Commentary on John 11:6

In John 11:6, the passage states:

"So when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was."

This verse occurs in the larger narrative of the story of Lazarus, a pivotal moment that reveals Jesus' divine authority and highlights His timing in relation to human circumstances. Below, we explore key insights from various public domain commentaries.

General Observations

John 11:6 has baffled many readers because it presents a seemingly paradoxical scenario where Jesus receives alarming news about Lazarus’ illness but chooses to delay His response.

Interpretation and Analysis

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry emphasizes the love that Jesus had for Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. He notes that even though Jesus loved them dearly, He intentionally delayed His arrival. This delay, far from indicating neglect, serves a greater purpose. It showcases God's timing, which is often different from human expectation.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke offers insights into the implications of Jesus’ actions. He contends that Jesus’ decision to wait was a divine strategy to magnify the miracle that was to follow. Clarke elucidates that the Savior's delay was not due to indifference but rather a calculated move to demonstrate the power of God in raising Lazarus from the dead.

• Albert Barnes' Commentary:

  Barnes highlights the significance of this passage in demonstrating Jesus' sovereignty and omniscience. He proposes that the deliberate waiting period is a theological statement about the nature of Jesus and God—how they operate outside of earthly constraints and perceptions of time.

Theological Insights

This incident contains profound theological implications regarding faith, the nature of divine love, and the purpose of suffering:

• Divine Timing:

  Theologically, the act of waiting illustrates that God's timing is perfect, even when it appears to be delayed. It challenges believers to trust in the overarching plan of God, which may surpass human understanding.

• Suffering and Glory:

  This passage invites contemplation on the relationship between suffering and divine glory. Jesus indicates that Lazarus’ sickness would ultimately serve to glorify God (John 11:4), suggesting that believers’ sufferings can be avenues for God’s glory to be revealed.

• Active Love:

  The love of Christ is showcased not just in His actions but also in His perceived delay. For pastors and theologians, this raises questions about the nature of love—whether patience during trials can itself be a form of love.

Practical Applications

For pastors, students, and scholars, John 11:6 offers numerous practical applications:

• Encouragement in Trials:

  This verse reassures believers that delays in answered prayers or interventions do not equate to abandonment. God’s timing is aligned with His purposes.

• Teaching on Faith:

  Christian educators can utilize this passage to instill a deeper understanding of faith—not merely as belief in what is seen but as trust in the unseen plans of God.

• Reflection on God's Love:

  Pastoral counselling can draw from this narrative to help congregants perceive that divine love can sometimes appear to contradict human expectations but is always motivated by the highest purpose.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John 11:6 serves as a profound reminder of the complexities of divine timing and the depth of God’s love. The commentaries reviewed provide critical insights that help illuminate the purpose behind Jesus’ actions, offering valuable lessons for believers today. As they contemplate these insights, pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars are encouraged to embrace the mysteries of God’s plans, trusting that He works all things for good.