Why did Jesus wait so long before setting out to visit Martha, Mary & Lazarus in Bethany when he heard that Lazarus was ill ?
It is worth realising that it was highly dangerous for Jesus and his followers to go to Bethany because it was so near Jerusalem, his life would then be in danger...
...but you would only realise that by reading of the growing opposition he had been facing throughout the previous chapters in John’s Gospel [from about ch 7 onwards]...
When he does decide to make the journey to Bethany, his disciples immediately point out how dangerous it would be. Thomas then says they should all go with him, and die with him, if necessary.
Follow the narrative right through, and you will see that some of the mourners go and report what has happened to the Jewish Leaders who promptly decide they must arrest and kill Jesus...maybe Lazarus as well... if they are to save their nation from being destroyed by their Roman overlords.
This is the background setting for this dramatic event.
You might be interested in “Jesus Wept” by Debie Thomas www.journeywithjesus.net
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