A certain man was ill in the village of Bethany–the home of Mary and Martha (John 11). Now, John hasn’t really mentioned Mary and Martha. Maybe not at all yet. But he cites a story that Luke actually shares in his gospel. It’s a story Christians loved to tell, apparently, one that was in circulation among early Christians.
Their brother, Lazarus, is sick. He’s really sick.
Perhaps in desperation, certainly in faith, his sisters send for their friend, Jesus. And I love the message they send to him. “Lord, he whom you love is ill.”
Jesus responds, “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.”
Jesus Acts for the Glory of God
What does that mean? If we’re not careful that can just be spiritual mumbo jumbo, meaningless words we throw together to sound spiritual.
This sickness does not end in death.
This sickness ends in God being glorified. Here’s what I think Jesus is telling them: This sickness ends in the glory of God (the greatness and power of God) being seen.
What happens next will teach everyone watching something about the nature and work of God.
When people look at Lazarus, they will not see a dead body.
When people look at Lazarus, they will see one who has been resurrected by God–by Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God incarnate.
Jesus is revealing himself as Lord of Life and Death and that is for our good (for Lazarus’ good, Mary and Martha’s good) and his glory.
God works the same way in our lives. He works mightily in us that others might see his mightiness. Our good and God’s glory are in the same direction. God revealing himself to us is good for us.
Jesus tells Mary and Martha that their brother’s illness does not end in death, but in the glory of God.