The Glory Of Glories

“Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.’ Jesus said to her, ’Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ’I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world’" (John 11:17-27, ESV).

What is glory?

It refers to praise, honor, or distinction given to someone because they have achieved something important, as Google related to us. For example, an athlete winning an Olympic gold medal experiences the glory of their achievement.

Glory can also describe something that is beautiful, impressive, or deserving of praise. For example, the glories of ancient architecture, like the Esterhazy Palace that my wife visited last week. It is said that it’s the most beautiful baroque palace in Hungary.

Glory can signify a state of great gratification or exaltation. Illustration of those who are in their glory, or the joy of their personal achievement.

So, whether it’s the fame of a brilliant career, the splendor of a magnificent building, or the joy of personal achievement, glory encompasses various meanings!

Taking all those things together, the fame of brilliant career, the splendor of a magnificent building or the joy of personal achievement, cannot match the glory of God -- the Glory of glories -- the kind of glory that Jesus prayed for the believers to experience.

Part of the prayer of Jesus in John 17 was, “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world” (verse 24).

So, this time, let’s focus on the topic, THE GLORY OF GLORIES while we study our text (John 11:17-27).

The future Glory that Jesus will reveal transcends all the glories in this world. But could we have a glimpse of His glory now in our time? If so, in what way?

Be reminded again that the Gospel of John was written by the one who addressed himself as, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” The writer, who is John, focused on the life and words of Jesus in His remaining days on earth. He emphasized that Jesus is God. And he showed the importance of our belief in the Gospel and also our love for Jesus.

In the first 16 verses of chapter 11, John pointed out an unexpected action of Jesus toward those He loved. In His love for Mary, Martha and Lazarus, Jesus wanted them to see or experience more than physical healing. His loving desire for them was to behold the glory of God.

And in our text, as Jesus encountered Martha, we could notice at least two ways wherein we could have a glimpse of the Glory of Jesus. What are those ways?

I -- GRASP THE GLORY IN HIS PECULIAR PRESENCE (verses 20-22).

We read verses 20-22, “So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.’"

Notice well that Martha expected that her brother would not have died, if Jesus was with them. And now that Jesus was present, she expected that good thing would happen. She expected that whatever Jesus asked from God, He could have it.

Martha pointed out glorious things could happen when Jesus is present. Tragedy will not happen. Or, if it happened, because of His presence, something good could turn out. She underlined the peculiarity of the presence of Jesus that whatever He asked from God, He would receive.

Notice also her excitement to be in the Presence of Jesus. “…when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him…” She did not just wait for Jesus to arrive and come into the house. Actually, she did not even wait for Jesus to reach the house. She was excited to go and be where Jesus was and to speak to Him and to see what He could do.