Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 11:4. It’s a really interesting and slightly mysterious part of the Bible! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is saying: “When he heard about this sickness, he understood that this wasn't meant to end someone's life. Instead, it was a way for God to show who He is and how amazing He is.” Let’s unpack that a little further: "When Jesus heard [that]" : This refers to the moment Jesus learned about the illness. It wasn’t a sudden revelation; he was aware of it. “This sickness is not unto death” : Jesus isn't focusing on the negative – he's not saying it will kill someone. He’s emphasizing that it’s not about ending life. “But for the glory of God…” : This is the key part! Jesus is using this sickness to show something incredible and powerful. The "glory of God" means that God wants us to see His power, love, and majesty in a way that’s amazing. It's about elevating Him above anything else. Think of it like this: Imagine someone painting a beautiful picture – the picture isn't meant to depict destruction, but to showcase the artist’s skill and creativity. Jesus is doing something similar – revealing God’s character through this difficult situation. The Significance: This verse highlights Jesus’ immense power and understanding of God's plan. It shows that He has a bigger picture than just solving problems; He’s using them to demonstrate His divinity. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or perhaps explore why this verse is significant in the context of the Bible? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism behind the illness itself (it's often interpreted as a symbol of sin or imperfection). Its connection to Jesus’ teachings about humility and sacrifice.