John 11:15

χαίρω. Christ rejoices, not at His friend’s death, but at His own absence from the scene, for the disciples’ sake. Had He been there, Lazarus would not have died, and the disciples would have lost this great sign of His Messiahship.

ἴνα πιστεύσητε. S. John’s favourite construction, indicating the Divine purpose: see on John 9:2-3. Would any forger have written this? Would it not seem utterly improbable that at the close of His ministry Christ should still be working in order that Apostles might believe? Yet S. John, who heard the words, records them, and he knew from sad experience (Mark 14:50; Mark 16:11; Luke 24:11; Luke 24:21) that this work was not superfluous. Just before the trial of faith which His Passion and Death would bring to them, His disciples had need of all the help and strength that He could give. see on John 2:11.

ἀλλὰ ἄγωμεν. He breaks off suddenly. Πρὸς αὐτόν is significant; not to the mourning sisters, but to the sleeping friend.