George Hutcheson
9 Much people of the Jewes therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
10 But the chiefe Priests consulted, that they might put Lazarus also to death;
11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jewes went away, and beleeved on Jesus.
In these verses, is recorded a consequent of Christs coming to Bethany, when it came to be known he was there; to wit, that many Jewes resorted thither, not only for his sake, but out of curiosity also, to see and speak with Lazarus, ver. 9. Which is amplified from the Rulers resolution thereupon, to put Lazarus also out of the way, seeing his resurrection was a mean to draw many to Christ, ver. 10, 11. It is not needful to determine, whether these Jewes, were some dwelling in Jerusalem, and about it, or some of these who came up before-hand to the feast, Chap. 11.55. who also came out the next day to meet him in triumph; seeing, whoever they were, their coming contributed to let forth Christs honour, and to irritate his enemies.
From ver. 9. Learn, 1. Where Christ pleaseth to make himselfe known, he will get respect and followers, were there never so much hazard and opposition in the way; for, albeit the Rulers had concluded to put him to death, and he had withdrawn upon that, and they had given charge to spy him out, Chap 11.53, 54, 57. yet, much people of the Jewes, knew that he was there; and they came. So soon as they heard of him, they flocked to him. 2. Christ gives so glorious proofes of his power and love, as may invite men to flock unto him; for, he hath with him Lazarus, whom he raised from the dead, to make them flock unto him. 3 It is an argument to perswade Christ to help his people in their difficulties, that by so doing, he not only doth them good, but doth also bring about the manifestation of his glory, and an increase of followers; for, by raising Lazarus, he draws them out to wait upon him. See Psal. 7.6, 7. 4. Albeit Christ will get glory, even by the unsound actings and appearings of men for him, Philip. 1.16, 18. Psal. 66.3. Yet it is the sin of many, that they flock to him rather out of curiosity, then in sincerity, and that they choose rather to gaze upon his works, then fall in love with the worker; for such was their fault here, They came not for Jesus sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also. They were curious to see such a rare sight, and, possibly also, to enquire somewhat of him concerning the state of the dead.
From ver 10, 11. Learn, 1. Such as betake themselves to bear down Christ, do engage themselves in an endlesse vexing life, and an harder task then they are able to undergo; for, they who would kill Jesus, would put Lazarus also to death Yea, they would kill many who would kill all whom Christ made objects of his mercy, for inviting others to come to him. See Exod. 1.12. 2 Men once engaged in opposition to Christ, will not readily be reclaimed by insuperable difficulties, nor the convincing beams of his glory shining in their eyes; for, albeit this was a glorious work prevailing on others, and albeit they see moe and moe impediments in their way, yet they will go on. 3. None are so malicious and bitter enemies to Christ, as corrupt Churchmen, whence they once decline; for, it is the chiefe Priests, who are so cruel as to kill a man for being the harmlesse occasion of drawing men to Christ, and whom God had newly delivered from death, and testified he would have him live. 4. It is the great preferment, and most special mercy that can be conferred on any, when they are made means and instruments of advancing Christs honour and Kingdome; for, this was Lazarus dignity, that because many of the Jewes went away and beleeved on Jesus ‘Tis not needful to assert that the faith of the most of them was sound, but the least degree of it in the worst of them, was enough to irritate the Rulers. 5. Such as have received special mercies from Christ, or are made instruments of his glory, may expect that they shall meet with a rub, and be made the But of the malice of enemies; for there is a resolution against Lazarus life, who was thus highly honoured. 6. How mad soever enemies be, or their projects cruel; yet they would be farre enough from their point, if Christ pleased, though they got their will; for, suppose they had put Lazarus to death, could not Christ raise him up againe as he had done even lately to their knowledge, and so make his glory shine yet more brightly?
