"The disciples marveled at Christ's words when He said, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad ... that I was not there.” Did the Saviour by His own choice avoid the home of His suffering friends? Apparently Mary and Martha and the dying Lazarus were left alone. But they were not alone. Christ beheld the whole scene, and after the death of Lazarus the bereaved sisters were upheld by His grace. Jesus witnessed the sorrow of their rent hearts, as their brother wrestled with his strong foe, death. He felt every pang of anguish, as He said to His disciples, “Lazarus is dead.” But Christ had not only the loved ones at Bethany to think of; He had the training of His disciples to consider. They were to be His representatives to the world, that the Father's blessing might embrace all. For their sake He permitted Lazarus to die. Had He restored him from illness to health, the miracle that is the most positive evidence of His divine character, would not have been performed. DA 528.1"
"These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep."
While the EGW passage references John 11 and the Lazarus story, the direct connection to John 11:11 is weak. The EGW passage focuses on Christ's reasons for allowing Lazarus to die and the disciples' training, while John 11:11 is simply the statement about Lazarus sleeping. The connection is more thematic, relating to the overall narrative, but not a direct allusion.
"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
The EGW passage describes Christ's awareness of the suffering of Mary and Martha, even though He was not physically present. This aligns with the Psalm's assertion that God is near to the brokenhearted. However, the connection is not strong, as the EGW passage focuses more on Christ's reasons for not being present than on His emotional connection to their suffering. Therefore, the confidence is adjusted downwards.
"Had Christ been in the sickroom, Lazarus would not have died; for Satan would have had no power over him. Death could not have aimed his dart at Lazarus in the presence of the Life-giver. Therefore Christ remained away. He suffered the enemy to exercise his power, that He might drive him back, a conquered foe. He permitted Lazarus to pass under the dominion of death; and the suffering sisters saw their brother laid in the grave. Christ knew that as they looked on the dead face of their brother their faith in their Redeemer would be severely tried. But He knew that because of the struggle through which they were now passing their faith would shine forth with far greater power. He suffered every pang of sorrow that they endured. He loved them no less because He tarried; but He knew that for them, for Lazarus, for Himself, and for His disciples, a victory was to be gained. DA 528.2"
"He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."
Both passages discuss Jesus's purpose in overcoming the power of the devil and death. The EGW passage elaborates on the idea that Jesus allowed Lazarus to die so that He could demonstrate His power over death, which aligns with the theme of 1 John 3:8.