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John 11:15 (BSB)
and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”” — John 11:15
In this moment, you're witnessing a powerful blend of emotion and purpose. Jesus is speaking to his friends, and he’s expressing that, surprisingly, he’s actually glad he wasn’t there when Lazarus died. Why? So that you can believe! It’s as if he's saying, 'I want you to see something amazing that will strengthen your faith!' There’s a sense of anticipation and urgency in his voice as he decides to go to Lazarus. Can you feel the tension and hope in the air? It’s a turning point, filled with promise and potential!
This book was written by John, one of Jesus's closest friends. He had a unique perspective because he was there, witnessing all these incredible events firsthand. John wanted to share the heart of Jesus, showing how much he cared for people and how powerful his actions were. Including this detail about being glad he wasn’t there shows John’s understanding of Jesus’s deeper purpose: to reveal God’s glory and bring people to faith. It’s a personal account from someone who truly loved and admired Jesus!
This was written in a time when the Jewish people were grappling with heavy expectations and a longing for hope amidst suffering. Jesus’s actions and words were radical, challenging the norms of the day. The cultural backdrop was filled with people seeking answers, healing, and understanding of who God is. By this time, Jesus was well-known, and his miracles were drawing attention. Knowing this context helps you appreciate the weight of what’s happening here—it’s a pivotal moment in a society filled with questions and doubts.
This verse matters because it speaks directly to you today! It reminds you that sometimes things might look bleak or hopeless, but there’s a bigger picture at play. Jesus’s gladness about not being there isn’t about being callous; it’s about seeing the potential for something greater. It’s a nudge to trust that even in your toughest moments, there could be a purpose that leads to deeper belief and hope. This verse encourages you to look beyond immediate circumstances and have faith that something incredible can come from your struggles.
Take a moment this week to reflect on something in your life that feels hopeless or overwhelming. Instead of getting stuck in the worry, ask yourself how this situation could lead to something positive. Maybe journal about it or talk to a friend about your feelings. You can also look for examples in your life where you've seen hope emerge from difficult times. This is your chance to practice faith in action—believing that something good can come out of tough situations!
To understand this verse, let’s zoom out a bit. Earlier in this chapter, Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, has fallen seriously ill. Mary and Martha, Lazarus’s sisters, sent for Jesus, but he didn’t come right away. When he finally arrives, Lazarus has been dead for four days! This moment is electric; Jesus knows this situation seems hopeless, but he’s about to change everything. By saying he’s glad he wasn’t there, he sets the stage for an incredible miracle that will not only bring Lazarus back to life but also deepen the faith of everyone involved. It’s a dramatic build-up that makes this moment so significant!
What does it mean for you to trust that even in difficult times, there might be a greater purpose at work?
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