William Burkitt Notes and Observations - John 11:11 - 11:11

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William Burkitt Notes and Observations - John 11:11 - 11:11


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

Observe here, 1. Our Saviour, coming near to Bethany, tells his disciples that Lazarus sleepeth; that is plainly, he was dead. This shews his omnisciency, and that he was truly God: for he had received no advice of his death from any person, but as God he knew that he was deceased.

Observe, 2. The sweet title given both to death and Lazarus; death is called a sleep, Lazarus is tiles a friend: yet Christ says, not my friend, but our friend Lazarus sleepeth; intimating that gracious familiarity and mutual friendship which was betwixt himself and all his members.

Learn hence, 1. That all true believers are Christ's friends.

2. That the friends of Christ must die as well as others.

3. That their death is but a sleep, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth. It followeth, but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

Observe, Christ says not, We will go and awake him, but I will go, and I will awake him. The disciples who were companions in the way, must not be partners in the work; witnesses they may be, actors they cannot be; none can awake Lazarus, but the Maker of Lazarus. Who can command the soul to come down and meet the body; and who can command the body to rise up and meet the soul, but that God that created both soul and body?

Lord! it is our comfort against the dread and terror of death, that our resurrection depends upon thy almighty power. I will go, that I may awake him out of sleep.