The scripture for today, November 16 (11/16), is John 11:16 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:
“Then Thomas…said to the rest of the disciples, ‘Let us also go that we may die with him.’ “
This apostle is most often called “Doubting Thomas.” We’ve all heard the story about Thomas being absent when Jesus appeared to the other apostles, then later said he wouldn’t believe Jesus was alive again unless he could touch him. Well, the other apostles hadn’t believed until they saw him either.
After returning to life, Jesus first appeared to the women. Then, “when they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others…But they did not believe the women because their words seemed to them like nonsense” (Luke 24:9-11).
Now let’s look at our scripture for today. In the months before Jesus’ death, he had been traveling everywhere except to Judea where Jerusalem and the religious leaders were. Those leaders were after Jesus’ life, and everyone knew it. Then Lazarus died and was buried about six miles from Jerusalem. It was dangerous for Jesus to go there.
John 11:7-8 says, “Then he [Jesus] said to his disciples, ‘Let us go back to Judea.’ ‘But Rabbi,’ they said, ‘a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?’ “
After explaining that he needed to get to Lazarus, it was Thomas who bravely spoke up and said, “Let us also go that we may die with him!”
Doubting Thomas? Far from it! Brave Thomas. Devoted Thomas. Thomas who was willing to follow his Lord to the death. That was the real Thomas.
Dear Ms. Hadad,
My name is Alex Szollo, I am 27 years old, I live in Timisoara, Romania, and I am an avid reader who has felt the power of God ever since he was 3 and a half. Born with Cerebral Palsy, I was taught to read at a very young age by my awesome mother in order to get an edge over my condition.
My relationship with Christ is a very special one. I’ve been in love with God ever since I read my first book from cover to cover, which was a children’s version of The Bible, a book I cherish so much that I still own it. Baptized as a Catholic and schooled as an Eastern Orthodox, I grew up to believe that Christ is not only the Son of God, but the greatest revolutionary force in the history of humanity, a rebel with the greatest cause of them all.
I have to be honest with you: normally, I find the presence of modern-day language in what is called a historical novel to be weird. BUT! Your epic, THEY MET JESUS, is so filled with heart, from what I read about it, that I actually commend you for using modern language in it. I have always had a thing for big, bold, beautiful books, and yours hits the mark.
I would LOVE to read it, but unfortunately, it is not available here in Romania, and I cannot order it online, as I have no credit card. Thus, I come to you with a request, one that you may treat however you see appropriate.
The only manner of “payment” I could provide for a signed paperback copy of your epic novel of the Greatest Story Ever Told is a review on my blog, where I talk about all sorts of books that have somehow struck a chord with me. As such, if I sent you my home address, could you send me a signed copy of the full edition of THEY MET JESUS in exchange for a review?
Any answer will be considered an honor.
Blessings aplenty to you and yours,
Alex Szollo, God-hungry reader.
I am glad you were able to get a copy of the “boxed set” with all 8 books in it. Stay in touch, friend.