The disciples are finally going to be brought into the conflict. Their courage will be tested in preparation for darker times that will surely come; but Jesus is still in command and confident in His Father's Plan. One can only imagine how their minds must have been racing rampant at those accelerating events surrounding them, the press of the masses, and the power Jesus is now emanating and demonstrating in His miracles. They must have been in awe, silent for that moment, but with many accumulating questions, which in time Jesus will answer.

Do not miss the paradoxical statement uttered here by Jesus for the purpose of this miracle, that I suppose had it been heard and reported by a talebearer to Lazarus' grieving family and friends, it might have sounded strange. And it might even seem on the surface to some who might not know and love Jesus, a sufficient cause for one to take offense, certainly straining the reason of these who do. On the one hand, Jesus had great compassion and concern for Lazarus and family, yet on the other He is GLAD for the disciples' sake that He wasn't there at Lazarus' illness, subsequent death, and burial? Seems strange at first glimpse, doesn't it? Continue with your own thoughts with this obvious contrast (without conflict!) in His compassion for both Lazarus' family and His accompanying disciples. There is a whole study of Truths to be mined here. To share one: Although the Father's will may be clear to Jesus, it is never easy for Him to allow one to suffer for the ultimate benefit of all. His love for that one who is allowed to suffer at present is no less than for those who continue to enjoy His immediate presence, as clearly indicated by His tearful reunion when He finally arrives to those who have suffered.

Similarly, when that circumstance comes in life, when you have exhausted your own reasoning to cope and would like to ask the question "Why?", think on this and do not allow Satan to convince you that God no longer cares! Jesus has not changed, and His love is neither conditional nor preferential.

Our space does not permit additional truths seen here such as this, but continue in His Spirit for your own insights He will show you. This should give clear meaning to Paul's declaration of God's Grand Design that encompasses everyone, especially those who love Him and "are called according to his purpose."

All are present now, save Jesus. A messenger had been dispatched earlier, but He did not respond as they desperately expected. Their earlier hope has resigned to confusion and finally grief. At last, but to them, too late, word comes: "HE IS HERE!"

With her many emotions driving her, Martha must go out to meet her Master at the earliest moment.

She, like Andrew who brought the seemingly inadequate amount to feed 5,000, does not see in human terms what now can be done; her brother is dead! But if only by a thread, her hope in Him is still hanging on (whatever He can do, she knows, He will do). ( 6:9)

"LIFE" = zoe in Greek, which means, "life, motion, activity," in this case used only in Greek to mean, "salvation," or "spiritual life."
It is used some 125 instances in the New Testament:

Together with his other writings, he uses it some 60 times, one-half of all other writers. For examples: Jn.3:16; 10:10; 17:3; 20:31; I Jn.3:14; & Rev.21:27.) In all instances, it is used to mean the essence and eternalness of life apart from the material. Examples: Mt.7:14; 19:16; Jn.1:4; Rom.2:7; & Rev.2:7. Material life is identified by psuche, meaning, "animal or human life, or breath," or "physical life," as in: Mt.6:25; 20:20; Rom.11:3; & Rev.12:11.
"I" in Greek is emphatic meaning, "I & I ALONE," or, "I MYSELF."
Unlike the "I" of 9:4 meaning in Greek, "WE."
(See Acts 4:12. He IS the only way to Eternal Life!)

"BELIEVE" = pepisteuka in Greek in the perfect tense, meaning, "have believed, do now believe, and will believe" (past, present, and future tense respectively). Martha is saying: Our brother was sick and you did not come...You would have healed him if you had...Our brother is now dead and you come...You will raise him if you will (signifying her continuing faith in Christ, though not yet complete or full).