John 11:15 – “And for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus tells His disciples that He is glad He was not there when Lazarus died. At first, this might seem like a shocking statement—why would Jesus be glad that His friend had died? But His next words explain the reason: “so that you may believe.”
Jesus was not happy about Lazarus’ suffering or his family’s grief. Instead, He saw a greater purpose behind this painful situation—it would strengthen the faith of His disciples and others who would witness what He was about to do.
If Jesus had been there when Lazarus was sick, He likely would have healed him. But by allowing Lazarus to die, Jesus created an opportunity for an even greater miracle: raising a man from the dead after four days in the tomb. This was not just about bringing comfort to Lazarus’ family—it was about revealing His divine power in a way that would lead people to deeper faith.
This verse teaches us that sometimes, God allows difficult situations in our lives not to harm us, but to grow our faith and show His power.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, death was considered final after three days. There was a common belief that a person’s soul might linger near the body for a short time, but by the fourth day, decay would have begun, and resurrection would seem impossible.
By waiting until the fourth day, Jesus ensured that there would be no doubt about what had happened. This was not a near-death experience—this was a full resurrection.
Additionally, in this time period, many people already believed Jesus was a prophet who could heal. But raising a man from the dead after four days would be an undeniable sign of His divine authority. This miracle would confirm that He was not just a teacher or a miracle worker—He was the Son of God with power over life and death.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several important truths about God’s plan and Jesus’ mission:
- God’s timing is always perfect. Jesus intentionally delayed His visit so that a greater miracle could happen. Even when we don’t understand why God allows delays in our lives, we can trust that His plan is for our ultimate good.
- Faith is often strengthened through trials. Jesus saw that this situation would lead to deeper faith for His disciples. Sometimes, our faith grows the most when we go through difficult situations and see God’s power at work.
- God allows suffering for a greater purpose. Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters, but He allowed them to experience grief so that they could later witness God’s glory in a way they never imagined. This reminds us that God is working even in our darkest moments.
Literary Analysis
This verse contains a paradox: Jesus says He is glad that He was not there to prevent Lazarus’ death. But His gladness is not about the death itself—it is about what will come from it. This contrast creates tension—the disciples are grieving Lazarus’ death, but Jesus is already looking forward to the victory that is coming.
The phrase “so that you may believe” is central to John’s Gospel. John repeatedly emphasizes that Jesus performed miracles not just to show power, but to bring people to faith (John 20:31). The raising of Lazarus was not just about helping one family—it was a sign pointing to Jesus’ true identity as the Messiah.
Jesus then says, “But let us go to him.” This signals that He is ready to act. The delay is over, and now He will reveal God’s glory in a way that no one expected.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 20:31 – “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John’s Gospel is focused on faith in Jesus.)
- Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (God allows trials for a greater purpose.)
- James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (Faith grows through challenges.)
- John 14:1 – “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (Faith in Jesus brings peace, even in difficult times.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that God’s delays are not denials. Sometimes, we pray for something and don’t get an immediate answer. Like Mary and Martha, we might feel like God is late. But Jesus was not late—He was right on time for something greater.
It also teaches us that trials are often the foundation for stronger faith. If we never faced difficulties, we would never see God’s power at work in our lives. The very things we fear the most—loss, hardship, uncertainty—are often the things that bring us closer to God.
Finally, this verse challenges us to trust God even when we don’t understand His plan. The disciples didn’t know what Jesus was about to do. They thought Lazarus’ death was the end of the story. But Jesus saw the bigger picture. In the same way, God sees the full story of our lives, even when we cannot.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Many people struggle with the idea that a loving God would allow suffering. But this verse shows that God’s love is not just about keeping us comfortable—it is about growing our faith and revealing His power.
Jesus loved Lazarus, Mary, and Martha deeply. But instead of preventing their suffering, He allowed it so that they could experience something greater—the power of resurrection. This is the kind of love that sees beyond temporary pain and works toward eternal good.
God does not waste our pain. He uses it to deepen our faith, to show His glory, and to draw us closer to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points forward to Jesus’ own death and resurrection. Just as Lazarus’ death would lead to a powerful miracle, Jesus’ own death would lead to the greatest victory of all—His resurrection from the grave.
This also connects to Jesus’ role as the giver of life. In John 11:25, He will declare, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Lazarus’ resurrection is just a preview of the ultimate resurrection that Jesus will bring to all who believe in Him.
Additionally, this verse shows Jesus’ commitment to His mission. He knew the cross was coming, but He pressed forward. His goal was not just to heal people—it was to bring eternal life through His own death and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever faced a situation where you thought God was “too late,” but later realized He was working for something greater?
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of suffering and faith?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God’s timing is better than your own?
- How does this verse encourage you to see trials as opportunities for growth?
- What does this passage teach us about Jesus’ power over life and death?