“Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, ‘Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.'” (John 11:16)

Thomas’ words here were very courageous. They also remind us of the heart of discipleship, and of Christianity. 
The words “also”, and “with Him”, are central here. This is what discipleship is: it is “also” going where Jesus Himself goes; it is being “with Him” wherever He is. This was the commitment of those first disciples — and it is to be ours as His disciples today as well.

And truly it is not only our commitment, but also our comfort. What better than to be “with Him”? That is what we were made for. That is what will alone will truuly satisfy us. That is where comfort and peace and glory is: “with Him”!  This is why Thomas could say: “Let us also go, so that we may die WITH HIM.” What Paul called “the fellowship of His sufferings” is better than the comforts to be found the world — because it is “with Him”, and the peace and joy there “with Him” cannot be attained even by the “passing pleasures of sin” or “the kingdoms of the world and their glory.”

Thankfully God has made the way through the payment of Jesus’ death on the cross for us to be “with Him” both eternally, and now through the presence of His Holy Spirit in our lives.

And it needs to be our continual goal to be experientially “with Him” in fellowship, His word, prayer, work — and yes, like the first disciples, even in suffering. For nothing else is as important as being “with Him”!