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Book of John - Chapter 11 - Verse 41

11:41
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

Meaning

When Jesus said, "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me," he was demonstrating his deep connection with the Father and his unwavering faith in God's power. By expressing gratitude before performing the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus shows us the importance of acknowledging and giving thanks for the divine assistance we receive in our lives. This verse also highlights the close relationship between Jesus and God the Father, emphasizing the unity of purpose between them. Jesus' words serve as a powerful reminder for us to always approach God with a heart full of gratitude and trust, knowing that our prayers are heard and answered according to His will. This moment of thanksgiving before the miracle serves to strengthen the faith of those present and reminds us of the importance of acknowledging God's power and provision in all circumstances.

Theological Overview

Jesus' act of thanking the Father in this verse from John 11:41 reveals a deep theological truth about prayer. Jesus, as the Son of God, demonstrates to us the importance of gratitude in our prayers. By thanking God for hearing Him before the miracle occurred, Jesus models for us a posture of faith and gratitude in prayer. This moment emphasizes the intimate and trusting relationship between Jesus and the Father. The lifting up of His eyes towards heaven signifies Jesus' acknowledgment of God's authority and power. Furthermore, the removal of the stone symbolizes the removal of barriers to faith and the revelation of God's glory. Through this act, Jesus displays His authority over death and points to His forthcoming resurrection, illustrating the power of prayer and the Father's response to His Son's requests. This verse invites us to approach God with a thankful heart, believing in His ability to answer our prayers according to His will.

American Standard Version

So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou heardest me.
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