2026 Reading Plan Reflections - Day 147
My Father and I are One
John 11:1–16
“There are twelve hours in the day, aren’t there? If someone walks during the day, they don’t stumble because they see the light of this world.” John 11:9 CEB
This chapter (John 11) is not only about Lazarus. It is also deeply about Jesus.
The tension surrounding Jesus has been building for chapters now, and this moment becomes the turning point that pushes everything toward the cross. By the end of the chapter, the religious leaders will no longer simply oppose Jesus in theory. They will begin actively planning His death, and Lazarus is tied directly to all of it.
Considering that fact changes the way we engage with the reading. This isn't just a miracle account about grief interrupted by resurrection power. It is also about Jesus prayerfully walking toward the hour that will cost Him His own life.
The disciples know returning to Judea is dangerous. They are anxious, confused, and trying to talk Jesus out of going. From their perspective, it feels reckless. But Jesus moves according to a different timetable. John’s Gospel keeps showing us this. Jesus is never rushed, never panicked, never reactive. He moves in step with the Father, even when His timing confuses everyone around Him.
Mary and Martha wanted Jesus to come immediately. He stayed where He was. Not because He was indifferent or because He didn't love them, but because something deeper was unfolding.
N. T. Wright points out that those quiet days across the Jordan were likely filled with prayer as Jesus sought the Father’s wisdom and direction. Before He acted publicly, He first remained deeply anchored in communion with the Father. That's an example we need to embrace – sometimes delay is not neglect. Sometimes God is preparing something larger than we can yet imagine.
Still, it must have felt unbearable from the sisters’ perspective. Lazarus dies. Grief settles into the house. Hope appears buried. And then Jesus finally says it is time to go.
When the disciples protest, Jesus answers with this strange statement about walking in the daytime instead of the darkness. It almost sounds disconnected from the moment until you realize what He means: the safest place is not avoidance of danger, but faithful obedience to the Father’s leading. The disciples cannot yet see clearly where this road is leading. Honestly, neither can we sometimes.
But Jesus is inviting them — and us — to trust Him enough to keep walking in the light even when the path ahead feels confusing or costly. Thomas surprisingly becomes one of the clearest voices in the scene: “Let us go too so that we may die with Jesus.”
He does not fully understand. None of them do. But he keeps following anyway – faithfully. He exhibits the willingness to keep putting one foot in front of the other behind Jesus.
This chapter quietly reminds us that resurrection often unfolds on roads that first pass through sorrow, confusion, waiting, and even death. Jesus is already walking toward all of it willingly. Toward Lazarus’ tomb. Toward Jerusalem. Toward the cross.
More is still coming in this story. But already John is reminding us that the One who walks calmly toward darkness is carrying the light of new creation within Himself.
The tension surrounding Jesus has been building for chapters now, and this moment becomes the turning point that pushes everything toward the cross. By the end of the chapter, the religious leaders will no longer simply oppose Jesus in theory. They will begin actively planning His death, and Lazarus is tied directly to all of it.
Considering that fact changes the way we engage with the reading. This isn't just a miracle account about grief interrupted by resurrection power. It is also about Jesus prayerfully walking toward the hour that will cost Him His own life.
The disciples know returning to Judea is dangerous. They are anxious, confused, and trying to talk Jesus out of going. From their perspective, it feels reckless. But Jesus moves according to a different timetable. John’s Gospel keeps showing us this. Jesus is never rushed, never panicked, never reactive. He moves in step with the Father, even when His timing confuses everyone around Him.
Mary and Martha wanted Jesus to come immediately. He stayed where He was. Not because He was indifferent or because He didn't love them, but because something deeper was unfolding.
N. T. Wright points out that those quiet days across the Jordan were likely filled with prayer as Jesus sought the Father’s wisdom and direction. Before He acted publicly, He first remained deeply anchored in communion with the Father. That's an example we need to embrace – sometimes delay is not neglect. Sometimes God is preparing something larger than we can yet imagine.
Still, it must have felt unbearable from the sisters’ perspective. Lazarus dies. Grief settles into the house. Hope appears buried. And then Jesus finally says it is time to go.
When the disciples protest, Jesus answers with this strange statement about walking in the daytime instead of the darkness. It almost sounds disconnected from the moment until you realize what He means: the safest place is not avoidance of danger, but faithful obedience to the Father’s leading. The disciples cannot yet see clearly where this road is leading. Honestly, neither can we sometimes.
But Jesus is inviting them — and us — to trust Him enough to keep walking in the light even when the path ahead feels confusing or costly. Thomas surprisingly becomes one of the clearest voices in the scene: “Let us go too so that we may die with Jesus.”
He does not fully understand. None of them do. But he keeps following anyway – faithfully. He exhibits the willingness to keep putting one foot in front of the other behind Jesus.
This chapter quietly reminds us that resurrection often unfolds on roads that first pass through sorrow, confusion, waiting, and even death. Jesus is already walking toward all of it willingly. Toward Lazarus’ tomb. Toward Jerusalem. Toward the cross.
More is still coming in this story. But already John is reminding us that the One who walks calmly toward darkness is carrying the light of new creation within Himself.
Faith In Action
Reflect honestly on where God’s timing feels difficult right now. Where are you tempted to believe God is late, silent, or absent? Where are you struggling to trust the road Jesus is leading you down?
Instead of demanding immediate clarity, spend time asking and reflecting: “Lord, help me keep walking in Your light.” Faithfulness so often begins there.
Instead of demanding immediate clarity, spend time asking and reflecting: “Lord, help me keep walking in Your light.” Faithfulness so often begins there.
Lord Jesus, thank You that You are never absent from the places where grief, fear, confusion, and uncertainty settle in. Even when Your timing feels difficult for us to understand, remind us that You are still at work. Teach us to walk in Your light instead of being ruled by fear or panic. Give us courage to follow You even when the road ahead feels uncertain or costly.
When we are tempted to rush ahead with our own plans, slow us down enough to remain close to You. And when we cannot yet understand what You are doing, help us trust that Your delays are never without purpose. Like Thomas, teach us to keep following even when we do not fully understand the journey. And when we are tempted to believe hope has already died, remind us that resurrection is part of Your story.
Lead us faithfully as we continue walking toward the cross — and toward the empty tomb beyond it. Amen.
When we are tempted to rush ahead with our own plans, slow us down enough to remain close to You. And when we cannot yet understand what You are doing, help us trust that Your delays are never without purpose. Like Thomas, teach us to keep following even when we do not fully understand the journey. And when we are tempted to believe hope has already died, remind us that resurrection is part of Your story.
Lead us faithfully as we continue walking toward the cross — and toward the empty tomb beyond it. Amen.
Posted in Bible Reading Plan 2026
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