THIS SICKNESS IS NOT UNTO DEATH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 11:1-6
Key Verse: “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)
Supporting Texts: Psalm 103:2-3; Isaiah 53:5; Jeremiah 30:17; Romans 8:28; James 5:15
INTRODUCTION
When Lazarus became seriously ill, his sisters Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus, hoping He would come immediately and heal him. Instead of rushing to Bethany, Jesus made a remarkable statement: “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God.”
At first, this declaration seemed confusing because Lazarus eventually died. However, Jesus had a greater purpose beyond the immediate circumstances. Through the raising of Lazarus from the dead, the glory of God was revealed in a powerful way.
This passage teaches believers that situations that appear hopeless are not beyond God’s control. What may seem like an ending can become the beginning of a testimony. God has the ability to turn situations of sickness, weakness, or delay into opportunities for His glory to be revealed.
1. GOD’S PURPOSE CAN BE HIDDEN IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS
Sometimes God allows circumstances that people do not immediately understand.
a. God’s Plans Are Higher Than Human Understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God’s thoughts and ways are higher than human reasoning.
b. Trials Can Reveal God’s Glory (John 11:4)
Jesus explained that Lazarus’ sickness would ultimately reveal God’s glory.
c. Delays Do Not Mean Denial (Habakkuk 2:3)
What God promises will come to pass at the appointed time.
d. God Works Through Every Situation (Romans 8:28)
All things work together for good for those who love God.
Biblical Example:
Joseph’s suffering in Egypt appeared tragic, yet God used those circumstances to save many lives during famine (Genesis 50:20).
2. JESUS HAS POWER OVER SICKNESS
The ministry of Christ consistently demonstrated His authority over disease.
a. Christ the Healer (Psalm 103:2-3)
God forgives sins and heals diseases.
b. Healing Through the Sacrifice of Christ (Isaiah 53:5)
By the stripes of Christ, healing is made available.
c. God’s Promise of Restoration (Jeremiah 30:17)
The Lord promises to restore health to His people.
d. Prayer Brings Healing (James 5:15)
The prayer of faith can bring healing and restoration.
Biblical Example:
Jesus healed the woman who had suffered from an issue of blood for twelve years when she reached out in faith to touch His garment (Mark 5:25-34).
3. GOD’S TIMING IS ALWAYS PERFECT
Although Jesus delayed His visit, His timing resulted in a greater miracle.
a. God’s Timing Is Beautiful (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
God makes everything beautiful in His time.
b. Waiting Strengthens Faith (Isaiah 40:31)
Those who wait upon the Lord renew their strength.
c. God’s Plans Cannot Be Rushed (Psalm 27:14)
Believers must learn patience while trusting in God’s plan.
d. Greater Glory After Delay (John 11:40)
Jesus promised that faith would reveal the glory of God.
Biblical Example:
Abraham and Sarah waited many years for the promise of a son, yet Isaac was born at the exact time God had appointed (Genesis 21:1-3).
4. GOD TURNS TESTS INTO TESTIMONIES
The story of Lazarus ended not with sickness but with a miracle that glorified God.
a. From Sorrow to Joy (Psalm 30:5)
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
b. Restoration After Affliction (Joel 2:25)
God restores what has been lost.
c. God Reveals His Power Through Miracles (Acts 4:33)
The apostles witnessed with great power because of God’s mighty works.
d. Testimonies Strengthen Faith (Revelation 12:11)
Believers overcome through the word of their testimony.
Biblical Example:
After Lazarus was raised from the dead, many people believed in Jesus because of the miracle they witnessed (John 11:45).
CONCLUSION
Jesus’ statement, “This sickness is not unto death,” reveals that God’s purposes often extend beyond what people immediately see. Although Lazarus died, the story did not end there. Jesus demonstrated His resurrection power and brought Lazarus back to life.
Believers must learn to trust God even in difficult circumstances. What appears to be a setback may become the stage for God’s greatest miracle. When God moves, sickness can turn into healing, sorrow into joy, and despair into testimony.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, let every sickness and weakness in my life be turned into a testimony of Your glory, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, release Your healing power upon every part of my body and soul, in Jesus name.
3. Father, strengthen my faith to trust You in every challenging situation, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, turn every delay in my life into a testimony of Your glory, in Jesus name.
5. Father, restore my health and renew my strength daily, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, let every situation that appears hopeless in my life receive divine intervention, in Jesus name.
7. Father, transform every trial I face into a testimony of Your goodness, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, let Your resurrection power bring restoration to every area of my life, in Jesus name.
9. Father, remove every fear and doubt from my heart, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let Your glory be revealed in every circumstance of my life, in Jesus name.
