John 11:17 – “On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.”

Extended Explanation

When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, He finds that Lazarus has already been dead for four days. This means that by the time Jesus received the news of Lazarus’ illness (John 11:3-6), he had likely already died. Jesus had intentionally delayed His journey, and now, to human eyes, it seemed too late.

The mention of four days is important. In Jewish tradition at the time, there was a belief that a person’s soul might remain near the body for three days, hoping to re-enter it. But by the fourth day, the soul was thought to depart permanently, and decay would have begun. This means that Lazarus’ death was seen as absolutely final—there was no question of misdiagnosis or revival.

To those watching, Jesus had missed His opportunity to heal Lazarus. But as the story unfolds, we see that Jesus had a greater purpose—not just healing, but resurrection. His delay was not neglect; it was part of God’s perfect plan to reveal His power and increase faith.

Historical Context

In the ancient Jewish burial customs, bodies were buried on the same day of death. Without modern embalming techniques, decomposition set in quickly, especially in a warm climate. Tombs were often caves or carved-out rock chambers, with a stone rolled in front to seal the entrance.

Public mourning typically lasted for seven days, with friends and family gathering to grieve. In this case, many Jews had come to mourn with Martha and Mary (John 11:19), which shows that Lazarus’ family was well-known and respected.

Another key detail is that Jesus was only about a two-day journey away when He received the news of Lazarus’ illness. Instead of rushing to heal him, He waited two more days before leaving (John 11:6). This delay seemed unloving at first, but as we will see, it was part of a much greater plan.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several deep spiritual truths:

1. God’s timing is different from ours. To the people in Bethany, it seemed like Jesus was late. But God is never late—He always acts at the right time for His purposes (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
2. Jesus allowed Lazarus to die so that God’s glory could be revealed. A healing would have been amazing, but a resurrection after four days? That was a sign no one could deny. Sometimes, God allows temporary suffering to bring about a greater display of His power.
3. Death is not the final word. Everyone believed Lazarus was gone for good. But Jesus was about to show that He has authority over life and death (John 11:25-26). This event foreshadowed His own resurrection and the ultimate resurrection of believers.
4. Faith is often tested in waiting. Mary and Martha had to wrestle with why Jesus didn’t come sooner. Likewise, we often pray for things and feel like God is delaying. This verse reminds us that God is always working, even when we don’t see it.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel is full of symbolism and carefully chosen details, and this verse is no exception.

• The phrase “four days” is meant to emphasize the absolute finality of Lazarus’ death. John is making it clear—this is not a temporary condition. Jesus is not reviving a sick man; He is raising a dead man.
• Jesus arrives at just the right moment—not too soon, not too late. His delay is intentional, creating a dramatic contrast between human despair and divine power.
• The story structure builds tension—the reader knows something miraculous is about to happen, but the people in Bethany don’t. This makes Jesus’ resurrection power even more shocking when it is revealed.

John also emphasizes Jesus’ control over the situation. He is not reacting to events—He is leading the events toward their intended conclusion. This reinforces a key theme in John’s Gospel: Jesus is fully in control of His mission.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” (God’s timing and plans are beyond human understanding.)
• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Even suffering and delays serve a greater purpose in God’s plan.)
• John 11:25-26 – “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (Jesus directly connects Lazarus’ resurrection to His own power over death.)
• Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Encouragement to trust in God’s timing, even when He seems slow to act.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that God is never late, even when it feels like it. Mary and Martha probably felt abandoned when Jesus didn’t arrive on time. But He had a plan far greater than they imagined.

We often pray for things and feel like God is delaying. Maybe we’re asking for healing, help, or direction, and we don’t see immediate results. This verse teaches us to trust God even in the waiting. His delays are not neglect—they are preparation for something greater.

It also reassures us that death is not final. Just as Jesus had the power to raise Lazarus, He has the power to give eternal life to everyone who believes in Him. When we face the death of loved ones or our own mortality, we can hold onto the promise of resurrection through Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first, it might seem unloving for Jesus to wait instead of rushing to heal Lazarus. But true love is not about preventing pain—it’s about leading people to greater faith.

Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:5). But He allowed them to experience loss so that their faith could grow. This shows us that God’s love is bigger than temporary comfort—He wants us to experience His power in a deeper way.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This event is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ own resurrection. Just as Lazarus was dead for four days, Jesus would be placed in a tomb and rise again on the third day. Lazarus’ resurrection was a sign pointing to the greater resurrection of Christ, which brings salvation to all who believe.

It also highlights Jesus as the Lord of life. He is not just a healer—He is the one who holds the power over death itself (John 5:21). This miracle proves that when He says, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), He means it.

Additionally, this moment marks a turning point. The raising of Lazarus led directly to Jesus’ crucifixion. After this miracle, the religious leaders became determined to kill Jesus because His power was undeniable (John 11:53).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever experienced a time when you felt like God was “too late,” but later realized He had a greater plan?
2. Why do you think Jesus waited instead of healing Lazarus immediately?
3. How does this verse challenge your view of God’s timing?
4. What does this passage teach us about trusting God when we don’t understand what He is doing?
5. How does the story of Lazarus give you hope in the face of loss or difficult circumstances?