“Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?”
The full verse · John 11:8 · KJV
His unto , , the of to ; goest ?
Asked by
Disciples: "his disciples" (John 11:7), with Jesus "beyond Jordan" (John 10:40); when He said, "Let us go into Judaea again," they reminded Him that "the Jews of late sought to stone thee" (John 11:7-8). Thomas is named among them (John 11:16)
The Scene
Beyond Jordan, after word comes that Lazarus is sick and Jesus has waited two days, He tells His disciples, "Let us go into Judaea again" (John 10:40; John 11:3, 6-7).
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionThe disciples remembered the stones. In Jerusalem the Jews had taken up stones against Jesus more than once (John 8:59; John 10:31), and Barnes dates the latest attempt "About four months before." Going back into Judaea looked like walking into death. Gill says they spoke "very reverently," and "with great concern for his safety, as well as their own." Their question is a respectful objection: is this really wise? Thomas' words a moment later show what they expected to happen: "Let us also go, that we may die with him" (John 11:16).
The Response
What Scripture recordsJesus answered with a question of His own: "Are there not twelve hours in the day?" He explained that a man who walks in the day "stumbleth not," but one who walks in the night stumbles (John 11:9-10). Then He gave His purpose: "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep" (John 11:11). When they misunderstood, He told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead," and said, "let us go unto him" (John 11:14-15). Thomas then said to his fellow disciples: "Let us also go, that we may die with him" (John 11:16).
Historical Context
The world behind the words"Master" translates Rhabbi, rabbi, a title meaning my master or my teacher; the ESV keeps "Rabbi." "Of late" is the Greek nyn, now, which the ESV renders "just now." Barnes ties it to the stoning attempt at the feast of the dedication (John 10:31).
Jesus had withdrawn "beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized" (John 10:40). Bethany, the town of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, was "nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off" (John 11:1, 18). Going to Lazarus meant going back within reach of those who had tried to stone Him.
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyThe disciples saw the danger clearly, and they were not wrong. After Lazarus was raised, the council decided "from that day forth" to put Jesus to death (John 11:53). But Jesus measured the journey by a different rule. The sickness was "for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby" (John 11:4), and He told the disciples He was glad He had not been there, "to the intent ye may believe" (John 11:15).
Love and purpose drew Him toward Judaea: "Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus" (John 11:5). Gill explains Jesus' reply to mean that "as yet it was day with him, his time of life was not expired." The question shows disciples who loved Jesus enough to fear for Him, and a Lord who answered their fear with patience instead of rebuke.
Look Closer
What alarmed the disciples about going back into Judaea?
Carry the question into prayer and conversation.
Lord, when following You seems to lead toward danger, what do You want me to understand about Your timing and Your care?
A prayer to carry into the day.
- The disciples' fear came from real memories of stones. What past experiences make you hesitate when you sense God leading you forward?
- Thomas said, "Let us also go." Tell about a time you went where Jesus was leading even though you were afraid.
For you, a small group, a friend, or the dinner table.
You can tell Jesus your fears plainly. The disciples did, and He answered them patiently, explaining His reasons step by step (John 11:9-15). Honest questions do not end the conversation with Him.
But fear does not get the final word. The danger in Judaea was real, yet Jesus went because love and the glory of God called Him there (John 11:4-5). This doesn't mean ignoring danger or wisdom. Jesus at other times withdrew from those who sought to kill Him (John 10:39-40; John 11:54). The question is not whether there is risk, but whether you are following His lead or your fear.
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources