Sickness (Universal & Benefitial)

Drawing on the story of Lazarus’s illness in John 11, Ryle argues that sickness—though universal and unavoidable to every class, nation, and body—is not merely a punishment but a consequence of the Fall, and ultimately a tool God uses for good. Just as Martha and Mary’s simple message rested on Christ’s love for Lazarus rather than Lazarus’s love for Christ, believers should find comfort in God’s love rather than anxiety over their own suffering. Ryle shows that sickness, while genuinely painful, functions as a “rough schoolmaster” that reminds people of death and mortality, turns their minds toward God and eternity, softens hardened hearts and worldly attachments, humbles pride by exposing common human frailty, and tests the authenticity of a person’s faith—revealing whether one’s beliefs are merely inherited tradition or something solid enough to withstand hardship.

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Bishop John Charles (J.C.) Ryle (1816-1900) was a prolific writer, especially gifted in writing short tracts on gospel and practical subjects.