What does "for the glory of God" reveal about Jesus' mission in John 11:4? Setting the Scene “When Jesus heard this, He said, ‘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) What “for the glory of God” Signals • The crisis is deliberately framed by Jesus as part of a divine plan, not a random tragedy. • God’s glory—not merely Lazarus’s recovery—is the main objective. • The miracle will spotlight Jesus Himself: “so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Jesus’ Consistent Purpose • John 2:11 – Turning water into wine “revealed His glory.” Miracles point upward. • John 17:1–4 – Moments before the cross, Jesus prays, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son… I have glorified You on earth.” The pattern holds steady: Father and Son glorify one another. • John 12:27–28 – “For this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” Raising Lazarus foreshadows the cross, both serving the same mission. Revealing Jesus as Life Incarnate • John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life.” The glory displayed is inseparable from Jesus’ identity. • By conquering Lazarus’s tomb, Jesus puts His own claim on public display, authenticating every promise of eternal life. The Miracle’s Ripple Effect • John 11:45 – Many believe in Him; the Father receives honor as hearts turn in faith. • John 11:53 – Opposition hardens, leading to the cross. Even resistance furthers the redemptive plan, showing God’s sovereignty in all outcomes. Takeaways for Today • Every act of Christ, including our salvation, ultimately showcases God’s glory (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14). • Suffering can become a platform for divine honor when placed in His hands (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). • Recognizing this purpose deepens trust: if Jesus steered Lazarus’s illness toward glory, He can steer our trials likewise. Summary “For the glory of God” in John 11:4 unveils Jesus’ mission as a deliberate, sovereign display of God’s honor through every work He performs—culminating in His own death and resurrection. The raising of Lazarus isn’t merely compassionate; it is a strategic revelation that the Father and the Son are glorified together as Jesus demonstrates Himself to be the resurrection and the life. |
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