Meaning of John 11:40

This verse from John 11:40 is spoken by Jesus to Martha immediately after He has raised His brother, Lazarus, from the dead. Martha had expressed her faith that Jesus could do something, but her faith was limited to the belief that Jesus might ask God to not let Lazarus die, or perhaps that he would be resurrected at the final judgment. Jesus' statement, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" serves as a powerful affirmation of His divine power and a gentle correction of Martha's limited understanding. It highlights that true belief in Jesus is not merely intellectual assent but a profound trust that opens one to witness and experience the extraordinary manifestations of God's power and presence in their lives, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances like death.

Context and Background

The raising of Lazarus is the climax of a series of miracles in the Gospel of John designed to reveal Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the source of eternal life. Martha, along with her sister Mary, was a close friend of Jesus. When Lazarus fell ill and died, Jesus deliberately delayed His arrival, arriving four days after Lazarus' burial. This delay amplified the magnitude of the miracle, demonstrating that Jesus' power extended beyond the immediate cessation of life to overcoming even the finality of death and decay. Martha's earlier confession, "Yes, Lord, I have believed that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is to come into the world" (John 11:27), though a significant statement of faith, was still being tested and deepened by the events unfolding.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Power of Belief: The central theme is the transformative power of genuine faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus directly links belief with the experience of God's glory.
• Divine Revelation: Seeing the "glory of God" refers to witnessing the divine attributes and power of God, particularly as revealed through Jesus' miraculous works.
• Overcoming Limitations: The verse underscores that faith allows believers to transcend human limitations and experience the divine intervention that can overcome even death.
• Jesus as the Revealer of God: Jesus consistently points to His actions and words as evidence of God's glory, emphasizing His unique role as the mediator between God and humanity.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse offers a profound encouragement to believers today. It assures us that our faith is not in vain; it is the key that unlocks the door to experiencing God's magnificent power and presence in our lives. When we face challenges that seem impossible, whether personal, relational, or societal, Jesus' words remind us to hold onto our belief. This belief is not passive but an active trust that anticipates God's intervention and glory. It calls us to move beyond superficial faith and to embrace a deeper conviction that allows us to witness God's hand at work, transforming situations and revealing His character.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The concept of God's glory being revealed through His actions is a recurring motif throughout Scripture. From the creation account (Psalm 19:1) to the Exodus (Exodus 16:7), God's glory is manifested to His people. In the New Testament, Jesus is presented as the ultimate embodiment of God's glory (John 1:14, Hebrews 1:3). The raising of Lazarus is a pivotal moment where Jesus' divine glory is explicitly displayed, serving as a foretaste of His own resurrection and the future resurrection of believers. This event directly supports the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the ultimate victory over sin and death through Christ.

Analogies

• A Locked Door: Imagine life's challenges as a series of locked doors. Doubt and unbelief are the keys that keep these doors shut, preventing us from seeing what lies beyond. Faith, however, is the master key that unlocks these doors, revealing the hidden rooms of God's power and provision.
• A Dimly Lit Room: One might be in a room with only a single, weak candle, experiencing limited visibility. Jesus' promise is akin to flipping a switch that floods the room with brilliant light, revealing the true grandeur and beauty that was always present but previously obscured.
• A Seed: A seed contains the potential for a magnificent plant or tree, but this potential is hidden until it is planted and nurtured. Similarly, God's glory is present in our lives, but faith is the act of "planting" ourselves in trust, allowing that potential to sprout and manifest.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 14:13-14: "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." This passage echoes the sentiment that prayer, offered in Jesus' name and with faith, leads to the Father's glory.
• Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." This verse directly links faith with pleasing God and receiving His rewards.
• Romans 8:18: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us." This highlights that present struggles are temporary and will ultimately be overshadowed by the future revelation of God's glory in believers.
• 1 Corinthians 2:7-9: This passage speaks of God's hidden wisdom, "which none of the rulers of this age knew... but, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.'" Jesus' miracles, like Lazarus' resurrection, are earthly manifestations of this heavenly, unseen reality accessible through faith.