In this sermon, we looked at how the love and glory of God is displayed in the suffering of His people. In John 11, Jesus intentionally allowed Lazarus to die from a serious illness in order to raise him from the dead in front of the disciples. When Jesus’ disciples heard they were going to travel to where Lazarus was located, they were concerned it would lead to their own deaths. Though the disciples were afraid of dying at the hands of the Pharisees, Jesus told them that He was glad for this experience that they may believe. The death of Lazarus served the greater purpose of helping the disciples to see Jesus’ deity more fully when he showed His authority over life and death. Through the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, we learn that God’s love for His people is an intimate, brotherly love that allows suffering in order for us to see Jesus more clearly, ultimate leading to deeper belief and trust in Him.
