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!