The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 164

euch dispenso.Uons, he attrncted many. (3) As the Uvilflg monwmmt of the most wonderful power-the power of Jeswi of Nazwreth. They came to Ree Lazarus also, but he was attractive on account of what Jesus had done to him. Ile had many monn- rnents, but this was his masterpiece, and from it every reflective and earnest mind would turn with reverence and awe to the great Artist. 3. He wa.~ very attrar,tive at thi11 time. (1) He attro.cted very many people. "Much people of the Jews," etc. They co.me to know where he was. '.l'he miracle of Bethany had stirred up Jerusalem. He could not be hid. His fame now blazed with pecular brilliancy. (2) He attracted many in spi'-6 of difficulties. There wae much popular prejudice and unbelief. He had the bitter~st opposition of the leading spirits of the nation; wealth, learning, power, and authority in Church and state were against him. Every obstacle to the flow of the populace to him was placed in their way, but in spite of all, Bethany mightily attracted Jerusalem in those days. (3) He attracted many to faith. "Many of the Jews believed on him." To attro.ct attention, curiosity, general interest, and personal pre- sence and attendance was but little to him, after all. Many came to Jesus, but believed not on him; they admired and even believed the work, but not on the Worker; but he attracted many to real faith-faith which was spiritual and lasting. II. THE OPPOSITION OF HIS FOES. " The chief priests," etc. 1. Their opposition was really to Jesus. (1) They opposed Jeswi in Lazarwi. The Master in the disciple; the great Operator in his work. They had nothing personally against Lazarus; but thought that they could not so effectively strike Jesus as through him. He became the target of their hatred. This is not the first time, and certainly not the last, Jesus is persecuted in his followers, and his followers persecuted on his account. (2) They opposed Lazarus because he was a loss to them. Because on his account many of the Jews went away-left them. 'l'he miracle of which Lazarus was the living monument attracted many from them. Their ranks were quickly thinned, and their reputat~on on the wane. This enraged their anger against Lazarus. (3) They opposed Lazarus because he was a gain to Jesus. Many on his account left them and believed on Jesus. This, after all, was the sting of his offence. They could bear their own loss better than his gain; their own ebb than his flow. They would rather backsliding adherents should take any direction than this. This was a mortal offence. In connection with Jesus Lazarus had become intolerable. 2. Their opposition was most wicked and cruel. (1) It involved murder. The taking away of life. This was the hitter end. They could go no further. They had no right to this. Life is sacred. (2) It involved wilful murder. "'.l'hey consulted how," etc. Anyhow, only let Lazarus be put to death. It was not the impulse of the moment, the outburst of passion, but the deliberate and united act of the will. "'!'hey consulted," etc. (3) It was the wilful murder of the innocent. Jesus was innocent; but if to perform miracles and attract the people con- stituted real guilt, he was guilty. Ilut what had Lazarus done? Was it an offence to be raised from the dead and breathe the old air, mix with old acquaintances, and enjoy the old life once more? '!'rue, he was a most genuine and dear friend of Jesus; but a most quiet and undemonstrative one, much beloved by his nation in life and mourned in death. In a sense he was the passive monument of a most benevolent and Divine power. And what could he help that his miraculous restoration engendered faith in Jesus? Blind and cruel bigotry could scarcely select a more innocent victim, nor con- template a more wicked deed. 3. Their opposition was increasingly wicked and cruel. (1) The death of Jesus was already determined. His life was already doomed as far as the Jewish authorities were concerned. There was a reward already offered for his capture. (2) 'fhe death of Lazarus was now contemplated. Lazarus was the first con- templated martyr for Jesus on record. We have no proof that they carried out their purpose; probably not. They had Jesus, and this satisfied them for the time, and Lazarus escaped. (3) One sin leads to another. Sin generates and multiplies very fast. The determination to murder Jesus led to the determination to murder Lazarus. (4) The capacity to do tlie greater involves the capacity to do the less. If they can put Jesus to death, they can easily put Lazarus. The violent death of Jesus made the violent death of his follower a comparatively easy matter. 4. Their opposition was most foolish. Reason was off its throne. For: (1) 'l.'he death of Lazarus could not undo the miracle and its results. The miracle by this time was an established and an admitted fact. It had in a sense gone from Jesus and Lazarus and was a publio  THE GOSPEL AOOORDING TO 8T. JOHN. [ou. xn. 1-60,