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John 11:4 (BSB)
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.”
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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“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
In this moment, Jesus hears some alarming news about a friend who is seriously ill. But instead of panicking or expressing sadness, He offers a surprising perspective. He confidently declares that this sickness isn’t going to end in death. Can you feel the weight of those words? It’s like a light breaking through a foggy day. Jesus is saying this situation has a purpose beyond what people can see. He’s hinting that something amazing is about to happen that will show the world just how powerful and glorious He is. It’s a bold statement filled with hope, and it invites you to trust in something bigger than your current struggles.
The book of John was written by one of Jesus' closest friends, the Apostle John. He wanted to share the deeper truths about who Jesus is and why He came to earth. John included this specific detail to show how Jesus operates differently than we might expect. He often looks beyond our immediate situations and sees a bigger picture. John’s perspective is intimate; he witnessed Jesus’ compassion and power firsthand, and he wants you to understand that even in tough times, there’s reason to believe in hope and purpose.
This story unfolds in a world where sickness and death were common, and hope often felt out of reach. John wrote this account around 90 AD, a time when the early followers of Jesus were facing persecution and uncertainty. The Jewish community was under Roman rule, and many were grappling with their faith in difficult circumstances. Knowing this historical backdrop helps you appreciate the weight of Jesus’ words, as He offers a radical message of hope and glory right in the midst of despair. It’s a message that cuts through cultural struggles and speaks to the heart of human experience.
This verse speaks directly to your life today because it reminds you that even in your toughest moments, there’s more going on than meets the eye. When challenges arise, it’s easy to feel hopeless, but Jesus’ words encourage you to look for the bigger picture. They invite you to trust that your struggles can lead to something greater, even if you can’t see it right now. It’s about finding confidence in the idea that your pain can have purpose, and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel that can reveal something beautiful and powerful.
This week, try to shift your perspective when faced with a challenge. Instead of focusing solely on the negative, ask yourself, 'What good could come from this situation?' Maybe it’s a chance to learn something new, grow closer to someone, or find a way to help others. When you face difficulties, remind yourself of this verse and hold onto the hope that there’s a greater purpose in play. You might even jot down a few moments where you can see the good shining through the tough times, and share them with someone to inspire them too.
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus. Before this, Lazarus is gravely ill, and his sisters, Mary and Martha, send word to Jesus, hoping He will come and heal him. But instead of rushing to help, Jesus waits. When He finally speaks these words, it’s like a promise that this moment of despair is not the end. He’s setting the stage for what’s next—a miraculous act that will not just save Lazarus, but will reveal His true identity to everyone watching. This moment shifts the narrative from worry to anticipation, igniting a powerful climax in the chapter that shows how Jesus’ actions are all about revealing glory and love.
When you think about the challenges in your own life, how might you see them differently if you believed they were leading to something greater?
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