John 11:14

Jesus finds it necessary to speak plainly to his crew. “Lazarus is dead,” he explains.  John 11:14 EFP

I can’t imagine how the disciples feel when they hear these words emanate from the Master’s lips. The words fall heavily on the ground like a tree falling under the weight of its own mass. “We have spotted some spots on the MRI.” “I’m afraid we have to let you go.” “Ma’am, we regret to inform you…” These moments of realization cannot be softened with words. Often the attempt to do so only heightens the agony.

The realization finally hits the disciples, who perhaps have been eagerly looking forward to seeing Lazarus and his sisters. Now he is dead. Thoughts begin to swirl in their minds. When did he die? How are we going to explain our delay? Now what? Why did we not go when he was alive? What’s the point of going now? The mood is dark as they continue somber journey over the dusty path to Bethany. Uneasy silence.

What do you do when the unthinkable happens? What do you say when faced with an unexpected loss? Hide? Flee? Withdraw? The developing scene seems to imply you keep walking. You do not shy away from humanity at its worst. Jesus does not miss a beat. There is no vacillation mixed in with his steely resolve. The disciples are wondering, “What now?” Jesus already knows what he has been called to do. Oh, that I would share in that certainty and confidence that comes with a seamless and solid connection between Father and Son.

John 11:13

Of course, Jesus is not speaking about Lazarus sleeping, rather he is letting them know that his friend has already died. The disciples totally misunderstand his words.  John 11:13 EFP

Jesus had intended to let his disciples know that his friend Lazarus had already died. They understood that Lazarus was resting comfortably back in Bethany. From their perspective, this is good news! Boy are they wrong.

This day will become a seminal moment for all involved. First comes the bad news. Lazarus is sick. “Let’s go!” they say. No. They stand pat. Time passes. “Let’s go to Bethany,” Jesus says. Finally! “Lazarus is sleeping,” Jesus adds. Great news! He must be getting better. Ebb and flow. Confusing day, but now it seems to be panning out. They have misread Jesus every step of the way. They stay when they should go. They go when it seems too late. Bad news. Good news.

The disciples are about to learn that good news is not always wrapped in the garb of great expectations, it is often veiled in tragedy and trial. Often the greatest disappointments are but a gateway to unimaginable triumphs. The darkest moments often usher in the most glorious mornings. God has ways that we cannot fathom. But he is always good. It’s who He is.

John 11:12

Jesus’ disciples answer, “Lord, we should let him sleep. It will do him some good.”  John 11:12 EFP

That makes sense. Of course. It’s obvious. Lazarus is sick. Jesus somehow knows Lazarus is sleeping. That’s good. After all, when a person is sick, he or she needs rest. “Let the man sleep,” they tell Jesus. And they move on.

And yet, they are so far off the mark. The plane on which Jesus operates is foreign to his disciples as of yet. He is far away down the road from where they are. He is trying to teach them a concept they need to grasp, and they are stuck on a term.

What I take from this verse is that often times God makes statements that I just don’t get. I am spiritually obtuse and dense more often than I would like to admit. But God speaks, most often through the pages of His Word. How many times I have read a particular passage and overlooked a timeless truth. I move along. I read and it registers, but not with the power the passage possesses. Then one day it hits me like a ton of bricks. God speaks. He does not give up on me. I must learn not to limit God’s words to what makes sense to me. There is often so much more he is trying to tell me, if I only am willing to listen and let it sink in.

John 11:11

No sooner has Jesus set his disciples straight than he says, “Our friend Lazarus is sleeping now, I must go to wake him up.”  John 11:11 EFP

It’s one of those moments when Jesus goes from one topic to another in the batting of an eye. He has just concluded a powerful contrast between those who seek the light and those who prefer the darkness. It must have given the disciples plenty to ponder. Then Jesus casually picks up his previous thought about going to wake up Lazarus.

Try to follow this progression: Sisters call for help (v.3); Jesus states it is not a serious condition (v.4); Jesus spends an additional two days beyond the Jordan (v.6); Jesus suddenly suggests to his disciples they should return to Judea (vs.7); the disciples object vehemently (v.8); then Jesus gives them the talk about light (vss. 9-10), which is a succinct and powerful metaphor about truth and error.

Had he not originally communicated to them the non-serious nature of the illness just two days before? Was it not Jesus who has literally escaped with his life during their last visit to Jerusalem? Does he not know the Jewish authorities are actively seeking to arrest him? All is true. But that was then, this is now. Then was not right. Now it is. Jesus knows then and he knows now—when is the right time, and when the timing is perfect.

For the record, the timing was not perfect from a purely human perspective—Jesus is walking into a death trap. He knows it. But the timing is perfect for Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Beyond that, it is the perfect time for us as well. That is all that matters to Jesus. Nothing has changed 2000 years later.

John 11:10

“Anyone who chooses to walk in the dark of night,” Jesus continues, “will stumble, because they are full of darkness. Light is nowhere to be found in or around them.”  John 11:10 EFP

It typical Jesus fashion, he restates his previous proposition in the negative. He has already established that if you walk in the light you will not stumble. In fact, he emphasizes that if you have the “light of this world” you will never stumble away from the light that envelops you. He makes a salvific statement that rests entirely on the Light of Jesus. Wow!

But the opposite is also true. Light is a choice. You can avoid the light if this is your preference. You can minimize the effects of the light by coverings, shade, or shelter. But the ultimate rejection of light is to only go out when it is dark and to remain sequestered indoors with thick curtains drawn during the daylight hours. This analogy addresses those of us who make the darkness of sin our preference. Sin corrupts and creates chaos in the soul. It is not relegated to the surface once it becomes a choice. It goes deep into the recesses of the mind. Jesus describes this condition when he says, “light is not in him.” (NKJV)

And just as light and life are a choice—my daily choice, and as such it leads me to a life of holiness and purity of body and mind, so the opposite is true. Sin drags me into the morass of despair and dismay. It destroys and degrades until there is nothing left but the bleached bones of a life that was. I have tasted both sides of that equation and have chosen to walk in the light. Every day is a new opportunity to taste and see that the Lord of Light is good beyond measure.

John 11:9

Jesus responds, “Consider this: does not every day come with twelve hours of daylight? Don’t you think it’s best to take advantage of this light of day? The likelihood of stumbling is eliminated when you have the light of this world to guide you.” John 11:9 EFP

Teaching time has come for the twelve. Jesus seizes the moment and makes it a memorable one. He begins somewhat cryptically, but closes with a twist that must have left them wondering.

I sense Jesus is trying to instill in them a sense of perspective they seem to lack. They see the danger. Jesus see the opportunity. They see tomfoolery in returning to the city. He sees mission accomplished. They see darkness and foreboding. He tells them that light is a precious commodity that comes in limited amounts. Yes, darkness may eventually descend, but light is here as long as He is among them. They must strike “while the iron is hot.” They must act and press forward before darkness descends and danger ascends. Then comes the clincher. Jesus does not say “the danger of stumbling is minimized.” He plainly states that the stumbling is eliminated. That is a surprising statement to say the least.

After all, how can the possibility of stumbling be eliminated, even in the light of day. People trip in the day time. Obstacles appear as if out of nowhere that cause us to stumble and stagger. So what does Jesus mean when he says, “he does not stumble” (NKJV). It only begins to make sense when he clearly changes the focus from the “light of day” to “the light of this world”. He adjusts his disciples’ focus to the Light of this world—himself. And if they keep themselves in this light they will not stumble. They will not stray. They will not be groping in the dark.

Does that mean they will never fail or flounder? Doubtful. But it does mean that whatever comes their way they will not be left in doubt as to the direction of their life. Jesus has it covered. They need only to remain in the light. I need only to remain in the light of his grace and love, I need not fear anything—even failure. Failure is simply success dressed in trial. I have the assurance from Jesus’ lips that my life in secure even in the most tempestuous day of my life if I choose to remain in His light!

John 11:8

Not surprisingly, the disciples ask him, “Teacher, did not the Jewish authorities try to stone you just recently? Are you seriously going back there?” John 11:8 EFP

It is not often the disciples speak up and question Jesus’ plans. Considering how things turned out for Peter the time he questioned Jesus’ graphic depiction of his fate (Matthew 16:22-23), it makes sense they would be somewhat reticent to do so. But that does not stop them from submitting some queries regarding the sensibility of traveling back to Jerusalem.

They bring up the danger they recently left behind. They specifically mention the stoning he had narrowly avoided during his last visit to the City of David. Their question, “Are you seriously going back?” is almost a rhetorical one. It makes no sense on so many levels! Lazarus’ sickness is not serious, according to his previous statement. It’s a long way back. They are in a safe place right where they are. Jerusalem is a death sentence for Jesus, and perhaps for them as well.

That sounds like me. When God calls me to go with him to a place that does not seem appealing or inviting, I begin to question the wisdom of going in that direction. The fear of rejection. The disdain for ridicule. The risk of verbal, if not physical, abuse. It is not always comfortable to be a witness. But if I am called to love others as Jesus loves me, then that is a call to surrender all. Oh, Lord! I am such a weak Christian. Why did you choose me to lead? I make such a better follower! I am so much more comfortable in the shadows of anonymity. Have mercy on me!