Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 11:30-37
J.C. Ryle expounds on John 11:30-37 to reveal the deeply compassionate nature of Christ, who not only saves but also sympathizes with human sorrow.
In this expository sermon on John 11:30-37, J.C. Ryle highlights the tender compassion of Jesus Christ as He weeps with those mourning Lazarus. Ryle draws attention to the dual nature of Christ—His power to save and His ability to empathize deeply with human sorrow. The sermon encourages believers to practice sympathy and kindness, showing how such acts can lead to spiritual blessing and growth. Through this passage, Ryle invites listeners to see the heart of Jesus and the importance of bearing one another’s burdens.
Text
Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still in the place where Martha had come out to meet him. Then the Jewish people from Jerusalem who were with Mary in the house consoling her saw her get up quickly and go out. They followed her, because they thought she was going to the tomb to weep there.
Now when Mary came to the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jewish people who had come with her weeping, he was intensely moved in spirit and greatly distressed. He asked, "Where have you laid him?" They replied, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. Thus the Jewish people who had come to mourn said, "Look how much he loved him!" But some of them said, "This is the man who caused the blind man to see! Couldn’t he have done something to keep Lazarus from dying?"
Not many passages in the New Testament are more wonderful than the simple narrative contained in these eight verses. It brings out, in a most beautiful light, the sympathizing character of our Lord Jesus Christ. It shows us Him who is "able to save to the uttermost all who come to God by Him," as able to feel as He is to save. It shows us Him who is One with the Father, and the Maker of all things, entering into human sorrows, and shedding human tears.
We learn, for one thing, in these verses, how great a blessing God sometimes bestows on actions of kindness and sympathy.
It seems that the house of Martha and Mary at Bethany was filled with mourners when Jesus arrived. Many of these mourners, no doubt, knew nothing of the inner life of these holy women. Their faith, their hope, their love to Christ, their discipleship, were things of which they were wholly ignorant. But they felt for them in their heavy bereavement, and kindly came to offer what comfort they could. By so doing they reaped a rich and unexpected reward. They beheld the greatest miracle that Jesus ever wrought. They were eye-witnesses when Lazarus came forth from the tomb. To many of them, we may well believe, that day was a spiritual birth. The raising of Lazarus led to a resurrection in their souls. How small sometimes are the hinges on which eternal life appears to depend! If these people had not sympathized they might never have been saved.
We need not doubt that these things were written for our learning. To show sympathy and kindness to the sorrowful is good for our own souls, whether we know it or not. To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, to weep with those who weep, to try to bear one another\
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Setting and Context
- Jesus has not yet entered the village of Bethany
- Martha and Mary’s grief and the presence of mourners
- The expectation of Jesus’ intervention
-
II. The Compassion of Jesus
- Jesus is deeply moved and distressed by the sorrow
- He asks where Lazarus is laid
- Jesus weeps, showing his genuine sympathy
-
III. The Response of the Onlookers
- Mourners recognize Jesus’ love for Lazarus
- Some question why Jesus did not prevent death
- The impact of Jesus’ compassion on witnesses
-
IV. Lessons on Sympathy and Faith
- Kindness to the sorrowful is a blessing to the giver
- Sympathy can lead to spiritual awakening
- Encouragement to bear one another’s burdens
Key Quotes
“Not many passages in the New Testament are more wonderful than the simple narrative contained in these eight verses.” — J.C. Ryle
“It shows us Him who is 'able to save to the uttermost all who come to God by Him,' as able to feel as He is to save.” — J.C. Ryle
“To show sympathy and kindness to the sorrowful is good for our own souls, whether we know it or not.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Practice genuine sympathy and kindness toward those who are grieving to reflect Christ’s love.
- Remember that Jesus understands and shares in human sorrow, encouraging us to bring our pain to Him.
- Recognize that acts of compassion can lead to spiritual growth and even the salvation of others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jesus weep if He knew He would raise Lazarus?
Jesus wept to show His genuine human compassion and to empathize with the sorrow of those around Him, demonstrating that He fully shares in human suffering.
What does this passage teach about Jesus’ nature?
It reveals that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, able to save completely while also feeling deep sympathy for human pain.
How can showing sympathy benefit believers?
Acts of kindness and sympathy not only comfort others but also bless the giver’s soul and can lead to spiritual growth and awakening.
What is the significance of the mourners witnessing the miracle?
Their witnessing of the resurrection of Lazarus likely sparked faith in many, illustrating how God uses circumstances to bring people to spiritual life.