I have always felt John was ripped off, losing his head before he could see the cross and understand it all before he died. But then I realized two died before Jesus so they would be in Hades when Jesus gloriously arrived to announce to those in Abraham’s bosom, the Gospel to a people who were prepared by Moses and Elijah, who were given pointers to share… with the people when they met with Jesus on the Mt. of Transfiguration and talked about His exodus. So John would have had a front row seat amongst all the Old Testament heroes Hebrews 11:1ff and there would have been no place he would rather be.

The other one with a view of this incredible arrival was Judas. Seeing it all, from a different vantage point, in torment, this arrival would be burnt deep in his memory for all of eternity. Judas hung himself before Jesus was crucified, not knowing this act would put him in Hades at a time he would dread for the rest of his eternal existence. He had a chance at salvation but threw it all away, for what, the money, John 12:6; Matthew 16:26 gain the whole world…

The other man, who died but wasn’t there for this arrival was Lazarus. Maybe this is why Jesus wept. Wanting him to be there for this monumental event but having to call him back from the grave, to put his life on the line in a world of sin. Another reason for His weeping may have been because of the pain and suffering Mary and Martha had to endure as they watched their brother dying. They suffered for us to learn a lesson, for this Jesus wept?

But lesson for us, there is coming a day, the judgment day or the day you die, and you will find yourself on one side or the other and the question is who will you be with. Are you working hard like John and being faithful to Christ and will be found with Christ on that glorious day, to hear Him confess your name in heaven?

Or are you chasing after worldliness, going for the gusto, all the world has to offer, and will you be like Judas and have this glorious day be your worst nightmare, burnt into your eternal memory, knowing you were once saved but now eternally lost and the question is for what? What are you trading it all away for? Whatever it is, quit, repent, confess it to God, for He is always willing to forgive, at least while the day is still called TODAY for there is coming a day, the judgement day or your death, when the opportunity to repent will be no more and your eternal destiny will have been decided because of the  actions you have chosen to do TODAY.