What does John 11:7 mean?
In prior verses, Jesus was given a rushed message stating that his beloved friend Lazarus was ill (John 11:1–3). That came from Mary and Martha in Bethany, about twenty miles or 32 kilometers from Jesus' current location in Bethabara. Rather than leave, Jesus sent the messenger back with words of comfort (John 11:4). The disciples probably assumed that Lazarus would recover, and that Jesus was not returning to Judea since local religious leaders were looking to have Him killed (John 5:18; 10:39; 11:8). What they don't know is that Lazarus was dead before the messenger even reached Jesus, and that God has a spectacular miracle in mind.Jesus' unexpected order to return to Bethany in Judea a full two days later would have been shocking to His disciples. In their minds, the time to attempt a rescue mission for Lazarus is long over. Returning would only put Jesus at risk of arrest or stoning. His purpose, as seen later, is to ensure that Lazarus' miraculous resurrection is entirely credited to the glory of God (John 11:4, 41–44).