John 11:14-15 Then said Jesus to them plainly, Lazarus is dead.… Jesus was glad that the trial had come. I. FOR THE STRENGTHENING OF THE FAITH OF THE APOSTLES. 1. The trial itself would do this. Faith untried may be true faith, but it is sure to be little faith. It never prospers so much as when all things are against it. No flowers wear so lovely a blue as those which grow at the feet of the frozen glacier; no water so sweet as that which springs amid the desert sand. (1) Tried faith brings experience, and experience makes religion more real. You never know your weakness nor God's strength till you have been in the deep waters. (2) Trial removes many of the impediments of faith. Carnal security is the worst foe to confidence in God, and blessed is the axe that removes it. The balloon never rises until the cords are cut. (3) Affliction helps faith when it exposes the weakness of the creature. This trial would show the apostles not to depend on the bounty of any one man, for though Lazarus entertained them, Lazarus had died. We are in danger of making idols of our mercies. (4) Trial drives faith to God. When the world's wells are full of sweet but poisonous water we pitch our tents at the well's mouth; but when earth's water becomes bitter we turn away sick and faint and cry for the water of life. (5) Trial has a hardening effect on faith. As the Spartan boys were prepared for fighting by the sharp discipline of their boyish days, so are God's servants trained for war by the affliction which He sends upon them. We must be thrown into the water to learn to swim. If you want to ruin your child, let him never know a hardship. 2. The deliverance of Lazarus would do this. (1) At the worst Christ can work; in the very worst He is not brought to a nonplus. The physician, Herod, Caesar, and all their power can do nothing here; and Death sits smiling as he says, "I have Lazarus." Yet Christ wins the day. (2) Divine sympathy became most manifest — "Jesus wept."(3) Divine power was put forth — "Lazarus, come forth." All this was the best education the disciples could have for their future ministry. When in prison they would remember how Lazarus was brought out. When preaching to dead sinners they would remember the power of the word which brought Lazarus to life. II. FOR THE GOOD OF THE FAMILY. The sisters had faith, but it was not very strong, for they doubted both Christ's love and His power. Because He specially loved these people: 1. He sent them a special trial. The lapidary will not spend much time on an ordinary stone, but a diamond of the first water he will cut and cut again. So the gardener will a choice tree. 2. Special trial was attended with a special visit. Perhaps Christ would not have come to Bethany had not Lazarus died. If you are in trouble Christ will go out of His way to see you. 3. The special visit was attended with special fellowship. Jesus wept with those who wept. You may be well and strong, and have but little fellowship with Christ, but He shall make all your bed in your sickness. 4. And soon you shall have special deliverance. III. FOR GIVING FAITH TO OTHERS. Afflictions often lead men to faith in Christ because — 1. They give space for thought. 2. They prevent sin. A lad had resolved against advice to climb a mountain. A mist soon surrounded him, and compelled him to return. His father was glad because, had he gone a little further, he would have perished. 3. They compel them to stand face to face with stern realities. How often has God's Spirit wrought in illnesses that have seemed hopeless. 4. They are sometimes followed by great deliverances. (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. |
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