A Fourth-Day Man: Death UndonePrimjer

Early in John 11 we come across the first enigma: God is in control and will gain the glory, even in death.

The entire chapter narrates the story of Lazarus’s death. In the beginning of the narrative, Lazarus’s sisters, Martha and Mary, send word to Jesus:

"Lord behold, he whom you love is sick." (John 11:3)

For Martha and Mary (and for the readers of Scripture), here is the initial enigma:

But when Jesus heard this, He said, "This sickness is not to end in death, but to the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified in it." (John 11:4)

In Jesus’ reply, He tells us the glory of God is involved. Even something that causes us great sorrow and confusion is part of God’s sovereign plan. God is in total control of the situation, and He is going to get glory out of this deathly sickness.