Matthew Henry Commentary John 11:1-6

"Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha. And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. But when Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When therefore he heard that he was sick, he abode at that time two days in the place where he was." — John 11:1-6 (ASV)

It is no new thing for those whom Christ loves to be sick; physical illnesses correct corruption and test the graces of God's people. He did not come to preserve His people from these afflictions, but to save them from their sins and from the wrath to come. However, we ought to appeal to Him on behalf of our friends and relatives when they are sick and afflicted.

Let this reconcile us to the darkest dealings of Providence: that they are all for the glory of God. Sickness, loss, disappointment, are so; and if God is glorified, we ought to be satisfied. Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. Families in which love and peace abound are greatly favored; but those are most happy whom Jesus loves, and by whom He is loved.

Alas, that this is seldom true for everyone, even in small families. God has gracious intentions, even when He seems to delay. When the work of deliverance, temporal or spiritual, public or personal, is delayed, it only waits for the right time.