But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” John 11:4
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 11:1-4, where we see the beginning of the story of Lazarus, whom we know from the larger story arc is ill and dies, and that Jesus raises him from the dead. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: In response to Mary and Martha seeking His help to heal - their brother - Lazarus who is ill (v3), Jesus shares that "[t]his illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (v4)[.] Jesus is all knowing and His ways are perfect. He knows that Lazarus will die but that He will raise Lazarus from the dead. Since the Fall, when sin entered the world, as a result, we experience brokenness in many forms including sickness, pain, suffering, death, etc. God is in control (Colossians 1:15-17) and this is all part of God's plan and He uses all of this for His purpose and glory (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). God wants us to bring our cares and concerns to Him - to cast our worries and cares at His feet (1 Peter 5:7).
- What do we learn from the text about people?: We learn in v2 that Mary loves Jesus because she anointed Jesus' feet with expensive ointment (see also Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8). None of us want to experience sickness, pain, suffering, death, etc., nor do we want any of our loved ones to experience these things. So of course Mary and Martha naturally seek the help of Jesus because they have seen Him heal others and now they seek His help for their brother.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise that Jesus knows everything about us, loves us, heals us (now or for eternity), and saves us. Also claim the promise that God is in control, perfect and that all that we experience serves to bring Him glory - even brokenness. Follow Mary and Martha's initial example to lay our cares and concerns at Jesus' feet.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God, Creator of all, in all, perfect in all ways, and You love us and want to save as many as possible. Thank You Jesus for listening to our cries and for saving us. I am not deserving of how You love and save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
