Sickness enters homes even where God is honored and loved. It is permitted because it affords an opportunity and platform for His delivering help. We should see to it that the Son of God is glorified in our physical weakness, either because of our patience and fortitude, which are ministered by His Spirit, or by the deliverances which He grants. See 2 Corinthians 12:1-9.
There is a special emphasis on therefore in John 11:6. Christ lingered because He loved. He allowed the worse to go to the worst, that the sisters (and the world through them) might receive a testimony to His saving power, which could be obtained at no less cost than their brother's death, John 11:9. As long as the heart is bathed in the light of God's presence and is conscious of living on His plan, it cannot be mistaken in its decisions and it will not stumble. Our Lord knew that He must go to Bethany, and that He would be safe, because the hour of night had not arrived.
Since Jesus came to us, death has become a mere shadow of its former self and is to be dreaded no more than sleep. Had the Lord been beside His dying friend, He could not have forborne the entreaty of the sisters, but now there was room for a faith-compelling miracle on His part. [source]
Chapter Summary: John 11
1Jesus raises Lazarus, four days buried 45Many Jews believe 47The high priests and Pharisees gather a council against Jesus 49Caiaphas prophesies 54Jesus hides himself 55At the Passover they enquire after him, and lay wait for him
Greek Commentary for John 11:14
Plainly [παρρησιαι] Adverb (see note on John 7:4), without metaphor as in John 16:29. Is dead First aorist active indicative, “died.” [source]
Philemon 1:8I might be much bold [πολλὴν παῤῥησίαν ἔχων] Better, as Rev., I have all boldness. Παῤῥησία boldnessis opposed to fear, John 7:13; to ambiguity or reserve, John 11:14. The idea of publicity may attach to it as subsidiary, John 7:4. [source]
What do the individual words in John 11:14 mean?
Thenthereforesaidto them-JesusplainlyLazarushas died
Greek Commentary for John 11:14
Adverb (see note on John 7:4), without metaphor as in John 16:29. Is dead First aorist active indicative, “died.” [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 11:14
The word may mean either without reserve (John 10:24; John 11:14), or without fear (John 11:54). [source]
Better, as Rev., I have all boldness. Παῤῥησία boldnessis opposed to fear, John 7:13; to ambiguity or reserve, John 11:14. The idea of publicity may attach to it as subsidiary, John 7:4. [source]