41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.



Ver. 41. Father, I thank thee that, &c.] Beginning to pray, he brings his thanks in his hand, as sure to speed. So must we, Php_4:6. And therefore in the law, whatever request they had to God, they must be sure to come with their peace offerings, in token of thankfulness: that they might sing with the Psalmist, "Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion," Psa_65:1. It is said of Tiberius the emperor, that he never denied his favourite Sejanus anything, and oftentimes anticipated his request, so that he needed only to ask and give thanks. (Tacitus.) All God’s people are his favourites, and may have anything that heart can wish or need require.