Jesus has just received news that his young friend is sick, very sick. The fact Lazarus’ sisters address him as “Lord” when they send the message is telling of their concern and urgency. In response Jesus makes a somewhat cryptic statement to his disciples about the sickness not being a “death” event, rather a moment for God to be glorified.
Then he proceeds to return to life as it was before the news arrived. Jesus and the disciples remain on the other side of the Jordan for two additional days. It doesn’t seem right. I could see them remaining in this somewhat isolated part of the world to find some refuge from the Jerusalem threat. After all, Bethany is but a stone’s throw away from the outskirts of Jerusalem, just beyond the Mount of Olives. Jesus knows the seriousness of the Lazarus’ illness, but he is also aware of the dangers in the city.
Perhaps that’s the whole point of this portion of the narrative. The point is that Jesus knows. He is aware of everything and anything. Nothing catches him by surprise. He is not just one step ahead of the game, he is infinitely ahead, and thus he knows the outcome before the “coming has come out”. I, on the other hand, do not have such a grasp on the future. My need is to learn how to trust God with my situation. The worst that can happen is for me to abandon the faith that I have chosen to claim in His name. Even death, and all that falls within that undesirable outcome and that of adulterated joy, cannot and will not separate me from God. My God reigns!
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