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John 11:3
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He whom thou lovest is sick - Nothing could be more simple, nor more modest, than this prayer: they do not say, Come and heal him: or, Command the disease to depart even where thou art, and it will obey thee: - they content themselves with simply stating the case, and using an indirect but a most forcible argument, to induce our Lord to show forth his power and goodness: - He is sick, and thou lovest him; therefore thou canst neither abandon him, not us.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, he whom thou lovest is sick--a most womanly appeal, yet how reverential, to the known affection of her Lord for the patient. (See Joh 11:5, Joh 11:11). "Those whom Christ loves are no more exempt than others from their share of earthly trouble and anguish: rather are they bound over to it more surely" [TRENCH].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore his sisters sent unto him,.... Both the sisters of Lazarus, Mary and Martha, sent to Jesus; they did not go themselves, being women, and the place where Jesus was, was at some distance; and besides, it was necessary they should abide at home, to attend their brother in his sickness, and therefore they sent a messenger, or messengers to Christ, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick; for it seems that Lazarus was in a very singular manner loved by Christ, as man, as John the beloved disciple was; and this is the rather put into the message by the sisters, to engage Jesus to come to his assistance; and they were very right in applying to Christ in this time of need, who is the physician, both of the bodies and souls of men; and are greatly to be commended both for their modesty and piety, in not prescribing to Christ what should be done in this case: and it may be further observed, that such who are the peculiar objects of Christ's love, are attended in this life with bodily sickness, disorders, and diseases, which are sent unto them, not in a way of vindictive wrath, but in love, and as fatherly chastisements; which, as they are designed, so they are overruled for their good; and are to be considered, not as instances of wrath, but as tokens of love.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:3 The two sisters had a dilemma. They knew Jesus’ power as a healer, but they also realized that his return to Judea would entail personal risk (11:8).
John 11:3
The Death of Lazarus
2(Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was to anoint the Lord with perfume and wipe His feet with her hair.)3So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one You love is sick.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God Can Meet Our Every Need
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:02:10ProvisionLUK 11:1JHN 5:1JHN 5:14JHN 11:3JHN 11:43In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of even a brief contribution in a meeting. He encourages listeners to trust in God's ability to bless others through their short words or actions. The speaker also highlights the importance of acknowledging our own need and coming to the end of ourselves before God can work in our lives. He uses examples from the miracles of Jesus in the book of John to illustrate how God can solve any problem and manifest His glory.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Do All Things Work Together for Good?
By Ernest C. Reisinger8338:52Christian LifePSA 103:13MAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 11:3ROM 8:26ROM 8:28JAS 4:10In this sermon, the speaker begins by using a hypothetical scenario to illustrate the importance of having complete control over all variables in order to achieve a goal. He then shifts to discussing the Christian life and the significance of the Bible. He emphasizes that being called an elect of God is a reason to believe in the good news from a far country. The speaker also shares a story about an old preacher using a watch as an analogy to explain how seemingly opposing circumstances can still work together for good. Lastly, he reflects on his experience with dying cancer patients and how it has reinforced the importance of finding true home in God.
Sickness
By J.C. Ryle0Faith in TrialsSicknessPSA 90:10ISA 53:4HOS 13:14MAT 8:17MAT 25:36JHN 11:3JHN 14:14ROM 8:281CO 3:22HEB 10:37J.C. Ryle's sermon 'Sickness' emphasizes the profound message sent by Martha and Mary to Jesus, 'The one You love is sick,' illustrating the importance of turning to Christ in times of trouble. He highlights that sickness is not a sign of God's displeasure but rather a means through which God can teach us valuable lessons about faith, humility, and dependence on His love. Ryle encourages believers to view sickness as a blessing that can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's purpose. He also stresses the need for Christians to be prepared for sickness and to support one another in times of need, reflecting Christ's compassion. Ultimately, Ryle reassures that Christ's love remains constant, even in our suffering, and calls for a life of faith and communion with Him.
Steering by Gods Compass
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 6:5MAT 10:37MAT 23:6MAT 26:48MRK 14:44LUK 20:46LUK 22:47JHN 5:20JHN 11:3JHN 12:25JHN 15:19JHN 16:27JHN 20:2JHN 21:151CO 16:22TIT 3:15REV 3:19REV 22:15In this sermon on love, the preacher delves into the concept of 'phileo' love, which is a friendship type of love based on emotions and personal attachment. 'Phileo' is a love that expects a response and is often seen in relationships where there is mutual affection and delight. This type of love is described as a warm affection that requires attention and thrives on a reciprocal nature. While 'phileo' love is conditional and based on finding qualities in another person admirable, 'agapao' love is selfless and originates from a sense of the preciousness of the object loved.
Beloved, and Yet Afflicted
By C.H. Spurgeon0God's LoveAfflictionPSA 119:71ISA 53:4MAT 11:28JHN 11:3JHN 14:27ROM 8:282CO 1:4HEB 12:6JAS 1:21PE 5:7C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that Jesus loves Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, yet they faced affliction, illustrating that love does not exempt us from suffering. He explains that sickness can be a part of God's plan for growth and discipline, and that believers should not be surprised by trials, as they often lead to spiritual maturity and benefit others. Spurgeon encourages constant communication with Jesus in times of trouble, reminding us that He cares for our physical and emotional pain. He concludes by urging listeners to reflect on their relationship with Jesus, emphasizing that true love for Him brings comfort even in sickness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He whom thou lovest is sick - Nothing could be more simple, nor more modest, than this prayer: they do not say, Come and heal him: or, Command the disease to depart even where thou art, and it will obey thee: - they content themselves with simply stating the case, and using an indirect but a most forcible argument, to induce our Lord to show forth his power and goodness: - He is sick, and thou lovest him; therefore thou canst neither abandon him, not us.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, he whom thou lovest is sick--a most womanly appeal, yet how reverential, to the known affection of her Lord for the patient. (See Joh 11:5, Joh 11:11). "Those whom Christ loves are no more exempt than others from their share of earthly trouble and anguish: rather are they bound over to it more surely" [TRENCH].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore his sisters sent unto him,.... Both the sisters of Lazarus, Mary and Martha, sent to Jesus; they did not go themselves, being women, and the place where Jesus was, was at some distance; and besides, it was necessary they should abide at home, to attend their brother in his sickness, and therefore they sent a messenger, or messengers to Christ, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick; for it seems that Lazarus was in a very singular manner loved by Christ, as man, as John the beloved disciple was; and this is the rather put into the message by the sisters, to engage Jesus to come to his assistance; and they were very right in applying to Christ in this time of need, who is the physician, both of the bodies and souls of men; and are greatly to be commended both for their modesty and piety, in not prescribing to Christ what should be done in this case: and it may be further observed, that such who are the peculiar objects of Christ's love, are attended in this life with bodily sickness, disorders, and diseases, which are sent unto them, not in a way of vindictive wrath, but in love, and as fatherly chastisements; which, as they are designed, so they are overruled for their good; and are to be considered, not as instances of wrath, but as tokens of love.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:3 The two sisters had a dilemma. They knew Jesus’ power as a healer, but they also realized that his return to Judea would entail personal risk (11:8).