John 11:6 – “So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.”
Extended Explanation
This verse might seem puzzling at first. Jesus had just been told that His dear friend Lazarus was seriously ill, yet instead of rushing to his side, He deliberately waited for two more days before making any move toward Bethany.
To human understanding, this seems strange—why would Jesus delay if He truly loved Lazarus, Mary, and Martha? The answer lies in Jesus’ greater purpose. He was not acting out of neglect or hesitation but out of divine wisdom. He knew that by waiting, He would display God’s power in an even greater way.
If Jesus had gone immediately and healed Lazarus, it would have been a wonderful miracle—but not as powerful as what He was about to do. By allowing Lazarus to die, Jesus set the stage for one of His greatest miracles: raising a man from the dead after four days in the tomb.
This verse challenges the idea that God’s love means immediate action according to our expectations. Jesus’ delay was not a sign of indifference; it was part of a greater plan.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, there was a common belief that a person’s soul lingered near the body for three days after death before departing permanently. By waiting until Lazarus had been dead for four days, Jesus ensured that no one could claim that Lazarus was simply in a coma or near-death state. This miracle would be undeniable proof of His power over death.
Additionally, Jesus was staying beyond the Jordan River when He received the news. Traveling back to Bethany was risky because the religious leaders were already plotting against Him (John 10:39-40). His delay also demonstrated His complete trust in the Father’s timing—He wasn’t afraid of human threats because He knew His mission was in God’s hands.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights an important truth: God’s delays are not denials. When God does not act as quickly as we want, it is not because He is uninterested or powerless. He is often preparing something greater than we can see.
Jesus’ delay teaches us to trust in God’s perfect timing. Even though Mary and Martha were probably heartbroken that Jesus didn’t come right away, His plan was ultimately better than what they had hoped for. Sometimes, God allows difficult circumstances to unfold not because He doesn’t care, but because He is working toward something greater.
This also demonstrates Jesus’ complete sovereignty. He wasn’t reacting in panic—He was fully in control. He knew exactly what was going to happen, and He let events unfold according to God’s perfect will.
Literary Analysis
John’s Gospel often presents contrasts that challenge human expectations, and this verse is a perfect example. The reader naturally expects Jesus to hurry to Lazarus’ side, yet He does the opposite. This creates tension in the narrative—why is Jesus waiting? What is He planning?
This verse also serves as a turning point in the story. Instead of focusing on the sickness of Lazarus, the focus shifts to Jesus’ decision-making and His divine perspective on the situation. The delayed response heightens the emotional weight of the coming miracle.
The phrase “he stayed where he was two more days” is short and direct, emphasizing Jesus’ purposeful delay. There is no sense of urgency, reinforcing that He is operating on a different timeline than human expectations.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. (Shows that God’s timing is beyond human understanding.)
- Habakkuk 2:3 – “For the revelation awaits an appointed time… Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” (God’s promises may seem delayed, but they always come at the right time.)
- 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you…” (God’s timing is different from ours, but it is always perfect.)
- Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Encourages patience in waiting for God’s plan to unfold.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that God’s timing is not our timing. There may be times when we pray for something and expect an immediate answer, but instead, God seems silent. That does not mean He isn’t listening or that He doesn’t care. Like Jesus in this story, God often has a bigger plan that we can’t yet see.
It also teaches us to trust God even when things don’t make sense. Imagine how Mary and Martha felt when Jesus didn’t come right away. They probably felt abandoned and confused. Yet, in the end, their faith was strengthened far beyond what they could have imagined. Likewise, when we face delays, we should remember that God is never late—He is always right on time.
Finally, this verse challenges us to have faith in the waiting. Many people struggle with doubt when they don’t see immediate answers to their prayers. But waiting on God is not wasted time—He is always working behind the scenes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Some people might wonder: If Jesus truly loved Lazarus, why did He let him die? This verse shows us that God’s love does not always look the way we expect it to. True love is not about giving us what we want in the moment—it’s about doing what is ultimately best for us.
God’s love is bigger than just fixing our temporary problems. He is focused on eternal realities. Jesus loved Lazarus enough to let him go through death so that a greater truth about God’s power could be revealed.
This is how God works in our lives too. He doesn’t just want to make us comfortable—He wants to grow our faith, shape our character, and reveal His glory through our lives.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse ultimately points to Jesus’ own death and resurrection. Lazarus’ story is a preview of what will happen to Jesus. Just as Lazarus was raised from the dead, Jesus Himself would rise, proving that He has power over death.
Additionally, Jesus’ delay reflects the patience of God in fulfilling His plan of salvation. For centuries, people had been waiting for the Messiah. Many expected immediate political rescue, but Jesus came to bring something far greater—victory over sin and death.
Just as Jesus waited before acting in Lazarus’ situation, He is also waiting now before His second coming. But His delay is not a sign of neglect—it is an act of patience, allowing more people to come to faith before the final resurrection (2 Peter 3:9).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever experienced a time when God delayed answering a prayer? What did you learn from that experience?
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of God’s love and timing?
- Why do you think Jesus allowed Lazarus to die instead of healing him right away?
- How can you trust God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense to you in the moment?
- What are some practical ways to strengthen your faith during seasons of waiting?