Chad Coley
The Gospel According To John
Sickness, Death, And the Glory of God
John 11:1 - 16
29 May 2022
The fear of death enslaves unbelievers. But for believers, even death has the purpose of making us more like Christ; the one who has the power over death. When Jesus delayed to allow Lazarus to die, it was for the sake of His disciples.
The goal is God's glory. When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, He delayed coming, although Jesus loved Lazarus and Mary dearly. He allowed Lazarus to die so that he could be resurrected to prove the glory of the living God.
Jesus' actions were rooted in God's love. He allowed Lazarus to die because He loved His disciples, and wanted their faith and love to be strengthened. Our greatest good is to become like Christ - and God does this through trials.
Sickness is determined by God's will. It is dangerous to say that sickness must always be the result of sin. Jesus was not glad that Lazarus suffered, but was glad for the shining faith that his resurrection produced.
Sickness demonstrates God's goodness. Paradoxically, death and sickness purge us of sin by reducing our love for sin, and dependence on the world. Even death is God's servant, and will serve to make us more like Christ.