John 11:1

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, because when the other Evangelists make mention of it, but only St. John: the reason is supposed to be this, because when the other Evangelists wrote their history, Lazarus was then alive; (for Epiphanius says, he lived thirty years after he was raised by Christ) and probably, the mention of this relation might have brought Lazarus into danger and trouble; but St. John wrote his gospel after Lazarus's death. This miracle was. sufficient demonstration of Christ's godhead: none but an almighty power could recall. man four days dead, from. settled corruption to. state of life. None but he that created Lazarus could thus make him anew.

Here observe, 1. The tender sympathy of these two endeared sisters with their afflicted brother; they feel his sorrows, and acquaint their Saviour with his sufferings, Lord! behold he whom thou lovest is sick. They do not say, Our brother that loves thee is sick; he whom thou lovest is sick; thereby pleading not the merit of Lazarus, but the merit of Christ. For how can the love of Christ, which is infinite and eternal, have any cause but itself; Note, The person whom Christ loved is sick, and dies.

Learn hence, That strength of grace, and dearness of respect, even from Christ himself, cannot prevail either against death or against diseases. Lazarus, whom Christ loved, is sick.

Observe, 2. The gracious answer which Christ sent to the sister's message; This sickness is not unto death; but for the glory of God; that is, this sickness shall not bring upon him such. death as he shall remain under the power of, to the general resurrection; but is only designed to give me an opportunity of glorifying God, by exerting my miraculous power in restoring him to life.

Learn hence, 1. That as God's own glory is his supreme aim and end in all his actions, so in particular it is designed by him in sending afflictions upon his people, to glorify his power and wisdom, mercy and love, in and upon them. The saints sicknesses are all for the glory of God.

2. That God is glorified when his Son is glorified: as none do honour the Father, who do not honour the Son; so the Father accounts himself glorified, when the glory of the Son is advanced. This sickness is for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.