How does John 11:40 connect with Hebrews 11:6 about faith and pleasing God? Setting the Scene John 11 places us at the tomb of Lazarus. Jesus addresses Martha with a promise tied to faith. Hebrews 11 surveys generations who took God at His word. Both passages converge on a single truth: believing God invites His pleasure and reveals His glory. The Two Key Verses John 11:40: “Jesus replied, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’” Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Parallel Threads Between the Verses • Prerequisite of faith • Promise of divine response • Experience of God’s character—His glory in John, His reward in Hebrews • Personal approach: Martha stands at a tomb; the believer in Hebrews approaches the living God Faith as Jesus Defines It (John 11:40) • Faith opens eyes to “the glory of God”—His visible power and goodness • Belief is not abstract; it expects a concrete manifestation (see also John 2:11; John 11:4) • Martha’s choice to trust turned a hopeless grave into a stage for resurrection Faith as Hebrews Describes It (Hebrews 11:6) • Faith satisfies God’s heart; disbelief cannot substitute • Twofold conviction required: – God exists – God rewards earnest seekers • The reward is varied—protection (Noah), inheritance (Abraham), strength (Sarah), victory (others in vv. 33-35) Connecting Points 1. Jesus’ “you will see” equals Hebrews’ “He rewards.” Glory is the ultimate reward. 2. Both verses insist that faith precedes sight; proof follows trust, not vice-versa. 3. Pleasing God (Hebrews 11:6) means giving Him room to display His glory (John 11:40). How Believing Pleases God and Unleashes Glory • Faith honors God’s integrity—He keeps His word (Numbers 23:19). • Faith demonstrates reliance, shifting focus from human limits to divine sufficiency (2 Corinthians 1:9). • Because faith delights God, He answers with revelation—sometimes miraculous, always purposeful (Psalm 50:23). Practical Takeaways for Daily Life – Approach every obstacle as Martha’s tomb: an opportunity to trust and watch God work. – Hold to the twin convictions of Hebrews 11:6: “God exists; God rewards.” – Expect His glory in varied forms—deliverance, provision, sanctifying grace, eternal life (Philippians 4:19; Romans 8:18). – Speak faith aloud; Jesus verbally affirmed the promise before Lazarus emerged (John 11:41-42). Additional Scriptures That Echo the Link • Mark 9:23—“All things are possible to him who believes.” • John 20:29—Blessed are those who believe without seeing. • Psalm 34:15—The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous. • 2 Chronicles 16:9—The LORD’s eyes range to strengthen hearts fully devoted to Him. Summary John 11:40 and Hebrews 11:6 present two sides of one coin. Faith pleases God, and in response He reveals His glory—whether at a tomb in Bethany or in the varied arenas of our lives. Believe, approach Him, and expect to see His rewarding, glorious hand at work. |
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