John 11:40 meaning
In the context of Lazarus's resurrection, the question of belief and seeing God's glory arises. Martha had expressed faith in Jesus, acknowledging that He could ask God for anything and it would be granted. However, her understanding of Jesus's power was limited. When Jesus instructed that the stone be removed from Lazarus's tomb, Martha hesitated, fearing the consequences of the body's decay, as it had been four days since his death.
In response, Jesus reminded Martha that if she would only believe, she would witness the glory of God. This highlights a central theme in the Gospel of John: faith as a prerequisite for experiencing God’s work in our lives. The situation emphasizes the difference between passive belief and active trust in God's promises, urging believers to hold fast to their faith, even in seemingly hopeless circumstances (John 11:40). Jesus' teaching affirms that genuine belief opens the door to divine revelation and miraculous acts, encouraging all to trust in His power over death and despair.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 10:40-42 meaning. Jesus shares that when someone receives one of His disciples, they are really receiving the Messiah and God who sent the Messiah. And He talks about the rewards one can expect for receiving prophets, righteous men, and giving cups of cold water to little ones in the name of a disciple.
- Matthew 11:10-15 meaning. Jesus continues His affirmation of John the Baptizer and his role as the forerunner to the Messiah. By extension Jesus is also testifying that He is that Messiah.
- John 19:6-7 meaning. The Charge of Blasphemy: After Pilate brought the scourged and bloodied Jesus for the Jews to behold, the chief priests and temple officers lead the crowd to erupt in cries to crucify Him. Pilate is frustrated and tells them that he wants nothing to do with killing this innocent Man. The Jews counter by accusing Jesus of the religious crime of blasphemy and ask the Roman governor to execute Him according to their law. This event is part of the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called "Pilate’s Judgment."