John 11:27

In the last place, we have Martha’s answer to this question; wherein, she assents unto what Christ had required her to beleeve, and ads a confession of her faith concerning his person and offices, which she professeth she hath beleeved before, as it is in the original. This she subjoynes, not only as the ground of her faith in this particular, unto which she now assents, But her weak grip (as would appear) not being able expressely to apprehend all this which he hath spoken, though she assent unto it; Therefore she passeth it in a word, and professeth her faith concerning his person and office, acknowledging him to be the promised Messiah, the Sonne of God, and consequently, professeth she beleeveth all that may flow from this. Whence learn, 1. Weak faith may grow up to more clearnesse and assurance, by conversing and conference with Christ, laying open our weaknesses to him, and receiving instructions from him; for, her answer to Christs question, is, Yea, Lord, affirming that she beleeved it, (though yet weakly) and so she is brought a further length then she had attained before, ver. 24. 2. In the matter of encouragements and promises, the Lord hath so ordered it, that some should be fundamentals (such as, the promise, I am thy God, the truths concerning Christs person and offices, &c.) which comprehend many promises in them; the rest being but a particular application of these generals to particular cases; As here her practice insinuates, recurring to this, as a chiefe and comprehensive ground of comfort, that he is the Christ, &c. 3. The consequences that flow from these fundamental encouragements and promises, are so many, and so full, that one, who beleeveth the first, may yet not see these consequences so clearly, nor yet so firmely beleeve all that flows from it; for, Martha (as would appear) cannot get all this so distinctly gripped; when yet she beleeves that he is the Christ, &c. from which all of it necessarily flows. At least, this is clear, that she hath beleeved, that he is the Christ, &c. even when she doubted of this particular which he calls her to beleeve. And this lets us see, that they who beleeve these general encouragements, have much more to be refreshed with, then they have well considered; and, that it is of Gods rich love, condescending to our weaknesse, that he draws out these generals in particular promises, relating to our particular necessities. 4. When our faith staggers in any particular exigent, or proves weak in beleeving particular promises; it is our duty to recurre to these general grounds of faith and encouragement, and hold them fast till we get more, and study the fulnesse that is in them, that we may be led on to more particular confidence; for, such is her practice; whatever her former doubting, or present weaknesse in beleeving were, yet she beleeves, and hath beleeved, that he is the Christ, &c. The studying of Christs person and offices is a notable mean to confirme our faith in all the promises concerning all the benefits to be had in him; for, this she layeth hold on for that end, I beleeve that thou art the Christ, the Sonne of God which should come into the world. The study of this will make us sure both of his good will, as Mediators, and power, as God, to do what he promiseth. 6. Christ is never rightly beleeved in, nor taken up, except he be acknowledged to be the Messiah promised unto the Fathers, and the eternal Sonne of God; for, so much doth her confession point out concerning him. 7. Christ was not unknown under the Old Testament, but was revealed and held forth in the promise; And accordingly, the godly did close with him by faith, Act. 15.11. Heb. 13.8. Rev. 13.8. And as they saw him to be true God, so they did expect and wait for him to come into the world, at the appointed time, made of a woman, and so to be God and man in one person: for, saith she, thou art the Christ the Sonne of God, which should come into the world, intimating that he was revealed, and accordingly beleeved in, and expected by them before he came; and that they acknowledged him, who was to come into the world, by his being made flesh, to be God, the Sonne of God. 8. All Gods promises of and concerning the Messiah, were fulfilled and accomplished in the person of Jesus Christ the Sonne of Mary; for, saith she of him now exhibited, Thou art the Christ the Sonne of God which should come into the world, So that there is no other to be expected. And as this was true of his person, so all other predictions, concerning the Messiah, in his life, death, resurrection, &c. were accomplished in him, as is frequently observed and recorded in the New Testament. And this may assure us, that all Gods promises shall be fulfilled in him to his people. 8. True faith in Christ will not judge of him by outward appearance, nor outward lots, but will pierce through all these clouds, and see his glory; for, when he is in the forme of a servant, and lately driven from Jerusalem, yet saith she, I beleeve thou art the Christ, the Son of God.