Part 67

“These things (the evangelist tells us, verse 11.) said JESUS, and after that, (to satisfy them that he was not going into _Judea_ without a proper call) he saith unto them, Our friend _Lazarus_ sleepeth.” Our friend. Amazing! For what is a friend? As one’s own soul. How dear then, and near are true believers to the most adorable JESUS! “Our friend _Lazarus_.” Still more amazing! Here is condescension, here is unparalleled familiarity indeed. And what of him? “He sleepeth.” A figurative way of expression. For what is death to the lovers of JESUS CHRIST, but a sleep, and a refreshing one too? Thus it is said of _Stephen_ when he died, that “he fell asleep.” CHRIST indeed died, but believers only sleep. And “those that sleep in JESUS, (says the scripture) will GOD bring with him.” “Our friend _Lazarus_ sleepeth.” For though he be dead, I shall raise him from the grave so soon, that his dying will be only like a person’s taking a short sleep. “Our friend _Lazarus_ sleepeth, but I go that I may awake him out of sleep.” By this time, one would imagine, our LORD’s disciples should have understood him: But how unwilling are we to believe any thing that we do not like. “Then said his disciples, LORD, if he sleep he shall do well.” Oh fearful, and slow of heart to believe! How fain would they excuse themselves from going into _Judea_, for fear of a few stones! By this way of talking, how do they in effect impeach their blessed Master’s conduct, and under a pretence of preserving his person, foster, and as it were plead for their own (though perhaps undiscerned) cowardice and unbelief? That charity, which hopeth and believeth all things for the best, teacheth us to judge thus favourably of them. For, “Howbeit JESUS spake of his death: they thought that he had spoken of taking rest in sleep.” The great and compassionate High-priest knowing and remembering they were but dust, throws a veil of love over their infirmity; and at length, verse 14. “Saith unto them plainly (for if we wait on JESUS, we shall know his will plainly, one way or another) _Lazarus_ is dead.” And even then, lest they should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow, he immediately adds, verse 15. “And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe,” or have more faith, or have that faith which you already possess increased and confirmed. A plain proof this, that all JESU’s delays to answer prayer, are only to strengthen our faith.