New Testament
John 11:15
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"And for your sake, I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."
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And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
What John 11:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus expresses his gladness that he was not present when Lazarus died. His absence was intentional, as it set the stage for a greater miracle that would strengthen the faith of his disciples. By allowing the situation to unfold as it did, Jesus aimed to deepen their belief in him as the Messiah. This moment highlights the importance of faith and the idea that sometimes, challenges and delays can lead to greater outcomes. Jesus is not indifferent to suffering; rather, he uses it to teach and reveal his power. His statement, 'let us go to him,' indicates his readiness to confront the situation and demonstrate his authority over death, ultimately leading to Lazarus's resurrection. This act would serve as a pivotal moment in the disciples' understanding of who Jesus is and what he can do, reinforcing the theme of belief in his divine nature.
How to apply John 11:15 to your life
When faced with difficult situations, remember that delays or challenges can serve a greater purpose. Trust that God may be working behind the scenes to strengthen your faith. Embrace the lessons learned through trials, knowing they can lead to profound growth and understanding.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Raising Lazarus (John 11:1–44)
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Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 11:15 mean?
In John 11:15, Jesus expresses that he is glad he was not present when Lazarus died because it would lead to a greater miracle that would strengthen the faith of his disciples. His absence was purposeful, allowing them to witness his power over death.
What is the significance of Jesus being glad in John 11:15?
Jesus being glad in John 11:15 highlights his understanding of the bigger picture. His gladness indicates that he sees the potential for a miracle that will deepen the disciples' belief in him as the Messiah.
What does 'let us go to him' mean in John 11:15?
The phrase 'let us go to him' in John 11:15 shows Jesus' readiness to confront the situation regarding Lazarus. It signifies his intention to demonstrate his authority over death and perform a miracle.
How does John 11:15 relate to faith?
John 11:15 emphasizes the theme of faith by showing that Jesus allowed a challenging situation to unfold to strengthen the belief of his disciples. It illustrates that sometimes, difficulties can lead to profound faith-building experiences.
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