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John 11:40 meaning

An explanation of John 11:40

In the context of Lazarus's resurrection, the question of belief and seeing God's glory arises. Martha had expressed faith in Jesus, acknowledging that He could ask God for anything and it would be granted. However, her understanding of Jesus's power was limited. When Jesus instructed that the stone be removed from Lazarus's tomb, Martha hesitated, fearing the consequences of the body's decay, as it had been four days since his death.

In response, Jesus reminded Martha that if she would only believe, she would witness the glory of God. This highlights a central theme in the Gospel of John: faith as a prerequisite for experiencing God’s work in our lives. The situation emphasizes the difference between passive belief and active trust in God's promises, urging believers to hold fast to their faith, even in seemingly hopeless circumstances (John 11:40). Jesus' teaching affirms that genuine belief opens the door to divine revelation and miraculous acts, encouraging all to trust in His power over death and despair.