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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just say Lazarus won't die; he frames the entire event as a divine setup. The sickness isn't a tragedy despite God's love, but a deliberate stage for revealing God's glory and the Son's power, even through what appears to be death.
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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus receives news that his dear friend Lazarus is gravely ill, but instead of immediately rushing to his side, he deliberately delays his journey. He explains to his disciples that this sickness isn't ultimately a tragic end, but rather a divine setup for God's glory and his own glorification, hinting at a miraculous outcome.
When Jesus heard Lazarus was sick, He didn't immediately rush over. Instead, He declared the illness wasn't 'unto death.' What did that mean, and how does it change how we view suffering?
Jesus' words, 'This illness does not lead to death,' aren't a denial that Lazarus would experience physical death. Instead, they point to a deeper truth: the sickness would not have death as its ultimate outcome.
A Temporary Setback
The phrase 'unto death' suggests a final, irreversible end. Jesus is assuring His disciples, and by extension us, that this sickness is a temporary state, not a final destination. It's a detour, not the end of the road.
Divine Purpose in Suffering
Jesus immediately connects this temporary state to God's glory: 'It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.' This reveals a profound perspective: even in moments of sickness and distress, God is working towards a purpose that will ultimately magnify His name. Our suffering, while painful, can become a platform for God's power and glory to be displayed.
Jesus links the display of God's glory directly to His own glorification. What does this tell us about the relationship between the Father and the Son, and how they work together?
Jesus’ statement, 'so that the Son of God may be glorified through it,' highlights the intrinsic unity between the Father and the Son in their actions and purposes.
One Purpose, One Glory
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When Jesus speaks of God's glory, He's not talking about a separate glory for the Father and another for Himself. He is revealing that the glory of God and the glory of the Son are intertwined, essentially one and the same. What brings glory to the Father also brings glory to the Son, and vice versa.
Divine Mission Fulfilled
This miracle wasn't just about healing Lazarus; it was a strategic move in Jesus' divine mission. By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus would provide an undeniable demonstration of His power over death itself. This display would unequivocally reveal His divine identity and purpose, thereby glorifying both Himself and His Father in the eyes of those who witnessed it and in the unfolding of salvation history.
Understand the original words
thanatos · Greek Noun
The state of physical existence ending in the cessation of life; spiritually, it is the result of sin, which Christ ultimately overcomes through His own resurrection.
doxa · Greek Noun
The manifestation of God's presence, majesty, and divine attributes to His creation; it is the ultimate aim of all creation and redemption.
Huios tou Theou · Greek Noun phrase
A title affirming Jesus’ unique, eternal relationship with the Father; it signifies His deity, divine origin, and role as the perfect representative of God to humanity.
This event occurs late in Jesus' ministry, just before His own crucifixion. The raising of Lazarus is a powerful demonstration of His authority over death, serving as a pivotal sign that directly leads to the final decision of the religious authorities to have Him killed.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and performing miracles, attracting large crowds and gaining followers, while also drawing opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Lazarus Falls Ill
Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus living in Bethany, becomes seriously ill. His sisters, Mary and Martha, send a message to Jesus, who is currently on the other side of the Jordan River.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Delays His Arrival
Despite knowing Lazarus is sick, Jesus intentionally stays in his location for two more days. This delay is crucial for the miraculous event that is about to unfold.
c. AD 27-30
Lazarus Dies and is Buried
Lazarus succumbs to his illness and is buried in a tomb. By the time Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has been dead for four days.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Raises Lazarus
Jesus goes to Lazarus's tomb, prays, and calls out to him, commanding him to come out. Lazarus emerges from the tomb, alive, demonstrating Jesus' divine power over death.
c. AD 30
Growing Opposition and Plotting
The miracle of raising Lazarus causes many Jews to believe in Jesus. However, it also intensifies the fear and anger of the chief priests and Pharisees, leading them to conspire to kill both Jesus and Lazarus.
Jesus directly states that some events happen 'so that the works of God might be displayed in him,' mirroring the purpose of Lazarus's sickness being for God's glory.
John 12:23-28Jesus speaks of his own glorification through his impending death, linking the concept of glory through suffering and apparent defeat to the purpose of Lazarus's miraculous healing.
Romans 8:28This verse assures believers that 'all things work together for good' for those who love God, a profound truth echoed in Jesus's knowledge that Lazarus's sickness, though dire, would ultimately serve a greater divine purpose.
2 Corinthians 4:15Paul explains that 'everything is for your sake, so that as grace extends by more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God,' aligning with the idea that even difficult circumstances can ultimately magnify God's glory through the response they evoke.
1 Peter 4:12-13Peter encourages believers not to be surprised by fiery trials, but to rejoice 'in so far as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed,' highlighting the connection between suffering, God's glory, and the glorification of Christ.
vincentJohn 11:4: "When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."
Unto deathNot to have death as its final issue.For the glory (ὑπὲρ)Here, as elsewhere in John, in behalf of. Canon Westcott remarks: "The sickness is regarded in a triple relation; unto, in respect of the actual result; in behalf of, in respect of the suffering born; in order that, in respect of the divine purpose."
calvinJohn 11:1-10: "Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha."
- And one named Lazarus was sick. The Evangelist passes on to another narrative, which contains a miracle eminently worthy of being recorded. For not only did Christ give a remarkable proof of his Divine power in raising Lazarus, but he likewise placed before our eyes a lively image of our future resurrection. This might indeed be said to be the latest and concluding action of his lif…
Jesus doesn't just say Lazarus won't die; he frames the entire event as a divine setup. The sickness isn't a tragedy despite God's love, but a deliberate stage for revealing God's glory and the Son's power, even through what appears to be death.
Jesus receives news that his dear friend Lazarus is gravely ill, but instead of immediately rushing to his side, he deliberately delays his journey. He explains to his disciples that this sickness isn't ultimately a tragic end, but rather a divine setup for God's glory and his own glorification, hinting at a miraculous outcome.
Jesus receives news that his dear friend Lazarus is gravely ill, but instead of immediately rushing to his side, he deliberately delays his journey. He explains to his disciples that this sickness isn't ultimately a tragic end, but rather a divine setup for God's glory and his own glorification, hinting at a miraculous outcome.
"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.”" — Jesus doesn't just say Lazarus won't die; he frames the entire event as a divine setup. The sickness isn't a tragedy despite God's love, but a deliberate stage for revealing God's glory and the Son…
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Last reviewed October 2026