The Resurrection of _Lazarus_.
JOHN xi. 43, 44.
_And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus
come forth. And he that was dead, came forth, bound hand and
foot with grave-cloaths: and his face was bound about with a
napkin. JESUS saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go._
WHEN JESUS CHRIST, the eternal Word, was pleased to make all things
by the word of his power, his last works were the best. When he looked
back upon, and beheld the first products of his almighty power, he
pronounced them “good;” but when that last, that lovely creature man,
was formed, he pronounced them “very good.” So, the same JESUS, when he
came to tabernacle among us, and to begin and carry on a new and second
creation, though all his works were miracles of wonder, and manifested
forth the glory of his eternal Godhead, yet the nearer he came to
the end of his public ministrations, the greater and more noble did
the miracles which he wrought appear. The resurrection of _Lazarus_,
that is to be the subject of the following discourse, I think, is a
sufficient proof of this. To an eye of sense, it seems to be one of
the greatest, if not the very greatest miracle of all which our blessed
Lord performed. When our Saviour bid _John_’s disciples go and tell
their Master what things they had seen and heard, he commands them to
inform him, that by his divine power “the dead were raised;” alluding
no doubt to the Ruler’s daughter, who was raised immediately after her
decease; and the Widow’s son, who at the command of JESUS, rose out of
his coffin, as they were carrying his corpse to the burial. These were
pregnant proofs, that JESUS was indeed the Messiah that was to come
into the world. But his raising of _Lazarus_ from the dead, after he
had lain four days dead, and saw corruption, is still, if possible,
a greater miracle; and consequently a stronger proof of his being the
Anointed, the CHRIST of GOD. The evangelist _John_ is very particular
in giving us an account of this miracle; even so particular, as to
spend a whole chapter in relating the circumstances which preceded,
attended, and followed after it. And as he was undoubtedly directed
herein by the all-wise, unerring Spirit of GOD, does it not point out
unto us, that this miracle, with all its respective circumstances,
calls for our particular and most serious meditation? It appears to me
in this light; and therefore, as the LORD shall be pleased to assist,
I shall go back to the beginning of this chapter, follow the evangelist
step by step, and consider the particulars of this wonderous miracle,
make some practical observations as I go along, and conclude with some
suitable instructions and exhortations, which will naturally arise from
the body of the discourse.
The evangelist in the first verse, makes mention of the sickness of
_Lazarus_. “Now, a certain man mas sick, named _Lazarus_ of _Bethany_,
the town of _Mary_, and her sister _Martha_.” Some think these sisters
were very wealthy, so as to own good part of the town, or, as the
original word seems to imply, the village. But then it is probable
the evangelist would have said the town of _Lazarus_, estates usually
descending, as with us, in the male line: it means therefore no more,
than that _Martha_ and _Mary_ lived in _Bethany_. The Holy Ghost
pointing out to us hereby, that nothing makes a town so worthy of a
gracious soul’s remark or esteem, as its having many of GOD’s dear
children for its inhabitants. _Bethany_, though a little place, is
more famous because it was the town of _Martha_ and _Mary_, than if
_Alexander_ had fought in it one of his greatest battles. Both these
women loved JESUS in sincerity, and were as good as they were great.
But _Mary_, though the younger sister, seems to be the most eminent:
for the evangelist in the second verse, speaks of her in a very
distinguishing manner. “It was that _Mary_, (that never-to-be-forgotten
_Mary_) which anointed the Lord with ointment (expensive as it was) and
wiped his feet, (after she had washed them with tears of love) with her
hair,” even the hair of her head. What notice is taken of this action!
With what an eulogy, and in what a high strain of commendation is it
here spoken of? And such are the honours of all GOD’s saints. Though
all our good works are not recorded as _Mary_’s are, yet GOD is not
unmindful, that he should forget our works of faith, and labours which
have proceeded of love. Every tear we shed, every sigh we fetch, every
alms we give, though it be only a cup of cold water, are all recorded
in the Lamb’s book of remembrance, and shall be produced to our eternal
honour, and rewarded with a reward of grace, though not of debt, at the
great and terrible day of the LORD. “I was an hungered, and ye gave me
meat, I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink, naked, and ye cloathed me,
sick and in prison, and ye came unto me.” What reason have we then to
be “stedfast and unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the LORD,
forasmuch as we are assured, that our labours will not be in vain or
forgotten by the LORD?” It was that _Mary_ that anointed the LORD with
ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair. And what follows? “Whose
brother _Lazarus_ was sick.” So that being related to CHRIST, or his
disciples, will not exempt persons from sickness. In this life, time
and chance happen to all, only with this material difference, those
afflictions which harden the obstinately impenitent, soften and purify
the heart of a true believer. “My son, therefore despise not the
chastening of the LORD (on one hand), nor faint when thou art rebuked
of him (on the other): for whom the LORD loveth he chasteneth, and
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”
JESUS loved _Lazarus_, and yet _Lazarus_ was sick. And what do his
sisters do for him now he is sick? No doubt they applied to a physician,
for it is tempting GOD to neglect making use of means for the recovery
of our health, when it is impaired. But then they were not guilty of
_Asa_’s crime, “who sought to the physicians, but not to the LORD.” No;
they knew the most skilful prescriptions would be of no effect, unless
attended with a blessing from JESUS the Great and Almighty Physician;
and therefore his sisters sent unto him, probably at the beginning of
their brother’s illness. How unlike is their conduct, to that of the
generality of people, especially the rich and great! How unfashionable
is it now-a-days for persons to send to JESUS in behalf of their
sick relations! It is so very uncustomary, that in some places, if a
minister be sent for to a sick person, it is a sad symptom that the
patient is almost past hopes of recovery. Thus did not _Martha_ and her
sister _Mary_; they sent unto JESUS, though he was now beyond _Jordan_,
(chapter x. 40.) where he abode, or chiefly resided, for some time.
Hence it was that they knew where to send to him. But what kind of
message did they send? A very humble and suitable one. “LORD, Behold,
he whom thou lovest is sick.” They might have said, LORD, he who loveth
thee is sick. But they knew, that our love was not worth mentioning,
and that we love JESUS only because he first loved us. Besides, here is
no prescribing to our LORD what he should do, or what means he should
make use of. They do not so much as say, We pray thee to come, or only
speak the word, and our sick brother shall be restored. They simply
tell JESUS the case, knowing it was sufficient barely to lay it before
an infinitely compassionate Redeemer, and leave it to him to act
according to his own sovereign good-will and pleasure. “LORD, Behold he
whom thou lovest is sick.” Oh how sweet is it when the soul is brought
to this! And with what a holy confidence may we pray to, and intercede
with the holy JESUS, when we have reason to hope, that those we pray
and intercede for, are lovers of, and are beloved of him! For his eyes
are in a peculiar manner over the righteous, and his ears always open
to their prayers. This was their message, and it soon reached JESUS
CHRIST. And how does he receive it? We are told, verse 4. “When JESUS
heard that, (that he whom he loved was sick) He said, this sickness is
not unto death, but unto the glory of GOD, that the Son of GOD may be
glorified thereby.” To whom these words were spoken is not certain.
In all probability, JESUS spake them to the persons that delivered
_Martha_’s and _Mary_’s message. And if so, it was no doubt a
comfortable answer for the present, though it must afterwards puzzle
them as well as the disciples how to explain it, when they found that
_Lazarus_ was actually dead. “This sickness is not unto death,” not
unto an abiding death, because he intended to raise him again, soon
after his decease. It is like that expression of our LORD in St. _Mark_,
“The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth;” which must not be understood
in a literal, but metaphorical sense. And this and such-like instances,
ought to teach us to weigh carefully our blessed LORD’s words, and to
wait for an explication of them, by subsequent providences; otherwise
we shall be in danger of misapplying them, and thereby bring our souls
into unspeakable bondage. “This sickness is not unto death, but unto
the glory of GOD, that the Son of GOD may be glorified thereby.” This
is the end both of the afflictions and the deaths of GOD’s people. By
all that happens to them he will be glorified one way or another, and
cause every thing to work together for their good. And who then but
would be content to be sick, or willing to submit to death itself, if
so be the Son of GOD may be glorified thereby? This answer, no doubt,
proceeded from love. For we are told,
Verse 5. that “JESUS loved _Martha_ and her sister, and _Lazarus_.”
Oh happy family! Three in it beloved of JESUS, with a peculiar,
everlasting love. “Very often it so happens, (to use the words of the
pious Bishop _Beveridge_) that there is but one in a city, and two
in a country of this stamp.” But here are two sisters and a brother,
all lovers of, and beloved by the glorious JESUS. What shall we say
to these things? Why, that our Saviour’s grace is free and sovereign,
and he may do what he will with his own. They who are thus so highly
favoured as to have so many converted in one house, ought to be doubly
thankful! Such a blessing have not all his saints. No; many, very
many, go mourning over their perverse and graceless relations all their
lives long; and find, even to their dying day, that their greatest foes
are those of their own houshold. Surely these three relations lived
a heaven upon earth. For what can they want, what could make them
miserable, who are assured of JESU’s love? But surely if JESUS loves
this dear little family, the next news one might think we should hear,
would be, that he went immediately and healed _Lazarus_; or at least
cured him at a distance. But instead of that, we are told, verse 6.
“When he had heard that he was sick, he abode two days still in the
same place where he was.” A strange way this, in the eye of natural
reason, of expressing love; but not so strange in the eye of faith:
for the LORD JESUS very often sheweth his love, by deferring to
give immediate answers to our prayers. Hereby he tries our faith and
patience, and exercises all our passive graces. We have a proof of this
in the _Syrophenician_ woman, upon whom the blessed JESUS frowned, and
spake roughly to at first, only that he might afterwards turn unto her
and say, “O woman, great is thy faith.” Let not those then who believe,
make too much haste; or immediately in their hearts repine against
the LORD, because he may not answer their requests, in their own time
and way. GOD’s time and way is best. And we shall find it to be so
in the end. _Martha_ and _Mary_ experienced the truth of this, though
undoubtedly our LORD’s seeming delay, to come and heal their brother,
cost them great searchings of heart. But will the LORD JESUS forget his
dear _Lazarus_, whom his soul loveth? “Can a woman forget her sucking
child?” Indeed she may; but the LORD never faileth those that fear him.
Neither is he slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness:
for his very delays are answers. The vision is for an appointed time;
in the end it will speak and not lie.
Though our LORD abode two days where he was, to try the faith of these
sisters, yet after this, he said unto his disciples, verse 7. “Let
us go into _Judea_ again.” With what a holy familiarity does JESUS
converse with his dear children! Our Saviour seems to speak to his
disciples, as though he was only their brother, and as it were upon a
level with them; “Let us go into _Judea_ again.” How gently, according
to what was predicted of him, does he lead those that are with young!
JESUS very well knew the weakness of his disciples, and also what a
dangerous place _Judea_ was: how gradually therefore does he make
known unto them, his design of going thither! And how does he admit his
disciples to expostulate with him on this account! “Master, say they,
the _Jews_ of late sought to stone thee, and goest thou thither again?”
They were amazed at our LORD’s boldness, and were ready to call it
presumption; as we generally are prone to censure and condemn other
zealous and enterprizing persons, as carrying matters too far; it may
be for no other reason, if we examine the bottom of our hearts, but
because they go before, and excel ourselves. The disciples, no doubt,
thought that they spoke out of love to their LORD, and assuredly they
did; but what a deal of self-love was there mixed and blended with it?
They seem much concerned for their Master, but they were more concerned
for themselves. However JESUS overlooks their weakness, and mildly
replies, verse 9, and 10. “Are there not twelve hours in the day?
If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the
light of the world; but if any man walk in the night, he stumbleth,
because there is no light in him.” As though our LORD had said, My dear
disciples, I thank you for your care and concern for me. _Judea_ is a
dangerous place, and what you say of the treatment I met with from its
inhabitants, is just and true: but be not afraid of going there upon my
account. For as a man walketh safely twelve hours of the day, because
he walketh in the light: so as long as the time appointed by my Father
for my public administration lasts, I shall be as secure from the hands
of my enemies, as a man that walks in broad-day is secure from falling.
But as a man stumbleth if he walketh in the night, so when the night
of my passion cometh, then, but not till then, shall I be given up into
the hands of my spiteful foes. Oh what comfort have these words, by the
blessing of GOD, frequently brought to my soul! How may all CHRIST’s
ministers strengthen themselves with this consideration, that so long
as GOD hath work for them to do, they are immortal! And if after our
work is over, our LORD should call us to lay down our lives for the
brethren, and to seal the truth of our doctrine with our blood, it
would certainly be the highest honour that can be put upon us. “To you
it is given not only to believe, but also to suffer,” says the apostle
to the _Philippians_.
“These things (the evangelist tells us, verse 11.) said JESUS, and
after that, (to satisfy them that he was not going into _Judea_ without
a proper call) he saith unto them, Our friend _Lazarus_ sleepeth.”
Our friend. Amazing! For what is a friend? As one’s own soul. How dear
then, and near are true believers to the most adorable JESUS! “Our
friend _Lazarus_.” Still more amazing! Here is condescension, here
is unparalleled familiarity indeed. And what of him? “He sleepeth.”
A figurative way of expression. For what is death to the lovers of
JESUS CHRIST, but a sleep, and a refreshing one too? Thus it is said
of _Stephen_ when he died, that “he fell asleep.” CHRIST indeed died,
but believers only sleep. And “those that sleep in JESUS, (says the
scripture) will GOD bring with him.” “Our friend _Lazarus_ sleepeth.”
For though he be dead, I shall raise him from the grave so soon, that
his dying will be only like a person’s taking a short sleep. “Our
friend _Lazarus_ sleepeth, but I go that I may awake him out of sleep.”
By this time, one would imagine, our LORD’s disciples should have
understood him: But how unwilling are we to believe any thing that we
do not like. “Then said his disciples, LORD, if he sleep he shall do
well.” Oh fearful, and slow of heart to believe! How fain would they
excuse themselves from going into _Judea_, for fear of a few stones!
By this way of talking, how do they in effect impeach their blessed
Master’s conduct, and under a pretence of preserving his person,
foster, and as it were plead for their own (though perhaps undiscerned)
cowardice and unbelief? That charity, which hopeth and believeth all
things for the best, teacheth us to judge thus favourably of them. For,
“Howbeit JESUS spake of his death: they thought that he had spoken of
taking rest in sleep.” The great and compassionate High-priest knowing
and remembering they were but dust, throws a veil of love over their
infirmity; and at length, verse 14. “Saith unto them plainly (for if
we wait on JESUS, we shall know his will plainly, one way or another)
_Lazarus_ is dead.” And even then, lest they should be swallowed up
with overmuch sorrow, he immediately adds, verse 15. “And I am glad for
your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe,” or have
more faith, or have that faith which you already possess increased and
confirmed. A plain proof this, that all JESU’s delays to answer prayer,
are only to strengthen our faith.
“Nevertheless, says our LORD, let us go unto him.” This was a
sufficient hint, if they knew how to improve it, that he intended to do
something extraordinary, though he would not tell them directly what he
intended. For the LORD JESUS will keep those whom he loves, at his foot,
and dependant on him. “Let us go unto him.” He still speaks as though
they were his equals. Oh that Christians in general, Oh that ministers
in particular, would learn of him their great exemplar, to condescend
to men of low degree! Well, the secret is now out. JESUS has said
unto them plainly, _Lazarus_ is dead. And what reception does this
melancholy news meet with? With great condolance, especially from
_Thomas_; for verse 16. “Then said _Thomas_, who is called _Didymus_,
unto his fellow disciples, let us also go and die with him;” i. e.
according to some, with _Lazarus_, with whom, it may be, _Thomas_ had
contracted an intimate acquaintance. But granting it was so; shall I
commend him for this passionate expression? I commend him not. Surely
he spake unadvisedly with his lips; “Let us also go and die with him.”
As though there was no comfort henceforward to be expected in the world,
now his friend _Lazarus_ was gone. This was a great fault, and yet
a fault that many of GOD’s children run into daily, by mourning for
their deceased relations over-much, like persons that have no hope. But
this infirmity ought not to be indulged. For if our friends and dear
relatives are dead, JESUS, that friend of sinners, is not dead. He will
be better to us than seven sons, and will abundantly supply the place
of all creature-comforts. But I am more inclined to think that the word
_him_, refers to JESUS his dear Master; and if so, he is so far from
being blamed, that he spake like a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST. Let
us also go, that we may die with him. If our dear master will go into
_Judea_, and hazard his precious life, let us not any longer make such
frivolous excuses, but let us manfully accompany him; and if the _Jews_
should not only be permitted to stone, but also to kill him, let us
also go and die with him, we cannot die in a better cause. This was
a speech worthy of a christian hero, and _Thomas_ herein hath set us
an example, that we should follow his steps, by exciting and provoking
one another closely to adhere to the blessed JESUS, especially when
his cause and interest is in any immediate danger. This exhortation,
it seems, had a proper effect. They all went, and as far as we know,
chearfully accompanied their glorious Master.
How their thoughts were exercised on the road, we are not told. But
I am apt to believe they were a little discouraged when they came to
_Bethany_. For “When JESUS came, he found that _Lazarus_ had lien in
the grave for four days already.” And what would it avail them, to
come so many miles only to see a dead man’s tomb? But how wisely were
all things ordered by the blessed JESUS, to manifest his glory in the
most extraordinary manner, that not only his disciples might have their
faith confirmed, but many also of the _Jews_ might believe on him.
This _Bethany_, it seems, verse 18. “was nigh unto _Jerusalem_, about
fifteen furlongs off;” or about two miles; and _Martha_ and _Mary_,
being what we may call people of fashion, and devout likewise; many
of the devout, and we may suppose many of the wealthy _Jews_ came from
the metropolis, as well as other adjacent places, verse 19. to _Martha_
and _Mary_; not to pay an idle, trifling, but a serious, profitable
visit, “to comfort them concerning their brother.” This was kind and
neighbourly. To weep with those that weep, and to visit the afflicted
in their distresses, is one essential branch of true and undefiled
religion. And O how sweet is it when we visit surviving friends, that
we have reason to think that their departed relations died in the LORD!
And we can therefore give them comfort concerning them: For “blessed
are the dead, that die in the LORD, even so saith the Spirit, for they
rest from their labours.” This and such-like arguments, no doubt, these
visitors made use of, to comfort _Martha_ and _Mary_. And indeed they
stood in much need of consolation. For we have reason to suppose, from
our LORD’s answer, “This sickness is not unto death, but the glory
of GOD;” that they had entertained thoughts of the recovery of their
brother. But who can tell what these two holy souls must feel, when
they found their brother did not recover, but was dead, laid out, and
now stinking in the silent grave! What hard thoughts, without judging
them, may we suppose they entertained concerning JESUS! Think ye not
that they were ready to cry out in the language of the prophet, “Thou
hast deceived us, and we are deceived?” But man’s extremity is JESU’s
opportunity. In the multitude of the sorrows that they had in their
hearts, the news of CHRIST’s coming refreshes their souls. Somebody or
another, commendably officious, privately informs _Martha_ of it. “Who,
as soon as she heard that JESUS was come (without making any apology to
the company for her rudeness) went and met him: But _Mary_ sat still in
the house.” But why so, _Mary_? I thought thou hadst been most forward
to attend on JESUS, and thy sister _Martha_ more prone to be cumbered
about the many things of this life. Why sittest thou still? It may be
the news was brought only privately to _Martha_ (for it is plain from
verse 31st, that the _Jews_ who were in the house knew not of it;) and
_Martha_ knowing how our LORD had chid her once, was resolved he should
have no reason on the same account to chide her any more; therefore
when the news was brought, she would not so much as stay to inform her
sister, but went out to see whether it were true or not, and if so, as
the eldest sister, she would invite the blessed JESUS in. How happy is
it, when CHRIST’s reproofs for past neglects, excite our future zeal to
come out and meet him! Such reproofs are an excellent oil. Or, it may
be, the news reached _Mary_’s ears, as well as _Martha_’s, but being
overcome with sorrow, she thought it too good news to be true, and
therefore sat still in the house. O how careful ought believers to
be, to cherish and maintain, even in the midst of tribulation, a holy
confidence and joy in GOD! For the joy of the LORD is a believer’s
strength. Whereas giving way to melancholy and unbelief, raises gloom
and vapours in the mind, clouds the understanding, clogs us in the way
of duty, and gives the enemy, who loves to fish in troubled waters, a
very great advantage over us.
_Mary_, perhaps, through the prevalence of this, and being also
naturally of a sedentary disposition, “sat still in the house,” while
her sister _Martha_ got the start of her, and went out to meet JESUS.
And how does she accost him? Why, in a language bespeaking the distress
of a burdened and disordered mind. For she said unto JESUS, verse 21,
“LORD, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” Here is
a mixture of faith and unbelief. Faith made her say, “LORD, if thou
hadst been here, my brother had not died.” But unbelief made her
confine CHRIST’s power to his bodily presence. Besides, here was a
tacit accusation of the blessed JESUS of unkindness, for not coming
when they sent unto him the message, “LORD, he whom thou lovest is
sick.” Once she charged JESUS with want of care; “LORD, carest thou
not, that my sister hath left me to serve alone?” Now she taxes him
with want of kindness. “If thou hadst been here;” as much as to say,
if thou hadst been so kind as to have come when we sent for thee, “my
brother had not died;” and by saying thus, she does as it were lay
her brother’s death to JESUS CHRIST. O how apt are even those whom
JESUS loves in a peculiar manner, to charge him foolishly! How often
does the enmity of our desperately wicked hearts rise against CHRIST,
when we are under the afflicting hand of his providence! Are not the
very best of us frequently tempted, in such circumstances, to say
within ourselves at least, Why does GOD thus cruelly deal with us? Why
did not he keep off this stroke, seeing it was in his power to have
prevented it? How should we be ashamed and confounded before him upon
this account? How should we pray and labour to be delivered from this
remaining enmity of the heart, and long for that time, when mortality
shall be swallowed up of life, and we shall never feel one single
rising of heart, against a good and gracious, and all-wise and glorious
Redeemer, any more? However, to do _Martha_ justice, she pretty well
recovers herself, verse 22. “But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou
wilt ask of GOD, GOD will give it to thee.” Whether these words imply
an actual belief of our LORD’s divinity, is not certain. To me they do;
because we shall presently find, that she did believe our LORD was the
Son of GOD, and the Messiah which was to come into the world. Therefore
when she said, she knew that whatsoever he asked of GOD, GOD would give
it to him, she may be understood as referring to GOD the Father, under
whom the LORD JESUS acted as Mediator, though equal to him in respect
to his eternal glory and godhead. This mystery we may well suppose her
acquainted with, because JESUS had been frequently preaching at her
house, and consequently, had opened that mystery unto her. O what a
blessed thing must it be to have such a Mediator! such an high-priest
and intercessor at the Father’s right-hand, that whatever he asks the
Father in our behalf, he will give unto us! JESUS takes this kindly
at _Martha_’s hand, and passes over her infirmity. For if the LORD
was exact to mark every thing that we say or do amiss, alas! who could
abide? He only calmly says unto her, verse 23. “Thy brother shall rise
again.”
Glad tidings these of great joy. This should comfort us concerning
our deceased, pious relations, that ere long they shall rise again,
and soul and body be for ever with the LORD. Howbeit JESUS spake here
of an immediate resurrection, though he did not speak plainly: For
CHRIST loves to exercise the faith and patience of his disciples,
and frequently leaves them to find out his meaning by degrees. It
is best for us in our present state, that it should be so. In heaven
it will be otherwise. “Thy brother, (says CHRIST to _Martha_) shall
rise again.” She might immediately have replied, When, LORD? But she
fetches a circuit as it were, and labours to find out the mind of
JESUS by degrees. “I know, says she, that he shall rise again at the
resurrection of the last day.” These words seem to imply, that she had
some distant thought of our LORD’s design to raise her brother now,
and that she spoke thus only to draw our Saviour to speak, and tell her
plainly whether he meant to do so or not. Those who are acquainted with
JESUS, are taught an holy art by the blessed Spirit, in dealing with
their blessed master. “I know, says she, he shall rise again at the
resurrection of the last day,” (a notable proof this, by the way, that
the pious _Jews_ believed the resurrection of the body). It is just the
same as though she had said, LORD, dost thou mean that my brother shall
rise again before that time? Our Saviour wisely keeps off from giving
her a direct answer, but chuses rather to preach to her heart. “JESUS
said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: He that believeth in
me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” On this _Martha_’s faith,
if in exercise, might take hold. O glorious words! How encouraging to
you poor sinners lying in your blood! Though you are dead in trespasses
and sins, and might justly be condemned to die the second death, yet if
you believe on the LORD JESUS you shall live. He adds, “And whosoever
believeth in me shall never die;” never die as to their souls, never
die eternally, and consequently never finally fall away from GOD. This
is an encouraging soul-comforting declaration for you, O believers, who
are thus kept, as it were, in a garrison, by the mighty power of GOD,
through faith, unto salvation! “Believest thou this?” says CHRIST to
_Martha_, verse 26. What avail all the many great and precious promises
of the gospel, unless they are applied and brought home in particular
to each of our souls? The word does not profit unless it is mixed with
faith. We therefore do well, when we are reading CHRIST’s words, to
put this question to ourselves; O my soul, believest thou this? And
well would it be for us, if upon putting this question to ourselves, we
could with the same holy confidence, and in the same delightful frame,
say with _Martha_, verse 27. “Yea, LORD: I believe that thou art the
CHRIST, the Son of GOD, which should come into the world.” This I think
is a direct confession of our LORD’s divinity. How full was her heart
when she spoke these words! I am persuaded it burnt within her. What
a divine warmth had she contracted by talking with JESUS! How does she
long that her sister might share in her holy joy! For when she had so
said, verse 28. “she went away;” full of love, no doubt, and called
_Mary_ her sister, as all will labour to call their near relations, who
have felt the LORD JESUS to be the resurrection and the life themselves.
But _Martha_ took care, in the midst of her zeal (as we should always
do) to behave with prudence; and therefore “she called her sister
secretly, saying, The master is come, and calleth for thee.” The master
is come. She need say no more; _Mary_ knew very well whom she meant.
For holy souls easily understand one another when talking of their
master JESUS. The divine _Herbert_ used to delight (when speaking of
JESUS) to say, “My Master;” perhaps he learned it of _Martha_, who said
here, “The Master is come, and calleth for thee.” But what is this thou
sayest, _Martha_? The Master is come, and calleth for thee? Surely a
woman of thy exalted piety will not tell a deliberate lie, and in order
to induce thy sister to come to JESUS, acquaint her that JESUS called
her, when indeed he did not. Thou needest not put thyself to such an
expence, or do so much evil, that good may come of it. Only mention
JESUS to _Mary_, and let her know for a certainty that the Master is
indeed come, and I am persuaded she will sit no longer. _Martha_ no
doubt knew, and therefore I cannot judge her as some do, as though in
her haste she said what was not true. For JESUS might bid her to call
her sister, though it be not directly mentioned in this chapter. And
it is very probable, that our LORD did enquire after _Mary_, because
she used to take such great delight in sitting at his feet, and hearing
the gracious words that proceeded out of his mouth. “The Master is come
(saith _Martha_ to her sister) and calleth for thee.” And so say I to
all poor sinners. JESUS, your LORD and Master, your Prince and Saviour,
is come, come unto this lower world, and is come this day in his word,
and by me, who am less than the least of all his servants, and calleth
for you. O that he may also come in the demonstration of the Spirit,
and by his mighty power bow your stubborn hearts and wills to obey the
call, as holy _Mary_ did.
For we are told, verse 29. “When she heard that, she rose quickly,
and came to JESUS.” Sinners, when will you do so? Or why do you not
do so? How know you whether JESUS will call for you any more, before
he calls you by death to judgment? Linger, O linger no longer. Fly,
fly for your lives. Arise quickly, and with _Mary_ come to JESUS. She
obeyed the call so very speedily, that her haste was taken notice of
by her visitors. “The _Jews_ then, who were with her in the house, and
comforted her, when they saw _Mary_ that she rose up hastily (without
any ceremony at all) and went out, followed her, saying, she goeth to
the grave, to weep there.” How wisely does our LORD permit and order
all this, to bring the _Jews_ out to behold the wonderful miracle that
he was about to perform! Little did _Mary_ and the _Jews_ think for
what end they were thus providentially led out. But when JESUS hath
work to be done, he will bring souls to the place where he intends
to call them, in spite of men or devils. But how does _Mary_ behave
when she comes to JESUS? We may be assured, not without great humility.
No wonder then we are told, verse 32. that “when she saw him, she
immediately fell down at his feet (a place _Mary_ had been used to, and
in an agony of grief, says, as her sister had done before her) LORD,
if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” Poor _Mary_! Her
concern was great indeed. Though she was a holy woman, she could not
well bear the loss of her brother. She knew very well, that the world
would miss him, and no doubt he had been a kind and tender brother to
her. But I am afraid she was sinfully overcome with overmuch sorrow.
However, had we been there, the sight must have affected us. It seems
to have affected the visitors, especially the blessed JESUS. He,
instead of blaming her, for her tacitly accusing him of unkindness,
and for not coming to her brother’s relief, pities and sympathizes
both with _Mary_ and her weeping friends! “When JESUS saw her weep, and
the _Jews_ also weeping, he groaned in his Spirit, and was troubled.”
Troubled: Not with any sinful perturbation we may be assured: nothing
of that nature could possibly be in his sinless soul. And, therefore,
some have judiciously enough compared the trouble our LORD now felt, to
some chrystal water shaken in a glass or bottle; you may shake it, but
there will be no sediment: it will be chrystal water still. “He groaned
in his spirit.” I do not see why this may not be understood of his
praying in the spirit, which maketh intercession for the saints, with
ἀλαλητοις στεναγμοις “groanings that cannot be uttered.” Methinks I see
the immaculate Lamb of GOD, secretly, but powerfully agonizing with his
Father; his heart is big with sympathy! At length, out of the fulness
of it, he said, verse 34. “Where have ye laid him? They (I suppose
_Mary_ and _Martha_) say unto him, LORD, come and see.” He came, he
saw, “He wept,” verse 35. It is put in a verse by itself, that we might
pause a while, and ask, why JESUS wept?
He wept, to shew us, that it was no sin to shed a tear of love and
resignation at the grave of a deceased friend; he wept, to see what
havock sin had made in the world, and how it had reduced man, who was
originally little lower than the angels, (by making him subject to
death) to a level with the beasts that perish: but above all, he wept
at the foresight of the people’s unbelief; he wept, to think how many
then present, would not only not believe on, but would be hardened, and
have their prejudices increased more and more against him, though he
should raise _Lazarus_ from the dead before their eyes. Well then may
ministers be excused, who, whilst they are preaching, now and then drop
a few tears, at the consideration of their sermons being, through the
perverseness and unbelief of many of their audience, a savour of death
unto death, instead of a savour of life unto life. Upon a like occasion
JESUS wept. What an affecting sight was here! Let us for a while
suppose ourselves placed amidst these holy mourners; let us imagine
that we see the sepulchre just before us, and the _Jews_, and _Mary_,
and the blessed JESUS weeping round it. Surely, the most obdurate of us
all must drop a tear, or at least be affected with the sight; we find
that it affected those who were really by-standers: for then said the
_Jews_, verse 36. “Behold, how he loved him.” And did they say, Behold,
how he loved him, when JESUS only shed a few tears over the grave of
his departed _Lazarus_? Come then, O sinners, and view CHRIST dying and
pouring out his precious heart’s blood for you upon an accursed tree,
and then surely you must needs cry out, Behold, how he loved us!
But alas, though all were affected, yet, it seems, all were not well
affected at seeing JESUS weep! For we are told, verse 37. that some of
them said, “Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind, have
caused that even this man should not have died?” One would imagine,
that Satan himself could scarce have uttered a more perverse speech:
every word is full of spite and rancour. Could not this man, this
fellow, this deceiver, who pretends to say, that he opened the eyes of
the blind, have caused that this man, whom he seems to love so, should
not have died? Is not this a sufficient proof that he is a cheat? Have
we catched him at last? Is it likely that he really helped others, when
he could not help his own friend?――――O how patient ought the servants
of our LORD to be! And how may they expect to be censured, and have
their good deeds questioned, and lessened, when their blessed Master
has been thus treated before them! However, JESUS will do good,
notwithstanding all these slights put upon him; and therefore, again
groaning in himself, “he cometh to the grave; it was a cave, (or vault,
as is customary in great families) and a stone lay upon it; JESUS said,
verse 39. Take ye away the stone.” How gradually does our LORD proceed,
in order to engage the people’s attention the more! Methinks I see them
all eye, all ear, and eagerly waiting to see the issue of this affair.
But _Martha_ now returning with the rest of the company, seems to have
lost that good frame which she was in when she went to call her sister;
“She saith unto him, (verse 39.) LORD, by this time he stinketh: for he
hath been _either_ dead _or_ buried four days.” O the dismal effects of
carnal reasoning! How naturally do we fall into doubts and fears, when
we have not our eye simply directed to the blessed JESUS! _Martha_,
instead of looking up to him, looks down into the grave, and poring
upon her brother’s stinking corpse, falls into a fit of unbelief: “By
this time he stinketh;” and, therefore, a sight of him will only be
offensive. Perhaps she might think our LORD only wanted to take a view
of her brother _Lazarus_; JESUS, therefore, to give her yet a further
hint, that he intended to do something extraordinary, saith unto
her, verse 40. “Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldst believe,
thou shouldst see the glory of GOD?” Our LORD speaks here with some
degree of warmth: for nothing displeases him more than the unbelief
of his own disciples. “Said I not unto thee, if thou wouldst believe,
thou shouldst see the glory of GOD?” When CHRIST first spoke these
words unto her, we are not told; it might be, this was part of their
conversation upon another occasion some time before: however, he checks
her openly for her unbelief now: for those whom JESUS loves, must
expect to be rebuked sharply by him, whenever they dishonour him by
unbelief. The reproof is taken.
Without making any more objections, “They took away the stone from the
place where the dead was laid.” And now behold with what solemnity the
holy JESUS prepares himself to execute his gracious design! “And JESUS
lift up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard
me; and I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people
which stand by, I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent
me.” Who can express with what fervor and intenseness of spirit, our
glorious High-priest uttered these words! They are a thanksgiving
arising from an assurance that his Father had heard him: for CHRIST,
as Mediator, was inferior to the Father. “I knew that thou hearest me
always (and so may every believer in his degree say too); but because
of the people which stand by, I said it.”――Said what? We do not hear
that JESUS said any thing by way of prayer before; and that is true,
if we mean vocally, but mentally he did say something, even when he
groaned in the spirit once and again, and was troubled. There is a way
of praying, even when we do not, and cannot speak. “Why cryest thou,”
said GOD to _Moses_; though we do not hear that he spoke one single
word: but he cried in his heart. And I observe this for the comfort
of some weak, but real christians, who think they never pray, unless
they can have a great flow of words; but this is a great mistake: for
we often pray best, when we can speak least. There are times when the
heart is too big to speak: and the spirit itself maketh intercession
for the saints, and that too according to the will of GOD, with
groanings that cannot be uttered. Such was _Hannah_’s prayer for a son,
“She spake not, only her lips moved:” and such was our LORD’s way of
praying at this time. And perhaps the soul is never in a better frame,
than when in a holy stillness, and unspeakable serenity, it can put
itself as a blank in JESUS’s hand, for him to stamp on it just what he
pleases.
And now the hour of our Saviour’s performing this long-expected miracle,
is come. Verse 43. “When he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice,
_Lazarus_, come forth.” With the word there went an irresistible power:
he spake, and it was done: he cried, and behold, “He that was dead came
forth bound hand and foot with grave cloaths; and his face was bound
about with a napkin.” What a sight was here! Methinks I see surprize
sit upon each spectator’s face: as the body rises, their wonder rises
too. See how they gaze! See how their looks bespeak the language
of astonished hearts; and all with a kind of silent, but expressive
oratory, ready to say, What manner of man is this? Surely this is the
Messiah that was to come into the world. How did the hearts of _Martha_
and _Mary_, as we may very well suppose, leap for joy! How were they
ashamed of themselves, for charging JESUS foolishly, and taxing him
with unkindness, for not coming to prevent their brother’s dying! It
is true, CHRIST suffered him to die, but behold he is now alive again!
JESUS never denies us one thing, but he intends to give us something
better in the stead of it. Think you not that _Martha_ and _Mary_ were
now the most officious to obey our blessed LORD’s command, “Loose him,
and let him go?” That same power that raised _Lazarus_ from the dead,
might have also taken the grave-cloaths from him: but JESUS CHRIST
never did, and never will work a needless miracle. Others could unloose
his grave-cloaths, but JESUS alone could unloose the bands of death.
And now, perhaps, some may be ready to ask, What news hath _Lazarus_
brought from the other world! But stop, O man, thy vain curiosity!
It is forbidden, and therefore useless knowledge. The scriptures are
silent concerning it. Why should we desire to be wise above what is
written? It becomes us rather to be wholly employed in adoring the
gracious hand of that mighty Redeemer who raised him from the dead, and
to see (now we have heard the history) what improvement we can make of
such a remarkable and instructive transaction.
Would to GOD that my preaching upon the resurrection of _Lazarus_
to-day, may have the same blessed effects upon you, as the sight of it
had upon some of the standers-by: For we are told, verse 45. “Then many
of the _Jews_ who came to _Mary_, and had seen the things which JESUS
did, believed on him.” A profitable visit this! The best, no doubt,
that they ever paid in their lives. And this was in answer to our
Saviour’s prayer, “But because of the people who stand by, I said it,
that they may believe, that thou hast sent me.” One would imagine,
that all who saw this miracle, were induced thereby, really to believe
on him: But alas! I could almost say, that I can tell you of a greater
miracle than raising _Lazarus_ from the dead. And what is that? Why,
that some of these very persons who were on the spot, instead of
believing on him, “went their way to the Pharisees, and told them
what JESUS had done.” verse 46. It was so far from convincing them,
that it only excited their envy, stirred up the whole hell of their
self-righteous hearts, and made them, from that day forward, “take
counsel together,” to execute what they had long before designed, to
put the innocent JESUS to death. See how busy they are, verse 47. “Then
gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What
do we? For this man doeth many miracles.” Envy itself, it seems, could
not deny that. And need they say then, “What do we,” or what should we
do? Believe in, to be sure, and submit to him; take up the cross, and
follow him. No; on the contrary, say they, verse 48. “If we let him
thus alone, (which they would not have done so long, had not GOD put a
hook in the Leviathan’s jaws) all men will believe on him.” And suppose
they did? Then all men would be blessed indeed, and have a title
to true happiness. No, say they, “then the _Romans_ shall come and
take away both our place and nation.” But were not the _Romans_ come
already? Were they not at this time tributaries to _Cæsar_? But they
were afraid of the church as well as the state: “They will come and
take away our place,” our place of worship: and consequently, they look
upon JESUS CHRIST and his proceedings, and adherents, as dangerous both
to church and state.
This hath been always the method of Pharisees and high-priests, when
they have been taking counsel against the LORD JESUS, and his dear
anointed ones. But they need not have been afraid on this account: for
our Saviour’s kingdom neither was, nor is of this world; and the only
way to have preserved their place and nation, was to have countenanced,
and as much as in them lay, caused all to believe on JESUS. How
miserably were they out in their politics! The death of JESUS, which
they thought would save, was the grand cause of the utter destruction
both of their place and nation: And so will all politics formed against
CHRIST and his gospel end at last in the destruction of those who
contrived them.
O the desperate wickedness and treachery of man’s deceitful heart!
Where are the scribes, where are the infidels, where are the
letter-learned disputers of this world, who are daily calling for a
repetition of miracles, in order to confirm and evidence the truth
of the christian religion? Surely if they believe not _Moses_ and the
prophets, neither would they believe, though one rose from the dead.
Here was one raised from the dead before many witnesses, and yet all
those witnesses did by no means believe on JESUS. For divine faith is
not wrought in the heart by moral persuasion (though moral suasion is
very often made use of as a means to convey it); faith is the peculiar
gift of GOD: no one can come to JESUS unless the Father draw him: and,
therefore, that I may draw near the close of this discourse, let me
shut up all with a word of exhortation.
Come, ye dead, Christless, unconverted sinners, come and see the place
where they laid the body of the deceased _Lazarus_; behold him laid
out, bound hand and foot with grave-cloaths, locked up and stinking
in a dark cave, with a great stone placed on the top of it! View
him again and again; go nearer to him; be not afraid; smell him, ah!
how he stinketh. Stop there now, pause a while; and whilst thou art
gazing upon the corpse of _Lazarus_, give me leave to tell thee with
great plainness, but greater love, that this dead, bound, entombed,
stinking carcase, is but a faint representation of thy poor soul in
its natural state: for, whether thou believest it or not, thy spirit
which thou bearest about with thee, sepulchred in flesh and blood, is
as literally dead to GOD, and as truly dead in trespasses and sins, as
the body of _Lazarus_ was in the cave. Was he bound hand and foot with
grave-cloaths? So art thou bound hand and foot with thy corruptions:
and as a stone was laid on the sepulchre, so is there a stone of
unbelief upon thy stupid heart. Perhaps thou hast lain in this state,
not only four days, but many years, stinking in GOD’s nostrils. And,
what is still more affecting, thou art as unable to raise thyself out
of this loathsome, dead state, to a life of righteousness and true
holiness, as ever _Lazarus_ was to raise himself from the cave in which
he lay so long. Thou mayest try the power of thy own boasted free-will,
and the force and energy of moral persuasion and rational arguments
(which, without all doubt, have their proper place in religion); but
all thy efforts, exerted with never so much vigour, will prove quite
fruitless and abortive, till that same JESUS, who said, “Take away
the stone,” and cried, “_Lazarus_, come forth,” comes by his mighty
power, removes the stone of unbelief, speaks life to thy dead soul,
looses thee from the fetters of thy sins and corruptions, and by the
influences of his blessed Spirit, enables thee to arise, and to walk
in the way of his holy commandments. And O that he would now rend the
heavens, and come down amongst you! O that there may be a stirring
among the dry bones this day! O that whilst I am speaking, and saying,
“Dead sinners, come forth,” a power, an almighty power might accompany
the word, and cause you to emerge into new life!
If the LORD should vouchsafe me such a mercy, and but one single soul
in this great congregation, should arise and shake himself from the
dust of his natural state; according to the present frame of my heart,
I should not care if preaching this sermon here in the fields, was an
occasion of hastening my death, as raising _Lazarus_ hastened the death
of my blessed Master. For methinks death, in some respects, is more
tolerable, than to see poor sinners day by day lying sepulchred, dead
and stinking in sin. O that you saw how loathsome you are in the sight
of GOD, whilst you continue in your natural state! I believe you would
not so contentedly hug your chains, and refuse to be set at liberty.
Methinks I see some of you affected at this part of my discourse.
What say you? Are there not some ready to complain, alas! we have some
relations present, who are so notoriously wicked, that they not only
hug their chains, but make a mock of sin, and stink not only in the
sight of GOD, but man. Dear souls! you are ready to urge this, as a
reason why JESUS will not raise them; and think it hard, perhaps, that
JESUS does not come, in answer to your repeated groans and prayers, to
convert and save them. But what JESUS said unto _Martha_, I say unto
you, “Believe, and you shall see the glory of GOD.” Think it not a
thing incredible, that GOD should raise their dead souls. Think not
hard of JESUS for delaying an answer to your prayers: assure yourselves
he heareth you always. And who knows, but this day JESUS may visit some
of your dear relations hearts, upon whose account you have ♦travailed
in birth till CHRIST be formed in them? You have already sympathized
with _Martha_ and _Mary_, in their doubts and fears; who knows but you
may also be partakers of that joy which their souls experienced, when
they received their risen brother into their longing arms.
♦ “travelled” replaced with “travailed”
O Christless souls, you do not know what grief your continuance in sin
occasions to your godly relations! You do not know how you grieve the
heart of JESUS. I beseech you give him no fresh cause to weep over you
upon account of your unbelief: let him not again groan in his spirit
and be troubled. Behold how he has loved you, even so as to lay down
his life for you. What could he do more? I pray you, therefore, dead
sinners, come forth; arise and sup with JESUS. This was an honour
conferred on _Lazarus_, and the same honour awaits you: Not that you
shall sit down with him personally in this life, as _Lazarus_ did; but
you shall sit down with him at the table of his ordinances, especially
at the table of the Lord’s-supper, and ere long sit down with him in
the kingdom of heaven.
Happy, thrice happy ye, who are already raised from spiritual
death, and have an earnest of an infinitely better and more glorious
resurrection in your hearts. You know a little, how delightful it must
have been to _Martha_ and _Mary_ and _Lazarus_, to sit down with the
blessed JESUS here below; but how infinitely more delightful will it
be, to sit down, not only with _Mary_ and _Martha_, but with _Abraham_,
_Isaac_, and _Jacob_, and all your other dear brethren and sisters, in
the kingdom of heaven. Do you not long for that time, when JESUS shall
say unto you, “Come up hither?” Well! blessed be GOD, yet a little
while, and that same JESUS, who cried with a loud voice, “_Lazarus_,
come forth;” shall with the same voice, and with the same power, speak
unto all that are in their graves, and they shall come forth. That
all who hear me this day may be then enabled to lift up their heads
and rejoice, that the day of their compleat redemption is indeed fully
come, may JESUS CHRIST grant, for his infinite mercy’s sake. _Amen_,
and _Amen_.