John 11:12

In John 11:12, the disciples of Jesus respond to His statement about Lazarus "sleeping." Their reply, "Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well," reveals their initial misunderstanding of Jesus' metaphorical language, setting the stage for one of His most profound miracles.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus telling His disciples that Lazarus, whom they knew was sick, was "sleeping" (John 11:11). The disciples, accustomed to literal interpretations and perhaps hopeful for Lazarus's recovery, understood "sleep" in the common sense of rest leading to healing. They believed that if Lazarus was merely sleeping, his condition was improving, and a journey to Judea would be unnecessary or even risky given the recent threats to Jesus' life there.

Key Themes

• Misunderstanding and Divine Revelation: The disciples' statement highlights the common human tendency to interpret spiritual truths through a purely natural lens. They missed Jesus' deeper meaning, which was a euphemism for death. This misunderstanding serves a literary purpose, allowing Jesus to explicitly clarify His meaning in the next verse (John 11:13) and foreshadow His ultimate power over death.
• The Biblical View of Death: The Bible frequently refers to the death of believers as "sleep." This imagery implies a temporary state, a resting period before resurrection, rather than an eternal cessation. This perspective offers comfort and hope, emphasizing that for those who believe, death is not an end but a transition, much like sleep before waking. Examples include the death of Stephen (Acts 7:60) and Paul's teaching on the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:51).
• Anticipation of Miracle: The disciples' hopeful assessment inadvertently underscores the severity of Lazarus's actual condition (death) and amplifies the magnitude of the miracle Jesus is about to perform. Their limited understanding sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His glory and His claim as the resurrection and the life.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word used for "sleep" here is koimaomai (κοιμάομαι). While it literally means to sleep or go to sleep, in the New Testament, it is very commonly used as a euphemism for death, particularly the death of believers. This usage conveys the idea that death is not a finality but a temporary rest, awaiting a future awakening or resurrection. This linguistic nuance is key to understanding Jesus' true intent and the disciples' misinterpretation.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking deeper understanding of God's Word and not settling for superficial interpretations. Like the disciples, we sometimes misunderstand divine truths until Christ clarifies them. It also offers a profound perspective on death for believers: it is not a fearful end, but a peaceful sleep, a temporary separation before a glorious reunion and resurrection. This understanding can bring immense comfort and strengthen our faith in God's ultimate plan and power.