The effect of the miracle on the spectators.
There is still the same division among the Jews as on the occasion of every miracle.
I. THE MIRACLE ACTS WITH CONVINCING POWER. "Then many of the Jews, those who had come to Mary, and had seen the things which he did, believed in him."
1. They saw in the miracle the evidence of his Messiahship, and heartily accepted Christ as their Redeemer.
2. It was a providentially happy visit that led them to Bethany on that day. They came to comfort the sisters, and found for themselves "the Consolation of Israel."
II. THE MIRACLE ACTS LIKEWISE WITH A REPELLENT POWER. "But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what Jesus had done."
1. They had a strange story to tell, which it was impossible to gainsay.
2. It was a hostile motive that prompted the errand to the Pharisees, the implacable enemies of Christ.