Part 69

How their thoughts were exercised on the road, we are not told. But I am apt to believe they were a little discouraged when they came to _Bethany_. For “When JESUS came, he found that _Lazarus_ had lien in the grave for four days already.” And what would it avail them, to come so many miles only to see a dead man’s tomb? But how wisely were all things ordered by the blessed JESUS, to manifest his glory in the most extraordinary manner, that not only his disciples might have their faith confirmed, but many also of the _Jews_ might believe on him. This _Bethany_, it seems, verse 18. “was nigh unto _Jerusalem_, about fifteen furlongs off;” or about two miles; and _Martha_ and _Mary_, being what we may call people of fashion, and devout likewise; many of the devout, and we may suppose many of the wealthy _Jews_ came from the metropolis, as well as other adjacent places, verse 19. to _Martha_ and _Mary_; not to pay an idle, trifling, but a serious, profitable visit, “to comfort them concerning their brother.” This was kind and neighbourly. To weep with those that weep, and to visit the afflicted in their distresses, is one essential branch of true and undefiled religion. And O how sweet is it when we visit surviving friends, that we have reason to think that their departed relations died in the LORD! And we can therefore give them comfort concerning them: For “blessed are the dead, that die in the LORD, even so saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labours.” This and such-like arguments, no doubt, these visitors made use of, to comfort _Martha_ and _Mary_. And indeed they stood in much need of consolation. For we have reason to suppose, from our LORD’s answer, “This sickness is not unto death, but the glory of GOD;” that they had entertained thoughts of the recovery of their brother. But who can tell what these two holy souls must feel, when they found their brother did not recover, but was dead, laid out, and now stinking in the silent grave! What hard thoughts, without judging them, may we suppose they entertained concerning JESUS! Think ye not that they were ready to cry out in the language of the prophet, “Thou hast deceived us, and we are deceived?” But man’s extremity is JESU’s opportunity. In the multitude of the sorrows that they had in their hearts, the news of CHRIST’s coming refreshes their souls. Somebody or another, commendably officious, privately informs _Martha_ of it. “Who, as soon as she heard that JESUS was come (without making any apology to the company for her rudeness) went and met him: But _Mary_ sat still in the house.” But why so, _Mary_? I thought thou hadst been most forward to attend on JESUS, and thy sister _Martha_ more prone to be cumbered about the many things of this life. Why sittest thou still? It may be the news was brought only privately to _Martha_ (for it is plain from verse 31st, that the _Jews_ who were in the house knew not of it;) and _Martha_ knowing how our LORD had chid her once, was resolved he should have no reason on the same account to chide her any more; therefore when the news was brought, she would not so much as stay to inform her sister, but went out to see whether it were true or not, and if so, as the eldest sister, she would invite the blessed JESUS in. How happy is it, when CHRIST’s reproofs for past neglects, excite our future zeal to come out and meet him! Such reproofs are an excellent oil. Or, it may be, the news reached _Mary_’s ears, as well as _Martha_’s, but being overcome with sorrow, she thought it too good news to be true, and therefore sat still in the house. O how careful ought believers to be, to cherish and maintain, even in the midst of tribulation, a holy confidence and joy in GOD! For the joy of the LORD is a believer’s strength. Whereas giving way to melancholy and unbelief, raises gloom and vapours in the mind, clouds the understanding, clogs us in the way of duty, and gives the enemy, who loves to fish in troubled waters, a very great advantage over us.