What does John 11:14 mean?

To this point, Jesus has waited two days after receiving word about Lazarus' illness. He sent back a reassuring message to Lazarus' sisters. What the disciples don't know is that Lazarus was dead before the messenger arrived to speak with Jesus. They do know that the religious leaders of Judea want to kill Jesus, and so He has stayed out of that area. So when Jesus says it's time to go to Judea, to "awaken" Lazarus, they are confused.

Jesus' words here don't provide much explanation for the disciples. Jesus flatly tells them that His friend is dead. The disciples were hesitant to risk death just to wake a sleeping man. To go see a man who's already dead seems even less sensible. At the same time, these men know that Jesus has power. Even when others have fallen away, they've been faithful, even when they don't fully understand (John 6:66–69). The following verses will show that even if they're fearful, they're loyal (John 11:16).