"Die With Him"
Daniel Valles

READ John 11:16

This verse is unique in that it seems the account is almost tacked onto the story.  The account is briefly mentioned, then passed over.  God's Word always includes little details that we sometimes pass over.  Whenever we come to a verse or passage that we do a double-take on, and wonder why it is there, stop and meditate on it.  Why did God think this was so important to interrupt the train of thought for this?

In this one verse, I think it is significant that Thomas (Didymus) has such zeal that he encouraged his fellow disciples  to go with Jesus to a city that they knew was so hostile to Jesus, that they wanted to stone Him.  Thomas had such a zeal that he rallied up the others says that if He was going to go there and die, they should go as well.

It made me think: "Who am I willing to be counted with?"  Do I want to be associated with Christ all of the time, or just when it is pleasant for me to do so?  Secondly, do I foster in others the same commitment to go with Christ?  It is quite possible that Thomas was so willing to go because he knew Christ was going to be there.  Sometimes we as Christians can be guilty of lagging behind, even though we know Christ is leading the way.

Follow Him anywhere, die with Him, and encourage others to follow all the way.