Connect John 11:4 with Romans 8:28 regarding God's plans for believers. Setting the Scene in John 11:4 • Lazarus is gravely ill. His sisters expect Jesus to rush to Bethany. • Jesus responds: “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4) • The Lord declares the outcome before events unfold, revealing complete control over every detail. Romans 8:28—God’s Sovereign Assurance • “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) • “All things” includes the pleasant and the painful, the expected and the shocking. • The “good” is not always immediate comfort; it is the ultimate aim of conforming believers to Christ (v. 29). Bridging the Passages • John 11:4 provides a real–life illustration of Romans 8:28. – The sickness appears disastrous, yet Jesus states it will serve a greater purpose. – The “good” is the manifestation of God’s glory and the strengthening of faith (John 11:15). • Romans 8:28 supplies the theological principle; John 11 shows it in action. – Principle: God governs every circumstance for believers’ good. – Illustration: Even death is subordinate to that purpose (John 11:25–26). God’s Purposes Unfold in Layers • Immediate layer: Lazarus’s resurrection demonstrates Jesus’ messianic authority. • Broader layer: Witnesses believe (John 11:45), fulfilling the evangelistic spread of the gospel. • Ultimate layer: The event propels Jesus toward the cross (John 11:53), accomplishing redemption for all who believe. Additional Biblical Echoes • Genesis 50:20—What others intend for evil, God intends for good. • John 9:3—A man’s blindness exists “so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” • 2 Corinthians 4:17—“Our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory.” • Jeremiah 29:11—God’s plans are “plans to prosper you… to give you a future and a hope.” Key Takeaways for Believers Today • Circumstances do not dictate God’s plan; God dictates the outcome of circumstances. • Present trials are instruments in the Father’s hand to reveal His glory and deepen trust. • The promise of Romans 8:28 is not wishful thinking; John 11:4 shows it operating in real time. • Because Scripture is true and literal, every believer can rest in the certainty that God is actively weaving each event—large or small—into a tapestry of eternal good. Putting It into Practice • Revisit trials through the lens of John 11:4 and Romans 8:28: if God turned death into glory, He can turn your hardship into spiritual gain. • Speak God’s promises aloud, anchoring your hope in the unchanging character of Christ. • Anticipate His glory on display, trusting that every chapter of your life will ultimately serve His purpose and your everlasting good. |
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