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John 11:4

King James Version (KJV)

When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Translations

John 11:4 - Amplified Bible

When Jesus received the message, He said, This sickness is not to end in death; but [on the contrary] it is to honor God {and} to promote His glory, that the Son of God may be glorified through (by) it.

John 11:4 - American Standard Version

But when Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby.

John 11:4 - Bible in Basic English

When this came to his ears, Jesus said, The end of this disease is not death, but the glory of God, so that the Son of God may have glory because of it.

John 11:4 - Darby Bible

But when Jesus heard [it], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified by it.

John 11:4 - English Standard Version

But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."

John 11:4 - King James Version

When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

John 11:4 - La Biblia de las Americas

Cuando Jesùs lo oyò, dijo: Esta enfermedad no es para muerte, sino para la gloria de Dios, para que el Hijo de Dios sea glorificado por medio de ella.

John 11:4 - The Message

When Jesus got the message, he said, "This sickness is not fatal. It will become an occasion to show God’s glory by glorifying God’s Son."

John 11:4 - New American Standard Bible

But when Jesus heard {this,} He said, "This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it."

John 11:4 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy

Cuando Jesùs lo oyò, dijo: "Esta enfermedad no es para muerte, sino para la gloria de Dios, para que el Hijo de Dios sea glorificado por medio de ella."

John 11:4 - World English Bible

But when Jesus heard it, he said, "This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that God`s Son may be glorified by it."

John 11:4 - Young's Living Translation

and Jesus having heard, said, `This ailment is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.`

John 11:4 - Additional Comments

Many things happen so God has an opportunity to glorify Himself. We need to watch with a careful eye to see what great things God is doing in each circumstance. See Lev 10:3 - God must be glorified before the people. The Son of God, also. In John 9:3 the man was blind that the works of God might be evident. 2 Cor 12:9-10 says we can take pleasure in infirmities and troubles, for Christ' sake.
Note that sin is not the source of all sickness, but sometimes sickness is a result from sin (James 5:16).
Jesus gives 2 reasons for these events:
1. So that both God and Jesus are glorified through it (verses 4, 40)
2. So that they may believe in Jesus, and that God sent Jesus (verses 15, 42)
Isn't that the ultimate purpose for everything in life - to glorify God, and to bring people to Him?
People don't like when "bad" things happen to them. What are "bad" things? Wouldn't that be anything that happens to you that you would not want to happen to you? It could be big things, like sickness, the loss of a job, or marital troubles. It could be small things, like a flat tire, a computer problem, or getting stuck in traffic. People would talk of these things as "bad", because they didn't want them.
When something "bad" happens to you, what are your first thoughts about you and your relationship with God? How about when "bad" things happen to other Christians?
People ask why "bad" things happen to "good" people. This is a complex subject, but we need to remember God's priorities for us - relationship with Him, our character, then circumstances. Circumstances are used to develop our relationship with Him and our character. "Bad" things are always because we misunderstand the event as "bad". God works all things for good to those who love Him (Rom 8:28). God has many reasons for the things that happen to us, all to mold us into who He wants us to be. It may be because of sin, it may be to mold our character, it may be for the benefit of others (like Job's), it may be a combination of many things.
Remember that it's not about us - it's about Him, and His glory. We are to glorify Him, and He draws us to that. We glorify Him by obedience and a holy character. To build us (those He loves) into what He wants, He sometimes disciplines (Heb 12:6), and sometimes prunes, which hurts but prepares us for stronger health and more fruit (John 15:2). And sometimes, it's not about us - we have trouble so God can accomplish His purpose is those around us.
See notes on John 15:2.
While people remember Job for his patience, there were other problems, like his pride and self-righteous spirit, that God tested and worked out of Job. We need to know, therefore, that circumstances are very complex, and God is typically working many things in them. We need to trust that God is working, and that there are many things taking place - there is usually not "a" reason, but a complex set of reasons.
But if you are fighting with God over a sin or sins in your life, repent and get on track with Him, for God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6).
To put it all in perspective, remember God's relationship with us is much the same as ours to our children. We always love our children. We sometimes let "bad" things happen so they learn. Except God has much more control over what happens (see Job 1:10, Mark 5:13).
Even though God has a passion to build our relationship with Him and our character, He also has a passion for us and our circumstances, to give us the things we desire, as appropriate - Psalm 37:4.
Pay attention to the things that happen to us that we see as "bad". We can't and won't have all the answers, but remember that God is in control, and nothing happens that He does not allow. So look at the "bad" things, and ask God to help you see them as He sees them.

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