The Glory Of The Word

“Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, ’Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, ‘Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.’ Jesus said to her, ’Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, ’Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.’ When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, ’Lazarus, come out.’ The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ’Unbind him, and let him go’" (John 11:38-44, ESV.)

Based on historical record, Adolf Hitler was a vegetarian, but a biographer related that he was fond of eating ice cream. The writer jokingly pointed out that perhaps that’s the reason why Hitler’s words were “sweet” and able to influence the German people that resulted in WW II.

But there are people whose words are really sweet. Their words have positive effect on us. We are encouraged. We are comforted.

No words of man, however, can equal the effect of the Word of Christ. “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power…” (Heb. 1:3A, ESV.) Jesus Himself said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63).

As Jesus Christ is the “radiance of the glory of God,” His Word is also glorious.

This time, let’s focus on the topic, THE GLORY OF THE WORD while we study our text (John 11:38-44).

Through His Work, it is evident to see the Glory of God. But to the believers, even His Glory is also perceived in His Word. Just consider the fact that through His words, the universe and everything that is on it came into being! And through His words, all things are sustained and in their designated places. His very words are glorious. And if we personally encounter His Word, what would be our reaction?

Before we answer it, be reminded again that the Gospel of John was written by the Apostle John. He addressed himself repeatedly in the book as, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” He focused on the life, works and words of Jesus in His few remaining days on earth. He pointed out that Jesus is God. And he related the importance not only of believing, but also of loving 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.

In verses 17-27, we were able to have a glimpse of the glory of Christ. First, in His peculiar Presence and second, in the profound truth about Himself. Jesus told Martha that He is the Resurrection and the Life.

And last time, in verses 28-32, we noted some “flashes” of the Glory of Christ. We were able also to point out glorious reaction toward His Glory. First, quick response to His call. Second, perceive or feel how He loved us.

And now in our text, we could observe what would happen when Jesus would unleash His Sovereign Glorious Word. If we encounter it, what would also be our reaction?

I -- ACCEPT THE WORD (verses 38-40).

We read verses 38-40, “Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, 'Take away the stone.' Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, 'Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.' Jesus said to her, 'Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?'"

When Jesus arrived at the burial site of Lazarus, the words that came out from His mouth were, “Take away the stone.”

But Martha protested, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.”

What Jesus said was contrary to reason. It was more reasonable that the stone to remain on its place to prevent the odor to come out. But what did Jesus remind Martha?

We read what Jesus said in verse 40, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?"