John 11:15

John 11:15

Five Paradoxes

In the single verse of our text we find no less than five paradoxes. They are disclosed in the words, but interpreted in the deeds of Jesus Himself. If their force and significance be carefully studied, they will help our understanding of many a mystery in the providential dealings of God.

I. In the life of an intelligent believer gladness sometimes grows out of grief. This is the lowest form of true Christian experience. It means no more nor less than that our light affliction, which is but for a moment, will work out a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

II. One's advantage is sometimes hid under another's trials. Two inferences may be suggested here. (1) When we are in deepest affliction, it is quite possible our sorrow is sent in some measure for another's advantage. (2) When others are afflicted, it may possibly be they are suffering for our sakes.

III. Increase of a Christian's sorrow sometimes alleviates it. Lazarus' illness may be taken for a mere annoyance or a vexation; but Lazarus' positive death, especially after we discover that the Lord knew all about it forty-eight hours before, opens our eyes to see Divine wisdom has unflinching hold of the reins. A great sorrow, with a purpose in it, is easier to bear than a smaller one which seems to have no aim now, and promises no benefit hereafter.

IV. In the true believer's experience doubt is sometimes employed to deepen trust. Earthly perplexity is a heavenly discipline. The way to make a careless Christian careful is to increase His cares. The way to render faith confident and unbroken is to make large demands upon it by onsets of trying doubt.

V. Absolute hopelessness and helplessness are the conditions of hope and help. In all our bewildering experiences, while sorrow keeps increasing, Jesus intentionally keeps away, so that our entire reserve of human reliances is used up. When the case becomes utterly desperate, we may be sure He has started for Bethany, and will soon be here for our relief.

C. S. Robinson, Sermons on Neglected Texts,p. 90.

References: John 11:15. T. M. Herbert, Sketches of Sermons,p. 220. John 11:16. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. iii., p. 295; J. Foster, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xii., p. 24; W. Raleigh, The Way to the City,p. 206. John 11:21. Homiletic Magazine,vol. xiii., p. 140; W. Simpson, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xiii., p. 312; J. E. C., Welldon, Ibid.,vol. xxvi., p. 280.