John 11:14 Commentary and Bible Study

This is a third intimation or announcement of what he is going to do. ‘Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there.’ Glad? Yes, because if he had been there clearly it would have been very difficult to let down Mary and Martha when they pleaded for help and for restoration of their brother. But the purpose of God was that he would go; that he would go later.‘To the intent ye may believe.’ It was so important that Christ should delay, that Lazarus should die, and then he would actually raise him from the dead. And that would be such a faith strengthener for the disciples. They were shortly going to have to experience the arrest of the Lord and his death, and all the hostility, animosity towards Christ. They would fear for themselves. So Christ’s design was that they might believe, that they might be stronger in their belief and their understanding.‘I am glad for your sakes.’ You do not know this, but there is a great demonstration of my power and authenticating of my Sonship and my divinity, which is for your strengthening, and of course, all great demonstrations of the power of God are for the strengthening for the faith of God’s people, and for preparation for future labour. They were going to be prepared to stand up to all kinds of things, and ultimately to perish as martyrs in their witness for Christ. So Christ was going to give them special blessings and demonstrations that would strengthen their faith.