Recap of 7/22/12 (John 11:1-6):

1.  Of the seven signs (or “sign-miracles”) recorded by John in his gospel, the climatic sign is the raising of Lazarus from the dead in John 11.  As with the other signs, Jesus’ nature, power & authority is demonstrated to prove John’s thesis that Jesus is God incarnate.  Jesus authority over matter is seen in Him changing water into wine and multiplying the meager fish and bread of a small boy to feed 5,000 plus.  His authority over sickness and disease is seen in His healing of the official’s son, healing of the man at the Pool of Bethesda, and healing of the man born blind.  His authority over nature is seen in His walking on water to the disciples on the Sea of Galilee.  His power and authority over death is seen in His raising Lazarus from the dead.  This miracle “exemplifies His power over the last and most irresistible enemy of humanity—death.”

2.  The setting for this seventh “sign-miracle” is the sickness and death of Jesus’ friend, Lazarus of Bethany, brother of Mary and Martha.  He was apparently a frequent guest in their home.  This trouble/tragedy comes upon them suddenly, not because of anything they had done.  They were not “out of God’s will” for John 11:4 makes it clear that this happened so that God might be glorified.  God will let difficulties happen to us, not because He doesn’t love us, but because He does and will test our faith and drive us to the place where we find our hope and rest in Him. 

-“Jesus permits this to happen because God will get glory in it.  We need to learn that we are not the center of the universe—nor is our home, our church, our town.  The headquarters of everything are in Heaven, and everything is running for His glory.  Nothing will come into our lives without His permission, and if He permits it, it is going to be for His glory.” (J. Vernon McGee)

3.   “When distress comes to a Christian it is dangerous to assert that the purpose is some benefit, and that the explanation is found in some future blessing.  The purposes of God are beyond our [knowledge] and suffering is an unexplained mystery; but it is absolutely certain that, for a friend of Jesus, the result of suffering will be some eternal good, some manifestation of ‘the glory of God.’” (Charles Erdman).