Definition: Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this short verse from John 11:12. It’s a really interesting and slightly unsettling passage about Jesus’s death. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus was wounded severely on the cross. He died for our sins and to offer forgiveness. Because of this, he’s now considered dead. Let's unpack it word by word: “John 11:12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.” – This is the core of the verse. The disciples are worried and expressing a concern. They’re asking, "Lord, if Jesus is dead, will he really be okay?" What does it mean? It's a powerful metaphor for acknowledging that death is permanent and that Jesus’s sacrifice is ultimately victorious. Here's what it suggests: “Lord” : This isn't a formal address to Jesus. It’s a way of saying “Hey, Jesus, you’re in a difficult situation.” “If he sleep…” : This means Jesus is not alive. He’s physically dead. “…he shall do well” : This is the key part. "Well" here implies good or successful . It suggests that despite his death, Jesus's sacrifice will ultimately lead to a better future for humanity – a future of redemption and eternal life. Symbolic Meaning: The verse can be interpreted as: Jesus’s sacrifice is the foundation for our hope. It’s the beginning of a new cycle of life and resurrection. His death isn't an ending, but a transformation. It sets us free from sin and allows us to participate in God’s love and eternal life. In essence, it's a plea for faith – that even though Jesus is dead, he will ultimately be victorious and bring about a better future. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Talk about its theological significance?