. He was not to be deterred. But his mission was not clearly understood by his disciples. Why bother to go? Jesus had already said that Lazarus was dead. What more could be done?

So in response to Jesus’ urging, the Twelve set out to Judea - to Bethany, near Jerusalem - where Lazarus had lived with his sisters, Mary and Martha.

None of them knew quite what to think about the potential danger ahead - only that they trusted Jesus. It is then that Thomas made a rather profound statement: “Let’s go so that we may die with him.” If Jesus was going to his death, then they would all go as well.

It was, and always will be, an issue of trust.

Do I love Jesus enough to trust him with my life? My job? My spouse? My children?

Do I trust him with my next step, my next meal, my next breath, my next heartbeat?

Do I trust him when the direction he is heading seems unbearable?

Do I trust him with my gifts and talents, that he could use even me?

Do I trust him to accomplish his mission, even when it makes no sense to me at all, when I would do it a lot differently?

Jesus allowed Lazarus to die to reveal an even more glorious truth: that Jesus was Lord over death itself. If Lazarus had lived - healed by the hand of Jesus - it would have been a miracle for sure, but not like the one that ended with Lazarus stumbling out of the tomb where he had been lying dead for three days!

Do I trust Jesus enough to say as Thomas did: Wherever Jesus is going, let me go there too, even if it means... death?

Sometimes I don’t trust him enough to walk across the room and say hello.

Look through the eleventh chapter of John. Read it through the eyes of the disciples, who had just seen their Lord nearly stoned in Jerusalem, and was now returning there. Read it and see the real fear in their eyes as they near Bethany, not knowing what was to happen. Certainly not knowing that they were about to have front row seats for one of the greatest miracles Jesus ever did.

And then look around. What adventure is he taking you on? What will be your mission the next time you are on the weekend stage? What area in your life will you need to trust him with?

And then watch for signs of life in places you never expected.

R