John 11: 11-17, Death of Lazarus

Mary and Martha, of Bethany, have contacted Jesus with news that their brother, Lazarus, is very sick. Jesus has waited two days to respond.

John 11: 11-17, A fool's errand

After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”

12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 

13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 

15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

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

Jesus tells the disciples that Lazarus is "asleep" and that he goes to wake him up. Of course, the disciples misunderstand, as Jesus means to raise Lazarus from death. Since this scene will be near Jerusalem and the Jewish leaders intend to kill Jesus, there is danger.

The disciples' concern and commitment to Jesus is touching. I understand the response of Thomas; it is one of loyalty, submission and -- possibly -- desperation. Thomas says, "What else is there?"

The NIV footnotes say that Thomas (Aramaic) and Didymus (Greek) both mean "twin."