John Calvin Commentary John 11:19

"and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother." — John 11:19 (ASV)

To comfort them concerning their brother. This was, no doubt, the object they had in view, but God had another object to accomplish, as we have stated. It is evident from what is mentioned here that the house of Lazarus and his sisters was greatly respected and honored. Again, as it is natural that the death of friends should cause grief and mourning for people, this duty, which the Evangelist mentions, ought not to be blamed, unless on the grounds that sinful excess, which prevails in this and in other areas of life, corrupts what is not in itself sinful.