Jesus delayed His arrival despite others’ expectations
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” John 11:5-7
The scripture tells us that Jesus loved the sisters and Lazarus, but He didn’t drop everything to rush to Judea. As a matter of fact, Jesus decided to stay two more days.
Can you imagine what might be going on in Martha and Mary’s minds? What goes on in your mind when there is a delay that looks like a denial? I wonder if these were some of Mary and Martha’s thoughts: “I thought He loved us. I thought He had a special relationship with Lazarus. Is ministering to people more important than taking care of a friend? Why is He silent? Does he not care anymore?”
The above scripture is important for all of us to take to heart because in one verse, it tells us that Jesus loved Lazarus but at the same time he delayed his arrival two more days. His delay was not a denial of Lazarus or his sisters. That delay did not signify His lack of love for them. The delay didn’t mean that He didn’t care. However, it did mean that He didn’t see the situation like they saw it. He was not intimidated by the sickness nor was He challenged by Lazarus’ death. As a matter of fact, he knew that God was about to do something miraculous in this situation to bring glory to Himself. Jesus was led by His spirit rather than by His emotions.
There will always be the demands of people around us or the urgency of the moment that will try to push us to fix something right away or have an answer for someone. Jesus models being led by the Spirit and not allowing the pressure of the situation to move us in a certain direction. That means sometimes people will be disappointed or may think we don’t care, but man’s opinion of us can’t change God’s leading.
The delay caused a greater miracle
Praise God for His miracle working power that raised Lazarus from the dead by Jesus calling him out of the grave. This was a prelude to what God was going to do in and through Jesus’ life.
Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. John 12:9-11
The news of Lazarus being raised from the dead was a such a great news that many were curious to see this man and hear his testimony. As result of this, many believed in Jesus and God was truly glorified.
Lord, help us to handle delay periods well and continue to remember your unchanging goodness in the midst of it all.
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