What does John 11:3-7 mean in the context of a romantic relationship?

John 11:3-7 reads as follows:

"So the sisters sent word to Jesus, 'Lord, the one you love is sick.' When he heard this, Jesus said, 'This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.' Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, 'Let us go back to Judea.'"

To understand what this passage might mean in the context of a romantic relationship, we first need to delve into the narrative and theological significance of these verses. John 11 recounts the story of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, who fell gravely ill. His sisters, Mary and Martha, sent a message to Jesus, hoping that He would come quickly to heal Lazarus. However, Jesus did something unexpected: He delayed His departure for two days despite His deep love for Lazarus and his sisters.

At first glance, this might seem perplexing, even troubling. Why would Jesus, who had the power to heal and who loved Lazarus, choose to wait? The answer lies in understanding Jesus' perspective on love, timing, and purpose. Jesus' delay was intentional and purposeful. He knew that the sickness and subsequent death of Lazarus would ultimately serve a greater purpose: to glorify God and to reveal Jesus as the Son of God who has power over life and death.

In the context of a romantic relationship, this passage can offer profound insights into love, patience, trust, and divine timing. Let’s explore these themes in detail.

Love and Trust

One of the most striking aspects of this passage is the deep love that Jesus had for Lazarus and his sisters. Despite this love, Jesus did not immediately rush to Lazarus' side. This teaches us that true love is not always about immediate gratification or quick fixes. In a romantic relationship, love often requires trust in each other's decisions and actions, even when they are not immediately understood.

When Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death," He was asking Mary and Martha to trust Him, despite the dire circumstances. Similarly, in a romantic relationship, partners may face situations where they need to trust each other’s intentions and actions, even when the reasons are not immediately clear. This kind of trust is built on a foundation of love and mutual respect.

Patience and Timing

Jesus’ decision to wait two more days before going to Lazarus teaches us about the importance of patience and divine timing. In our fast-paced world, we often want immediate results and quick resolutions. However, God's timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own expectations.

In a romantic relationship, patience is a virtue that cannot be overstated. There will be times when one partner may need to wait for the other to grow, to heal, or to come to a place of understanding. This waiting is not passive but active and filled with prayer, support, and encouragement. Just as Jesus waited to reveal a greater glory, sometimes waiting in a relationship can lead to deeper love and understanding that glorifies God.

Purpose and Glory

Jesus said that Lazarus' sickness was "for God's glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it." This statement shifts the focus from the immediate problem to the ultimate purpose. In a romantic relationship, it is crucial to remember that our lives and our love are part of a bigger picture that God is painting. Our struggles, challenges, and even our waiting can serve a greater purpose that we may not immediately see.

When couples face difficulties, it can be helpful to ask, "How can this situation bring glory to God?" This perspective can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and deeper faith. It can also help couples to support each other in ways that reflect Christ’s love and purpose.

The Role of Communication

Mary and Martha communicated their need to Jesus by sending a message. This act of communication is vital in any relationship. Open, honest, and loving communication helps to build trust and understanding. In a romantic relationship, it is essential to communicate needs, concerns, and feelings with each other. This communication should be done in a spirit of love and respect, seeking to understand rather than to be understood.

Jesus’ response to the message was not what Mary and Martha expected, but it was what they needed. Similarly, in a relationship, partners may not always respond in the way we expect, but with open communication and trust, we can navigate these responses together.

Sacrificial Love

Finally, this passage highlights the sacrificial nature of Jesus' love. He was willing to face danger by returning to Judea, where His life was threatened, to be with His friends in their time of need. In a romantic relationship, sacrificial love means putting the needs of the other person above our own, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. This kind of love mirrors the love that Christ has for us and is the foundation of a strong, healthy, and God-glorifying relationship.

Conclusion

John 11:3-7, while not directly addressing romantic relationships, offers profound insights into love, trust, patience, divine timing, purpose, communication, and sacrificial love. These principles, when applied to a romantic relationship, can help couples to build a strong, Christ-centered bond that glorifies God.

By trusting in God’s timing, communicating openly, and loving sacrificially, couples can navigate the challenges of life together, knowing that their love and their relationship serve a greater purpose in God’s plan. Just as Jesus’ delay in coming to Lazarus ultimately revealed His glory, the challenges and waiting in a relationship can reveal the depth of love and the glory of God in ways that we may not immediately understand but will ultimately bring us closer to each other and to Him.