“And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.”– John 11:15 (KJV)
“And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”– John 11:15 (NLT)
“I’m glad I wasn’t there because now you’ll have a chance to see it for yourselves. Let’s go.”– John 11:15 (MSG)
What Does John 11:15 Mean?
In this verse, Jesus expresses His joy in not being present when Lazarus died. This can be puzzling at first because it seems cold or uncaring. However, we need to understand that Jesus had a greater plan. His statement emphasizes the importance of faith. He wanted the disciples to see God’s glory revealed through the miracle that was about to happen when He raised Lazarus from the dead. By not being there during Lazarus’ death, Jesus would increase the magnitude of the miracle, leading others to believe in Him more profoundly.
Jesus’s journey to Bethany to resurrect Lazarus is critical. It reminds us that sometimes, situations in our lives might look hopeless or tragic, but God is working in the background to bring about something spectacular. This verse teaches us that God’s timing may not align with our expectations. Just as Jesus waited before going to Lazarus, God may be waiting to reveal His plans in our lives. This encourages us to maintain our faith, even when we don’t immediately see the answer to our prayers.
John 11:15 Explanation and Commentary
In John 11:15, we find a moment where Jesus speaks to His disciples after learning about Lazarus’s death. This situation presents a unique opportunity for Jesus to teach His followers about faith and the nature of God’s plan. Jesus says He is glad He wasn’t there, not to suggest He didn’t care, but to highlight that He intended to demonstrate God’s glory through Lazarus’s resurrection.
This verse serves as a part of a larger narrative in which we see God’s sovereignty on full display. Jesus knew ahead of time that He would raise Lazarus from the dead, showcasing His divine authority. When we look at this in the context of the entire chapter, we see that the miracle was less about Lazarus and more about encouraging belief in Jesus as the Son of God. The resurrection of Lazarus was a foreshadowing of Jesus’s own resurrection, bridging the gap between death and life, despair and hope.
Furthermore, when Jesus states He is glad for their sake, it implies He desires for His disciples to grow in their belief. He wanted them to see the miracle and understand that faith is not always about what we see; it’s about what we believe. This is significant because it speaks to our daily lives. We often want immediate answers or signs, yet Jesus reminds us that sometimes we must wait to witness something greater. This passage encourages us to reflect on our walk with God and challenges us to strengthen our faith, trusting in His plans even amidst despair.
As we contemplate what it means to believe in something unseen, we can draw comfort in knowing that God is actively working in our lives, even when we don’t recognize it. Faith is about trusting in God’s character and promises, similar to how the disciples had to trust in Jesus as they followed Him towards Bethany.
Context of John 11:15
To fully grasp John 11:15, we must understand the broader context. Lazarus was a friend of Jesus, and when he fell ill, his sisters, Mary and Martha, sent for Jesus, hoping He would come to heal Him. However, Jesus delayed His arrival. By the time He reached Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. This time gap reveals the gravity of the situation and amplifies the miracle that is about to take place.
In Jewish culture, the dead were considered to have been fully and completely gone after three days. Jesus waiting for four days ensured that no one could refute the miracle that was about to take place. This context emphasizes the message Jesus is delivering through His actions. It challenges both the disciples and Martha when they question why Jesus didn’t arrive sooner.
In the preceding verses, we see Martha confronting Jesus, expressing if He had been there, her brother would not have died. Jesus, in response, describes Himself as “the resurrection and the life.” This powerful statement reveals Jesus’s identity and purpose; He is the one who brings life even in the darkest situations. His delay serves to magnify the miracle, bringing forth belief. By stating in verse 15 that He is glad He wasn’t there, Jesus aims to shift the focus from the death of Lazarus to the faith that will arise from his resurrection.
Understanding this context allows us to appreciate the depth of Jesus’s message of faith. Each moment leading to Lazarus’s resurrection carries significance; every question posed adds layers to the developing narrative of faith, resurrection, and life. This event would ultimately lead to many believing in Jesus, reinforcing His messianic mission.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 11:15
Examining the key phrases in John 11:15 reveals deep insights into Jesus’s character and divine purpose. When Jesus says, “I am glad,” it reflects His view of events from a perspective beyond human feelings. He is not dismissing the sorrow of death but rather focusing on the wonderful outcome resulting from it. His gladness isn’t a superficial happiness; it speaks to a profound understanding of the impact of faith.
When we consider the phrase “for your sakes,” it emphasizes Jesus’ commitment to the disciples’ spiritual growth. He knows the miracle will strengthen their faith, helping them to understand who He is better. It’s a reminder that often times the struggles and trials we face serve a greater purpose in our spiritual journeys. Jesus is saying that sometimes, it is necessary for things to appear bleak before hope can be restored.
The phrase “that you may believe,” is fundamental. Faith is at the heart of our relationship with God. Jesus presents the challenge that true belief isn’t merely academic; it requires a personal encounter with His power. This declaration about belief foreshadows the coming miracle, which will show the disciples—and us—that even death is subject to His authority. As we meditate on this, we recognize that faith often grows through struggles and challenges, as we learn to trust God in the unknown.
Finally, the call to “let us go unto him” symbolizes the active participation in faith. Jesus invites His disciples on this journey, emphasizing that faith is not a passive state but a journey filled with steps of commitment and trust. Their trek to see Lazarus becomes a metaphor for all believers. We too are invited to follow Jesus, trusting in His timing, which may often differ from ours.
Lessons to Learn From John 11:15
John 11:15 is rich with lessons for us as we navigate our lives. One primary takeaway is the importance of faith amid uncertainty. Just as Jesus used the scene of grief to teach the disciples about believing in the impossible, we too are challenged to trust God when our circumstances seem bleak or hopeless. When we feel overwhelmed, it is vital to remember that God has a plan that may not align with our immediate perceptions.
Another lesson is that God’s timing is perfect. We often desire prompt answers to our prayers, yet God uses waiting periods to prepare us and to manifest His glory. Timing can teach us patience and resilience, reminding us that spiritual growth often comes through our experiences with waiting and trusting.
The willingness to go where God leads us, regardless of our feelings, is another vital lesson. As Jesus invites His disciples to go to Bethany, He asks them to follow Him into a challenging situation. Similarly, we are invited to move forward in faith, even when these moments seem daunting. Trusting in God involves letting go of our fears and stepping into unknown territories.
Finally, we learn about the profound impact of miracles in our lives. Just as the resurrection of Lazarus brought many to faith, the miraculous moments in our lives can strengthen not only our faith but also the faith of those around us. God’s actions in our lives can serve as testimonies of His goodness and glory, encouraging others to believe.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on John 11:15 invites us to consider how we approach our situations of sorrow and uncertainty. Just as Jesus pointed His disciples towards a deeper faith, we are offered the same opportunity. The story teaches us that every encounter with Jesus can lead to transformation and renewed belief. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, we can cling to the hope that even in the waiting, God is working towards an extraordinary outcome.
Many of us have experienced moments where it seemed like all hope was lost. However, these moments can serve as stepping stones to discovering God’s incredible power. John 11:15 challenges us to embrace our faith, trusting in God’s perfect timing and acknowledging that every trial is an invitation to grow closer to Him. As we remember that God is always present in our struggles, let us also encourage others in their journeys of faith.
If you wish to explore more about faith and miracles in the Bible, consider reading passages such as John 7:3 or John 7:8. Each story contributes to our overall understanding of God’s promises and His unwavering love for us.