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.’”
Extended Explanation
This verse is Jesus’ response to the news that His dear friend Lazarus is sick. At first glance, His words might seem confusing because, as the story unfolds, Lazarus does die. However, Jesus isn’t saying that Lazarus won’t die temporarily—He is pointing to the greater truth that death will not be the final outcome. Instead, Lazarus’ sickness and even his death will serve a greater purpose: to bring glory to God and reveal Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.
Jesus is making it clear that what seems like a tragedy is actually part of God’s plan. He is about to use this situation to show His power over death, proving that He is the source of life. This miracle will serve as a sign that points to His own coming resurrection, demonstrating that death does not have the final say when He is involved.
Historical Context
In the Jewish mindset, sickness and suffering were often associated with sin or divine punishment (John 9:2). People commonly assumed that bad things happened as a direct result of wrongdoing. But Jesus challenges that thinking. He explains that Lazarus’ sickness is not meaningless—it is not simply the result of fate or judgment. Instead, it is part of God’s greater plan.
By this point in Jesus’ ministry, His miracles had drawn massive attention. Religious leaders were becoming more hostile toward Him, and He knew that this miracle would escalate tensions further. Yet He chose to let Lazarus’ illness and death unfold, because through it, people would see the power of God in a way they had never seen before.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches a crucial truth: God’s glory is often revealed through suffering. Many people assume that God’s love means He will keep us from pain. But Jesus shows that sometimes God allows suffering so that something greater can come from it.
It also shows that Jesus is in complete control. He doesn’t panic when He hears that Lazarus is sick. He doesn’t rush to heal him. Instead, He confidently declares that this sickness will serve a greater purpose. This reminds us that no situation is beyond God’s plan—even when things look hopeless, He is still at work.
Additionally, this verse connects Jesus’ mission to God’s glory. Everything Jesus did was to reveal God’s power, love, and authority. Lazarus’ sickness was not an accident—it was an opportunity for God to show His power over death.
Literary Analysis
John often uses irony and foreshadowing in his writing, and this verse is a great example. Jesus says that the sickness “will not end in death,” yet Lazarus does die. This creates tension in the story—how can Jesus’ words be true if Lazarus is placed in a tomb? The answer comes later when Jesus raises him from the dead, proving that physical death is not the final word when God is at work.
Another key phrase is “so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks about His glory, but it is always tied to His mission to defeat sin and death. This miracle is not just about making people marvel—it is about pointing them to the ultimate victory Jesus will accomplish through His own death and resurrection.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 9:3 – “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (Another example of suffering being used for God’s glory.)
- 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.” (Reinforces that God uses even difficult situations for His purposes.)
- John 14:13 – “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (Shows how Jesus’ mission is always tied to bringing glory to God.)
- 2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (Encourages believers to see beyond present suffering to the greater purpose of God.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that suffering, hardship, and even death are not meaningless. When we face trials, we can trust that God is working behind the scenes for something greater. It may not always make sense to us at the moment, but nothing happens outside of His plan.
It also reassures us that God is never caught off guard by our struggles. Just as Jesus was not surprised by Lazarus’ sickness, He is not surprised by what we go through. He knows the outcome, and He sees the bigger picture.
Furthermore, this verse encourages us to trust in God’s timing. Jesus could have healed Lazarus instantly, but He didn’t. Instead, He allowed the situation to develop so that an even greater miracle could take place. Sometimes, we want immediate relief from our struggles, but God may have a bigger plan that requires us to wait.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Many people struggle with the idea that a loving God would allow suffering. This verse helps us understand that God’s love doesn’t always mean immediate rescue—it means working things out for a greater good.
Jesus loved Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, yet He allowed Lazarus to die. But He did not abandon them in their pain. Instead, He used it to reveal His power over death and to strengthen their faith.
This is a reminder that God’s love is bigger than just keeping us comfortable. Sometimes, He allows us to walk through difficult seasons so that we can experience His power in a deeper way.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is directly tied to Jesus’ mission. The miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection points to Jesus’ own resurrection, showing that He has power over life and death.
Later in John 11, Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). Raising Lazarus from the dead proves that He is telling the truth.
Additionally, this event sets the stage for Jesus’ final journey to the cross. After raising Lazarus, the religious leaders become even more determined to kill Him (John 11:53). So in a sense, this miracle leads directly to Jesus’ own death, which will bring the ultimate victory over sin.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever experienced a situation where something difficult led to something good? How did it change your faith?
- How does this verse challenge the idea that suffering means God doesn’t love us?
- What does Jesus’ confidence in God’s plan teach us about trusting Him in uncertain times?
- Are there areas in your life where you need to surrender control and trust God’s greater purpose?
- How does knowing that Jesus has power over death impact your daily faith?