Part 68

“Nevertheless, says our LORD, let us go unto him.” This was a sufficient hint, if they knew how to improve it, that he intended to do something extraordinary, though he would not tell them directly what he intended. For the LORD JESUS will keep those whom he loves, at his foot, and dependant on him. “Let us go unto him.” He still speaks as though they were his equals. Oh that Christians in general, Oh that ministers in particular, would learn of him their great exemplar, to condescend to men of low degree! Well, the secret is now out. JESUS has said unto them plainly, _Lazarus_ is dead. And what reception does this melancholy news meet with? With great condolance, especially from _Thomas_; for verse 16. “Then said _Thomas_, who is called _Didymus_, unto his fellow disciples, let us also go and die with him;” i. e. according to some, with _Lazarus_, with whom, it may be, _Thomas_ had contracted an intimate acquaintance. But granting it was so; shall I commend him for this passionate expression? I commend him not. Surely he spake unadvisedly with his lips; “Let us also go and die with him.” As though there was no comfort henceforward to be expected in the world, now his friend _Lazarus_ was gone. This was a great fault, and yet a fault that many of GOD’s children run into daily, by mourning for their deceased relations over-much, like persons that have no hope. But this infirmity ought not to be indulged. For if our friends and dear relatives are dead, JESUS, that friend of sinners, is not dead. He will be better to us than seven sons, and will abundantly supply the place of all creature-comforts. But I am more inclined to think that the word _him_, refers to JESUS his dear Master; and if so, he is so far from being blamed, that he spake like a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST. Let us also go, that we may die with him. If our dear master will go into _Judea_, and hazard his precious life, let us not any longer make such frivolous excuses, but let us manfully accompany him; and if the _Jews_ should not only be permitted to stone, but also to kill him, let us also go and die with him, we cannot die in a better cause. This was a speech worthy of a christian hero, and _Thomas_ herein hath set us an example, that we should follow his steps, by exciting and provoking one another closely to adhere to the blessed JESUS, especially when his cause and interest is in any immediate danger. This exhortation, it seems, had a proper effect. They all went, and as far as we know, chearfully accompanied their glorious Master.