John 11:3-7 is about the deep love and faithfulness of Jesus towards his friends, demonstrating that despite the circumstances of illness and death, he is present and active in bringing about greater glory and belief in himself as the Son of God.
3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.”
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.”
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”
Setting the Scene for John 11:3-7
In John chapter 11, we find a poignant scene unfolding in the town of Bethany. The main characters in this narrative are Jesus, Mary, and Martha, who are siblings. The story begins with a message sent to Jesus informing him that their brother, Lazarus, is very ill. Mary and Martha are deeply concerned for their brother’s well-being and are hopeful that Jesus, known for his miraculous healing powers, will come to their aid.
As the scene progresses, we see Jesus deliberating on his next course of action. Despite the urgency of the situation, he chooses to remain where he is for two more days before setting out for Bethany. This decision may seem puzzling at first, but it serves a greater purpose in revealing Jesus’ divine power and glory. The tension and anticipation build as Mary, Martha, and the rest of the community wait anxiously for Jesus to arrive and witness the unfolding of a miraculous event that will strengthen their faith and belief in him.
The setting in Bethany is one of worry and anticipation, with the dusty streets filled with concerned neighbors and friends offering support to Mary and Martha. The atmosphere is heavy with emotions as the sisters grapple with their brother’s illness and the uncertainty of his fate. Meanwhile, Jesus’ deliberate delay adds a layer of suspense to the narrative, setting the stage for a powerful display of his authority over life and death.
What is John 11:3-7 about?
The delay of Jesus in going to Lazarus in this verse serves a deeper purpose in demonstrating God’s power and strengthening the faith of his disciples and followers. Jesus wanted to show that even in the face of death, God’s power and glory could overcome any obstacle by deliberately waiting to go to Lazarus. It was a test of faith for those around him, to see if they would continue to believe in him even when things seemed hopeless.
Imagine the disciples and followers feeling confused and distressed, wondering why Jesus would delay when their friend was in such need. But by showing up later and performing the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus solidified their belief in his divine power. The delay was not out of neglect or lack of care, but a strategic move to deepen their faith and show them that God’s timing is always perfect, even when it seems like a delay to us. It’s a powerful lesson in trust and faith that continues to resonate with believers today.
Understanding what John 11:3-7 really means
In the narrative of the raising of Lazarus in John 11:3-7, we are presented with a poignant moment where the deep bond between Jesus and Lazarus is revealed through a simple message: “Lord, the one you love is sick.” This phrase not only underscores the intimacy of their relationship but also humanizes Jesus, showing His capacity for profound personal connections. It reminds us that Jesus, despite His divinity, fully embraced the human experience of love and friendship.
Moreover, when Jesus declares, “This sickness will not end in death,” He is not only foretelling the miraculous resurrection to come but also showcasing His divine authority over life and death. This statement serves as a testament to His omniscience and omnipotence, highlighting His power to transcend earthly limitations and bring about extraordinary outcomes beyond human comprehension.
The subsequent revelation, “It is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it,” unveils the overarching purpose behind Lazarus’s illness and subsequent resurrection. It emphasizes that even in moments of suffering and despair, God’s ultimate plan is at work, aiming to reveal His glory and magnify the divinity of Jesus. This profound truth challenges us to view our own trials and tribulations through a lens of faith, trusting that God’s greater purpose is unfolding, even when we cannot perceive it.
As Jesus resolves, “Let us go back to Judea,” despite the imminent danger to His own life, He exemplifies unparalleled courage and unwavering commitment to His mission. This act of selflessness and determination underscores His sacrificial love and dedication to fulfilling the will of the Father, regardless of personal cost. It serves as a compelling example for us to embrace courageously the challenges that come our way, knowing that God’s strength sustains us in the face of adversity.
In contemplating these verses, we are reminded of Jesus’ proclamation in John 11:25-26, where He declares, “I am the resurrection and the life.” This profound statement reaffirms His authority over death and offers us the assurance of eternal life through Him. It beckons us to place our trust in the One who conquered death itself, finding solace in the promise of resurrection and the hope of everlasting life in His presence.
In a world marked by uncertainty and fear, the narrative of Lazarus’s resurrection resonates deeply with us today. It speaks to the power of faith, the significance of trusting in God’s plan, and the assurance that even in our darkest moments, He is with us, working all things for our good. This timeless message of hope and encouragement reminds us that our struggles, like Lazarus’s sickness, can ultimately serve a greater purpose, revealing God’s glory and magnifying His redemptive work in our lives.
How can our faith sustain us in hard times?
Our faith can sustain us in hard times by reminding us that God is with us and that He has a plan for each of us. Just like in the story of Lazarus in John 11, where Jesus knew about Lazarus’ sickness and eventual death before it happened, our faith allows us to trust that even in the midst of difficulties and trials, God is always in control and working for our good. During these challenging times, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that we are not alone, and that God’s love and power are greater than any obstacle we may face.
Furthermore, our faith can sustain us by helping us to persevere and hold on to hope. Our faith teaches us to trust in God’s timing and to keep believing even when things seem impossible, just as Jesus delayed going to Lazarus to show God’s glory through the miraculous resurrection. Through prayer, scripture, and the support of a faith community, we can find the encouragement and resilience needed to endure hardships and come out stronger on the other side. Our faith reminds us that God is faithful and He will never leave us nor forsake us, no matter how tough the circumstances may be.
Application
Imagine your life as a demanding project at work or a difficult moment with family. When challenges strike, like Mary and Martha calling out to Jesus for their brother Lazarus, we must reach out for help. This is a call to action: trust in the power of faith, seek comfort and healing where you need it most. Are you ready to turn to that source of strength when life’s trials weigh you down?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.