3/16/10 John 11
Ready to Die for the Glory of God
(Jn 11:4)4But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”
Jesus gets word from Mary and Marta that their brother Lazarus is very sick. They send this message with the hope that Jesus will come and heal him. Jesus is either somewhere beyond the Jordan (John 10:40) or back in Galilee at this time. When Jesus gets word He does not immediately respond, but know that this sickness will result in death, but that will not be the end of the story. So two days after Jesus received the message He then tells His disciples that it is time to go to the town of Bethany in Judea. The disciples gasp at this decision because Jesus is a wanted man in Judea. They know that if He goes to Judea or Jerusalem it could mean His life.
Jesus tells the disciples that Lazarus is dead and He must go for their sakes so that they may believe. That seems like pretty strong language to tell a group that has already been following for a couple of years.
What is amazing and often over looked is how Thomas responds in verse 16. Thomas is often known as doubting Thomas, but here he is the one that steps out in belief, faith, and commitment. He encourages the other disciples to join Jesus in going to Judea and prepare to die with Jesus.
So the question for us is; Are we ready to die for the glory of God? What if God brings sickness in your life that ends in death. Will you be faithful to the end? It may be sickness or death is God’s sovereign plan in order to bring Him the most possible glory. Can you truly say, “Lord, your will be done?”
It may be that His will is for you is to join Him in places that you are hesitant to go to at the moment. He may want to demonstrate His glory through your life. It was just a couple of weeks ago that I heard the statement, “Everyone wants a miracle, but no one is willing to put themselves in the place where they need one.” Do you desire to see the glory of God? Do you want to see the Son of God glorified? It may be that He wants you to follow Him to a place that is hostile, but we must remember John’s mantra during Jesus visits to Jerusalem and the surrounding areas, “His hour has not yet come” (John 7:30, 8:20). In God’s perfect will you can personalize that saying. We will notice in the next couple of days, in chapter 12 and 13 “The hour has come” and His death and departure from the world is not far off.
Prayer: Father prepare me to do your divine will that you will be glorified in me. “ (Php 1:19-20)19for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” In Jesus name. Amen.