John Calvin Commentary John 11:8

"The disciples say unto him, Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?" — John 11:8 (ASV)

Rabbi, the Jews but lately sought to stone thee. When the disciples dissuade him from going, they do so, not so much perhaps on his account as on their own, for each of them is alarmed about himself, as the danger was common to all. Avoiding the cross, and being ashamed to acknowledge it, they allege — what is more plausible — that they are anxious about their Master. The same thing happens every day with many. For those who, through a dread of the cross, shrink from the performance of their duty, eagerly seek excuses to conceal their indolence, that they may not be thought to rob God of the obedience due to him, when they have no good cause to do so.