John 11:11 – “After he had said this, he went on to tell them, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus speaks to His disciples about Lazarus’ condition, using sleep as a metaphor for death. Instead of saying directly that Lazarus had died, Jesus tells them that he has “fallen asleep,” and that He is going to “wake him up.”
At first glance, this might seem like a simple way to describe death, but it carries deeper meaning. Jesus is making a powerful statement about His authority over death. From a human perspective, death is final. But from Jesus’ perspective, it is no more permanent than sleep—because He has the power to wake the dead.
This verse also reveals Jesus’ intentionality. He didn’t just learn of Lazarus’ death and decide to visit later—He had a purpose for going to Bethany. He was about to perform one of His greatest miracles: raising Lazarus from the dead, proving that He is the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25).
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, sleep was sometimes used as a symbol for death, particularly in the Old Testament (Psalm 13:3, Daniel 12:2). However, when people used this language, it usually referred to the idea that the dead would rest until the final resurrection.
In Jesus’ time, many Jews believed in a future resurrection at the end of time, but they did not yet understand that Jesus Himself had the power to raise the dead immediately. By using the metaphor of sleep, Jesus was subtly teaching His disciples that death is not the end—it is something temporary that He can reverse.
Another important detail is that Jesus knew Lazarus was already dead, even though no one had told Him directly. This shows His divine knowledge. He was not making an educated guess—He had full awareness of Lazarus’ condition, even from a distance.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches a profound truth: Jesus has power over death. He did not view death as something final or unconquerable. Just as easily as someone can wake up a sleeping friend, Jesus can call the dead back to life.
This also points to a larger truth about eternal life. Jesus does not just bring people back to physical life—He offers eternal life to those who believe in Him. This foreshadows His own resurrection, where He will conquer death once and for all.
Another key lesson is trusting in Jesus’ plan. The disciples were confused about why Jesus had delayed in coming to Lazarus (John 11:6). But Jesus knew exactly what He was doing. He was preparing to reveal His power in a way that would strengthen their faith. This reminds us that even when we don’t understand why God allows suffering, He is always working for a greater purpose.
Literary Analysis
John’s Gospel is full of symbolism and double meanings, and this verse is a great example.
The phrase “Lazarus has fallen asleep” is more than just a gentle way to talk about death—it reflects Jesus’ divine perspective. To Him, death is not permanent; it is something He can reverse.
The phrase “I am going there to wake him up” builds anticipation for the miracle about to happen. The disciples don’t yet grasp what Jesus means, which adds dramatic tension to the story. In the next verses, they will misunderstand and think that Lazarus is just taking a nap (John 11:12-13), forcing Jesus to clarify that Lazarus is actually dead.
John frequently presents misunderstandings in his Gospel, where Jesus speaks with deep spiritual meaning, but people around Him interpret His words in a literal or limited way. This creates a pattern where Jesus’ true meaning is revealed in stages, drawing readers deeper into His teaching.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Daniel 12:2 – “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” (The Old Testament also uses sleep as a metaphor for death.)
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death… For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (Paul builds on Jesus’ teaching that death is like sleep, and believers will be raised to life.)
- John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (Jesus declares His power over death.)
- Mark 5:39-42 – Jesus raises a young girl from the dead, saying, “The child is not dead but asleep.” (A similar miracle where Jesus demonstrates His authority over death.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a powerful reminder that death is not the end for those who trust in Jesus. Just as He had the power to wake Lazarus, He has the power to give eternal life to everyone who believes in Him.
For Christians, physical death is not something to fear, because Jesus has already conquered it. When we die, we are not lost forever—we are simply asleep in the sense that we will be awakened to eternal life in Christ.
This verse also encourages us to trust God’s timing. The disciples might have thought Jesus was too late to help Lazarus, but He was actually right on time for a greater miracle. In our own lives, when we feel like God is delaying, we should remember that He sees the bigger picture and has a purpose beyond what we understand.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Some people struggle with understanding why a loving God allows death. But this verse shows that God’s love is greater than death itself.
Jesus did not ignore Lazarus’ death—He had a plan to overcome it. This demonstrates that God’s love is not just about preventing pain but about bringing ultimate victory over it. He allows trials, but He always has a plan to bring greater glory and deeper faith through them.
This verse also reveals Jesus’ personal love. He calls Lazarus “our friend,” showing that He deeply cared for him. God’s love is not distant or impersonal—it is real, relational, and deeply compassionate.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects directly to Jesus’ power over life and death. Raising Lazarus was not just a random miracle—it was a preview of His own resurrection. Just as He was about to call Lazarus out of the tomb, He Himself would rise from the grave, proving that He is the source of eternal life.
It also reminds us that Jesus is the only one who has power over death. No one else could have brought Lazarus back to life. This foreshadows that only through Jesus can we have eternal life—there is no other way.
Additionally, this verse sets the stage for Jesus’ declaration in John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life.” This miracle was not just about Lazarus—it was about showing that Jesus alone has the power to give life to all who believe in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach you about Jesus’ power over death?
- How does Jesus’ view of death as “sleep” change your perspective on life and eternity?
- Have you ever felt like God was “delaying” in your life? How does this story encourage you to trust His timing?
- How can you share the hope of resurrection with those who fear death?
- Jesus called Lazarus “our friend.” How does knowing that Jesus is a friend to His followers strengthen your faith?