The Gospel of John shows the Lord Jesus as the Son of God who was sent by the Father and who lived in constant dependence on Him. This dependence is seen in not only what He did but also when He did it.

In chapter 2, Jesus’ mother noticed that the wine at the wedding feast had run out. Her indirect suggestion that Jesus may do something about it was rejected by the Lord as His time had not come. He did not listen to the well-meant remark of His mother but waited for His Father’s guidance. When the right time came, He did a miracle to supply new wine.

In chapter 7, Jesus’ brothers asked Him to go to Jerusalem to show Himself to the world. This fleshly thinking the Lord had to reject—again, His time had not yet come. A few days later, He went to the Feast of Tabernacles because now the Father’s time had come. But He went “not openly, but as it were in secret” (7:10).

In chapter 11, Martha and Mary let the Lord know that their brother was sick. Again, the Lord waited and did not act at once. Only after two days, when Lazarus had already died, did He go to Bethany and raise Lazarus from the dead.

We have the privilege of watching His behavior and learning from Him. Even if God can use the remarks of men to let us know His will, we need to be awake, waiting for the heavenly guidance.