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

Generated Verse: John 11:6

What does "John 11:6" mean?


This verse from John 11:6 is part of the story of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, who was sick. Understanding this verse requires understanding the context of the whole passage. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

"When therefore he heard that he was sick...": Jesus received the message that Lazarus was ill. Mary and Martha had sent word to him, likely hoping he would come and heal Lazarus.
"...he stayed two days in the place where he was.": This is the crux of the verse. Instead of immediately traveling to Bethany (where Lazarus lived), Jesus deliberately waited for two days before leaving.

What does this delay imply?

This delay is a source of much discussion and interpretation:

Deliberate Timing: The delay was intentional. Jesus knew what he was doing. It wasn't due to a lack of care or concern for Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.
Fulfilling God's Purpose: Many believe that Jesus waited so that Lazarus would actually die. This would allow Jesus to perform a far greater miracle – raising Lazarus from the dead – which would demonstrate his power and glory in a more profound way. He states in John 11:4, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."
Testing Faith: The delay might also be seen as a test of Mary and Martha's faith. Would they continue to believe in Jesus' power even when it seemed he was not coming to help?
Symbolic Meaning: Some interpretations suggest a symbolic meaning related to the time Jesus spent in the tomb (three days) or the period before the resurrection.

In summary:

John 11:6 highlights that Jesus' actions were not always immediate or what people expected. He operated on a divine timetable, prioritizing God's purpose and glory over immediate human needs. His delay in coming to Lazarus was not out of indifference but likely part of a larger plan to demonstrate his power over death and bring greater glory to God.