In John 11 What Does The Delay Of Jesus In Coming To Lazarus Teach Us About Gods Timing In Our Lives?

Understanding the Delay: Jesus, Lazarus, and God’s Perfect Timing

The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in John 11 is a rich narrative that teaches profound lessons about faith, suffering, and the mysterious ways of God's timing. At the heart of this story is Jesus’ deliberate delay in coming to Lazarus, which at first glance may seem perplexing or even unkind. Yet, through this delay, we learn deep truths about the nature of God’s timing and His ultimate purposes in our lives.

The Setting: A Cry for Help

Mary and Martha, sisters of Lazarus, sent word to Jesus:

He whom thou lovest is sick. - John 11:3 ASV

Their plea was urgent, expecting Jesus—who had healed so many—to come quickly and heal their brother. Yet, Jesus responds in a surprising way:

But when Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby. - John 11:4 ASV

Jesus’ Deliberate Delay

Instead of rushing to Bethany, Jesus remains where He is for two more days:

When therefore he heard that he was sick, he abode at that time two days in the place where he was. - John 11:6 ASV

This delay leads to Lazarus’ death, causing Mary and Martha great grief and confusion. Their words to Jesus upon His arrival reveal their disappointment:

Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. - John 11:21 ASV

Lessons on God’s Timing

1. God’s Delays Are Not Denials

From a human perspective, Jesus’ delay seems like a failure to respond. But Jesus had a greater plan: not just to heal, but to raise Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His authority over life and death. The delay set the stage for a greater miracle and a deeper revelation of who He is:

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live. - John 11:25 ASV

2. God’s Timing Reveals His Glory

Jesus explicitly states the purpose of the delay:

This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby. - John 11:4 ASV

God often works in ways that are beyond our understanding, but always according to His perfect wisdom. His timing is designed to show us His power and goodness, even if it means allowing us to walk through dark valleys first.

3. Waiting Deepens Our Faith

The period of waiting was not wasted. It became a test and strengthening of faith for Mary, Martha, and all who witnessed the miracle. Jesus calls Martha to trust in Him, not just for what He can do, but for who He is:

Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I have believed that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, even he that cometh into the world. - John 11:26 ASV

4. God’s Love Is Not Diminished by Delay

It’s significant that the text emphasizes Jesus’ love for this family:

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. - John 11:5 ASV

His delay is not a lack of care, but a means by which His love and power are ultimately displayed in a greater way.

Application: Trusting God’s Timing in Our Lives

When we face delays, unanswered prayers, or seasons of waiting, we can be tempted to doubt God’s love or His power. The story of Lazarus reminds us to trust that God’s timing is always perfect—even when we cannot see the outcome. His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV), and He is always working for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28 ASV).

Conclusion

Jesus’ delay in coming to Lazarus teaches us to wait on God with confidence, knowing that His timing is never late and always purposeful. In our waiting, God invites us to deeper faith, greater dependence, and the assurance that He is working—even in the silence—for His glory and our ultimate good.

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