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.
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