Jesus waited because the raising of Lazarus was intended to reveal the glory of God and show that He truly holds authority over death. John says Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus, then records that He remained where He was for two more days. The delay came from a settled purpose within the sign, while His tears at the tomb show real love for the grieving family.
By the time Jesus reached Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Martha expected the body to have begun decaying. The scene leaves no reasonable room for a mistaken recovery. Jesus entered a home filled with grief and called a man from an established grave back into life.
The four days also prepare the reader for Jesus’ words to Martha: “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25, KJV). Lazarus receives restored mortal life, and the sign points beyond him to the resurrection life found in Christ.
“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
John 11:25, KJV
Readers who want to follow this theme through the whole Gospel can continue with the complete John study guide (available to our members also).
The Extra Study below follows the delay through the whole passage, considers what the four days contribute to the sign and shows how Jesus meets grief with both compassion and resurrection power.
Go Further with the Lord
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