Exposition of John, Chapter 12 · Verse 7
Ver. 9. Much people of the Jewes therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jeſus ſake only, but that they might ſee Lazarus alſo, whom he had raiſed from the dead.
10. But the chiefe Prieſts conſulted, that they might put Lazarus alſo to death;
11. Becauſe that by reaſon of him many of the Jewes went away, and beleeved on Jeſus.
In theſe verſes, is recorded a conſequent of Chriſts coming to Bethany, when it came to be known he was there; to wit, that many Jewes reſorted thither, not only for his ſake, but out of curioſity alſo, to ſee and ſpeak with Lazarus, ver. 9. Which is amplified from the Rulers reſolution thereupon, to put Lazarus alſo out of the way, ſeeing his reſurrection was a mean to draw many to Chriſt, ver. 10, 11. It is not needful to determine, whether theſe Jewes, were ſome dwelling in Jeruſalem, and about it, or ſome of theſe who came up before-hand to the feaſt, Chap. 11.55. who alſo came out the next day to meet him in triumph; ſeeing, whoever they were, their coming contributed to let forth Chriſts honour, and to irritate his enemies.
From ver. 9. Learn, 1. Where Chriſt pleaſeth to make himſelfe known, he will get reſpect and followers, were there never ſo much hazard and oppoſition in the way; for, albeit the Rulers had concluded to put him to death, and he had withdrawn upon that, and they had given charge to ſpy him out, Chap 11.53, 54, 57. yet, much people of the Jewes, knew that he was there; and they came. So ſoon as they heard of him, they flocked to him. 2. Chriſt gives ſo glorious proofes of his power and love, as may invite men to flock unto him; for, he hath with him Lazarus, whom he raiſed from the dead, to make them flock unto him. 3 It is an argument to perſwade Chriſt to help his people in their difficulties, that by ſo doing, he not only doth them good, but doth alſo bring about the manifeſtation of his glory, and an increaſe of followers; for, by raiſing Lazarus, he draws them out to wait upon him. See Pſal. 7.6, 7. 4. Albeit Chriſt will get glory, even by the unſound actings and appearings of men for him, Philip. 1.16, 18. Pſal. 66.3. Yet it is the ſin of many, that they flock to him rather out of curioſity, then in ſincerity, and that they chooſe rather to gaze upon his works, then fall in love with the worker; for ſuch was their fault here, They came not for Jeſus ſake only, but that they might ſee Lazarus alſo. They were curious to ſee ſuch a rare ſight, and, poſſibly alſo, to enquire ſomewhat of him concerning the ſtate of the dead.
From ver 10, 11. Learn, 1. Such as betake themſelves to bear down Chriſt, do engage themſelves in an endleſſe ve…ing life, and an harder task then they are able to undergo; for, they who would kill Jeſus, would put Lazarus alſo to death Yea, they would kill many who would kill all whom Chriſt made objects of his mercy, for inviting others to come to him. See Exod. 1.12. 2 Men once engaged in oppoſition to Chriſt, will not readily be reclaimed by inſuperable difficulties, nor the convincing beams of his glory ſhining in their eyes; for, albeit this was a glorious work prevailing on others, and albeit they ſee moe and moe impediments in their way, yet they will go on. 3. None are ſo malicious and bitter enemies to Chriſt, as corrupt Churchmen, whence they once decline; for, it is the chiefe Prieſts, who are ſo cruel as to kill a man for being the harmleſſe occaſion of drawing men to Chriſt, and whom God had newly delivered from death, and teſtified he would have him live. 4. It is the great preferment, and moſt ſpecial mercy that can be conferred on any, when they are made means and inſtruments of advancing Chriſts honour and Kingdome; for, this was Lazarus dignity, that becauſe many of the Jewes went away and beleeved on Jeſus 'Tis not needful to aſſert that the faith of the moſt of them was ſound, but the leaſt degree of it in the worſt of them, was enough to irritate the Rulers. 5. Such as have received ſpecial mercies from Chriſt, or are made inſtruments of his glory, may expect that they ſhall meet with a rub, and be made the But of the malice of enemies; for there is a reſolution againſt Lazarus life, who was thus highly honoured. 6. How mad ſoever enemies be, or their projects cruel; yet they would be farre enough from their point, if Chriſt pleaſed, though they got their will; for, ſuppoſe they had put Lazarus to death, could not Chriſt raiſe him up againe as he had done even lately to their knowledge, and ſo make his glory ſhine yet more brightly?