John 11:45–46

Followeth the third and last part of the Chapter, containing some consequents and effects of this miracle, which may be taken up in these. 1. What effects it had on the Jewes who were with Mary, ver. 45, 46. 2. The consultations and conclusions of the Rulers of the Jewes, when they are informed of it, ver. 47.—53. 3. The course which Christ took on this their resolution, ver. 54. 4. The diligence used by the Rulers to have their resolutions put in execution at the feast, ver. 55, 56, 57 As for what was the part and carriage of Lazarus and his sisters, upon the receipt of this mercy, it pleaseth the Lord to mention no more of it, then what may be gathered from their piety, that they were not unthankful and from his passing it over in silence, (not that he did vilipend it, but) that great mercies will affect his people more, then can be well said or expressed.

In these verses we have the first consequent of the miracle, which is, the diverse impressions it takes upon the Jewes who were present: Many of them beleeving, and others of them persisting in unbelief, and not being able to do unto Christ what they would, themselves, they delate the matter to the Pharisees. Whence learn, 1. Christ doth not spread his net by doctrine and working, but for some notable fruit and effect: for, here by raising up of one dead body, he raiseth up many dead souls 2. Albeit, for the most part, they generally are naught; yet at some times, and in some societies, it pleaseth him to work upon, and gain the far greater part; for, Many of the Jewes beleeved, whereas some only, ver. 48. do persist in their ill course. 3. Such as come to do good unto the godly in their need, may readily meet with more good to themselves by the means; for, they came to Mary, who finde Christ, and are drawn to beleeve. It is said they came to Mary only, because they came out to the grave after her, ver. 31. Or, because, however they came out of Jerusalem to comfort both her and Martha, ver. 19. yet they did it chiefly for Maries sake. 4. Such as do rightly consider of Christs glorious workings and manifestations unto, and for his people, may be abundantly convinced that he is the true Messiah, and see convincing grounds wherefore they should embrace and close with him by faith; for, when they had seen the things which Jesus did (not only the miracle, for that alone could not work solid faith, though it might prepare for it, but his groaning, weeping doctrine, thanksgiving, the way of the miracle &c.) they beleeved on him. 5. When Christ is prevailing fastest, yet his doctrine and working will never be well taken at all hands; for, some of them, are of another temper. 6. Not only the prevalent example of many will not work upon the obstinate; But their (other wayes) good and moral principles will not contribute to draw them to Christ; for, not only stand they out, being a few, when many yeeld, but though they had compassion to let out for a godly Mary and Martha, yet they will not embrace Christ. 7. The most glorious actings of Christ will be so far from prevailing with the obstinate, that they will rather become the worse of them; for, what greater act could there be then what Christ did here? and yet they are enraged, and make it a dittay against him. 8. Albeit wicked men may pretend many prejudices against Christ and his dealing, wherefore they cannot embrace him; Yet when all these are removed, they will be nothing the better; for, it was their great exception against Christs love to Lazarus, that he had not prevented his death, ver. 37. Yet when that is removed in a glorious way, they are not gained. 9. Albeit many who maligne Christ, have but small power to hurt him, yet were their hornes never so short, they will have them out against him; for, they cannot hurt Christ themselves, but they will set others on work to do it. 10. Such as are prime agents against Christ, he will plague them with much employment of that kinde, to fill up their cup; for, the Pharisees must be told, that may appear in this businesse. 11. Such as do instigate and stir up others to persecute, or do delate the godly to their malicious enemies, are in effect cruel persecutors; for, it is marked, as the evidence of their malicious disposition, that they went to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. 12. Christ can make use even of the malice of his enemies, to make them publishers of his glory and praise; for, their malice led them to tell the Pharisees what things Jesus had done, and so there was no need of his friends to publish and confirme the truth of this miracle, at Jerusalem.