What a strange, startling statement. Lazarus, the beloved brother of Martha and Mary the sister who helped Jesus and love Him, had developed a serious terminal illness. Now he had died and our Lord, who loved him. Verse 5 was rejoicing in the fact of his death.
The word “glad” here is the Greek word “chairo” and it means to rejoice to be of good cheer.
1. Its used in Mark 14:11 of Judas, In Luke 23: 8 of Herod, In Luke 15:32 of the prodigal son, John 20:20 of the disciples.
2. It is a word the bible associates with tremendous joy.
3. Yet the only time Jesus said he was glad is at the death Lazarus whom he loved.
4. How could Jesus of all people say he was glad because of death?
5. A key to understanding this statement is a story told in a book written by Charles Koller.
a. First, what is a key? What was the key to the message this morning? The key to salvation is grace through faith.
b. The story goes like this, a father was passing by his son's room late 1 evening and he heard strange statements coming from his room. He heard loud laughter and then these words, “If you only knew what I know.” The father waited for a while then the same thing was repeated. The father went in and found this. His son was reading a western book and each time the hero would be in trouble he would turn ahead and read the last pages to see the outcome. Then he would continue to read and say to his hero, “If you only knew what I know.”
6. In the same manner, Jesus can rejoice in seeming disaster that comes to his heroes, his army, to his family, if you only knew what I know.
a. Jesus is still on the throne.
b. He has written the future as the past and it will be as he commands.
7. Lazarus is dead, and I am glad. What lessons can we learn from this?
I. Sad, Tragic Events are Often God’s Way of Strengthening the Believer
1. Jesus said he was glad about Lazarus death for your sakes.
a. Never look within yourselves for the reason of your own suffering.
b. The answer may not be found within yourself.
2. Tragedy often fortifies and enlarges a believer’s faith.
3. Look at the life of Joseph.
a. Genesis 37:20-27
b. Genesis 39:1-10, 19-23, 41.
c. Pharoah, Genesis 45:1-8, 50:18-21.
d. If it had not been for those tragic events Joseph would never have been more than just a sheepherder in Canaan.
4. Not all tragic events work this way. God never promises the life of the Christian would be a bowl of cherries, John 16:32-33.
5. 2 Timothy 3:12, it will explode in the life of one who means business for God, 1 Peter 4:12-14.
6. Oh, the blessing tragedies and trials often bring to the child of God.
II. Sad, Tragic Events are Often God’s Way of Developing Faith.
1. In verse 15, to the intent ye may believe. In verses 41-42, that they may believe.
2. No disciple had perfect faith when our Lord was on the earth.
a. Our faith is developed as we go forward and mature in the Christian life.
3. Lord help my unbelief, Mark 9:24.
4. Romans 5:1-5, Right in the middle of the heavenly highway which takes an individual from justifying faith to overcoming faith are the tribulations God has placed in our paths.
a. Peter, Luke 22:31.
b. James 1:1-5, mature, complete.
5. G. Campbell Morgan said, “No affliction would trouble a child of God if he knew God’s reason for sending it.”
6. And many are the illustrations we could offer from our own experiences.
III. Sad, Tragic Events are Often God’s Way of Displaying His Power.
1. How true with regard to Lazarus, John 11:43-44.
a. He is the God over life and death.
2. Luke 8:40-56, Jairus Daughter.
3. Acts 27:11-25, in the life of Paul.
a. 2 Corinthians 4:7-12
b. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
IV. Sad, Tragic Events are Often God’s Way of Reaching Souls.
1. John 11:45, many Jesus believed on Him, John 12:9-11
2. We cannot number the souls that have been saved because of sad, tragic events.
a. Death, sickness.
b. The Sander’s girl.
c. Jerry Thorpe called to a home, led the whole family to the Lord.
3. Dr. Narramore tells of a depressed, defeated woman who went into a large church asking to speak to a minister.
a. She was asked, “Which one?” Her reply, “Do you have a minister with a broken heart?”
b. There is a great opportunity for Christians with a broken heart to minister to the needs of others.
V. Conclusion
1. Lazarus is dead and I am glad. God knows what he is doing.
a. In some 6,000 years of dealing with mankind, he has yet to make His first mistake.
2. Are you passing through sad, tragic, experiences?
a. By faith, join with Jesus in being glad.
b. By faith, join with Jesus in rejoicing.
3. Tell the Devil, “If you only knew what I know.”
