“When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.”– John 11:4 (KJV)
“But when Jesus heard about it, he said, Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.”– John 11:4 (NLT)
“When Jesus got the report, he said, ‘This sickness is not fatal. It will become an occasion to show God’s glory by glorifying God’s Son.'”– John 11:4 (MSG)
What Does John 11:4 Mean?
This verse is a profound statement made by Jesus in response to a critical situation involving his friend, Lazarus. When Jesus receives word that Lazarus is gravely ill, he expresses a deep understanding of the circumstances at hand. By declaring that this sickness will not lead to death, he reveals a crucial aspect of his ministry: that God’s glory would be displayed through the situation. It emphasizes that not all suffering is without purpose, and sometimes challenges are opportunities for God’s power to be showcased. This is a vital lesson we can learn from Jesus’ response; he encourages us to see beyond the immediate challenges and focus on the greater picture of God’s plans and purposes.
The idea that a difficult circumstance can be used for good is a consistent theme throughout scripture. For example, in Romans 8:28, we are reminded that God works all things together for good to those who love him. So, we might find ourselves reflecting on our challenges, realizing they could be moments for God’s glory to shine through. Just like the situation Lazarus faced, it invites us to look at our lives and ask how we can find purpose even in tough times.
John 11:4 Explanation and Commentary
When Jesus says that Lazarus’ illness will not end in death, it offers profound hope. Jesus knew there was much more at play, including the intentions of God. It’s a statement that helps us understand that sometimes what looks like an ending in our lives is just the beginning of something greater that God wants to do in us and through us. This situation is also a reminder of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and his authority over life and death.
This statement wasn’t merely a comfort to the family or an indication of Lazarus’ fate. It was a declaration that conveyed Jesus’ divine power. By proclaiming that the sickness would not lead to death, he was indicating that he had authority over life itself. This brings to mind verses like John 14:13, where he promises that whatever we ask in his name, he will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Hence, our requests and prayers should always come with an expectation of God’s glory being revealed.
It is essential to understand that Jesus does not deny the reality of suffering. Instead, he acknowledges it while simultaneously declaring that it serves a greater purpose. That purpose is the glorification of God through miraculous works. We often encounter situations where we face trials and tribulations, but we can take comfort knowing that God can work through those experiences to show His glory. We can have our hearts set on seeking God’s glory in all circumstances, trusting Him to provide the outcomes that align with His plans for us.
Moreover, as we reflect on this passage, we can also learn the importance of faith. Jesus’ statement emphasizes a call to trust. It encourages us to have faith in God’s promises and His plan, especially when we face situations that seem dire. Faith is a profound way of acknowledging that God is sovereign and in control, even when we cannot see the bigger picture. This is a significant lesson in the life of a believer, as we are often called to trust when we cannot trace, to believe in the unseen.
Context of John 11:4
To understand the significance of John 11:4 fully, we must place it within the broader context of the Gospel of John. This incident occurs shortly before the resurrection of Lazarus, which is one of the most famous miracles Jesus performed. Up until this point, Jesus has performed various signs and wonders, but the resurrection of Lazarus serves as a major turning point that demonstrates his power over death.
The context reveals that Jesus received news about Lazarus’ sickness through messengers sent by his sisters, Mary and Martha. They expressed their urgency, hoping that Jesus would come quickly to heal Lazarus. However, Jesus delayed his arrival, which may seem perplexing at first glance. But this timing was intentional. It shows us that God’s timing is different from our own; while we may seek immediate relief from our struggles, God often has a more significant purpose that requires us to wait. This can be a hard lesson to learn, but it’s vital in developing our faith and patience.
Following John 11:4, we see Jesus intentionally allowing the situation to evolve to point towards a greater miracle that would proclaim his glory. As the narrative unfolds, we witness Jesus’ interaction with Martha and Mary, who both expressed their faith in him and their longing for him to be present before Lazarus died. In this light, the journey through their pain reveals how Jesus meets us in our grief and responds with compassion and love.
This narrative not only reveals Jesus’ divine authority but also sheds light on the personal relationships he had with the people surrounding him. It incorporates themes of faith, love, and the very human experience of suffering and loss. It becomes more than a story of healing; rather, it transforms into a testimony of faith, trust, and the glorification of God even in the face of despair.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 11:4
Firstly, we see the statement about the sickness. Jesus acknowledges that this illness is significant; it cannot be overlooked. He recognizes that Lazarus is indeed sick, but he reveals that it is not the end. This moment is critical as it directs our attention to how we view our own struggles. We may face sickness, loss, or despair, yet each of these might lead us to a place where we can experience God’s glory if we approach it with the right perspective.
Following this is the powerful statement that the illness is for God’s glory. This is a profound reminder that everything we pass through may have a purpose that extends beyond our understanding. God’s glory is the ultimate aim. In our lives, we may find ourselves saying, “Why me?” in difficult times, but we can also turn that into, “What will God do through me?” This transformative change in perspective fosters a deeper relationship with God.
Next, the mention of the Son of God is significant. It reaffirms the divinity of Jesus. He is both completely human and completely divine. His acknowledgment as the Son of God serves to remind us of his authority and accessibility. He is not a distant deity; he relates to our struggles, and He desires to intervene in our situations. God offers us eternal hope, and through believing in Him, we place our trust in someone who is all-powerful.
From this verse, we are also encouraged to position ourselves for breakthrough. It invites us to actively seek God’s glory in our lives. As we navigate through life, we are not merely here to exist, but to shine God’s light and reflect His glory in all that we do. A mindset where we expect God to be evident in our circumstances enables transformative experiences not only for us but also those around us. We become vessels through which God can operate. Our testimonies of trials and triumphs can inspire faith in others.
Lessons to Learn From John 11:4
This single verse offers ample lessons for us, most importantly about the nature of God and how He operates in our lives. Firstly, we are encouraged to view our struggles as opportunities. Rather than perceiving challenges solely as difficulties, we should see them as moments where God’s power can be revealed. Just like Jesus transformed Lazarus’ impending death into a glorious act, we too can anticipate transformative outcomes from our trials.
A second lesson is the power of faith. Lazarus’ story is not only about physical resurrection but also about believing in God’s promises even when facing dire circumstances. Jesus reassured Martha that if she believed, she would see the glory of God. This teaches us the importance of holding on to faith in our circumstances, no matter how tough they may seem. Faith acts as a bridge connecting our current reality with God’s eternal purposes.
Furthermore, we also learn that God’s timing is perfect. While we may feel urgency or panic in our situations, Jesus exemplifies patience and trust in God’s timing. We may not immediately receive the answers we seek or the relief we desire, but trusting in God’s plan assures us of His sovereignty. He sees the end from the beginning; He knows what we need before we ask. Our waiting might seem frustrating, but it is often a time for growth and preparation.
Lastly, we are reminded of the impact of our challenges on those around us. When God moves in our lives, it not only transforms us but also captivates the hearts and minds of others. Our experiences become testimonies that draw people closer to Him. Our struggles and victories can provide a beacon of hope for those who may be wrestling with their own challenges.
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on John 11:4, we can appreciate the powerful message it conveys. Jesus helps us understand that struggles can reveal God’s glory, encourage faith, and demand patience. It invites us to embrace our trials as opportunities to witness God’s work in our lives. Every moment of despair can be a setup for divine intervention. We can rest in the assurance that God’s plans for us are ultimately good, even when we cannot see the way forward.
This invitation to faith and patience challenges us to view our lives from a perspective of purpose rather than defeat. As we walk through life’s ups and downs, let us hold tightly to the truth that God is with us every step of the way. We encourage you to explore more from the Bible to deepen your understanding of God’s character. Looking at related passages such as John 7:10 can provide further insights. Check out John 7:13 or John 7:11 for perspectives about faith in the face of uncertainty. Through exploration, we grow in our knowledge of God and His promises.