John 11:41–42

The second antecedent at the grave, is, his thanksgiving to the Father after the stone was taken away, and before he wrought the miracle. These who were commanded, ver. 39 taking away the stone, which it seems they had intermitted, till Martha’s unbelief, interrupting them, was reproved; He (who had been praying to the Father) doth now, 1. Publickly give him thanks for hearing him in this matter, ver. 41. 2. He gives a reason why he published this thanksgiving, which was not because it was unusual for him to be heard, who was never refused in any sute, but that these who were present might be convinced that he is the Mediatour sent and approved of the Father, ver. 42. Christs making use of prayer in this miracle, doth nothing crosse what was marked on, ver. 22.25. of his doing these things by his own power; for, as God, he is a principal efficient, as man, he is the instrument of the Godhead, and as Mediatour, he acts as the Fathers servant. And albeit he had spoken before of his own power as God, yet he chooseth rather to take this way before the people, to manifest that he was owned and approved by God, and not contrary to him, as the Jewes gave it out.

From ver. 41. Learn, 1. Unbeliefe in any of the Lords people is not only their own sin, but when it breaks forth, it is also a stumbling block to others, in their going on in their duty; for, Martha’s exception had hindered the men, and, it seems, drawn them to doubt with her, Then (to wit, when she is reproved and passeth from it, and not till then) they took away the stone from the place where the deal was laid. 2. It is an evidence that the people of God have quit their unbelief, or are not mastered with it, when they silence their reasonings and exceptions, and do not suffer unbelief to impede obedience to commanded duties; for, this is the evidence that Martha is satisfied, in that she reasons no more, and in that she puts no new impediments to hinder the removing of the stone, as Christ had commanded. 3. Such things as we do earnestly desire, we ought to pray seriously for them to God; As Christs practice doth teach us, who had been praying about this miracle, as is here imported. 4. Honest and sincere prayer will aford matter of praise; And men need not make much shew or noise of their seeking of God; for, God will openly reward them by publike testimonies of his favour, calling for praise; for, herein also hath our surety led the way, who praying in secret among the crowd, gets matter of publike praise, and hath the fruits of the prayer appearing in the subsequent miracle. 5. Sincere seekers of God may know that their prayers are heard, albeit the thing sought be not as yet performed; for, Christ acknowledgeth he is heard, although the miracle was not yet wrought. And albeit he knew this in a peculiar way, yet Saints also have rules whereby to discern this, Joh. 16.23. 1 Joh. 5.14. 6. Gods hearing of prayer obligeth us to praise; And all these who know their need, and the mercy of God respecting their cry in their need, will not faile to make conscience of praise; for, so doth his practice teach us, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. See Psal. 50.15. 7. As these who expect and desire their prayers to be heard in mercy, should make sure an interest in God, and that they are his children; So Gods hearing of his peoples prayers is a sweet confirmation of that interest, and this should be fed upon with a warm and thankful acknowledgement of that relation; for, so doth Christs example teach, who in this thankful account of his Fathers answer, expresseth this sweet relation, Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me, as indeed he was his Father in a special manner, and did give signal proofes thereof, in hearing him as Mediatour. 8. Christs people are so dear to him, that not only do their necessities call him to prayer for them; But his being heard in their behalfe doth affect and oblige him, as if it were for himselfe: for, he doth here not only pray, but accounts it matter of praise, when he is heard. 9. Such as are rightly employed in spiritual duties, their heart and affections will be toward God, and heaven-ward; And these affections will carry the outward man with them, in so far as is convenient; for, in this thanksgiving, Jesus lift up his eyes, to testifie where his heart was. And albeit in his prayer we finde neither words nor any such signes used, because it was secret; Yet now, in this publike thanksgiving, he will edifie the hearers by this very outward directing of the eye.

From ver. 42. Learn, 1. Christ is a Mediatour who continueth constant in the exercise of intercession for his own; for, if he be heard alwaies, then he prayeth alwayes. 2. Such is the conformity betwixt the Father and the Mediatours will, and so strictly hath the Father obliged himselfe to his Son, undertaking that office, that all he prayes for is granted; for, Thou hearest me alwayes. 3. It is a special favour not only to be heard of God, but to know and be satisfied that it is so; that we be not crushed under mistakes; Therefore Christ publisheth it as a part of that favour to him as Mediatour, I know that thou hearest me alwayes. See 1 Cor. 2.12. 1 Joh. 5.15. 4. It concerneth the children of men, to understand well how great acceptance Christ hath with the Father, that so it may deterre them from coming in opposition to him, and may invite them to employ him who cometh such speed in their affairs; for, this was his end in publishing this his successe, not only to lay before them a pattern of duty in the like cases, as is marked on ver. 41. But chiefly, that he may be known, But because of the people that stand by, I said it, that they may beleeve. 5. We do then take up Christ comfortably, when not only we see his own affection and respect to us, but when we see him one with the Father, and his Ambassadour, and that the Father is well pleased, and to be found in him; for, this is it he would have gathered from his acceptance in prayer, That they may beleeve that thou hast sent me. And for this cause, he chooseth rather to take this way, then only to manifest his own power in this.