What Jesus Did! 'Faith to Follow' — John 11:16

Friday, July 31, 2026

Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let's go [to Judea], too — and die with Jesus."
— John 11:16 NLT

Key Thought

Martha and Mary will soon be challenged to believe in what they cannot understand. Before the sisters face their challenge, however, the disciples of Jesus must follow even though they don't understand but know they are risking their lives to follow. They are our examples. Do we have faith to follow in the face of danger and confusion? Do we have faith to follow in the face of grief, delay, and loss? The people in this story become God's great reminder that we can follow. In fact, in the middle of confusion, danger, grief, delay, and loss, there is no one else we should follow. Only in Jesus can we find life and reunion beyond our greatest earthly troubles. So let's have faith to follow!

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, I love you and want to live your purpose for my life. Please give me the courage and faith to follow when I don't understand, when I am afraid, when I mourn, and when I feel alone. I want my life to be lived for you and guided by your hand. However, I know there are times when I do not and cannot understand what you are doing. So please, dear Father, give me the courage to follow and may I never outlive my love for you. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of John 11:16 NLT — Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let's go [to Judea], too — and die with Jesus."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, July 31, 2026

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Released from the Curse'
"Dear Beloved Child of God, I love Peter's statement about the apostle Paul's writings:And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: 2 Peter 1:4
"Vanish for ever all thought of indulging the flesh if you would live in the power of your risen Lord. It were ill that a man who is alive in Christ..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Spirit's Choice Ignites Praise' (Acts 11:18)
"When the others [among the Jewish disciples] heard [that the Holy Spirit came on Cornelius, along with his family and friends], they stopped..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Henri Nouwen:
"Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!