Commentary On John 11 9 10

Commentary on John 11:9-10: Jesus' Delay and the Disciples' Faith

John 11:9-10 presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus' ministry, revealing both the disciples' limitations and Jesus' divine power. This passage, nestled within the story of Lazarus's resurrection, explores themes of faith, grief, and the nature of God's timing. Understanding this context allows for a richer appreciation of the passage's significance.

The Setting: Grief and Uncertainty

Martha and Mary, sisters of Lazarus, send word to Jesus that their brother is gravely ill. Verses 9-10 highlight the disciples' response to this news:

9 Jesus answered, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 10 Even though Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for two more days.

The passage immediately establishes a tension: Jesus knows the sickness will not end in death, predicting Lazarus's resurrection, yet he deliberately delays his arrival. This delay is crucial to the narrative and prompts several key questions for interpretation.

Jesus' Deliberate Delay: A Divine Strategy?

Why the delay? Several interpretations exist:

• God's Glory: Jesus explicitly states the sickness is "for God’s glory." This suggests a divine purpose beyond the immediate suffering of Lazarus and his family. The delay allows for greater impact, showcasing God's power more dramatically. The delay increases the tension and heightens the miracle's significance.

• Testing of Faith: The delay could be interpreted as a test of the sisters' and the disciples' faith. Their grief and desperation provide fertile ground for faith to be tested and strengthened. This test doesn't imply God's indifference; rather, it showcases the transformative power of enduring hardship with trust in God.

• Human Experience: Some argue the delay allows for a realistic portrayal of human suffering and the emotional complexities of grief. Jesus, being fully human, understands and empathizes with their pain. The delay emphasizes Jesus’s shared humanity with his disciples, even within a context of divine power.

The Disciples' Response: Faith Under Pressure

The disciples' understanding of Jesus's words and actions is not explicitly stated, but their reaction throughout the narrative hints at their struggles with faith in the face of adversity. Their immediate understanding may have been limited; perhaps they didn't grasp the full implications of Jesus' statement, or they might have struggled with the apparent contradiction between Jesus' love and his delayed response.

This underscores the human element within the disciples’ journey of faith: even with close proximity to Jesus, they still grapple with doubts and uncertainties. This resonates with modern readers, demonstrating the relatable nature of their faith journey.

Implications for Modern Readers:

John 11:9-10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers:

• God's Sovereignty: The passage emphasizes God's control and purpose even amidst suffering and death. It’s a reminder that even seemingly negative events can be part of a larger divine plan.

• The Nature of Faith: The passage challenges our understanding of faith. It's not a naive acceptance of everything but a trust in God's character and plan, even when we don't fully comprehend them.

• Hope in the Face of Loss: The ultimate outcome—Lazarus's resurrection—offers a message of hope and reassurance in the face of grief and loss. It's a testament to the power of faith and the ultimate triumph of life over death.

In conclusion, John 11:9-10 is a richly layered passage that reveals both the depth of Jesus's divine power and the complexities of human faith. The interplay of Jesus' delay and the disciples' unspoken responses invites reflection on God's timing, the nature of faith, and the enduring hope found in the face of suffering. The passage’s lasting impact lies in its ability to comfort, challenge, and ultimately deepen our understanding of the relationship between God and humanity.