See the Glory of God

See the Glory of God (Jn 11)
Intro: Intro to the question 'why do people suffer?'
1Cor 15:21

Should we (a) offer an escape from suffering? (b) conclude that God is not able to help? (c) conclude that God does not really love them?

Exposition

1. Jesus is called to come and help (v1-16)
   Why does the Lord delay? Why does he not immediately come and heal the suffering of Lazarus? Why does the Lord Jesus refuse the humble, earnest, agonized requests of his people?

2. Jesus is deeply moved by the death of his beloved friend (v17-37)
   Why has Jesus let his beloved friend die?
   It's not because of inability. 'Could not this Man ... have kept this man from dying?' (v37)
   It's not because of indifference. Jesus loved Lazarus (v3,5,35).
   Ps 116:15

3. Jesus reveals the purpose (v38-45)
   '... for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it' (v4) '... if you would believe you would see the glory of God?' (v40).

And there's another purpose, v42, 'that they may believe that You sent Me.' Verse 45, then many of the Jews believed in him (see v14-15).

4. Jesus himself will suffer and die for the salvation of God's people (v46-57)
   Caiaphas: 'Bring Jesus, as the people's king, to Rome. And by His execution you will not merely clear our nation of all disloyalty, but you will establish us as the ones who will best rule it for them.'

Conclusion
'We ... glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope' (Rom 5:3-4).

As God, He makes the grave itself yield up its tenants. As man, He can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities.