Today’s message from John 11:28-37 is now on the web. You can listen to the audio here.
Here is the quote by B. B. Warfield characterizing the depth of emotion displayed by Jesus as fundamentally rage.
It is death that is the object of his wrath, and behind death him who has the power of death, and whom he has come into the world to destroy. Tears of sympathy may fill his eyes, but this is incidental. His soul is held by rage: and he advances to the tomb, in
Calvin’s words again, “as a champion who prepares for conflict.” The raising of Lazarus thus becomes, not an isolated marvel, but — as indeed it is presented throughout the whole narrative (compare especially, verses 24-26) — a decisive instance and open symbol of Jesus’ conquest of death and hell. What John does for us in this particular statement is to uncover to us the heart of Jesus, as he wins for us our salvation. Not in cold unconcern, but in flaming wrath against the foe, Jesus smites in our behalf. He has not only saved us from the evils which oppress us; he has felt for and with us in our oppression, and under the impulse of these feelings has wrought out our redemption.
Praise God for Jesus our champion who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Tim. 1:10)!
Thank you, once again, for plowing through deep waters and deepening our appreciation for this oft skimmed passage. Edge-of-yer-seat stuff. God is so good.
Another tireless encourager. Thanks, bro. One of my favorite sections of the Bible. I am relishing every minute in the exposition.