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Commentaries
English
John
  
4But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it."5Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.6So, when he heard that he was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.7Then after this he said to his disciples, "Let us go into Judea again."8The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?"9Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any one walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.10But if any one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him."


When the news reached Jesus, he was aware of his struggle with the forces of death. He had predicted that the patient would not be prey of death, but in him God’s glory would shine. Jesus knew through the Holy Spirit what he had to do before his friend’s passing away, his authority would appear by raising a dead man before the gates of Jerusalem. So that the folk in Jerusalem would have no pretext for unbelief.
God’s glory and Christ’s glorification are one. Glory magnified, because he confronted death and won. Humanity at large agonizes at the prospect of death in its being. Death leads directly to extinction, they feel. Jesus knew his Father’s will and was not obsessed by death and its outcome, but realized the cause of death. He can plant life into a sick world.
Jesus did not go directly to Bethany; he delayed for two days. He let death swallow his friend. The disciples were dismayed to hear that he was going back to Judea; they had witnessed the attempt to stone him. The disciples did not feel for Lazarus, nor did they wish to witness God’s glory, but feared for their own lives.
At that point, Jesus used an illustration that one travels safely in daytime, but at night he may fall into obstacles and ravines. As the hour of crucifixion was nigh, the hours of daylight had not ended. They had to go to Jerusalem calmly, safe in God’s hands.
Whoever does not trust in God’s providence, will dwell in darkness like Jesus’ foes, because the light of faith has not risen on them. Thus Jesus asked his disciples to trust in him and his leading completely. Otherwise unbelief will draw them into darkness. This is our consolation in the darkest hour that nothing will befall us without the will of our Lord. In him is our confidence.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for being the Master of life; in your light we see the way. You lead us into the straight path, even when your enemies desire our ruin. Help us, not to delay, but be ready for pain and death for your sake. So that your care of us may be glorified by our faith.
Question
Why did Jesus speak of God’s glory, even though Lazarus died?