Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.
(John 11v13 NIV)
Isn’t it interesting that even though they actually heard His words and the intonation of His voice yet still misunderstood.
There is something in this exchange that is significant.
It would leave a lasting impact on them.
It was as if Jesus was not really talking to them.
Almost a conversation with someone else.
They were used to hearing His parables but this wasn’t a parable.
There shouldn’t be any ambiguity with God.
But there was clearly a misunderstanding.
He said one thing and meant something else.
This was recorded for our benefit.
We are meant to ask the question.
We are meant to ask Him questions.
To clarify and not jump to assumptions.
God seems to say things and do things that make no sense whatsoever.
Almost deliberately.
It offends our logic.
It challenges our demand for clarity.
It is bigger than our human reasoning.
He doesn’t seem to be too concerned that He momentarily confused them.
Don’t be offended nor confused if what God is doing and saying does not fit in with your way of thinking.
Why did He say ‘sleep’ and not use the word ‘dead’?
Lazarus was clearly raised from the dead.
He did not just wake up after a long nap!
