John 11:23

In the third place, we have Christs meek answer to her discourse; Wherein passing over her infirmitie, he comforts her with a promise, that her brother shall rise again. Whence learn. 1. Great are the consolations which God hath laid up for his afflicted people; and he will do great things for them, in so far as he seeth good; for, so much doth this wonderful promise, given for Martha’s comfort, import. 2. It is a satisfactory and proper consolation against the death of these we love, to beleeve a resurrection, wherein they shall be restored again; for, by this doth Christ comfort her, Thy brother shall rise again. 3. Christ doth propound this promise only in general tearmes, He shall rise again, not mentioning the time when it should be: And this he doth, partly, to shew that however he was to raise her brother presently; yet the very general promise of a general resurrection, is full of comfort, 1 Thes 4.13, 14, &c. And therefore he propounds her encouragement in these tearmes, left any should stumble, who have no warrand to expect such a particular favour. Partly, he doth it, for the exercise of her faith, and to let see, in her practice, how far short our expectations may be of what Christ will do for his people; (shee looks for resurrection at the last day, he is to raise her brother presently) And partly, that he may let in her consolation by degrees into her narrow mouthed vessel; For as Saints may be allowed to beleeve and expect a mercy, when yet they cannot resolve every particular circumstance, how, or when, or by what means it shall come to passe, Esther 4.14. so they are so shallow, as they can take in mercies but here a little, and there a little.