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While still across the Jordan, Jesus received a message from Mary and Martha of Bethany in Judea that their brother Lazarus, his beloved friend, was ill (vv.1-3). He had supernatural insight into what would happen (v.4) and remained where he was for a while despite their appeal (vv.5-6). John’s mention of his affection for this family has the effect of intensifying the apparent incongruity of his inaction.
After two days Jesus determined to return to Judea, which alarmed the disciples (vv.7-8). His rejoinder spoke of the need to be performing God’s work while the opportunity lasted (vv.9-10; cf. 9:4). In this instance, doing so meant raising Lazarus from death, which he spoke of as sleep (v.11; cf. Mk 5:39 and parallels). The disciples thought he meant natural, healing sleep, but he made it plain that he was referring to the sleep of death and that what was about to take place would result not only in glory for God and his Son (v.4) but in belief on their part (vv.12-15). But that was yet to come. For the moment, the disciples' mood was one of resigned loyalty (v.16). On Thomas called Didymus (“the twin”) cf. 14:5; 20:24-28; 21:2.