John 11:8 Commentary and Bible Study

Anxious for him, they did not want to lose him; anxious for themselves. So, even with that hatred, and plot for his life, he goes and he announces himself to be the resurrection and the life and restores to life Lazarus as a great sign of his power. The disciples challenge him, ‘Why are you going back into certain death and difficulty?’ We could look at all the references in the previous chapters, where the death intention, the plot to kill him, gains ground, and develops in intensity. And the Lord says, ‘There are twelve hours in the day’ – you cannot shorten the day; he means that ‘My mission and my work must run its course.’ Why, he is only days away from arrest and crucifixion, yet he has a course to finish, he has more to teach, he has this crowning demonstration of his power to work even in the midst of the threats against his life.