John 11

John 11:4

This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

We shall not need to fear that we shall upon this sickness forego Lazarus; for this disease shall not end in a continuing

John 11:9

Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

In all that time of the clear day, wherein we have the benefit and direction of the sun, we walk securely and stumble not, neither fear falling: the call and fore-appointment of God is the light of that sun, which I am, and must be directed by; while I walk according to the guidance thereof, I cannot do amiss.

John 11:10

But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

But if a man walk either without or against this sure and holy direction, he cannot but stumble, and fall, and miscarry.

John 11:16

Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

Then said Thomas, &c. to his fellow disciples, Our Master is, I see, resolved to go up to Jerusalem, where he was so lately in danger of stoning; or at least, to the skirts of it, which is Bethany: wherein what will he do other than put himself in the very jaws of death? since he hath taken up this resolution, let us not leave him; but let us also go, that we may die with him. XI. 25, 26. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Whereas man hath by his sin exposed himself to a double death, both spiritual and bodily, I am he who am both the author or beginner of life unto him, and the preserver and finisher thereof: those sons of Adam, which are dead in their sins and trespasses, I do by the power of my Spirit revive, by working in them a lively faith in me, and cause them to lead the life of grace. And those who do thus live the life of faith, I do by my power and mercy preserve from dying eternally. XI. 51, 52. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. And this howsoever Caiphas spake out of his own malicious sense, yet God over-ruled his tongue herein (as being the high priest that year) to utter unawares an oracle-like prophecy concerning Christ, that he should die for that nation of the Jews: And not for that nation only, but for all mankind; that by the virtue of his death he might gather together all his elect ones among the Gentiles, and might happily bring them to the participation of the same grace and glory.