The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 104

J. LIGHT IB HERE OABT UPON THE OHARACTER OF THE FAMILY AT DF:TRANY, ~-lrn1 m:inncr of people must those h1we been whom Jesus loved I The narrative gives m scwrnl particulars regarding tho sisters, so that we can appreciate tho affectionate t<>mper of both-the eager and prRctioal natnre of Martha, Rnd the more contemplative J,abit and the quiet enthusiasm of Mary, Perhaps too m11ch has been made of tho Blight indications afforded by the evangelists of the chanctere of these two sisters respectively. However this may be, they e.nd their brother Lazarus were all mutually attached, and were all in common devoted to Jel!us. That it was exquisite grace and condescension on the patt of Jeans to honour them with his society and his intimo.cy, is undeniable. Yet there was a sense in which he counted this household "worthy," so that his peace rested upon it. The life of all three inmat-es of this happy and harmonious home was made radiant by the visits of Jesus during his lifetime; and by the memory of his friendship it must have been sanctified and sweetened as long as the circle was unbroken. II. LIGIIT 1B HERE CAST UPON THE OHAlUOTER AND DISPOSITIONS OF THE Lonn JESUS IIlMSELF. We see him in his true and perfect humanity, when we see him in the household of Bethany. It is the same figure, the same Divine Teacher and Master whom we see upon the mountain er by the i;hore, and in the jndgment-hall of Pilato; Yet we are familiar with the newness of aspect under which here and there a man appears to us when we meet him amidst his family, or as we English say, "by his fire- side." It is in the home that the softer, gentler, more sympathetic features of the chamcter reveal themselves. Imagination pictufel! Jesus as he visited the home at Bethany in its days of tranquillity and prosperity, and reproduces .the tones of his dis- course, the expression of his countenance; or as he came when the household was plunged in sorrow, and when his sympathy soothed them, and when his omnipotence restored their dead one to life and fellowship. AB the perfect Son of man, Jesus was not merely the public Preacher; he was the private Friend. His ministry was not only one of general benevolence ; it was one of personal affection. JIL LIGHT IS HERE CAST UPON THE l'BOVISION lllADE FOB A PERPETUAL FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN JESUS Ab.'D ms PEOPLE. Our Lord, as St.. John has recorded, declared his people to be his friends, and mentioned unquestionable proofs of his friendship toward his people. It is, however, somewhat difficult for us to realize this friendship on the part of the unseen and glorified Son of God towards us in our humiliation and imper- fections. But the statement made in the text brings to our minds.an actual instance of the Lord's friendship, which helps us to apprehend and to feel that it is not a me~e. matter of theory; that Jesus is indeed a Friend to those who welcome him into their heart and home with reverence and gratitude, and with the response of devout and: ardent love. Jesus is, to those who love him, a Friend who can hallow their joys, and can soothe their griefs, who can ma.ke their dwelling bright with his radiant smile, music.al with his gracious voice.-T. , er. IL-Sl,eeping and waking. Our Lord J eS1IS, in this metaphorical language, doubtless adopted a view of death which was familiar to his countrymen, because pre- sented in the works of their inspired and their uninspired writers-of seers and of sages. Yet iu adopting it, he imparted to it a tone and character peculiar to himself. On the otru:r hand, what he says concerning the awakening is altogether original; herein he claims e. power which is unprecedented and unparalleled. I. 'l'o THE CHnISTIAN DEATH IS SLEJU'. 1. It is the close of the day of toil. 2. It is tl,e hushing and silencing of the many harsh and jarring voices of care, of anxiety, of restlessness. 3. It is the soothing of sorrow and trouble. 4. It is looked for and welcome, when the due time comes. ll. 1T IS THE PBEBOGATIVK OF CHRIST TO ABOUSE HIS PEOPLE FROM THE SLUMBER OF DEATH. L Our Lord awakens slumbering souls from the stupors of sin. The message of the gospel to snch is, "A wake, thou that sleepeet, a.rise from the dea.d, end he shall eulighten thee." This spiritual awakenjng is the pledge of the glorious and finbl a.wakening of the future unto th~ higher and immortal life. 2. ~ sleep is b_utfor e. sea.son, so the sleep of death is appomted only as a temporary, a. transitory experience, 3. The voice which woke Laze.rue out of his sleep is the voice which summons from the slumber of death. Christ's &11Sumpt1on of this power is an implicit claim to Divine on. x1. 1-57.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. 107