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I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe. Nevertheless, let`s go to him."

Verse Takeaways

1

God's Purpose in Delay

Commentators explain that Jesus' statement, "I am glad... I was not there," reveals a profound truth. His delay was not a sign of indifference but a deliberate act of love. By allowing Lazarus to die, Jesus created an opportunity for a far greater miracle—resurrection—than a simple healing. This was designed to provide undeniable proof of His divinity and powerfully strengthen the disciples' faith. As John Calvin notes, this can teach us that God's delays in our own lives often serve to display His glory more magnificently.

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Commentaries

9

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On John 11:15

18th Century

Theologian

I am glad, and so on. The meaning of this verse can be expressed as follows:

"If I had been there during his sickness, the entreati…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On John 11:15

For your sakes (δι' υμας). That they may witness his raising from the grave.

That I was not there (οτ ουκ …

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On John 11:15

19th Century

Bishop

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there.—The words sound startling at first, as they immediately follow the pla…

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On John 11:13–16

19th Century

Preacher

Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On John 11:15

Jesus’ rejoinder to the disciples’ comment made Lazarus’s state unmistakable: “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so tha…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On John 11:15

16th Century

Theologian

And I rejoice, on your account, that I was not there. He means that His absence was profitable to them, because His power would have been …

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John Gill

John Gill

On John 11:15

17th Century

Pastor

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there
At Bethany, before he died, or when he died; because he might have…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On John 11:11–16

17th Century

Minister

Since we are sure to rise again at the last, why should not the believing hope of that resurrection to eternal life make it as easy for us to put o…