John 11:13 – “Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.”
Extended Explanation
This verse clarifies the misunderstanding that took place in the previous conversation between Jesus and His disciples. When Jesus told them in John 11:11 that Lazarus had “fallen asleep” and that He was going to wake him up, the disciples took His words literally. They assumed Jesus meant that Lazarus was actually resting and recovering, not that he had died.
John, the writer of this Gospel, adds this explanation to make it clear that Jesus was using sleep as a metaphor for death. This is something Jesus often did—using everyday language to express deeper spiritual truths. But His disciples, thinking in human terms, did not yet grasp the full meaning of His words.
This moment highlights a common pattern in Jesus’ ministry: people often misunderstood His words when they relied on human reasoning instead of seeking spiritual insight. The disciples were still thinking in terms of physical health, but Jesus was about to demonstrate His power over death.
Historical Context
In Jewish thought, sleep was sometimes used as a symbol for death. The Old Testament often referred to the dead as those who were “sleeping” in the earth (Psalm 13:3, Daniel 12:2). However, the disciples were not thinking in these terms. They likely believed that Jesus was speaking about Lazarus’ physical condition improving through rest.
At this time, the disciples did not fully understand Jesus’ power over death. They had seen Him heal the sick many times, but raising someone from the dead was a completely different matter. Their confusion in this verse shows that they were still learning who Jesus truly was.
Another important factor is that Jesus knew Lazarus was already dead even though no one had informed Him directly. This demonstrates His divine knowledge—He was fully aware of the situation from a distance. The disciples, however, were limited to what they could understand through natural means.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights an important truth: spiritual understanding requires faith. The disciples were relying on their human perspective, and as a result, they completely missed the deeper meaning of Jesus’ words. This is a reminder that God’s ways are often beyond human comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9).
It also shows that Jesus sees death differently than we do. To Him, death is not the end—it is temporary, like sleep, because He has the power to bring life again. This points forward to His own resurrection and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him.
Another key lesson is that we should trust God’s wisdom over our own understanding. The disciples thought Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus knew the full reality. In the same way, there are many times when we do not fully understand what God is doing in our lives, but we can trust that He sees the bigger picture.
Literary Analysis
John, as the writer of this Gospel, frequently includes clarifications to help the reader understand what was happening. Here, he explicitly tells us that Jesus was speaking about death, but the disciples misunderstood. This technique makes it clear that Jesus was speaking on a deeper level than His disciples realized.
This verse also follows a common pattern in John’s Gospel, where Jesus speaks symbolically, and people around Him take His words literally. Other examples include:
- John 3:3-4 – Jesus tells Nicodemus he must be “born again,” and Nicodemus assumes He is talking about physical birth.
- John 4:10-11 – Jesus speaks of “living water” to the Samaritan woman, and she thinks He means physical water.
- John 6:51-52 – Jesus says He is the “bread of life,” and the people think He is speaking about literal food.
These moments of misunderstanding create tension in the story and invite the reader to think more deeply about Jesus’ words. They also emphasize that spiritual truth is not always obvious—it requires a heart that is open to God’s revelation.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 13:3 – “Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death.” (Example of sleep being used as a metaphor for death.)
- Daniel 12:2 – “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” (A prophecy about resurrection.)
- 1 Corinthians 2:14 – “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” (Explains why people often misunderstand spiritual truths.)
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (A reminder that God sees the full picture, even when we don’t.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that God’s ways are often beyond our understanding. Just like the disciples, we sometimes assume we know what God is doing, only to later realize His plan was far greater than we imagined.
It also challenges us to listen to Jesus carefully. The disciples misinterpreted His words because they were thinking in human terms rather than spiritual ones. How often do we miss what God is saying because we are focused on our own logic instead of seeking His wisdom?
Additionally, this verse encourages us to trust Jesus when we don’t understand. The disciples thought Lazarus was simply resting, but Jesus knew the full truth. Likewise, there are times when we cannot see the full picture, but Jesus does. Instead of relying on our limited understanding, we must trust in His perfect knowledge.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the fact that He patiently teaches us, even when we misunderstand Him. The disciples were confused, yet Jesus continued to lead them, guiding them toward deeper understanding.
This verse also shows that God’s love extends beyond physical life. Jesus was not worried about Lazarus’ death because He had the power to bring him back to life. This demonstrates that God’s love is bigger than our earthly concerns—He is working toward something eternal.
It also reminds us that God sees the full picture, while we often see only a small part. Just as Jesus knew Lazarus was dead while the disciples thought he was sleeping, God knows things about our lives that we cannot see. His love means that He is always working for our ultimate good, even when we don’t understand His ways.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus’ role as the One who reveals truth. The disciples were confused, but Jesus was about to open their eyes to something much greater. This reminds us that Jesus is the key to understanding God’s truth.
It also foreshadows Jesus’ resurrection power. The disciples were thinking in human terms, assuming Lazarus was just resting. But Jesus was about to demonstrate that He has power over death itself. This event sets the stage for His own resurrection, proving that He is the source of eternal life.
Finally, this verse highlights Jesus’ compassion and patience as a teacher. He didn’t get frustrated when the disciples misunderstood Him. Instead, He led them step by step toward greater understanding—just as He does with us today.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever misunderstood something God was doing in your life, only to later see His greater purpose?
- How can we learn to trust God’s wisdom instead of relying only on our human understanding?
- What are some ways you can grow in spiritual discernment, so you don’t miss deeper truths in God’s Word?
- How does Jesus’ patience with His disciples encourage you in your own spiritual growth?
- What does this verse teach us about how Jesus sees death differently than we do?