In the previous study we came to understand that the death of Lazarus was actually the result of Jesus’ prayer to the Father. I don’t mean to say Jesus actually prayed for his death, but most likely he asked God to let him raise a dead man to life. The reason behind this was, he considered many of the rulers who actually believe he was the Messiah and a teacher sent by God (John 3:1-2; cp. John 10:19-21), didn’t really believe his message of the Gospel of a spiritual Kingdom, one that cannot be perceived through man’s five senses (John 3:3; Luke 17:20-21). They waited for a righteous general of sorts who would rid Israel of their enemies. Their worldview was God intended to raise up such a physical kingdom, but who could embrace or respect a Kingdom they couldn’t see? What kind of kingdom is that among such powerful nations as Rome? It was in this context that Jesus prayed, prior to Lazarus’ sickness and death, and Jesus knew God always hears such prayers (cp. John 11:41-42) that would bring honor to him and the one, whom he sent (John 11:4).
Therefore, after two days had passed, since Jesus received the message that Lazarus was very ill, he then gathered his disciples together and announced he intended to return to Judea (John 11:7). However, his disciples didn’t think this was a good idea. Had he forgotten that the Jewish authorities had recently sought to stone him (John 11:8)? To return now, after such a short time would be suicide, so, they sought to discourage such a venture.
Nevertheless, Jesus was insistent, and framed his intention into a parable about day and night. One has only a limited time to accomplish his goals (12 hours in the text), but Jesus spoke of life. While he was living, he was the Light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5). Therefore, the work of God, which he was sent to do could be done only while he was yet alive (John 11:9). Jesus drew an analogy between himself and the sun. One could see where he walked in this world only during the daylight, so one could understand how to walk with God only by walking in the Light of the spiritual world that Jesus provided. Once night fell, or once Jesus died, men would have trouble to keep from stumbling (John 11:10).
Jesus then announced that Lazarus, their friend, was sleeping, and Jesus wanted to go to Bethany and wake him (John 11:11), but the disciples took him literally and didn’t see any sense in risking Jesus’ and their lives to wake a man out of sleep. All seemed well enough, so there was no reason to go to Judea at this time (John 11:12-13).
Therefore, Jesus spoke plainly, saying Lazarus was dead (John 11:14). Moreover, Jesus told them he was glad for their sakes that he wasn’t there to heal him, before he died. Because now, there would be opportunity for them to witness a miracle to the intent that they would believe (John 11:15). This statement seems odd in the context of Peter’s words that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God, and only he had the words of life (John 6:68-69). Didn’t they already believe? The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. It seems the disciples did believe Jesus, but they didn’t understand the idea of a spiritual Kingdom. They believed because of the miracles, but they didn’t understand (cp. John 10:37-38). Jesus was, indeed, sent from God, but they had trouble seeing Jesus’ worldview of the spiritual Kingdom (John 3:3) in the face of their own worldview of a physical kingdom. Although they had no context to put Jesus’ words, they believed him for the sake of the miracles. They had faith, but understanding was lacking.
So, when Jesus was insistent about leaving the safety of Bethabara and returning to Judea, where the authorities sought to slay him, Thomas, one of the Twelve, stood up and declared: “Let’s go with him that we may die with him too!” (John 11:16). In other words, they were with Jesus no matter what, and they would die with their Messiah in an effort to make him King of the Jews. Thus, expressing their misunderstanding of the Gospel of the Kingdom that Jesus preached (cp. John 3:3).
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