John 11:4

Afrikaans DB 2006 (Die Boodskap)

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What Does This Mean?

In this verse from the Gospel of John, Jesus is speaking about a sickness that will not result in death but serves to bring glory to God and highlight his own divine nature.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a toy that breaks. Instead of throwing it away, your parents fix it in a way that makes everyone amazed at how well they fixed it. This is like when Jesus talks about someone getting sick, not because something bad happened, but so he can show how amazing God's power is and make people see Him better.

Historical Background

The Gospel of John was written by the Apostle John around 90-100 AD for a primarily Greek-speaking Christian community. It emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and aims to strengthen faith in him as the Son of God.

Living It Out Today

When facing challenges today, we can remember that these situations are not just obstacles but opportunities for us to see God's glory more clearly through our faith or others’ responses.

Topics

• faith
• divine glory
• healing
• purpose
• salvation
• hope

Related Verses

• John 9:3
• Psalm 71:6-7
• Matthew 20:28
• Romans 8:28
• Isaiah 43:7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main message of John 11:4?

The main message is that even difficult circumstances can serve a greater purpose, specifically to bring glory to God and highlight Jesus' divine nature.

How does this verse relate to faith in challenging times?

It suggests that challenges are not just obstacles but opportunities for faith to grow and for God’s glory to be seen more clearly through our responses.

Can you explain the context of John 11:4?

This verse is part of a larger narrative where Jesus learns about Lazarus's illness. Despite knowing Lazarus will die, Jesus sees this as an opportunity to demonstrate God’s power and his own divine nature.

What can we learn from John 11:4 for personal growth?

We can learn to view hardships not just as trials but as chances to experience or share God's glory, deepening our faith and understanding of His purpose in our lives.