Why did Jesus delay two days before going to Lazarus in John 11:6? Setting the Scene: John 11:1-6 • The sisters’ urgent message: “Lord, the one You love is sick.” (John 11:3) • Jesus’ immediate response: “This sickness will not end in death, but it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4) • Then, the surprise: “So on hearing that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was for two days.” (John 11:6) A Purposeful Pause Jesus’ delay was deliberate, not indifferent. Scripture points to at least six intertwined purposes: 1. Displaying God’s glory • The delay set the stage for a greater miracle: raising a man four days dead. • John 11:40: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 2. Deepening the disciples’ faith • John 11:14-15: “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.” • Seeing resurrection power firsthand would anchor their future ministry (Acts 4:33). 3. Confirming Jesus’ authority over death • Jewish belief held that the soul lingered near the body up to three days. Arriving on the fourth day removed all doubt—Lazarus was undeniably dead. • John 5:21: “Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He will.” 4. Aligning with the Father’s perfect timetable • John 2:4; 7:6 remind us that Jesus always moved by divine schedule, never human pressure. • His every step echoed Psalm 31:15: “My times are in Your hands.” 5. Foreshadowing His own resurrection • By conquering another’s tomb, Jesus previewed His victory over His own (John 10:17-18). • The sign prepared hearts for the empty grave soon to come (John 20:31). 6. Multiplying belief among onlookers • Many Jews had gathered to comfort Martha and Mary (John 11:19). • John 11:45 records the outcome: “Therefore many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and who had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him.” Key Takeaways for Today • Apparent delays are often divine designs for greater glory. • What feels like silence is sometimes preparation for a clearer revelation of Christ’s power. • Faith matures when we trust God’s timing more than our own urgency. “Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’” (John 11:40) |
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