562. JOH 11:11. THE DEATH OF LAZARUS, THE FRIEND OF CHRIST
Joh_11:11. The Death of Lazarus, the Friend of Christ
"These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep."’97Joh_11:11.
Few families have been more honorably distinguished than the family of Bethany. Two sisters and one brother constituted this godly household: the names of Martha and Mary will be handed down with holy fragrance to the latest posterity. Their brother was also one of the special objects of Christ’s affection and esteem, Joh_11:5. Even the most pious families are exposed to sickness, sorrow, and death. Disease invaded this domestic circle. The sickness waxed worse and worse, until death terminated his sufferings. Jesus had delayed his visit, though apprised of the condition of Lazarus, Joh_11:6-7, &c. There are two main ideas in the text,
I. The true character of Christ’s disciples. And,
II. A beautiful, metaphorical representation of death.
I. The true character of Christ’s disciples. They are his friends. Christ called Lazarus his friend. "Our friend." Now Christ thus denominates all his people. Abraham was called the friend of God.’97Joh_15:14, Joh_15:15. Now in reference to this character, observe,
1. That they were not always such. Not such by birth nor education. Once afar off. Alienated. Without God. Enemies, &c.
2. They became such by accepting the reconciliation offered in the gospel. Gospel reveals the Divine system of reconciliation. Publishes it. Urges it. We beseech you to be reconciled to God. By faith, the sinner is accepted into God’s favor and family. That day the friendship commences.
3. This friendship is connected with great immunities and blessings. He reveals his will to such: Joh_15:15. He communes with such. He blesses, keeps, saves, &c. His promises and ordinances are all theirs. "All are yours," &c.
4. This friendship with Christ will be made manifest. We shall profess Christ. Entertain Christ. In our houses and hearts. Honor Christ. Obey him. Make his interests ours, &c. Prefer Christ above all things, &c. Extol and recommend him, &c.
5. Friendship with Christ ever includes affection for his people. Hence Christ said, Not my friend, but ours. A good man will love all good men. The spirit of goodness and love pervades the whole Christian Church. Every believer is within one holy spiritual bond of grace, mercy, and peace. This is the great badge of Christianity. "By this," &c.
II. The text contains a beautiful, metaphorical representation of death. "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth." This metaphor was used at a very early period in reference to Moses, "Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers," Deu_31:16. Thus, too, Job. For now, saith he, "Shall I sleep in the dust, and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be," Job_7:21. So Daniel speaks, that, "Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth, shall awake." So the apostle speaks of "those who sleep in Jesus, and whom God will bring with him." So Christ in his resurrection is said to be "the first fruits of them that slept." Now observe,
1. The striking resemblance between sleep and death. The eyes closed,’97ears sealed,’97senses suspended. The breathing, and the warmth of the body, only, indicate between the one and the other. How truly it is the image of death.
2. As sleep is a state of quiescence and repose. The toil of the day is over,’97fatigue past,’97activity ceased. So all energy and labor, &c., end with respect to this world with the sleep of death.
3. As sleep is identified with night. They that sleep, sleep in the night, &c., and "I must work while it is called day," &c. To die, is to lie down in darkness. See Job_10:21, Job_10:22.
4. As sound sleep is incompatible with suffering. Weariness, pain, anguish, &c., are all forgotten in sleep. What a merciful cessation! So in death, all suffering of the body ends. All care has left its distracting seat, &c.
5. As sleep relates only to the repose of the body. Mind still active. What scenes and events are familiar to us in the dreams and visions of the night season. Now so in death,’97the body only is still and torpid. The mind lives, and thinks, and feels,’97and who can describe the visions and scenes with which it becomes immediately conversant?
6. As sleep is but a temporary suspension of the physical powers. In a few hours the man awakes, and sees and hears, and resumes his activity. So death is not the annihilation of the body, much less of the soul. In the morning of the great day, the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and shall live. What a scene when countless millions shall be aroused by the trumpet’s blast, and come forth at the bidding of their God and Judge. I just add, that death to the righteous,
(1.) Is a safe sleep. Their dust is precious with God.
(2.) Hopeful sleep. Lie down in hope, and that hope shall be realized to the full.
(3.) It is but a short sleep. Compared with eternity, even that of Abel will be but as a few moments.
(4.) For this sleep serious preparation is necessary. We should think, and reflect, prepare. Fear of God. Faith in Christ. Obedience to the Divine will, are the essential prerequisites.
Learn,
1. The essential characteristics of true friendship with Christ. Faith in him, love to him, and communion with him.
2. The connection between a holy life and a peaceful death. The righteous sleep in Jesus. Death is the repose of their wearied bodies, and they retire to the grave with a blessed hope of a glorious resurrection.
3. The grave is the prison of the unconverted. There they are reserved until the judgment of the great day.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS