John 11:4
When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."
Jesus knew that Lazarus' illness and his death would not be the end of this story. We see Jesus wait two more days and then go to Mary and Martha and Lazarus, who is by now in a tomb. Jesus weeps with those who mourn Lazarus' death. Then, Lazarus is called out of the tomb, by Jesus. This miracle is for the benefit of all of those who would see it or will hear about it, finding themselves compelled to follow Jesus, believing in Him. This miracle glorifies God. [I also find verse 35, "Jesus wept" to be especially moving. (Perhaps for further study?)]
Holy Lord, you have blessed us with written accounts in scripture. The death of Lazarus and his healing is one of the most intense pieces of history saved for us. Thank you for this, and for all of the insight it brings. Amen
Becky, transforming
Thursday, December 7th, 2023
John 11:4
But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
Ginny comes to mind, reading this scripture because we care about her illness and health crisis, it’s very difficult to watch her suffer. We hurt, because she hurts. We are concerned over whether she will get well or not. We pray for healing, but sometimes it isn’t God’s will to heal. He knows that Lazarus is sick but delays several days before leaving to see the family. He himself knew that Lazarus’s sickness would not lead to death. This was His explanati…
John 11:4
Despite the miracle involved in the story of Lazarus, I have always wondered if the miracle was more important to Jesus than the sadness and despair of Martha and Mary. They had sent for him, but he didn’t come right away—in fact he waited two more days before he came. Yes, he knew he could perform a miracle, but it seems to me it came at great expense and sorrow to the sisters. Yes, Jesus wept. Lazarus was a friend, but…….
Prayer: Gracious God, help me to understand understand the timing of this story. Amen
John 11:4 I was taken by Becky’s question on the verse later in John 11, “Jesus wept.” The reason is that I had just finished a short reflection on it this morning. Here it is:
”When Jesus Wept
CHRISTIAN WIMAN
Jesus didn’t say anything at all in the moment of one particular verse, which is famous for being the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” The least words for the largest sorrow. It’s hardly a paradox. What is a paradox, though, is that Jesus weeps even though he knows what is going to happen: he will raise Lazarus from the dead. His knowledge spares him nothing. It’s almost as if “what is going to happen” is contingent upon human grief,…