This chapter relates unto us the miraculous power of Christ, in raising of dead Lazarus, which, as it was one of his last, so was it one of the greatest miracles which he wrought: and yet we find none of the Evangelists make mention of it, but only St. John: the reason is supposed to be this, becaus... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, 1. What an HAPPY, because an HOLY and RELIGIOUS family, was here, and much honoured by Christ; JESUS LOVED MARTHA, MARY, AND LAZARUS: wherever true piety dwells, it draws the eye and heart of Christ towards it. Christ had frequently and familiarly lodged under their roof, and he rewards the... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. Our Saviour, coming near to Bethany, tells his disciples that Lazarus sleepeth; that is plainly, he was dead. This shews his omnisciency, and that he was truly God: for he had received no advice of his death from any person, but as God he knew that he was deceased. Observe, 2. The... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How desirous the disciples were that Christ should not go to Bethany where Lazarus was, Bethany being within two miles of Jerusalem, where the seat of our Saviour's enemies was. But our Lord, knowing his call to be clear, resolves to go; NEVERTHELESS, says Christ, LET US GO UNTO HIM... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The length of time which Christ designedly delayed before he would come to Lazarus's grave; he was not above six miles off Bethany, being within two miles of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem within four miles of Bethabara, where Christ now was, and yet our Saviour comes not of four days; do... [ Continue Reading ]
Here observe, 1. Christ's meek answer to Martha's passionate discourse. He takes no notice of the forementioned failings, but comforts her with. promise of her brother's resurrection: THY BROTHER SHALL RISE AGAIN. Thence learn, That the knowledge and belief of the general resurrection, is, and ough... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The full confession which Martha makes of her faith in Christ: THOU ART THE CHRIST THE SON OF GOD, WHICH SHOULD COME INTO WORLD.. confession which comes nearest to that of St. Peter (Matthew 16:16.) of any that we meet with in scripture: nay, it seems more full than Peter's confessi... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The condolency and tender sympathy expressed by our Saviour upon this occasion: HE GROANED IN HIS SPIRIT, AND WAS TROUBLED: or, as the original has it, he troubled himself, intimating that our Saviour's passions were pure and holy, not like ours, muddy and mixed with sinful imperfec... [ Continue Reading ]
In these verses we find our Lord addressing himself to the miracle of raising Lazarus from the grave. First, he commands them to take away the stone. But could not that voice which raised the dead, remove the stone? Yes, no doubt; but it is always the will of Christ that we put forth our utmost end... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The different effects which this miracle had upon those Jews who were present at the raising of Lazarus; some of them believed on Christ: but others, persisting in their unbelief, went to the Pharisees and informed against him. Notwithstanding all the evidence which our Saviour gave... [ Continue Reading ]
The foregoing verses acquainted us with the apprehension which the chief priests had of the necessity of taking away the life of our blessed Savious; LEST THE ROMANS SHOULD TAKE AWAY BOTH THEIR PLACE AND NATION. Now here in these verses Caiaphas the high priest delivers his opinion for the preventi... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How baneful and destructive evil counsel is, especially out of the mouths of leading men, and how soon embraced and followed. Caiaphas no sooner propounds the putting of Christ to death, but from that day forward they lie in wait to take him. The high priests had satisfied their con... [ Continue Reading ]