day 344: When the Disciples Didn't Understand

^{John 11:9-15}

Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. 

But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.”

The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!” They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died.

So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.”

****************

This is one of those times in Jesus' history that he got flabbergasted and aggravated. He had tried for three years to get these men to understand-- and they still didn't.

Of course they didn't. He understood that on the godly level, but He was also very human. And the human side of him was getting tired.

The disciples were very human too. The last time they were in the city, they were nearly killed. They weren't looking forward to that again. 

You can picture them secretly wishing that Lazarus would get well on his own so they wouldn't have to go back there.

Jesus knew all along that Lazarus was dead, and He also knew that the disciples weren't ready for their own ministries just yet. Time was running out-- He knew something drastic would have to be done to get their attention. Raising a four day old dead man would do the trick...

When Jesus told the disciples that Lazarus was sleeping, they didn't get it. They thought that he was getting better since he could sleep. You can imagine the sigh of relief when they thought they wouldn't have to go back to the city.

Then... Jesus finally told them plainly that Lazarus was dead and they were going back.

Their faces fell and fear engulfed their hearts. 

Jesus tells us things all of the time too. He gives us subtle hints and nudges. But at times we are like the disciples-- wanting to think our own ways instead of Jesus'. I'm sure somewhere deep in their hearts they knew Lazarus was dead, but they didn't want to admit it.

So Jesus finally had to tell them plainly. He does the same for us.

The people who followed Jesus in those days were exactly like we are. They had doubts, questions, fears-- and definitely weren't perfect. When you look at Jesus' relationship with them, we see his relationship with us.

Sure He got aggravated-- but He never lashed out at them. He was patient. He took time to care for them. 

He does the same for us.

God Bless You :)