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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>M A T T H E W.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XXVI.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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The narrative of the death and sufferings of Christ is more
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particularly and fully recorded by all the four evangelists than any
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part of his history; for what should be determine, and desire to know,
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but Christ, and him crucified? And this chapter begins that memorable
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narrative. The year of the redeemed was now come, the seventy weeks
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determined were now accomplished, when transgression must be finished,
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reconciliation made, and an everlasting righteousness brought in, by
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the cutting off of Messiah the Prince,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+9:24,26">Dan. ix. 24, 26</A>.
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That awful scene is here introduced, to be read with reverence and holy
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fear. In this chapter, we have,
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I. The preliminaries, or prefaces, to Christ's sufferings.
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1. The previous notice given by him to his disciples,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:1,2">ver. 1, 2</A>.
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2. The rulers' conspiracy against him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:3-5">ver. 3-5</A>.
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3. The anointing of his head at a supper in Bethany,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:6-13">ver. 6-13</A>.
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4. Judas's bargain with the priests to betray him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:14-16">ver. 14-16</A>.
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5. Christ eating the passover with his disciples,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:17-25">ver. 17-25</A>.
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6. His instituting the Lord's supper, and his discourse with his
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disciples after it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:26-35">ver. 26-35</A>.
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II. His entrance upon them, and some of the particulars of them.
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1. His agony in the garden,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:36-46">ver. 36-46</A>.
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2. The seizing of him by the officers, with Judas's help,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:47-56">ver. 47-56</A>.
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3. His arraignment before the chief priest, and his condemnation in his
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court,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:57-68">ver. 57-68</A>.
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4. Peter's denying him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:69-75">ver. 69-75</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Mt26_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt26_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt26_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt26_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt26_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Plot of the Chief Priests.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these
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sayings, he said unto his disciples,
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2 Ye know that after two days is <I>the feast of</I> the passover,
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and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
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3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes,
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and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest,
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who was called Caiaphas,
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4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and
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kill <I>him.</I>
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5 But they said, Not on the feast <I>day,</I> lest there be an
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uproar among the people.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Here is,
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1. The notice Christ gave his disciples of the near approach of his
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sufferings,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:1,2"><I>v.</I> 1, 2</A>.
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While his enemies were preparing trouble for him, he was preparing
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himself and his followers for it. He had often told them of his
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sufferings at a distance, now he speaks of them as at the door;
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<I>after two days,</I> Note, After many former notices of trouble we
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still have need of fresh ones. Observe,</P>
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<P>
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(1.) The <I>time</I> when he gave this alarm; <I>when he had finished
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all these sayings.</I>
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[1.] Not till he had finished all he had to say. Note, Christ's
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witnesses die not till they have finished their testimony. When Christ
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had gone through his undertaking as a prophet, he entered upon the
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execution of his office as a priest.
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[2.] After he had finished these sayings, which go immediately before;
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he had bid his disciples to expect sad times, bonds and afflictions,
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and then tells them, <I>The Son of man is betrayed;</I> to intimate
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that they should fare no worse than he should, and that his sufferings
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should take the sting out of theirs. Note, Thoughts of a suffering
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Christ are great supports to a suffering Christian, suffering with him
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and for him.</P>
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<P>
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(2.) The thing itself he gave them notice of; <I>The Son of man is
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betrayed.</I> The thing was not only so sure, but so near, that it was
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as good as done. Note, It is good to make sufferings that are yet to
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come, as present to us. He <I>is</I> betrayed, for Judas was then
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contriving and designing to betray him.</P>
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<P>
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2. The plot of the chief priests, and scribes, and elders of the
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people, against the life of our Lord Jesus,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+5:3-5">v. 3-5</A>.
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Many consultations had been held against the life of Christ but this
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plot was laid deeper than any yet, for the grandees were all engaged in
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it. The chief priests, who presided in ecclesiastical affairs; the
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elders, who were judges in civil matters, and the scribes, who, as
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doctors of the law, were directors to both--these composed the
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sanhedrim, or great council that governed the nation, and these were
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confederate against Christ. Observe
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(1.) The <I>place</I> where they met; <I>in the palace of the high
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priest,</I> who was the centre of their unity in this wicked project.
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(2.) The plot itself; to <I>take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him;</I>
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nothing less than his blood, his life-blood, would serve their turn. So
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cruel and bloody have been the designs of Christ's and his church's
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enemies.
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(3.) The policy of the plotters; <I>Not on the feast-day.</I> Why not?
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Was it in regard to the holiness of the time, or because they would not
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be disturbed in the religious services of the day? No, but <I>lest
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there should be an uproar among the people.</I> They knew Christ had a
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great interest in the common people, of whom there was a great
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concourse on the feast-day, and they would be in danger of taking up
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arms against their rulers, if they should offer to lay violent hands on
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Christ, whom all held for a prophet. They were awed, not by the fear of
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God, but by the fear of the people; all their concern was for their own
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safety, not God's honour. They would have it done at the feast; for it
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was a tradition of the Jews, that malefactors should be put to death at
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one of the three feasts, especially rebels and impostors, that <I>all
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Israel might see and fear;</I> but <I>not on the feast-day.</I></P>
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<A NAME="Mt26_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt26_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt26_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt26_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt26_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt26_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt26_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt26_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ Anointed at Bethany.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the
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leper,
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7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very
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precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat <I>at
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meat.</I>
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8 But when his disciples saw <I>it,</I> they had indignation,
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saying, To what purpose <I>is</I> this waste?
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9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to
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the poor.
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10 When Jesus understood <I>it,</I> he said unto them, Why trouble
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ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
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11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not
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always.
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12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she
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did <I>it</I> for my burial.
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13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be
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preached in the whole world, <I>there</I> shall also this, that this
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woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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In this passage of story, we have,</P>
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<P>
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I. The singular kindness of a good woman to our Lord Jesus in anointing
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his head,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:6,7"><I>v.</I> 6, 7</A>.
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It was <I>in Bethany,</I> a village hard by Jerusalem, and <I>in the
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house of Simon the leper.</I> Probably, he was one who had been
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miraculously cleansed from his leprosy by our Lord Jesus, and he would
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express his gratitude to Christ by entertaining him; nor did Christ
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disdain to converse with him, to come in to him, and sup with him.
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Though he was cleansed, yet he was called <I>Simon the leper.</I> Those
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who are guilty of scandalous sins, will find that, though the sin be
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pardoned, the reproach will cleave to them, and will hardly be wiped
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away. The woman that did this, is supposed to have been Mary, the
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sister of Martha and Lazarus. And Dr. Lightfoot thinks it was the same
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that was called <I>Mary Magdalene.</I> She had a <I>box of ointment
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very precious,</I> which she <I>poured upon the head</I> of Christ as
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he sat at meat. This, among us, would be a strange sort of compliment.
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But it was then accounted the highest piece of respect; for the smell
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was very grateful, and the ointment itself refreshing to the head.
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David had his <I>head anointed,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+23:5,Lu+7:46">Ps. xxiii. 5; Luke vii. 46</A>.
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Now this may be looked upon,</P>
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<P>
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1. As an act of faith in our Lord Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, the
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anointed. To signify that she believed in him as God's anointed, whom
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he had set king, she anointed him, and made him her king. They shall
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<I>appoint themselves one head,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+1:11">Hos. i. 11</A>.
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This is <I>kissing the Son.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. As an act of love and respect to him. Some think that this was he
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who <I>loved much</I> at first, and <I>washed Christ's feet with her
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tears</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+7:38,47">Luke vii. 38, 47</A>);
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and that she had not left her first love, but was now as affectionate
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in the devotions of a grown Christian as she was in those of a young
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beginner. Note, Where there is true love in the heart to Jesus Christ,
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nothing will be thought too good, no, nor good enough, to bestow upon
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him.</P>
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<P>
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II. The offence which the disciples took at this. They <I>had
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indignation</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:8,9"><I>v.</I> 8, 9</A>),
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were vexed to see this ointment thus spent, which they thought might
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have been better bestowed.</P>
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<P>
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1. See how they expressed their offence at it. They said, <I>To what
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purpose is this waste?</I> Now this bespeaks,</P>
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<P>
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(1.) Want of tenderness toward this good woman, in interpreting her
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over-kindness (suppose it was so) to be wastefulness. Charity teaches
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us to put the best construction upon every thing that it will bear,
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especially upon the words and actions of those that are <I>zealously
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affected in doing a good thing,</I> though we may think them not
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altogether so discreet in it as they might be. It is true, there may be
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over-doing in well-doing; but thence we must learn to be cautious
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ourselves, lest we run into extremes, but not to be censorious of
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others; because that which we may impute to the want of prudence, God
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may accept as an instance of abundant love. We must not say, Those do
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too much in religion, that do more than we do, but rather aim to do as
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much as they.</P>
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<P>
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(2.) Want of respect to their Master. The best we can make of it, is,
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that they knew their Master was perfectly dead to all the delights of
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sense; he that was so much <I>grieved for the affliction of Joseph,</I>
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cared not for being <I>anointed with the chief ointments,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Am+6:6">Amos vi. 6</A>.
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And therefore they thought such pleasures ill bestowed upon one who
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took so little pleasure in them. But supposing that, it did not become
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them to call it <I>waste,</I> when they perceived that he admitted and
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accepted it as a token of his friend's love. Note, We must take heed of
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thinking any thing waste, which is bestowed upon the Lord Jesus, either
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by others or by ourselves. We must not think that time waste, that is
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spent in the service of Christ, or that money waste, which is laid out
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in any work of piety; for, though it seem to be cast upon the waters,
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to be thrown down the river, we shall <I>find it again,</I> to
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advantage, <I>after many days,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+11:1">Eccl. xi. 1</A>.</P>
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<P>
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2. See how they excused their offence at it, and what pretence they
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made for it; <I>This ointment might have been sold for much, and given
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to the poor.</I> Note, It is no new thing for bad affections to shelter
|
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themselves under specious covers; for people to shift off works of
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piety under colour of works of charity.</P>
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<P>
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III. The reproof Christ gave to his disciples for the offence at this
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good woman
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:10,11"><I>v.</I> 10, 11</A>);
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<I>Why trouble ye the woman?</I> Note, It is a great trouble to good
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people to have their good works censured and misconstrued; and it is a
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thing that Jesus Christ takes very ill. He here took part with a good,
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honest, zealous, well-meaning woman, against all his disciples, though
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they seemed to have so much reason on their side; so heartily does he
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espouse the cause of the <I>offended little ones,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:10"><I>ch.</I> xviii. 10</A>.</P>
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<P>
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Observe his reason; <I>You have the poor always with you.</I> Note,</P>
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<P>
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1. There are some opportunities of doing and getting good which are
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constant, and which we must give constant attendance to the improvement
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of. Bibles we have always with us, sabbaths always with us, and so
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<I>the poor, we have always with us.</I> Note, Those who have a heart
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to do good, never need complain for want of opportunity. The poor never
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ceased even out of the land of Israel,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+15:11">Deut. xv. 11</A>.
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We cannot but see some in this world, who call for our charitable
|
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assistance, who are as God's receivers, some poor members of Christ, to
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whom he will have kindness shown as to himself.</P>
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<P>
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2. There are other opportunities of doing and getting good, which come
|
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but seldom, which are short and uncertain, and require more peculiar
|
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diligence in the improvement of them, and which ought to be preferred
|
|
before the other; "<I>Me ye have not always,</I> therefore use me while
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ye have me." Note,
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(1.) Christ's constant <I>bodily</I> presence was not to be expected
|
|
here in this world; it was expedient that he should go away; his
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<I>real</I> presence in the eucharist is a fond and groundless conceit,
|
|
and contradicts what he here said, <I>Me ye have not always.</I>
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(2.) Sometimes special works of piety and devotion should take place of
|
|
common works of charity. The poor must not rob Christ; we must do good
|
|
to all, but <I>especially to the household of faith.</I></P>
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<P>
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IV. Christ's approbation and commendation of the kindness of this good
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woman. The more his servants and their services are cavilled at by men,
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the more he manifests his acceptance of them. He calls it a <I>good
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work</I>
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|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
and says more in praise of it than could have been imagined;
|
|
particularly,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. That the meaning of it was mystical
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>She did it for my burial.</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Some think that she <I>intended</I> it so, and that the woman
|
|
better understood Christ's frequent predictions of his death and
|
|
sufferings than the apostles did; for which they were recompensed with
|
|
the honour of being the first witnesses of his resurrection.
|
|
|
|
(2.) However, Christ interpreted it so; and he is always willing to
|
|
make the best, to make the most of his people's well-meant words and
|
|
actions. This was as it were the embalming of his body; because the
|
|
doing of that after his death would be prevented by his resurrection,
|
|
it was therefore done before; for it was fit that it should be done
|
|
some time, to show that he was still the Messiah, even when he seemed
|
|
to be triumphed over by death. The disciples thought the ointment
|
|
wasted, which was poured upon his head. "But," saith he, "If so much
|
|
ointment were poured upon a dead body, according to the custom of your
|
|
country, you would not grudge it, or think it waste. Now this is, in
|
|
effect, so; the body she anoints is as good as dead, and her kindness
|
|
is very seasonable for that purpose; therefore rather than call it
|
|
waste, put it upon that score."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. That the memorial of it should be honourable
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>This shall be told for a memorial.</I> This act of faith and love
|
|
was so remarkable, that the preachers of Christ crucified, and the
|
|
inspired writers of the history of his passion, could not choose but
|
|
take notice of this passage, proclaim the notice of it, and perpetuate
|
|
the memorial of it. And being once enrolled in these records, it was
|
|
<I>graven as with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever,</I> and
|
|
could not possibly be forgotten. None of all the trumpets of fame
|
|
sound so loud and so long as the everlasting gospel. Note,
|
|
|
|
(1.) The story of the death of Christ, though a tragical one, is
|
|
gospel, glad-tidings, because he died for us.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The gospel was to be preached in the whole world; not in Judea
|
|
only, but in every nation, to every creature. Let the disciples take
|
|
notice of this, for their encouragement, that their sound should go to
|
|
the ends of the earth.
|
|
|
|
(3.) Though the honour of Christ is principally designed in the gospel,
|
|
yet the honour of his saints and servants is not altogether overlooked.
|
|
The memorial of this woman was to be preserved, not by dedicating a
|
|
church to her, or keeping an annual feast in honour of her, or
|
|
preserving a piece of her broken box for a sacred relic; but by
|
|
mentioning her faith and piety in the preaching of the gospel, for
|
|
example to others,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+6:12">Heb. vi. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
Hereby honour redounds to Christ himself, who in this world, as well as
|
|
in that to come, will be <I>glorified in his saints, and admired in all
|
|
them that believe.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_14"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_16"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ Anointed at Bethany.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the
|
|
chief priests,
|
|
15 And said <I>unto them,</I> What will ye give me, and I will
|
|
deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty
|
|
pieces of silver.
|
|
16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Immediately after an instance of the greatness kindness done to Christ,
|
|
follows an instance of the greatest unkindness; such mixture is there
|
|
of good and bad among the followers of Christ; he hath some faithful
|
|
friends, and some false and feigned ones. What could be more base than
|
|
this agreement which Judas here made with the chief priests, to betray
|
|
Christ to them?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The traitor was Judas Iscariot; he is said to be <I>one of the
|
|
twelve,</I> as an aggravation of his villany. When the <I>number of the
|
|
disciples was multiplied</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+6:1">Acts vi. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
no marvel if there were some among them that were a shame and trouble
|
|
to them; but when there were but twelve, and one of them was <I>a
|
|
devil,</I> surely we must never expect any society perfectly pure on
|
|
this side heaven. The twelve were Christ's chosen friends, that had the
|
|
privilege of his special favour; they were his constant followers, that
|
|
had the benefit of his most intimate converse, that upon all accounts
|
|
had reason to love him and be true to him; and yet one of them betrayed
|
|
him. Note, No bonds of duty or gratitude will hold those that have a
|
|
devil,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+5:3,4">Mark v. 3, 4</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Here is the proffer which he made to the chief priests; he <I>went
|
|
to them, and said, What will ye give me?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
They did not send for him, nor make the proposal to him; they could not
|
|
have thought that one of Christ's own disciples should be false to him.
|
|
Note, There are those, even among Christ's followers, that are worse
|
|
than any one can imagine them to be, and want nothing but opportunity
|
|
to show it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
1. What Judas promised; "<I>I will deliver him unto you;</I> I will let
|
|
you know where he is, and undertake to bring you to him, at such a
|
|
convenient time and place that you may seize him without noise, or
|
|
danger of an uproar." In their conspiracy against Christ, this was it
|
|
they were at a loss about,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:4,5"><I>v.</I> 4, 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
They durst not meddle with him in public, and knew not where to find
|
|
him in private. Here the matter rested, and the difficulty was
|
|
insuperable; till Judas came, and offered them his service. Note, Those
|
|
that give up themselves to be led by the devil, find him readier than
|
|
they imagine to help them at a dead lift, as Judas did the chief
|
|
priests. Though the rulers, by their power and interest, could kill him
|
|
when they had him in their hands, yet none but a disciple could betray
|
|
him. Note, The greater profession men make of religion, and the more
|
|
they are employed in the study and service of it, the greater
|
|
opportunity they have of doing mischief, if their hearts be not right
|
|
with God. If Judas had not been an apostle, he could not have been a
|
|
traitor; if men had known the way of righteousness, they could not have
|
|
abused it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>I will deliver him unto you.</I> He did not offer himself, nor did
|
|
they tamper with him, to be a witness against Christ, though they
|
|
wanted evidence,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:59"><I>v.</I> 59</A>.
|
|
|
|
And if there had been any thing to be alleged against him, which had
|
|
but the colour of proof that he was an impostor, Judas was the
|
|
likeliest person to have attested it; but this is an evidence of the
|
|
innocency of our Lord Jesus, that his own disciple, who knew so well
|
|
his doctrine and manner of life, and was false to him, could not charge
|
|
him with any thing criminal, though it would have served to justify his
|
|
treachery.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. What he asked in consideration of this undertaking; <I>What will ye
|
|
give me?</I> This was the only thing that made Judas betray his Master;
|
|
he hoped to get money by it: his Master had not given him any
|
|
provocation, though he knew from the first that he <I>had a devil;</I>
|
|
yet, for aught that appears, he showed the same kindness to him that he
|
|
did to the rest, and put no mark of disgrace upon him that might
|
|
disoblige him; he had placed him in a post that pleased him, had made
|
|
him purse-bearer, and though he had embezzled the common stock (for he
|
|
is called <I>a thief,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+12:6">John xii. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
yet we do not find he was in any danger of being called to account for
|
|
it; nor does it appear that he had any suspicion that the gospel was a
|
|
cheat: no, it was not the hatred of his Master, nor any quarrel with
|
|
him, but purely the love of money; that, and nothing else, made Judas a
|
|
traitor.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>What will ye give me?</I> Why, what did he want? Neither bread to
|
|
eat, nor raiment to put on; neither necessaries nor conveniences. Was
|
|
not he welcome, wherever his Master was? Did he not fare as he fared?
|
|
Had he not been but just now nobly entertained at a supper in Bethany,
|
|
in the house of Simon the leper, and a little before at another, where
|
|
no less a person than Martha herself waited at table? And yet this
|
|
covetous wretch could not be content, but comes basely cringing to the
|
|
priests with, <I>What will ye give me?</I> Note, It is not the
|
|
<I>lack</I> of money, but the <I>love</I> of money, that is the root of
|
|
all evil, and particularly of apostasy from Christ; witness Demas,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+4:10">2 Tim. iv. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
Satan tempted our Saviour with this bait, <I>All these things will I
|
|
give thee</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+4:9"><I>ch.</I> iv. 9</A>);
|
|
|
|
but Judas offered himself to be tempted with it; he asks, <I>What will
|
|
ye give me?</I> as if his Master was a commodity that stuck on his
|
|
hands.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. Here is the bargain which the chief priests made with him; <I>they
|
|
covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver;</I> thirty shekels,
|
|
which in our money is about three pounds eight shillings, so some;
|
|
three pounds fifteen shillings, so others. It should seem, Judas
|
|
referred himself to them, and was willing to take what they were
|
|
willing to give; he catches at the first offer, lest the next should be
|
|
worse. Judas had not been wont to trade high, and therefore a little
|
|
money went a great way with him. By the law
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+21:32">Exod. xxi. 32</A>),
|
|
|
|
thirty pieces of silver was the price of a slave--a goodly price, at
|
|
which Christ was valued!
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+11:13">Zech. xi. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
No wonder that Zion's sons, though comparable to fine gold, are
|
|
esteemed as earthen pitchers, when Zion's King himself was thus
|
|
undervalued. They <I>covenanted with him;</I>
|
|
<B><I>estesan</I></B>--<I>appenderunt--they paid it down,</I> so some;
|
|
gave him his wages in hand, to secure him and to encourage him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. Here is the industry of Judas, in pursuance of his bargain
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>he sought opportunity to betray him,</I> his head was still working
|
|
to find out how he might do it effectually. Note,
|
|
|
|
1. It is a very wicked thing to seek opportunity to sin, and to devise
|
|
mischief; for it argues the heart fully set in men to do evil, and a
|
|
malice prepense.
|
|
|
|
2. Those that are <I>in,</I> think they must <I>on,</I> though the
|
|
matter be ever so bad. After he had made that wicked bargain, he had
|
|
time to repent, and to revoke it; but now by his covenant the devil has
|
|
one hank more upon him than he had, and tells him that he must be true
|
|
to his word, though ever so false to his Master, as Herod must behead
|
|
John <I>for his oath's sake.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_25"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Treachery of Judas Foretold.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>17 Now the first <I>day</I> of the <I>feast of</I> unleavened bread the
|
|
disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we
|
|
prepare for thee to eat the passover?
|
|
18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto
|
|
him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the
|
|
passover at thy house with my disciples.
|
|
19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they
|
|
made ready the passover.
|
|
20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
|
|
21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that
|
|
one of you shall betray me.
|
|
22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of
|
|
them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
|
|
23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth <I>his</I> hand with me
|
|
in the dish, the same shall betray me.
|
|
24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto
|
|
that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for
|
|
that man if he had not been born.
|
|
25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master,
|
|
is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here an account of Christ's keeping the passover. Being made
|
|
under the law, he submitted to all the ordinances of it, and to this
|
|
among the rest; it was kept in remembrance of Israel's deliverance out
|
|
of Egypt, the birth-day of that people; it was a tradition of the Jews,
|
|
that in the days of the Messiah they should be redeemed on the very day
|
|
of their coming out of Egypt; and it was exactly fulfilled, for Christ
|
|
died the day after the passover, in which day they began their
|
|
march.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The time when Christ ate the passover, was the usual time appointed
|
|
by God, and observed by the Jews
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>the first day of the feast of unleavened bread,</I> which that year
|
|
happened on the fifth day of the week, which is our Thursday. Some have
|
|
advanced a suggestion, that our Lord Jesus celebrated the passover at
|
|
this time of day sooner than other people did; but the learned Dr.
|
|
Whitby has largely disproved it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The place where, was particularly appointed by himself to the
|
|
disciples, upon their enquiry
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>);
|
|
|
|
they asked, <I>Where wilt thou that we prepare the passover?</I>
|
|
Perhaps Judas was one of those that asked this question (where he would
|
|
eat the passover,) that he might know the better how to lay his train;
|
|
but the rest of the disciples asked it as usual, that they might do
|
|
their duty.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. They took it for granted that their Master would eat the passover,
|
|
though he was at this time persecuted by the chief priests, and his
|
|
life sought; they knew that he would not be put by his duty, either by
|
|
frightenings without or fears within. Those do not follow Christ's
|
|
example who make it an excuse for their not attending on the Lord's
|
|
supper, our gospel passover, that they have many troubles and many
|
|
enemies, are full of care and fear; for, if so, they have the more need
|
|
of that ordinance, to help to silence their fears, and comfort them
|
|
under their troubles, to help them in forgiving their enemies, and
|
|
casting all their cares on God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. They knew very well that there must be preparation made for it, and
|
|
that it was their business, as his servants, to make preparation;
|
|
<I>Where wilt thou that we prepare?</I> Note, Before solemn ordinances
|
|
there must be solemn preparation.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. They knew that he had no house of his own wherein to eat the
|
|
passover; in this, as in other things, <I>for our sakes he became
|
|
poor.</I> Among all Zion's palaces there was none for Zion's King; but
|
|
his kingdom was not of this world. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:11">John i. 11</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. They would not pitch upon a place without direction from him, and
|
|
from him they had direction; he sent them to <I>such a man</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
who probably was a friend and follower of his, and to his house he
|
|
invited himself and his disciples.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Tell him, <I>My time is at hand;</I> he means the time of his
|
|
death, elsewhere called <I>his hour</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+8:20,13:1">John viii. 20; xiii. 1</A>);
|
|
|
|
the time, the hour, fixed in the counsel of God, which his heart was
|
|
upon, and which he had so often spoken of. He knew when it was at hand,
|
|
and was busy accordingly; we <I>know not our time</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+9:12">Eccl. ix. 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
and therefore must never be off our watch; <I>our time is always
|
|
ready</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+7:6">John vii. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
and therefore we must be always ready. Observe, Because his <I>time was
|
|
at hand,</I> he would <I>keep the passover</I> Note, The consideration
|
|
of the near approach of death should quicken us to a diligent
|
|
improvement of all our opportunities for our souls. Is our time at
|
|
hand, and an eternity just before us? <I>Let us then keep the feast
|
|
with the unleavened bread of sincerity.</I> Observe, When our Lord
|
|
Jesus invited himself to this good man's house, he sent him this
|
|
intelligence, that his time was at hand. Note, Christ's secret is with
|
|
them that entertain him in their hearts. Compare
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:21,Re+3:20">John xiv. 21 with Rev. iii. 20</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Tell him, <I>I will keep the passover at thy house.</I> This was
|
|
an instance of his authority, as <I>the Master,</I> which it is likely
|
|
this man acknowledged; he did not beg, but command, the use of his
|
|
house for this purpose. Thus, when Christ by his Spirit comes into the
|
|
heart, he demands admission, as one whose own the heart is and cannot
|
|
be denied, and he gains admission as one who has all power in the heart
|
|
and cannot be resisted; if he saith, "I will keep a feast in such a
|
|
soul," he will do it; for he works, and none can hinder; his people
|
|
shall be willing, for he makes them so. <I>I will keep the passover
|
|
with my disciples.</I> Note, Wherever Christ is welcome, he expects
|
|
that his disciples should be welcome too. When we take God for our God,
|
|
we take his people for our people.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The preparation was made by the disciples
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>They did as Jesus had appointed.</I> Note, Those who would have
|
|
Christ's presence with them in the gospel passover, must strictly
|
|
observe his instructions, and do as he directs; <I>They made ready the
|
|
passover;</I> they got the lamb killed in the court of the temple, got
|
|
it roasted, the bitter herbs provided, bread and wine, the cloth laid,
|
|
and every thing set in readiness for such a sacred solemn feast.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. They ate the passover according to the law
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>He sat down,</I> in the usual table-gesture, not lying on one side,
|
|
for it was not easy to eat, nor possible to drink, in that posture, but
|
|
sitting upright, though perhaps sitting low. It is the same word that
|
|
is used for his posture at other meals,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+9:10,Lu+7:37,Mt+26:7"><I>ch.</I> ix. 10;
|
|
Luke vii. 37; <I>ch.</I> xxvi. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
It was only the first passover in Egypt, as most think, that was eaten
|
|
with <I>their loins girded, shoes on their feet, and staff in their
|
|
hand,</I> though all that might be in a sitting posture. His sitting
|
|
down, denotes the composedness of his mind, when he addressed himself
|
|
to this solemnity; <I>He sat down with the twelve,</I> Judas not
|
|
excepted. By the law, they were to <I>take a lamb for a household</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+12:3,4">Exod. xii. 3, 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
which were to be not less than ten, nor more than twenty; Christ's
|
|
disciples were his household. Note, They whom God has charged with
|
|
families, must have their houses with them in serving the Lord.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. We have here Christ's discourse with his disciples at the
|
|
passover-supper. The usual subject of discourse at that ordinance, was
|
|
the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+12:26,27">Exod. xii. 26, 27</A>);
|
|
|
|
but the great Passover is now ready to be offered, and the discourse of
|
|
that swallows up all talk of the other,
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+16:14,15">Jer. xvi. 14, 15</A>).
|
|
|
|
Here is,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The general notice Christ gives his disciples of the treachery that
|
|
should be among them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>One of you shall betray me.</I> Observe,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Christ knew it. We know not what troubles will befal us, nor
|
|
whence they will arise: but Christ knew all his, which, as it proves
|
|
his omniscience, so it magnifies his love, that he knew all things that
|
|
should befal him, and yet did not draw back. He foresaw the treachery
|
|
and baseness of a disciple of his own, and yet went on; took care of
|
|
those that were given him, though he knew there was a Judas among them;
|
|
would pay the price of our redemption, though he foresaw some would
|
|
<I>deny the Lord that bought them;</I> and shed his blood, though he
|
|
knew it would be <I>trodden under foot as an unholy thing.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) When there was occasion, he let those about him know it. He had
|
|
often told them that the Son of man should be betrayed; now he tells
|
|
them that one of them should do it, that when they saw it, they might
|
|
not only be the less surprised, but have their faith in him confirmed,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+13:19,14:29">John xiii. 19; xiv. 29</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The disciples' feelings on this occasion,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
How did they take it?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>They were exceeding sorrowful.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] It troubled them much to hear that their Master should be
|
|
betrayed. When Peter was first told of it, he said, <I>Be it far from
|
|
thee;</I> and therefore it must needs be a great trouble to him and the
|
|
rest of them, to hear that it was very <I>near</I> to him.
|
|
|
|
[2.] It troubled them more to hear that one of them should do it. It
|
|
would be a reproach to the fraternity, for an apostle to prove a
|
|
traitor, and this grieved them; gracious souls grieve for the sins of
|
|
others, especially of those that have made a more than ordinary
|
|
profession of religion.
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+11:29">2 Cor. xi. 29</A>.
|
|
|
|
[3.] It troubled them most of all, that they were left at uncertainty
|
|
which of them it was, and each of them was afraid for himself, lest, as
|
|
Hazael speaks
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+8:13">2 Kings viii. 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
he was the <I>dog</I> that should <I>do this great thing.</I> Those
|
|
that know the strength and subtlety of the tempter, and their own
|
|
weakness and folly, cannot but be in pain for themselves, when they
|
|
hear that <I>the love of many will wax cold.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) <I>They began every one of them to say, Lord, is it I?</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] They were not apt to suspect Judas. Though he was <I>a thief,</I>
|
|
yet, it seems, he had carried it so plausibly, that those who were
|
|
intimate with him, were not jealous of him: none of them so much as
|
|
looked upon him, much less said, <I>Lord, is it Judas?</I> Note, It is
|
|
possible for a hypocrite to go through the world, not only
|
|
undiscovered, but unsuspected; like bad money so ingeniously
|
|
counterfeited that nobody questions it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] They were apt to suspect themselves; <I>Lord, is it I?</I> Though
|
|
they were not conscious to themselves of any inclination that way (no
|
|
such thought had ever entered into their mind), yet they feared the
|
|
worst, and asked Him who knows us better than we know ourselves,
|
|
<I>Lord, is it I?</I> Note, It well becomes the disciples of Christ
|
|
always to be jealous over themselves with a godly jealousy, especially
|
|
in trying times. We know not how strongly we may be tempted, nor how
|
|
far God may leave us to ourselves, and therefore have reason, <I>not to
|
|
be high-minded, but fear.</I> It is observable that our Lord Jesus,
|
|
just before he instituted the Lord's supper, put his disciples upon
|
|
this trial and suspicion of themselves, to teach us to examine and
|
|
<I>judge ourselves, and so to eat of that bread, and drink of that
|
|
cup.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. Further information given them concerning this matter
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:23,24"><I>v.</I> 23, 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
where Christ tells them,
|
|
|
|
(1.) That the traitor was a familiar friend; <I>He that dippeth his
|
|
hand with me in the dish,</I> that is, One of you that are now with me
|
|
at the table. He mentions this, to make the treachery appear the more
|
|
exceeding sinful. Note, External communion with Christ in holy
|
|
ordinances is a great aggravation of our falseness to him. It is base
|
|
ingratitude to dip with Christ in the dish, and yet betray him.
|
|
|
|
(2.) That this was according to the scripture, which would take off the
|
|
offence at it. Was Christ betrayed by a disciple? So it was written
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+61:9">Ps. lxi. 9</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>He that did eat bread with me, hath lifted up his heel against
|
|
me.</I> The more we see of the fulfilling of the scripture in our
|
|
troubles, the better we may bear them.
|
|
|
|
(3.) That it would prove a very dear bargain to the traitor; <I>Woe to
|
|
that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed.</I> This he said, not only
|
|
to awaken the conscience of Judas, and bring him to repent, and revoke
|
|
his bargain, but for warning to all others to take heed of sinning like
|
|
Judas; though God can serve his own purposes by the sins of men, that
|
|
doth not make the sinner's condition the less woeful; <I>It had been
|
|
good for that man, if he had not been born.</I> Note, The ruin that
|
|
attends those who betray Christ, is so great, that it were more
|
|
eligible by far not be at all than to be thus miserable.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. The conviction of Judas,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
(1.) He asked, <I>Is it I?</I> to avoid coming under the suspicion of
|
|
guilt by his silence. He knew very well that it was he, and yet wished
|
|
to appear a stranger to such a plot. Note, Many whose consciences
|
|
condemn them are very industrious to justify themselves before men, and
|
|
put a good face on it, with, <I>Lord, is it I?</I> He could not but
|
|
know that Christ knew, and yet trusted so much to his courtesy, because
|
|
he had hitherto concealed it, that he had the impudence to challenge
|
|
him to tell: or, perhaps, he was so much under the power of infidelity,
|
|
that he imagined Christ did not know it, as those who said, <I>The Lord
|
|
shall not see</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+94:7">Ps. xciv. 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
and asked, <I>Can he judge through the dark clouds?</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Christ soon answered this question; <I>Thou hast said,</I> that
|
|
is, It is as thou hast said. This is not spoken out so plainly as
|
|
Nathan's <I>Thou art the man;</I> but it was enough to convict him,
|
|
and, if his heart had not been wretchedly hardened, to have broken the
|
|
neck of his plot, when he saw it discovered to his Master, and
|
|
discovered by him. Note, They who are contriving to betray Christ,
|
|
will, some time or other, betray themselves, and <I>their own tongues
|
|
will fall upon them.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_30"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec5"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Institution of the Lord's Supper.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed <I>it,</I>
|
|
and brake <I>it,</I> and gave <I>it</I> to the disciples, and said, Take,
|
|
eat; this is my body.
|
|
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave <I>it</I> to them,
|
|
saying, Drink ye all of it;
|
|
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for
|
|
many for the remission of sins.
|
|
29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this
|
|
fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in
|
|
my Father's kingdom.
|
|
30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount
|
|
of Olives.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here the institution of the great gospel ordinance of the
|
|
Lord's supper, which was received of the Lord. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The time when it was instituted--<I>as they were eating.</I> At the
|
|
latter end of the passover-supper, before the table was drawn, because,
|
|
as a feast upon a sacrifice, it was to come in the room of that
|
|
ordinance. Christ is to us the Passover-sacrifice by which atonement is
|
|
made
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+5:7">1 Cor. v. 7</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.</I> This ordinance is to
|
|
us the passover-supper, by which application is made, and commemoration
|
|
celebrated, of a much greater deliverance than that of Israel out of
|
|
Egypt. All the legal sacrifices of propitiation being summed up in the
|
|
death of Christ, and so abolished, all the legal feasts of rejoicing
|
|
were summed up in this sacrament, and so abolished.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The institution itself. A sacrament must be instituted; it is no
|
|
part of moral worship, nor is it dictated by natural light, but has
|
|
both its being and significancy from the institution, from a divine
|
|
institution; it is his prerogative who established the covenant, to
|
|
appoint the seals of it. Hence the apostle
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+11:23">1 Cor. xi. 23</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c.), in that discourse of his concerning this ordinance, all along
|
|
calls Jesus Christ <I>the Lord,</I> because, as <I>Lord,</I> as Lord of
|
|
the covenant, Lord of the church, he appointed this ordinance. In
|
|
which,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The body of Christ is signified and represented by bread; he had
|
|
said formerly
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:35">John vi. 35</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>I am the bread of life,</I> upon which metaphor this sacrament is
|
|
built; as the life of the body is supported by bread, which is
|
|
therefore put for all bodily nourishment
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+4:4,6:11"><I>ch.</I> iv. 4; vi. 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
so the life of the soul is supported and maintained by Christ's
|
|
mediation.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>He took bread,</I> <B><I>ton apton</I></B>--<I>the loaf;</I>
|
|
some loaf that lay ready to hand, fit for the purpose; it was,
|
|
probably, unleavened bread; but, that circumstance not being taken
|
|
notice of, we are not to bind ourselves to that, as some of the Greek
|
|
churches do. His taking the bread was a solemn action, and was,
|
|
probably, done in such a manner as to be observed by them that sat with
|
|
him, that they might expect something more than ordinary to be done
|
|
with it. Thus was the Lord Jesus set apart in the counsels of divine
|
|
love for the working out of our redemption.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) <I>He blessed it;</I> set it apart for this use by prayer and
|
|
thanksgiving. We do not find any set form of words used by him upon
|
|
this occasion; but what he said, no doubt, was accommodated to the
|
|
business in hand, that new testament which by this ordinance was to be
|
|
sealed and ratified. This was like God's <I>blessing the seventh
|
|
day</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+2:3">Gen. ii. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
by which it was separated to God's honour, and made to all that duly
|
|
observe it, a blessed day: Christ could command the blessing, and we,
|
|
in his name, are emboldened to beg the blessing.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) <I>He brake it;</I> which denotes,
|
|
|
|
[1.] The breaking of Christ's body for us, that it might be fitted for
|
|
our use; <I>He was bruised for our iniquities,</I> as <I>bread-corn is
|
|
bruised</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+28:28">Isa. xxviii. 28</A>);
|
|
|
|
though <I>a bone of him was not broken</I> (for all his breaking did
|
|
not weaken him), yet his flesh was <I>broken with breach upon
|
|
breach,</I> and his wounds were multiplied
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+9:17,16:14">Job ix. 17; xvi. 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
and that pained him. God complains that he is broken with the
|
|
<I>whorish heart</I> of sinners
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+6:9">Ezek. vi. 9</A>);
|
|
|
|
his law broken, our covenants with him broken; now justice requires
|
|
<I>breach for breach</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+24:20">Lev. xxiv. 20</A>),
|
|
|
|
and Christ was broken, to satisfy that demand.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The breaking of Christ's body to us, as the father of the family
|
|
breaks the bread to the children. The breaking of Christ to us, is to
|
|
facilitate the application; every thing is made ready for us by the
|
|
grants of God's word and the operations of his grace.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) <I>He gave it to his disciples,</I> as the Master of the family,
|
|
and the Master of this feast; it is not said, He gave it <I>to the
|
|
apostles,</I> though they were so, and had been often called so before
|
|
this, but <I>to the disciples,</I> because all the disciples of Christ
|
|
have a right to this ordinance; and those shall have the benefit of it
|
|
who are his disciples indeed; yet he gave it to them as he did the
|
|
multiplied loaves, by them to be handed to all his other followers.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(5.) <I>He said, Take, eat; this is my body,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
He here tells them,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] What they should do with it; "<I>Take, eat;</I> accept of Christ
|
|
as he is offered to you, receive the atonement, approve of it, consent
|
|
to it, come up to the terms on which the benefit of it is proposed to
|
|
you; submit to his grace and to his government." Believing on Christ is
|
|
expressed by <I>receiving him</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:12">John i. 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
and <I>feeding upon him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:57,58">John vi. 57, 58</A>.
|
|
|
|
Meat looked upon, or the dish ever so well garnished, will not nourish
|
|
us; it must be fed upon: so must the doctrine of Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] What they should have with it; <I>This is my body,</I> not
|
|
<B><I>outos</I></B>--<I>this bread,</I> but <B><I>touto</I></B>--<I>this
|
|
eating and drinking.</I> Believing carries all the efficacy of Christ's
|
|
death to our souls. <I>This is my body,</I> spiritually and
|
|
sacramentally; this signifies and represents my body. He employs
|
|
sacramental language, like that,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+12:11">Exod. xii. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>It is the Lord's passover.</I> Upon a carnal and much--mistaken
|
|
sense of these words, the church of Rome builds the monstrous doctrine
|
|
of Transubstantiation, which makes the bread to be changed into the
|
|
substance of Christ's body, only the accidents of bread remaining;
|
|
which affronts Christ, destroys the nature of a sacrament, and gives
|
|
the lie to our senses. We partake of the sun, not by having the bulk
|
|
and body of the sun put into our hands, but the beams of it darted down
|
|
upon us; so we partake of Christ by partaking of his grace, and the
|
|
blessed fruits of the breaking of his body.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The blood of Christ is signified and represented by the wine; to
|
|
make it a complete feast, here is not only bread to strengthen, but
|
|
wine to <I>make glad the heart</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:27,28"><I>v.</I> 27, 28</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>He took the cup,</I> the grace-cup, which was set ready to be drank,
|
|
after thanks returned, according to the custom of the Jews at the
|
|
passover; this Christ took, and made the sacramental-cup, and so
|
|
altered the property. It was intended for a <I>cup of blessing</I> (so
|
|
the Jews called it), and therefore St. Paul studiously distinguished
|
|
between the cup of blessing which <I>we</I> bless, and that which
|
|
<I>they</I> bless. <I>He gave thanks,</I> to teach us, not only in
|
|
every ordinance, but in every part of the ordinance, to have our eyes
|
|
up to God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
This cup he gave to the disciples,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) With a command; <I>Drink ye all of it.</I> Thus he welcomes his
|
|
guests to his table, obliges them all to drink of his cup. Why should
|
|
he so expressly command them all to drink, and to see that none let it
|
|
pass them, and press that more expressly in this than in the other part
|
|
of the ordinance? Surely it was because he foresaw how in after-ages
|
|
this ordinance would be dismembered by the prohibition of the cup to
|
|
the laity, with an express <I>non obstante--notwithstanding</I> to the
|
|
command.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) With an explication; <I>For this is my blood of the New
|
|
Testament.</I> Therefore drink it with appetite, delight, because it is
|
|
so rich a cordial. Hitherto the blood of Christ had been represented by
|
|
the blood of beasts, real blood: but, after it was actually shed, it
|
|
was represented by the blood of grapes, metaphorical blood; so wine is
|
|
called in an Old-Testament prophecy of Christ,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+49:10,11">Gen. xlix. 10, 11</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Now observe what Christ saith of his blood represented in the
|
|
sacrament.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] <I>It is my blood of the New Testament.</I> The Old Testament was
|
|
confirmed by the <I>blood of bulls and goats</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+9:19,20,Ex+24:8">Heb. ix. 19, 20; Exod. xxiv. 8</A>);
|
|
|
|
but the New Testament with the blood of Christ, which is here
|
|
distinguished from that; <I>It is my blood of the New Testament.</I>
|
|
The covenant God is pleased to make with us, and all the benefits and
|
|
privileges of it, are owing to the merits of Christ's death.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] <I>It is shed;</I> it was not shed till next day, but it was now
|
|
upon the point of being shed, it is as good as done. "Before you come
|
|
to repeat this ordinance yourselves, it will be shed." He was <I>now
|
|
ready to be offered,</I> and his blood to be poured out, as the blood
|
|
of the sacrifices which made atonement.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] <I>It is shed for many.</I> Christ came to confirm <I>a covenant
|
|
with many</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+9:27">Dan. ix. 27</A>),
|
|
|
|
and the intent of his death agreed. The blood of the Old Testament was
|
|
shed for a few: it confirmed a covenant, which (saith Moses) the Lord
|
|
has <I>made with you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+24:8">Exod. xxiv. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
The atonement was made only <I>for the children of Israel</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+16:34">Lev. xvi. 34</A>):
|
|
|
|
but Jesus Christ is a propitiation <I>for the sins of the whole
|
|
world,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:2">1 John ii. 2</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[4.] It <I>is shed for the remission of sins,</I> that is, to purchase
|
|
remission of sins for us. The redemption which we have through his
|
|
blood, is <I>the remission of sins,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+1:7">Eph. i. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
The new covenant which is procured and ratified by the blood of Christ,
|
|
is a charter of pardon, an act of indemnity, in order to a
|
|
reconciliation between God and man; for sin was the only thing that
|
|
made the quarrel, and <I>without shedding of blood is no remission,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+9:22">Heb. ix. 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
The pardon of sin is that great blessing which is, in the Lord's
|
|
supper, conferred upon all true believers; it is the foundation of all
|
|
other blessings, and the spring of everlasting comfort,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+9:2,3"><I>ch.</I> ix. 2, 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
A farewell is now bidden to the fruit of the vine,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>.
|
|
|
|
Christ and his disciples had now feasted together with a deal of
|
|
comfort, in both an Old Testament and a New Testament festival,
|
|
<I>fibula utriusque Testamenti--the connecting tie of both
|
|
Testaments.</I> How amiable were these tabernacles! How good to be
|
|
here! Never such a heaven upon earth as was at this table; but it was
|
|
not intended for a perpetuity; he now told them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:16">John xvi. 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
that <I>yet a little while and they should not see him: and again a
|
|
little while and they should see him,</I> which explains this here.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> He takes leave of such communion; <I>I will not drink
|
|
henceforth of this fruit of the vine,</I> that is, now that I am no
|
|
more in the world
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:11">John xvii. 11</A>);
|
|
|
|
I have had enough of it, and am glad to think of leaving it, glad to
|
|
think that this is the last meal. <I>Farewell this fruit of the
|
|
vine,</I> this passover-cup, this sacramental wine. Dying saints take
|
|
their leave of sacraments, and the other ordinances of communion which
|
|
they enjoy in this world, with comfort, for the joy and glory they
|
|
enter into supersede them all; when the sun rises, farewell the
|
|
candles.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> He assures them of a happy meeting again at last. It
|
|
is a long, but not an everlasting, farewell; <I>until that day when I
|
|
drink it new with you.</I>
|
|
|
|
1. Some understand it of the interviews he had with them after his
|
|
resurrection, which was the first step of his exaltation <I>into the
|
|
kingdom of his Father;</I> and though during those forty days he did
|
|
not converse with them so constantly as he had done, yet he <I>did eat
|
|
and drink with them</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+10:41">Acts x. 41</A>),
|
|
|
|
which, as it confirmed their faith, so doubtless it greatly comforted
|
|
their hearts, for they were overjoyed at it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+24:41">Luke xxiv. 41</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. Others understand it of the joys and glories of the future state,
|
|
which the saints shall partake of in everlasting communion with the
|
|
Lord Jesus, represented here by the pleasures of <I>a banquet of
|
|
wine.</I> That will be the kingdom of his Father, for unto him shall
|
|
the kingdom be then delivered up; <I>the wine of consolation</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+16:7">Jer. xvi. 7</A>)
|
|
|
|
will there be always new, never flat or sour, as wine with long
|
|
keeping; never nauseous or unpleasant, as wine to those that have drank
|
|
much; but ever fresh. Christ will himself partake of those pleasures;
|
|
it was <I>the joy set before him,</I> which he had in his eye, and all
|
|
his faithful friends and followers shall partake with him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Lastly,</I> Here is the close of the solemnity with a hymn
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>They sang a hymn</I> or psalm; whether the psalms which the Jews
|
|
usually sang at the close of the passover-supper, which they called
|
|
<I>the great hallel,</I> that is, Ps. 113 and the five that follow it,
|
|
or whether some new hymn more closely adapted to the occasion, is
|
|
uncertain; I rather think the former; had it been new, John would not
|
|
have omitted to record it. Note,
|
|
|
|
1. Singing of psalms is a gospel-ordinance. Christ's removing the hymn
|
|
from the close of the passover to the close of the Lord's supper,
|
|
plainly intimates that he intended that ordinance should continue in
|
|
his church, that, as it had not its birth with the ceremonial law, so
|
|
it should not die with it.
|
|
|
|
2. It is very proper after the Lord's supper, as an expression of our
|
|
joy in God through Jesus Christ, and a thankful acknowledgment of that
|
|
great love wherewith God has loved us in him.
|
|
|
|
3. It is not unseasonable, no, not in times of sorrow and suffering;
|
|
the disciples were in sorrow, and Christ was entering upon his
|
|
sufferings, and yet they could sing a hymn together. Our spiritual joy
|
|
should not be interrupted by outward afflictions.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
When this was done, they <I>went out into the mount of Olives.</I> He
|
|
would not stay in the house to be apprehended, lest he should bring the
|
|
master of the house into trouble; nor would he stay in the city, lest
|
|
it should occasion an uproar; but he retired into the adjacent country,
|
|
the mount of Olives, the same mount that David in his distress went
|
|
<I>up the ascent of, weeping,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:30">2 Sam. xv. 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
They had the benefit of moon-light for this walk, for the passover was
|
|
always at the full moon. Note, After we have received the Lord's
|
|
supper, it is good for us to retire for prayer and meditation, and to
|
|
be alone with God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_33"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_34"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_35"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec6"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Apostles' Cowardice Foretold.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because
|
|
of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd,
|
|
and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
|
|
32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into
|
|
Galilee.
|
|
33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all <I>men</I> shall be
|
|
offended because of thee, <I>yet</I> will I never be offended.
|
|
34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this
|
|
night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
|
|
35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will
|
|
I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here Christ's discourse with his disciples upon the way, as
|
|
they were going to the mount of Olives. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. A prediction of the trial which both he and his disciples were now
|
|
to go through. He here foretels,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. A dismal scattering storm just arising,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) That they should <I>all be offended because of Christ that very
|
|
night;</I> that is, they would all be so frightened with the
|
|
sufferings, that they would not have the courage to cleave to him in
|
|
them, but would all basely desert him; <I>Because of me this night,</I>
|
|
<B><I>en emoi en te nykti taute</I></B>--<I>because of me, even because
|
|
of this night;</I> so it might be read; that is, because of what
|
|
happens to me this night. Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Offences will come among the disciples of Christ in an hour of
|
|
trial and temptation; it cannot be but they should, for they are weak;
|
|
Satan is busy; God permits offences; even they whose hearts are upright
|
|
may sometimes be overtaken with an offence.
|
|
|
|
[2.] There are some temptations and offences, the effects of which are
|
|
general and universal among Christ's disciples; <I>All you shall be
|
|
offended.</I> Christ had lately discovered to them the treachery of
|
|
Judas; but let not the rest be secure; though there will be but one
|
|
traitor, they will be all deserters. This he saith, to alarm them all,
|
|
that they might all watch.
|
|
|
|
[3.] We have need to prepare for sudden trials, which may come to
|
|
extremity in a very little time. Christ and his disciples had eaten
|
|
their supper well together in peace and quietness; yet that very night
|
|
proved such a night of offence. How soon may a storm arise! We know not
|
|
what a day, or a night, may bring forth, nor what great event may be in
|
|
the teeming womb of a little time,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+27:1">Prov. xxvii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
[4.] The cross of Christ is the great stumbling-block to many that pass
|
|
for his disciples; both the cross he bore for us
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+1:23">1 Cor. i. 23</A>),
|
|
|
|
and that which we are called out to bear for him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+16:24"><I>ch.</I> xvi. 24</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) That herein the scripture would be fulfilled; <I>I will smite the
|
|
Shepherd.</I> It is quoted from
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+13:7">Zech. xiii. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
[1.] Here is the smiting of the Shepherd in the sufferings of Christ.
|
|
God awakens the sword of his wrath against the Son of his love, and he
|
|
is smitten.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The scattering of the sheep, thereupon, in the flight of the
|
|
disciples. When Christ fell into the hands of his enemies, his
|
|
disciples ran, one one way and another another; it was each one's care
|
|
to shift for himself, and happy he that could get furthest from the
|
|
cross.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He gives them the prospect of a comfortable gathering together again
|
|
after this storm
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>);
|
|
|
|
"<I>After I am risen again, I will go before you.</I> Though you will
|
|
forsake me, I will not forsake you; though you fall, I will take care
|
|
you shall not fall finally: we shall have a meeting again in Galilee,
|
|
<I>I will go before you,</I> as the shepherd before the sheep." Some
|
|
make the last words of that prophecy
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+13:7">Zech. xiii. 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
a promise equivalent to this here; <I>and I will bring my hand again to
|
|
the little ones.</I> There is no bringing them back but by bringing his
|
|
hand to them. Note, The captain of our salvation knows how to rally his
|
|
troops, when, through their cowardice, they have been put into
|
|
disorder.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The presumption of Peter, that he should keep his integrity,
|
|
whatever happened
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Though all men be offended, yet will I never be offended.</I> Peter
|
|
had a great stock of confidence, and was upon all occasions forward to
|
|
speak, especially to speak for himself; sometimes it did him a
|
|
kindness, but at other times it betrayed him, as it did here. Where
|
|
observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. How he bound himself with a promise, that he would never be offended
|
|
in Christ; not only not this night, but at no time. If this promise had
|
|
been made in a humble dependence upon the grace of Christ, it had been
|
|
an excellent word. Before the Lord's supper, Christ's discourse led his
|
|
disciples to <I>examine</I> themselves with, <I>Lord, is it I?</I> For
|
|
that is our preparatory duty; after the ordinance, his discourse leads
|
|
them to an <I>engaging</I> of themselves to close walking, for that is
|
|
the subsequent duty.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. How he fancied himself better armed against temptation than any one
|
|
else, and this was his weakness and folly; <I>Though all men shall be
|
|
offended yet will not I.</I> This was worse than Hazael's, <I>What! is
|
|
thy servant a dog?</I> For he supposed the thing to be so bad, that no
|
|
man would do it. But Peter supposes it possible that <I>some,</I> nay
|
|
that <I>all,</I> might be offended, and yet he escape better than any.
|
|
Note, It argues a great degree of self-conceit and self-confidence, to
|
|
think ourselves either safe from the temptations, or free from the
|
|
corruptions, that are common to men. We should rather say, If it be
|
|
possible that others may be offended, there is danger that I may be so.
|
|
But it is common for those who think too well of themselves, easily to
|
|
admit suspicions of others. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+6:1">Gal. vi. 1</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The particular warning Christ gave Peter of what he would do,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>.
|
|
|
|
He imagined that in the hour of temptation he should come off better
|
|
than any of them, and Christ tells him that he should come off worse.
|
|
The warning is introduced with a solemn asseveration; "<I>Verily, I say
|
|
unto thee;</I> take my word for it, who know thee better than thou
|
|
knowest thyself." He tells him,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. That he should deny him. Peter promised that he would not be so much
|
|
as offended in him, not desert him; but Christ tells him that he will
|
|
go further, he will disown him. He said, "Though all men, yet not I;"
|
|
and he did it sooner than any.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. How quickly he should do it; <I>this night,</I> before to-morrow,
|
|
nay, <I>before cock-crowing.</I> Satan's temptations are compared to
|
|
<I>darts</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+6:16">Eph. vi. 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
which wound ere we are aware; <I>suddenly doth he shoot.</I> As we know
|
|
not how near we may be to trouble, so we know not how near we may be to
|
|
sin; if God leave us to ourselves, we are always in danger.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. How often he should do it; <I>thrice.</I> He thought that he should
|
|
never once do such a thing; but Christ tells him that he would do it
|
|
again and again; for, when once our feet begin to slip, it is hard to
|
|
recover our standing again. <I>The beginnings of sin are as the letting
|
|
forth of water.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. Peter's repeated assurances of his fidelity
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:35"><I>v.</I> 35</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Though I should die with thee.</I> He supposed the temptation
|
|
strong, when he said, <I>Though all men do it, yet will not I.</I> But
|
|
here he supposeth it stronger, when he puts it to the peril of life;
|
|
<I>Though I should die with thee.</I> He knew what he <I>should</I>
|
|
do--rather die with Christ than deny him, it was the condition of
|
|
discipleship
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+14:26">Luke xiv. 26</A>);
|
|
|
|
and he thought what he <I>would</I> do--never be false to his Master
|
|
whatever it cost him; yet, it proved, he was. It is easy to talk boldly
|
|
and carelessly of death at a distance; "I will rather die than do such
|
|
a thing:" but it is not so soon done as said, when it comes to the
|
|
setting-to, and death shows itself in its own colours.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
What Peter said the rest subscribed to; <I>likewise also said all the
|
|
disciples.</I> Note,
|
|
|
|
1. There is a proneness in good men to be over-confident of their own
|
|
strength and stability. We are ready to think ourselves able to grapple
|
|
with the strongest temptations, to go through the hardest and most
|
|
hazardous services, and to bear the greatest afflictions for Christ;
|
|
but it is because we do not know ourselves.
|
|
|
|
2. Those often fall soonest and foulest that are most confident of
|
|
themselves. Those are least safe that are most secure. Satan is most
|
|
active to seduce such; they are most off their guard, and God leaves
|
|
them to themselves, to humble them. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+10:12">1 Cor. x. 12</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_36"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_37"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_38"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_39"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_40"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_41"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_42"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_43"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_44"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_45"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_46"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec7"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Agony in the Garden.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane,
|
|
and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray
|
|
yonder.
|
|
37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and
|
|
began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
|
|
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful,
|
|
even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
|
|
39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and
|
|
prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass
|
|
from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou <I>wilt.</I>
|
|
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep,
|
|
and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
|
|
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the
|
|
spirit indeed <I>is</I> willing, but the flesh <I>is</I> weak.
|
|
42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my
|
|
Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it,
|
|
thy will be done.
|
|
43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were
|
|
heavy.
|
|
44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third
|
|
time, saying the same words.
|
|
45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep
|
|
on now, and take <I>your</I> rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and
|
|
the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
|
|
46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth
|
|
betray me.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Hitherto, we have seen the preparatives for Christ's sufferings; now,
|
|
we enter upon the bloody scene. In these verses we have the story of
|
|
his agony in the garden. This was the beginning of sorrows to our Lord
|
|
Jesus. Now the <I>sword of the Lord</I> began to awake against <I>the
|
|
man that was his Fellow; and how should it be quiet when the Lord had
|
|
given it a charge?</I> The clouds had been gathering a good while, and
|
|
looked black. He had said, some days before, <I>Now is my soul
|
|
troubled,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+12:27">John xii. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
But now the storm began in good earnest. He put himself into this
|
|
agony, before his enemies gave him any trouble, to show that he was a
|
|
Freewill offering; that his life was not forced from him, but he
|
|
<I>laid it down of himself.</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+10:18">John x. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The place where he underwent this mighty agony; it was <I>in a place
|
|
called Gethsemane.</I> The name signifies, <I>torculus olei--an
|
|
olive-mill,</I> a press for olives, like a wine-press, where they
|
|
<I>trod the olives,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mic+6:15">Mic. vi. 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
And this was the proper place for such a thing, at the foot of the
|
|
mount of Olives. There our Lord Jesus began his passion; there it
|
|
pleased the Lord to bruise him, and crush him, that fresh oil might
|
|
flow to all believers from him, that we might partake of the root and
|
|
fatness of that <I>good Olive.</I> There he trod the wine-press of his
|
|
Father's wrath, and trod it alone.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The company he had with him, when he was in this agony.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He took all the twelve disciples with him to the garden, except
|
|
Judas, who was at this time otherwise employed. Though it was late in
|
|
the night, near bed-time, yet they kept with him, and took this walk by
|
|
moonlight with him, as Elisha, who, when he was told that his master
|
|
should shortly be taken from his head, declared that he <I>would not
|
|
leave him,</I> though he <I>led him about;</I> so these follow the
|
|
Lamb, wheresoever he goes.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He took only Peter, and James, and John, with him into that corner
|
|
of the garden where he suffered his agony. He left the rest at some
|
|
distance, perhaps at the garden door, with this charge, <I>Sit ye here,
|
|
while I go and pray yonder;</I> like that of Abraham to his <I>young
|
|
men</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+22:5">Gen. xxii. 5</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Abide ye here, and I will go yonder and worship.</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Christ went to pray alone, though he had lately prayed with his
|
|
disciples,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:1">John xvii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, Our prayers with our families must not excuse us from our secret
|
|
devotions.
|
|
|
|
(2.) He ordered them to sit here. Note, We must take heed
|
|
of giving any disturbance or interruption to those who retire for
|
|
secret communion with God. He took these three with him, because they
|
|
had been the witnesses of his glory in his transfiguration
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+17:1,2"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 1, 2</A>),
|
|
|
|
and that would prepare them to be the witnesses of his agony. Note,
|
|
Those are best prepared to suffer with Christ, that have by faith
|
|
beheld his glory, and have conversed with the glorified saints upon the
|
|
holy mount. <I>If we suffer with Christ, we shall reign with him;</I>
|
|
and if we hope to reign with him, why should we not expect to suffer
|
|
with him?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The agony itself that he was in; <I>He began to be sorrowful, and
|
|
very heavy.</I> It is called an agony
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:44">Luke xxii. 44</A>),
|
|
|
|
a conflict. It was not any bodily pain or torment that he was in,
|
|
nothing occurred to hurt him; but, whatever it was, it was from within;
|
|
he troubled himself,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+11:33">John xi. 33</A>.
|
|
|
|
The words here used are very emphatical; he began <B><I>lupeisthai kai
|
|
ademunein</I></B>--<I>to be sorrowful, and in a consternation.</I> The
|
|
latter word signifies such a sorrow as makes a man neither fit for
|
|
company nor desirous of it. He had like a weight of lead upon his
|
|
spirits. Physicians use a word near akin to it, to signify the disorder
|
|
a man is in in a fit of an ague, or beginning of a fever. Now was
|
|
fulfilled,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+22:14">Ps. xxii. 14</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>I am poured out like water, my heart is like wax, it is melted;</I>
|
|
and all those passages in the Psalms where David complains of the
|
|
sorrows of his soul,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+18:4,5,42:7,55:4,5,69:1-3.88:3,116:3">Ps. xviii. 4, 5;
|
|
xlii. 7; lv. 4, 5; lxix. 1-3; lxxxviii. 3; cxvi. 3</A>,
|
|
|
|
and Jonah's complaint,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jon+2:4,5"><I>ch.</I> ii. 4, 5</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
But what was the cause of all this? What was it that put him into his
|
|
agony? <I>Why art thou cast down,</I> blessed Jesus, and <I>why
|
|
disquieted?</I> Certainly, it was nothing of despair or distrust of his
|
|
Father, much less any conflict or struggle with him. As the Father
|
|
loved him because he laid down his life for the sheep, so he was
|
|
entirely subject to his Father's will in it. But,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He engaged in an encounter with the powers of darkness; so he
|
|
intimates
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:53">Luke xxii. 53</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>This is your hour, and the power of darkness:</I> and he spoke of it
|
|
just before
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:30,31">John xiv. 30, 31</A>);
|
|
|
|
"<I>The prince of this world cometh.</I> I see him rallying his forces,
|
|
and preparing for a general assault; but <I>he has nothing in me,</I>
|
|
no garrisons in his interest, none that secretly hold correspondence
|
|
with him; and therefore his attempts, though fierce, will be fruitless:
|
|
but <I>as the Father gave me commandment, so I do;</I> however it be, I
|
|
must have a struggle with him, the field must be fairly fought; and
|
|
therefore <I>arise, let us go hence,</I> let us hasten to the field of
|
|
battle, and meet the enemy." Now is the close engagement in single
|
|
combat between Michael and the dragon, hand to hand; <I>now is the
|
|
judgment of this world;</I> the great cause is now to be determined,
|
|
and the decisive battle fought, in which the <I>prince of this
|
|
world,</I> will certainly be beaten and <I>cast out,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+12:31">John xii. 31</A>.
|
|
|
|
Christ, when he works salvation, is described like a champion taking
|
|
the field,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+59:16-18">Isa. lix. 16-18</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now the serpent makes his fiercest onset on the seed of the woman, and
|
|
directs his sting, the sting of death, to his very heart; <I>animamque
|
|
in vulnere ponit--and the wound is mortal.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He was now <I>bearing the iniquities</I> which the Father laid upon
|
|
him, and, by his sorrow and amazement, he accommodated himself to his
|
|
undertaking. The sufferings he was entering upon were for our sins;
|
|
they were all made to meet upon him, and he knew it. As we are obliged
|
|
to be sorry for our particular sins, so was he grieved for the sins of
|
|
us all. So Bishop Pearson, p. 191. Now, <I>in the valley of
|
|
Jehoshaphat,</I> where Christ now was, God <I>gathered all nations,</I>
|
|
and <I>pleaded with them in his</I> Son,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joe+3:2,12">Joel iii. 2, 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
He knew the malignity of the sins that were laid upon him, how
|
|
provoking to God, how ruining to man; and these being all set in order
|
|
before him, and charged upon him, he was <I>sorrowful and very
|
|
heavy.</I> Now it was that <I>iniquities took hold on him;</I> so that
|
|
he was <I>not able to look up,</I> as was foretold concerning him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+40:7,12">Ps. xl. 7, 12</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. He had a full and clear prospect of all the sufferings that were
|
|
before him. He foresaw the treachery of Judas, the unkindness of Peter,
|
|
the malice of the Jews, and their base ingratitude. He knew that he
|
|
should now in a few hours be scourged, spit upon, crowned with thorns,
|
|
nailed to the cross; death in its most dreadful appearances, death in
|
|
pomp, attended with all its terrors, looked him in the face; and this
|
|
made him sorrowful, especially because it was the wages of our sin,
|
|
which he had undertaken to satisfy for. It is true, the martyrs that
|
|
have suffered for Christ, have entertained the greatest torments, and
|
|
the most terrible deaths, without any such sorrow and consternation;
|
|
have called their prisons their delectable orchards, and a bed of
|
|
flames a bed of roses: but then,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Christ was now denied the supports and comforts which they had;
|
|
that is, he denied them to himself, and <I>his soul refused to be
|
|
comforted,</I> not in passion, but in justice to his undertaking. Their
|
|
cheerfulness under the cross was owing to the divine favour, which, for
|
|
the present, was suspended from the Lord Jesus.
|
|
|
|
(2.) His sufferings were of another nature from theirs. St. Paul, when
|
|
he is to be offered upon the sacrifice and service of the saints'
|
|
faith, can <I>joy and rejoice with them all;</I> but to be offered a
|
|
sacrifice, to make atonement for sin, is quite a different case. On the
|
|
saints' cross there is a blessing pronounced, which enables them to
|
|
rejoice under it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+5:10,12"><I>ch.</I> v. 10, 12</A>);
|
|
|
|
but to Christ's cross there was a curse annexed, which made him
|
|
sorrowful and very heavy under it. And his sorrow under the cross was
|
|
the foundation of their joy under it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. His complaint of this agony. Finding himself under the arrest of
|
|
his passion, he goes to his disciples
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:38"><I>v.</I> 38</A>),
|
|
|
|
and,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He acquaints them with his condition; <I>My soul is exceedingly
|
|
sorrowful, even unto death.</I> It gives some little ease to a troubled
|
|
spirit, to have a friend ready to unbosom itself to, and give vent to
|
|
its sorrows. Christ here tells them,
|
|
|
|
(1.) What was the seat of his sorrow; it was his soul that was now in
|
|
an agony. This proves that Christ had a true human soul; for he
|
|
suffered, not only in his body, but in his soul. We had sinned both
|
|
against our own bodies, and against our souls; both had been used in
|
|
sin, and both had been wronged by it; and therefore Christ suffered in
|
|
soul as well as in body.
|
|
|
|
(2.) What was the degree of his sorrow. He was <I>exceedingly
|
|
sorrowful,</I> <B><I>perilypos</I></B>--<I>compassed about with sorrow
|
|
on all hands.</I> It was sorrow in the highest degree, even unto death;
|
|
it was a killing sorrow, such sorrow as no mortal man could bear and
|
|
live. He was ready to die for grief; they were sorrows of death.
|
|
|
|
(3.) The duration of it; it will continue even unto death. "My soul
|
|
will be sorrowful as long as it is in this body; I see no outlet but
|
|
death." He now <I>began</I> to be sorrowful, and never ceased to be so
|
|
till he said, <I>It is finished;</I> that grief is now finished, which
|
|
began in the garden. It was prophesied of Christ, that he should be
|
|
<I>a Man of sorrows</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+53:3">Isa. liii. 3</A>);
|
|
|
|
he was so all along, we never read that he laughed; but all his sorrows
|
|
hitherto were nothing to this.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He bespeaks their company and attendance; <I>Tarry ye here, and
|
|
watch with me.</I> Surely he was destitute indeed of help, when he
|
|
entreated theirs, who, he knew, would be but miserable comforters; but
|
|
he would hereby teach us the benefit of the communion of saints. It is
|
|
good to have, and therefore good to seek, the assistance of our
|
|
brethren, when at any time we are in an agony; <I>for two are better
|
|
than one.</I> What he said to them, he saith to all, <I>Watch,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+13:37">Mark xiii. 37</A>.
|
|
|
|
Not only watch for him, in expectation of his future coming, but watch
|
|
with him, in application to our present work.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. What passed between him and his Father when he was in this agony;
|
|
<I>Being in an agony, he prayed.</I> Prayer is never out of season, but
|
|
it is especially seasonable in an agony.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
1. The place where he prayed; <I>He went a little further,</I> withdrew
|
|
from them, that the scripture might be fulfilled, <I>I have trod the
|
|
wine-press alone;</I> he retired for prayer; a troubled soul finds most
|
|
ease when it is alone with God, who understands the broken language of
|
|
sighs and groans. Calvin's devout remark upon this is worth
|
|
transcribing, <I>Utile est seorsim orare, tunc enim magis familiariter
|
|
sese denudat fidelis animus, et simplicius sua vota, gemitus, curas,
|
|
pavores, spes, et gaudia in Dei sinum exonerat--It is useful to pray
|
|
apart; for then the faithful soul develops itself more familiarly, and
|
|
with greater simplicity pours forth its petitions, groans, cares,
|
|
fears, hopes and joys, into the bosom of God.</I> Christ has hereby
|
|
taught us that secret prayer must be made secretly. Yet some think that
|
|
even the disciples whom he left at the garden door, overheard him; for
|
|
it is said
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+5:7">Heb. v. 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
they were <I>strong cries.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. His posture in prayer; <I>He fell on his face;</I> his lying
|
|
prostrate denotes,
|
|
|
|
(1.) The agony he was in, and the extremity of his sorrow. Job, in
|
|
great grief, <I>fell on the ground;</I> and great anguish is expressed
|
|
by <I>rolling in the dust,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mic+1:10">Mic. i. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) His humility in prayer. This posture was an expression of his,
|
|
<B><I>eulabeia</I></B>--<I>his reverential fear</I> (spoken of
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+5:7">Heb. v. 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
with which he offered up these prayers: and it was <I>in the days of
|
|
his flesh,</I> in his estate of humiliation, to which hereby he
|
|
accommodated himself.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. The prayer itself; wherein we may observe three things.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The title he gives to God; <I>O my Father.</I> Thick as the cloud
|
|
was, he could see God as a Father through it. Note, In all our
|
|
addresses to God we should eye him as a Father, as our Father; and it
|
|
is in a special manner comfortable to do so, when we are in an agony.
|
|
It is a pleasing string to harp upon at such a time, <I>My Father;</I>
|
|
whither should the child go, when any thing grieves him, but to his
|
|
father?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The favour he begs; <I>If it be possible, let this cup pass from
|
|
me.</I> He calls his sufferings a <I>cup;</I> not a river, not a sea,
|
|
but a cup, which we shall soon see the bottom of. When we are under
|
|
troubles, we should make the best, the least, of them, and not
|
|
aggravate them. His sufferings might be called a <I>cup,</I> because
|
|
allotted him, as at feasts a cup was set to every mess. He begs that
|
|
this cup might <I>pass from him,</I> that is, that he might avoid the
|
|
sufferings now at hand; or, at least, that they might be shortened.
|
|
This intimates no more than that he was really and truly Man, and as a
|
|
Man he could not but be averse to pain and suffering. This is the first
|
|
and simple act of man's will--to start back from that which is sensibly
|
|
grievous to us, and to desire the prevention and removal of it. The law
|
|
of self-preservation is impressed upon the innocent nature of man, and
|
|
rules there till overruled by some other law; therefore Christ admitted
|
|
and expressed a reluctance to suffer, to show that he was <I>taken from
|
|
among men</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+5:1">Heb. v. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
was touched with <I>the feeling of our infirmities</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+4:15">Heb. iv. 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
and <I>tempted as we are; yet without sin.</I> Note, A prayer of faith
|
|
against an affliction, may very well consist with the patience of hope
|
|
under affliction. When David had said, <I>I was dumb, I opened not my
|
|
mouth, because thou didst it;</I> his very next words were, <I>Remove
|
|
thy stroke away from me,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+39:9,10">Ps. xxxix. 9, 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
But observe the proviso; <I>If it be possible.</I> If God may be
|
|
glorified, man saved, and the ends of his undertaking answered, without
|
|
his drinking of this bitter cup, he desires to be excused; otherwise
|
|
not. What we cannot do with the securing of our great end, we must
|
|
reckon to be in effect impossible; Christ did so. <I>Id possumus quod
|
|
jure possumus--We can do that which we can do lawfully.</I> We
|
|
<I>can</I> do nothing, not only we <I>may</I> do nothing, against the
|
|
truth.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) His entire submission to, and acquiescence in, the will of God;
|
|
<I>Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.</I> Not that the
|
|
human will of Christ was adverse or averse to the divine will; it was
|
|
only, in its first act, diverse from it; to which, in the second act of
|
|
the will, which compares and chooses, he freely submits himself. Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Our Lord Jesus, though he had a quick sense of the extreme
|
|
bitterness of the sufferings he was to undergo, yet was freely willing
|
|
to submit to them for our redemption and salvation, and <I>offered
|
|
himself, and gave himself, for us.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] The reason of Christ's submission to his sufferings, was, his
|
|
Father's will; <I>as thou wilt,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:39"><I>v.</I> 39</A>.
|
|
|
|
He grounds his own willingness upon the Father's will, and resolves the
|
|
matter wholly into that; <I>therefore</I> he did what he did, and did
|
|
it with delight, because it was the will of God,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+40:8">Ps. xl. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
This he had often referred to, as that which put him upon, and carried
|
|
him through, his whole undertaking; <I>This is the Father's will,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:39,40">John vi. 39, 40</A>.
|
|
|
|
This he sought
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+5:30">John v. 30</A>);
|
|
|
|
it was his <I>meat and drink</I> to do it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+4:34">John iv. 34</A>.
|
|
|
|
[3.] In conformity to this example of Christ, we must drink
|
|
of the bitter cup which God puts into our hands, be it ever so bitter;
|
|
though nature struggle, grace must submit. We then are disposed as
|
|
Christ was, when our wills are in every thing melted into the will of
|
|
God, though ever so displeasing to flesh and blood; <I>The will of the
|
|
Lord be done,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+21:14">Acts xxi. 14</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. The repetition of the prayer; <I>He went away again the second time,
|
|
and prayed</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:42"><I>v.</I> 42</A>),
|
|
|
|
and again the third time
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:44"><I>v.</I> 44</A>),
|
|
|
|
and all to the same purport; only, as it is related here, he did not,
|
|
in the second and third prayer, expressly ask that the cup might pass
|
|
from him, as he had done in the first. Note, Though we may pray to God
|
|
to prevent and remove an affliction, yet our chief errand, and that
|
|
which we should most insist upon, must be, that he will give us grace
|
|
to bear it well. It should be more our care to get our troubles
|
|
sanctified, and our hearts satisfied under them, than to get them taken
|
|
away. <I>He prayed, saying, Thy will be done.</I> Note, Prayer is the
|
|
offering up, not only of our desires, but of our resignations, to God.
|
|
It amounts to an acceptable prayer, when at any time we are in
|
|
distress, to refer ourselves to God, and to commit our way and work to
|
|
him; <I>Thy will be done.</I> The third time he <I>said the same
|
|
words,</I> <B><I>ton auton logon</I></B>--<I>the same word,</I> that is
|
|
the same matter or argument; he spoke to the same purport. We have
|
|
reason to think that this was not all he said, for it should seem by
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:40"><I>v.</I> 40</A>
|
|
|
|
that he continued <I>an hour</I> in his agony and prayer; but, whatever
|
|
more he said, it was to this effect, deprecating his approaching
|
|
sufferings, and yet resigning himself to God's will in them, in the
|
|
expressions of which we may be sure he was not straitened.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
But what answer had he to this prayer? Certainly it was not made in
|
|
vain; he that heard him <I>always,</I> did not deny him <I>now.</I> It
|
|
is true, the cup did not pass from him, for he withdrew that petition,
|
|
and did not insist upon it (if he had, for aught I know, the cup had
|
|
passed away); but he had an answer to his prayer; for,
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>He was strengthened with strength in his soul,</I> in the day
|
|
when he cried
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+138:3">Ps. cxxxviii. 3</A>);
|
|
|
|
and that was a real answer,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:43">Luke xxii. 43</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) He was delivered from that which he feared, which was, lest by
|
|
impatience and distrust he should offend his Father, and so disable
|
|
himself to go on with his undertaking,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+5:7">Heb. v. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
In answer to his prayer, God provided that he should not fail or be
|
|
discouraged.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VI. What passed between him and his three disciples at this time; and
|
|
here we may observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The fault they were guilty of; that when he was in his agony,
|
|
sorrowful and heavy, sweating and wrestling and praying, they were so
|
|
little concerned, that they could not keep awake; he comes, and
|
|
<I>finds them asleep,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:40"><I>v.</I> 40</A>.
|
|
|
|
The strangeness of the thing should have roused their spirits to
|
|
<I>turn aside now, and see this great sight--the bush burning, and yet
|
|
not consumed;</I> much more should their love to their Master, and
|
|
their care concerning him, have obliged them to a more close and
|
|
vigilant attendance on him; yet they were so dull, that they could not
|
|
keep their eyes open. What had become of us, if Christ had been now as
|
|
sleepy as his disciples were? It is well for us that our salvation is
|
|
in the hand of one who <I>neither slumbers nor sleeps.</I> Christ
|
|
engaged them to watch with him, as if he expected some succour from
|
|
them, and yet they slept; surely it was the unkindest thing that could
|
|
be. When David wept at this mount of Olives, all his followers wept
|
|
with him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:30">2 Sam. xv. 30</A>);
|
|
|
|
but when the Son of David was here in tears, his followers were asleep.
|
|
His enemies, who watched for him, were wakeful enough
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+14:43">Mark xiv. 43</A>);
|
|
|
|
but his disciples, who should have watched with him, were asleep. Lord,
|
|
what is man! What are the best of men, when God leaves them to
|
|
themselves! Note, Carelessness and carnal security, especially when
|
|
Christ is in his agony, are great faults in any, but especially in
|
|
those who profess to be nearest in relation to him. The church of
|
|
Christ, which is his body, is often in an agony, fightings without and
|
|
fears within; and shall we be asleep then, like Gallio, that <I>cared
|
|
for none of these things;</I> or those
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Am+6:6">Amos vi. 6</A>)
|
|
|
|
that <I>lay at ease, and were not grieved for the affliction of
|
|
Joseph?</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Christ's favour to them, notwithstanding. Persons in sorrow are too
|
|
apt to be cross and peevish with those about them, and to lay it
|
|
grievously to heart, if they but seem to neglect them; but Christ in
|
|
his agony is as meek as ever, and carries it as patiently toward his
|
|
followers as toward his Father, and is not apt to take things ill.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
When Christ's disciples put this slight upon him,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>He came to them,</I> as if he expected to receive some comfort
|
|
from them; and if they had put him in mind of what they had heard from
|
|
him concerning his resurrection and glory perhaps it might have been
|
|
some help to him; but, instead of that, they added grief to his sorrow;
|
|
and yet he came to them, more careful for them than they were for
|
|
themselves; when he was most engaged, yet he came to look after them;
|
|
for those that were given him, were upon his heart, living and
|
|
dying.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He gave them a gentle reproof, for as many as he loves he rebukes;
|
|
he directed it to Peter, who used to <I>speak</I> for them; let him now
|
|
<I>hear</I> for them. The reproof was very melting; <I>What! could ye
|
|
not watch with me one hour?</I> He speaks as one amazed to see them so
|
|
stupid; every word, when closely considered, shows the aggravated
|
|
nature of the case. Consider,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Who <I>they</I> were; "Could not <I>ye</I> watch--ye, my disciples
|
|
and followers? No wonder if others neglect me, if <I>the earth sit
|
|
still, and be at rest</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+1:11">Zech. i. 11</A>);
|
|
|
|
but from you I expected better things."
|
|
|
|
[2.] Who <I>he</I> was; "Watch with <I>me.</I> If one of yourselves
|
|
were ill and in an agony, it would be very unkind not to watch with
|
|
him; but it is undutiful not to watch with your Master, who has long
|
|
watched over you for good, has led you, and fed you, and taught you,
|
|
borne you, and borne with you; do ye thus requite him?" He awoke out of
|
|
his sleep, to help them when they were in distress
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+8:26"><I>ch.</I> viii. 26</A>);
|
|
|
|
and could not they keep awake, at least to show their good-will to him,
|
|
especially considering that he was now suffering <I>for them,</I> in an
|
|
agony <I>for them? Jam tua res agiture--I am suffering in your
|
|
cause.</I>
|
|
|
|
[3.] How small a thing it was that he expected from them--only to
|
|
<I>watch with him.</I> If he had bid them do some great thing, had bid
|
|
them be in an agony with him, or die with him, they thought they could
|
|
have done it; and yet they could not do it, when he only desired them
|
|
to <I>watch with him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+5:13">2 Kings v. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
[4.] How short a time it was that he expected it--but <I>one hour;</I>
|
|
they were not set upon the guard whole nights, as the prophet was
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+21:8">Isa. xxi. 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
only <I>one hour.</I> Sometimes he <I>continued all night in prayer to
|
|
God,</I> but did not then expect that his disciples should watch with
|
|
him; only now, when he had but one hour to spend in prayer.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) He gave them good counsel; <I>Watch and pray, that ye enter not
|
|
into temptation,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:41"><I>v.</I> 41</A>.
|
|
|
|
[1.] There was an hour of temptation drawing on, and very near; the
|
|
troubles of Christ were temptations to his followers to disbelieve and
|
|
distrust him, to deny and desert him, and renounce all relation to him.
|
|
|
|
[2.] There was danger of their entering into the temptation, as into a
|
|
snare or trap; of their entering into a parley with it, or a good
|
|
opinion of it, of their being influenced by it, and inclining to comply
|
|
with it; which is the first step toward being overcome by it.
|
|
|
|
[3.] He therefore exhorts them to watch and pray; <I>Watch with me, and
|
|
pray with me.</I> While they were sleeping, they lost the benefit of
|
|
joining in Christ's prayer. "Watch <I>yourselves,</I> and pray
|
|
<I>yourselves.</I> Watch and pray against this present temptation to
|
|
drowsiness and security; <I>pray</I> that you may <I>watch;</I> beg of
|
|
God by his grace to keep you awake, now that there is occasion." When
|
|
we are drowsy in the worship of God, we should pray, as a good
|
|
Christian once did, "The Lord deliver me from this sleepy devil!"
|
|
<I>Lord, quicken thou me in thy way,</I> Or, "Watch and pray against
|
|
the further temptation you may be assaulted with; <I>watch and pray</I>
|
|
lest this sin prove the inlet of many more." Note, When we find
|
|
ourselves entering into temptation, we have need to watch and pray.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) He kindly excused for them; <I>The spirit indeed is willing, but
|
|
the flesh is weak.</I> We do not read of one word they had to say for
|
|
themselves (the sense of their own weakness stopped their mouth); but
|
|
then he had a tender word to say on their behalf, for it is his office
|
|
to be an Advocate; in this he sets us an example of the love <I>which
|
|
covers a multitude of sins.</I> He considered their frame, and did not
|
|
chide them, for he remembered that they were but flesh; <I>and the
|
|
flesh is weak, though the spirit be willing,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+78:38,39">Ps. lxxviii. 38, 39</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Christ's disciples, as long as they are here in this world, have
|
|
bodies as well as souls, and a principle of remaining corruption as
|
|
well as of reigning grace, like Jacob and Esau in the same womb,
|
|
<I>Canaanites</I> and <I>Israelites</I> in the same land,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+5:17,24">Gal. v. 17, 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] It is the unhappiness and burthen of Christ's disciples, that
|
|
their bodies cannot keep pace with their souls in works of piety and
|
|
devotion, but are many a time a cloud and clog to them; that, when the
|
|
spirit is free and disposed to that which is good, the flesh is averse
|
|
and indisposed. This St. Paul laments
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+7:25">Rom. vii. 25</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>With my mind I serve the law of God, but with my flesh the law of
|
|
sin.</I> Our impotency in the service of God is the great iniquity and
|
|
infidelity of our nature, and it arises from these sad remainders of
|
|
corruption, which are the constant grief and burthen of God's people.
|
|
|
|
[3.] Yet it is our comfort, that our Master graciously considers this,
|
|
and accepts the willingness of the spirit, and pities and pardons the
|
|
weakness and infirmity of the flesh; for <I>we are under grace, and not
|
|
under the law.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(5.) Though they continued dull and sleepy, he did not any further
|
|
rebuke them for it; for, though we daily offend, yet he will not always
|
|
chide.
|
|
|
|
[1.] When he came to them the second time, we do not find that he said
|
|
any thing to them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:43"><I>v.</I> 43</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>he findeth them asleep again.</I> One would have thought that he had
|
|
said enough to them to keep them awake; but it is hard to recover from
|
|
a spirit of slumber. Carnal security, when once it prevails, is not
|
|
easily shaken off. <I>Their eyes were heavy,</I> which intimates that
|
|
they strove against it as much as they could, but were overcome by it,
|
|
like the spouse; <I>I sleep, but my heart waketh</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+5:2">Cant. v. 2</A>);
|
|
|
|
and therefore their Master looked upon them with compassion.
|
|
|
|
[2.] When he came the third time, he left them to be alarmed with the
|
|
approaching danger
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:45,46"><I>v.</I> 45, 46</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Sleep on now, and take your rest.</I> This is spoken ironically;
|
|
"Now sleep if you can, sleep if you dare; I would not disturb you if
|
|
Judas and his band of men would not." See here how Christ deals with
|
|
those that suffer themselves to be overcome by security, and will not
|
|
be awakened out of it. <I>First,</I> Sometimes he gives them up to the
|
|
power of it; <I>Sleep on now.</I> He that will sleep, let him sleep
|
|
still. The curse of spiritual slumber is the just punishment of the sin
|
|
of it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+11:8,Ho+4:17">Rom. xi. 8; Hos. iv. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> Many times he sends some startling judgment, to awaken
|
|
those that would not be wrought upon by the word; and those who will
|
|
not be alarmed by reasons and arguments, had better be alarmed by
|
|
swords and spears than left to perish in their security. Let those that
|
|
would not believe, be made to feel.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
As to the disciples here,
|
|
|
|
1. Their Master gave them notice of the near approach of his enemies,
|
|
who, it is likely, were now within sight or hearing, for they came with
|
|
candles and torches, and, it is likely, made a great noise; <I>The Son
|
|
of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.</I> And again, <I>He is
|
|
at hand that doth betray me.</I> Note, Christ's sufferings were no
|
|
surprise to him; he knew what, and when, he was to suffer. By this time
|
|
the extremity of his agony was pretty well over, or, at least,
|
|
diverted; while with an undaunted courage he addresses himself to the
|
|
next encounter, as a champion to the combat.
|
|
|
|
2. He called them to rise, and be going: not, "Rise, and let us flee
|
|
from the danger;" but, "Rise, and let us go meet it;" before he had
|
|
prayed, he feared his sufferings, but now he had got over his fears.
|
|
But,
|
|
|
|
3. He intimates to them their folly, in sleeping away the time which
|
|
they should have spent in preparation; now the event found them
|
|
unready, and was a terror to them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_47"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_48"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_49"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_50"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_51"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_52"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_53"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_54"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_55"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_56"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec8"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ Betrayed by Judas; The Priest's Servant Smitten by Peter; Christ Deserted by His Disciples.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came,
|
|
and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the
|
|
chief priests and elders of the people.
|
|
48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying,
|
|
Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
|
|
49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and
|
|
kissed him.
|
|
50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come?
|
|
Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
|
|
51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out
|
|
<I>his</I> hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high
|
|
priest's, and smote off his ear.
|
|
52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his
|
|
place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the
|
|
sword.
|
|
53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he
|
|
shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
|
|
54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it
|
|
must be?
|
|
55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come
|
|
out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I
|
|
sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on
|
|
me.
|
|
56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets
|
|
might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We are here told how the blessed Jesus was seized, and taken into
|
|
custody; this followed immediately upon his agony, <I>while he yet
|
|
spake;</I> for from the beginning to the close of his passion he had
|
|
not the least intermission or breathing-time, but <I>deep called unto
|
|
deep.</I> His trouble hitherto was raised within himself; but now the
|
|
scene is changed, now the Philistines are upon thee, thou blessed
|
|
Samson; <I>the Breath of our nostrils, the Anointed of the Lord is
|
|
taken in their pits,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=La+4:20">Lam. iv. 20</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Now concerning the apprehension of the Lord Jesus, observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Who the persons were, that were employed in it.
|
|
|
|
1. Here was <I>Judas, one of the twelve,</I> at the head of this
|
|
infamous guard: <I>he was guide to them that took Jesus</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:16">Acts i. 16</A>);
|
|
|
|
without his help they could not have found him in this retirement.
|
|
Behold, and wonder; the first that appears with his enemies, is one of
|
|
his own disciples, who an hour or two ago was eating bread with him!
|
|
|
|
2. Here was <I>with him a great multitude;</I> that the scripture
|
|
might be fulfilled, <I>Lord, how are they increased that trouble
|
|
me!</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+3:1">Ps. iii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
This multitude was made up partly of a detachment out of the guards,
|
|
that were posted in the tower of Antonia by the Roman governor; these
|
|
were Gentiles, <I>sinners,</I> as Christ calls them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:45"><I>v.</I> 45</A>.
|
|
|
|
The rest were the servants and officers of the High Priest, and they
|
|
were Jews; they that were at variance with each other, agreed against
|
|
Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. How they were armed for this enterprise.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. What weapons they were armed with; They came <I>with swords and
|
|
staves.</I> The Roman soldiers, no doubt, had swords; the servants of
|
|
the priests, those of them that had not swords, brought staves or
|
|
clubs. <I>Furor arma ministrat--Their rage supplied their arms.</I> They
|
|
were not regular troops, but a tumultuous rabble. But wherefore is this
|
|
ado? If they had been ten times as many, they could not have taken him
|
|
had he not yielded; and, his hour being come for him to give up
|
|
himself, all this force was needless. When a butcher goes into the
|
|
field to take out a lamb for the slaughter, does he raise the militia,
|
|
and come armed? No, he needs not; yet is there all this force used to
|
|
seize the Lamb of God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. What warrant they were armed with; <I>They came from the chief
|
|
priests, and elders of the people;</I> this armed multitude was sent by
|
|
them upon this errand. He was taken up by a warrant from the great
|
|
sanhedrim, as a person obnoxious to them. Pilate, the Roman governor,
|
|
gave them no warrant to search for him, he had no jealousy of him; but
|
|
they were men who pretended to religion, and presided in the affairs of
|
|
the church, that were active in this prosecution, and were the most
|
|
spiteful enemies Christ had. It was a sign that he was supported by a
|
|
divine power, for by all earthly powers he was not only deserted, but
|
|
opposed; Pilate upbraided him with it; <I>Thine own nation and the
|
|
chief priests delivered thee to me,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+18:35">John xviii. 35</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The manner how it was done, and what passed at that time.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. How Judas betrayed him; he did his business effectually, and his
|
|
resolution in this wickedness may shame us who fail in that which is
|
|
good. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The instructions he gave to the soldiers
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:48"><I>v.</I> 48</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>He gave them a sign;</I> as commander of the party in this action,
|
|
he gives the word or signal. He <I>gave them a sign,</I> lest by
|
|
mistake they should seize one of the disciples instead of him, the
|
|
disciples having so lately said, in Judas's hearing, that they would be
|
|
willing to die for him. What abundance of caution was here, not to miss
|
|
him--<I>That same is he;</I> and when they had him in their hands, not
|
|
to lose him--<I>Hold him fast;</I> for he had sometimes escaped from
|
|
those who thought to secure him; as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+6:30">Luke vi. 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
Though the Jews, who frequented the temple, could not but know him, yet
|
|
the Roman soldiers perhaps had never seen him, and the sign was to
|
|
direct them; and Judas by his kiss intended not only to distinguish
|
|
him, but to detain him, while they came behind him, and laid hands on
|
|
him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The dissembling compliment he gave his Master. He came close up to
|
|
Jesus; surely now, if ever, his wicked heart will relent; surely when
|
|
he comes to look him in the face, he will either be awed by its
|
|
majesty, or charmed by its beauty. Dares he to come into his very sight
|
|
and presence, to betray him? Peter denied Christ, but when <I>the Lord
|
|
turned and looked</I> upon him, he relented presently; but Judas comes
|
|
up to his Master's face, and betrays him. <I>Me mihi (perfide) prodis?
|
|
me mihi prodis?--Perfidious man, betrayest thou me to thyself?</I> He
|
|
said, <I>Hail, Master; and kissed him.</I> It should seem, our Lord
|
|
Jesus had been wont to admit his disciples to such a degree of
|
|
familiarity with him, as to give them his cheek to kiss after they had
|
|
been any while absent, which Judas villainously used to facilitate this
|
|
treason. A kiss is a token of allegiance and friendship,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+2:12">Ps. ii. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
But Judas, when he broke all the laws of love and duty, profaned this
|
|
sacred sign to serve his purpose. Note, There are many that betray
|
|
Christ with <I>a kiss,</I> and <I>Hail, Master;</I> who, under pretence
|
|
of doing him honour, betray and undermine the interests of his kingdom.
|
|
<I>Mel in ore, fel in corde--Honey in the mouth, gall in the heart.</I>
|
|
<B><I>Kataphilein ouk esti philein.</I></B> <I>To embrace is one thing,
|
|
to love is another. Philo Judæus.</I> Joab's kiss and Judas's
|
|
were much alike.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) The entertainment his Master gave him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:50"><I>v.</I> 50</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] He calls him <I>friend.</I> If he had called him <I>villain,</I>
|
|
and <I>traitor, raca, thou fool,</I> and <I>child of the devil,</I> he
|
|
had not <I>mis--</I>called him; but he would teach us under the greatest
|
|
provocation to forbear bitterness and evil-speaking, and to show all
|
|
meekness. <I>Friend,</I> for a friend he had been, and should have
|
|
been, and seemed to be. Thus he upbraids him, as Abraham, when he
|
|
called the rich man in hell, <I>son.</I> He calls him <I>friend,</I>
|
|
because he furthered his sufferings, and so <I>befriended</I> him;
|
|
whereas, he called Peter <I>Satan</I> for attempting to hinder
|
|
them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] He asks him, "<I>Wherefore art thou come?</I> Is it peace, Judas?
|
|
Explain thyself; if thou come as an enemy, what means this kiss? If as
|
|
a friend, what mean these swords and staves? <I>Wherefore art thou
|
|
come?</I> What harm have I done thee? Wherein have I wearied thee?
|
|
<B><I>eph ho parei</I></B>--<I>Wherefore art thou present?</I> Why hadst
|
|
thou not so much shame left thee, as to keep out of sight, which thou
|
|
mightest have done, and yet have given the officer notice where I was?"
|
|
This was an instance of great impudence, for him to be so forward and
|
|
barefaced in this wicked transaction. But it is usual for apostates
|
|
from religion to be the most bitter enemies to it; witness Julian. Thus
|
|
Judas did his part.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. How the officers and soldiers secured him; <I>Then came they, and
|
|
laid hands on Jesus, and took him;</I> they made him their prisoner.
|
|
<I>How were they not afraid to stretch forth their hands against the
|
|
Lord's Anointed?</I> We may well imagine what rude and cruel hands they
|
|
were, which this barbarous multitude laid on Christ; and how, it is
|
|
probable, they handled him the more roughly for their being so often
|
|
disappointed when they sought to lay hands on him. They could not have
|
|
taken him, if he had not surrendered himself, and been <I>delivered by
|
|
the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+2:23">Acts ii. 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
He who said concerning his anointed servants, <I>Touch them not,</I>
|
|
and <I>do them no harm</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+105:14,15">Ps. cv. 14, 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>spared not his anointed Son, but delivered him up for us all;</I>
|
|
and again, <I>gave his strength into captivity, his glory into the
|
|
enemies' hands,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+78:61">Ps. lxxviii. 61</A>.
|
|
|
|
See what was the complaint of Job
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+16:11"><I>ch.</I> xvi. 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>God hath delivered me to the ungodly,</I> and apply that and other
|
|
passages in that book of Job as a type of Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Our Lord Jesus was made a prisoner, because he would in all things be
|
|
treated as a malefactor, punished for our crime, and as a surety under
|
|
arrest for our debt. The yoke of our transgressions was bound by the
|
|
Father's hand upon the neck of the Lord Jesus,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=La+1:14">Lam. i. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
He became a prisoner, that he might set us at liberty; for he said,
|
|
<I>If ye seek me, let these go their way</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+18:8">John xviii. 8</A>);
|
|
|
|
and those are free indeed, whom he makes so.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. How Peter fought for Christ, and was checked for his pains. It is
|
|
here only said to be <I>one of them that were with Jesus in the
|
|
garden;</I> but
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+18:10">John xviii. 10</A>,
|
|
|
|
we are told that it was Peter who signalized himself upon this
|
|
occasion. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Peter's rashness
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:51"><I>v.</I> 51</A>);
|
|
|
|
He <I>drew his sword.</I> They had but two swords among them all
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:38">Luke xxii. 38</A>),
|
|
|
|
and one of them, it seems, fell to Peter's share; and now he thought it
|
|
was time to draw it, and he laid about him as if he would have done
|
|
some great matter; but all the execution he did was the cutting off an
|
|
ear from a servant of the High Priest; designing, it is likely, to
|
|
cleave him down the head, because he saw him more forward than the rest
|
|
in laying hands on Christ, he missed his blow. But if he would be
|
|
striking, in my mind he should rather have aimed at Judas, and have
|
|
marked him for a rogue. Peter had talked much of what he would do for
|
|
his Master, he would <I>lay down his life for him;</I> yea, that he
|
|
would; and now he would be as good as his word, and venture his life to
|
|
rescue his Master: and thus far was commendable, that he had a great
|
|
<I>zeal</I> for Christ, and his honour and safety; but it was not
|
|
<I>according to knowledge,</I> nor guided by discretion; for
|
|
|
|
[1.] He did it without warrant; some of the disciples asked indeed,
|
|
<I>Shall we smite with the sword?</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:49">Luke xxii. 49</A>)
|
|
|
|
But Peter struck before they had an answer. We must see not only our
|
|
cause good, but our call clear, before we draw the sword; we must show
|
|
by what authority we do it, and who gave us that authority.
|
|
|
|
[2.] He indiscreetly exposed himself and his fellow-disciples to the
|
|
rage of the multitude; for what could they with two swords do against a
|
|
band of men?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The rebuke which our Lord Jesus gave him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:52"><I>v.</I> 52</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Put up again thy sword into its place.</I> He does not command the
|
|
officers and soldiers to put up their swords that were drawn against
|
|
him, he left them to the judgment of God, who judges them that are
|
|
without; but he commands Peter to put up his sword, does not chide him
|
|
indeed for what he had done, because done out of good will, but stops
|
|
the progress of his arms, and provides that it should not be drawn into
|
|
a precedent. Christ's errand into the world was to make peace. Note,
|
|
<I>The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but spiritual;</I> and
|
|
Christ's ministers, though they are his soldiers, do not <I>war after
|
|
the flesh,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:3,4">2 Cor. x. 3, 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
Not that the law of Christ overthrows either the law of nature of the
|
|
law of nations, as far as those warrant subjects to stand up in defence
|
|
of their civil rights and liberties, and their religion, when it is
|
|
incorporated with them; but it provides for the preservation of public
|
|
peace and order, by forbidding private persons, <I>qua tales--as
|
|
such,</I> to resist the powers that are; nay, we have a general precept
|
|
that we <I>resist not evil</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+5:39"><I>ch.</I> v. 39</A>),
|
|
|
|
nor will Christ have his ministers propagate his religion by force of
|
|
arms, <I>Religio cogi non potest; et defendenda non occidendo, sed
|
|
moriendo--Religion cannot be forced; and it should be defended, not by
|
|
killing, but by dying.</I> Lactantii Institut. As Christ forbade his
|
|
disciples the sword of justice
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:25,26"><I>ch.</I> xx. 25, 26</A>),
|
|
|
|
so here the sword of war. Christ bade Peter put up his sword, and
|
|
never bade him draw it again; yet that which Peter is here blamed for
|
|
is his doing it unseasonably; the hour was come for Christ to suffer
|
|
and die, he knew Peter knew it, the <I>sword of the Lord was drawn
|
|
against him</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+13:7">Zech. xiii. 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
and for Peter to draw his sword for him, was like, <I>Master, spare
|
|
thyself.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Three reasons Christ give to Peter for this rebuke:</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] His drawing the sword would be dangerous to himself and to his
|
|
fellow-disciples; <I>They that take the sword, shall perish with the
|
|
sword;</I> they that use violence, fall by violence; and men hasten and
|
|
increase their own troubles by blustering bloody methods of
|
|
self-defence. They that take the sword before it is given them, that
|
|
use it without warrant or call, expose themselves to the sword of war,
|
|
or public justice. Had it not been for the special care and providence
|
|
of the Lord Jesus, Peter and the rest of them had, for aught I know,
|
|
been cut in pieces immediately. Grotius gives another, and a probable
|
|
sense of this blow, making those that take the sword to be, not Peter,
|
|
but the officers and soldiers that come with swords <I>to take
|
|
Christ;</I> They shall <I>perish with the sword.</I> "Peter, thou
|
|
needest not draw they sword to punish them. God will certainly,
|
|
shortly, and severely, reckon with them." They took the Roman sword to
|
|
seize Christ with, and by the Roman sword, not long after, they and
|
|
their place and nation were destroyed. <I>Therefore</I> we must not
|
|
<I>avenge ourselves,</I> because <I>God will repay</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+12:19">Rom. xii. 19</A>);
|
|
|
|
and therefore we must suffer with faith and patience, because
|
|
persecutors will be paid in their own coin. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+13:10">Rev. xiii. 10</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] It was needless for him to draw his sword in defence of his
|
|
Master, how, if he pleased, could summon into his service all the hosts
|
|
of heaven
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:53"><I>v.</I> 53</A>);
|
|
|
|
"<I>Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall
|
|
send</I> from heaven effectual succours? Peter, if I would put by these
|
|
sufferings, I could easily do it without thy hand or thy sword." Note,
|
|
God has no need of us, of our services, much less of our sins, to bring
|
|
about his purposes; and it argues our distrust and disbelief of the
|
|
power of Christ, when we go out of the way of our duty to serve his
|
|
interests. God can do his work without us; if we look into the heavens,
|
|
and see how he is attended there, we may easily infer, that, <I>though
|
|
we be righteous,</I> he is not beholden to us,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+35:5,7">Job xxxv. 5, 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Though Christ was crucified through weakness, it was a voluntary
|
|
weakness; he submitted to death, not because he could not, but because
|
|
he would not contend with it. This takes off the offence of the cross,
|
|
and proves Christ crucified the power of God; even now in the depth of
|
|
his sufferings he could call in the aid of legions of angels.
|
|
<I>Now,</I> <B><I>arti</I></B>--<I>yet;</I> "Though the business is so
|
|
far gone, I could yet with a word speaking turn the scale." Christ here
|
|
lets us know,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> What a great interest he had in his Father; <I>I can pray
|
|
to my Father, and he will send me help from the sanctuary.</I> I can
|
|
<B><I>parakalesai</I></B>--<I>demand of my Father these succours.</I>
|
|
Christ prayer <I>as one having authority.</I> Note, It is a great
|
|
comfort to God's people, when they are surrounded with enemies on all
|
|
hands, that they have a way open heavenward; if they can do nothing
|
|
else, they can pray to him that can do every thing. And they who are
|
|
much in prayer at other times, have most comfort in praying when
|
|
troublesome times come. Observe, Christ saith, not only that God could
|
|
send him such a number of angels, but that, if he insisted upon it, he
|
|
would do it. Though he had undertaken the work of our redemption, yet,
|
|
if he had desired to be released, it should seem by this that the
|
|
Father would not have held him to it. He might yet have gone out free
|
|
from the service, but he loved it, and would not; so that it was only
|
|
with the cords of his own love that he was bound to the altar.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> What a great interest he had in the heavenly hosts;
|
|
<I>He shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels,</I>
|
|
amounting to above seventy-two thousand. Observe here,
|
|
|
|
1. There is an <I>innumerable company of angels,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+12:2">Heb. xii. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
A detachment of more than twelve legions might be spared for our
|
|
service, and yet there would be no miss of them about the throne. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+7:10">Dan. vii. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
They are marshalled in exact order, like the well-disciplined legions;
|
|
not a confused multitude, but regular troops; all know their post, and
|
|
observe the word of command.
|
|
|
|
2. This innumerable company of angels are all at the disposal of our
|
|
heavenly Father, and do his pleasure,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+103:20,21">Ps. ciii. 20, 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
3. These angelic hosts were ready to come in to the assistance of our
|
|
Lord Jesus in his sufferings, if he had needed or desired it. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+1:6,14">Heb. i. 6, 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
They would have been to him as they were to Elisha, <I>chariots of
|
|
fire, and horses of fire,</I> not only to secure him, but to consume
|
|
those that set upon him.
|
|
|
|
4. Our heavenly Father is to be eyed and acknowledged in all the
|
|
services of the heavenly hosts; <I>He shall give them me:</I> therefore
|
|
angels are not to be prayed to, but the Lord of the angels,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+91:11">Ps. xci. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
5. It is matter of comfort to all that wish well to the kingdom of
|
|
Christ, that there is a world of angels always at the service of the
|
|
Lord Jesus, that can do wonders. He that has the armies of heaven at
|
|
his beck, can do what he pleases among the <I>inhabitants of the
|
|
earth;</I> He shall <I>presently</I> give them me. See how ready his
|
|
Father was to hear his prayer, and how ready the angels were to observe
|
|
his orders; they are willing servants, winged messengers, they <I>fly
|
|
swiftly.</I> This is very encouraging to those that have the honour of
|
|
Christ, and the welfare of his church, much at heart. Think they that
|
|
they have more care and concern for Christ and his church, than God and
|
|
the holy angels have?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] It was no time to make any defence at all, or to offer to put by
|
|
the stroke; <I>For how then shall the scripture be fulfilled, that thus
|
|
it must be?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:54"><I>v.</I> 54</A>.
|
|
|
|
It was written, that Christ should be <I>led as a lamb to the
|
|
slaughter,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+53:7">Isa. liii. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Should he summon the angels to his assistance, he would not be led to
|
|
the slaughter at all; should he permit his disciples to fight, he would
|
|
not be led as a lamb quietly and without resistance; therefore he and
|
|
his disciples must yield to the accomplishment of the predictions.
|
|
Note, In all difficult cases, the word of God must be conclusive
|
|
against our own counsels, and nothing must be done, nothing attempted,
|
|
against the fulfilling of the scripture. If the easing of our pains,
|
|
the breaking of our bonds, the saving of our lives, will not consist
|
|
with the fulfilling of the scripture, we ought to say, "Let God's word
|
|
and will take place, let his law be magnified and made honourable,
|
|
whatever becomes of us." Thus Christ checked Peter, when he set up for
|
|
his champion, and captain of his life-guard.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. We are next told how Christ argued the case with them that came to
|
|
take him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:55"><I>v.</I> 55</A>);
|
|
|
|
though he did not resist them, yet he did reason with them. Note, It
|
|
will consist with Christian patience under our sufferings, calmly to
|
|
expostulate with our enemies and persecutors, as David with Saul,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+24:14,26:18">1 Sam. xxiv. 14; xxvi. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Are ye come out,</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) With rage and enmity, <I>as against a thief,</I> as if I were an
|
|
enemy to the public safety, and deservedly suffered this? Thieves draw
|
|
upon themselves the common odium; every one will lend a hand to stop a
|
|
thief: and thus they fell upon Christ as the offscouring of all things.
|
|
If he had been the plague of his country, he could not have been
|
|
prosecuted with more heat and violence.
|
|
|
|
(2.) With all this power and force, as against the worst of thieves,
|
|
that dare the law, bid defiance to public justice, and add rebellion to
|
|
their sin? You are come out as against a thief, with swords and staves,
|
|
as if there were danger of resistance; whereas ye have <I>killed the
|
|
just One, and he doth not resist you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+5:6">Jam. v. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
If he had not been willing to suffer, it was folly to <I>come with
|
|
swords and staves, for they could not conquer him;</I> had he been
|
|
minded to resist, he would have esteemed their iron as straw, and their
|
|
swords and staves would have been as briars before a consuming fire;
|
|
but, being willing to suffer, it was folly to come thus armed, for he
|
|
would not contend with them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
He further expostulates with them, by reminding them how he had behaved
|
|
himself hitherto toward them, and they toward him.
|
|
|
|
[1.] Of his public appearance; <I>I sat daily with you in the temple
|
|
teaching.</I> And,
|
|
|
|
[2.] Of their public connivance; <I>Ye laid no hold on me.</I> How
|
|
comes then this change? They were very unreasonable, in treating him as
|
|
they did. <I>First,</I> He had given them no occasion to look upon him
|
|
as a thief, for he had taught in the temple. And such were the matter,
|
|
and such the manner of his teaching, that he was manifested in the
|
|
consciences of all that heard him, not to be a bad man. Such gracious
|
|
words as came from his mouth, were not the words of a thief, nor of one
|
|
that had a devil. <I>Secondly,</I> Nor had he given them occasion to
|
|
look upon him as one that absconded, or fled from justice, that they
|
|
should come in the night to seize him; if they had any thing to say to
|
|
him, they might find him every day in the temple, ready to answer all
|
|
challenges, all charges, and there they might do as they pleased with
|
|
him; for the chief priests had the custody of the temple, and the
|
|
command of the guards about it; but to come upon him thus
|
|
clandestinely, in the place of his retirement, was base and cowardly.
|
|
Thus the greatest hero may be villainously assassinated in a corner, by
|
|
one that in open field would tremble to look him in the face.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>But all this was done</I> (so it follows,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:56"><I>v.</I> 56</A>)
|
|
|
|
<I>that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.</I> It is
|
|
hard to say, whether these are the words of the sacred historian, as a
|
|
comment upon this story, and a direction to the Christian reader to
|
|
compare it with the scriptures of the Old Testament, which pointed at
|
|
it; or, whether they are the words of Christ himself, as a reason why,
|
|
though he could not but resent this base treatment, he yet submitted to
|
|
it, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled, to which he
|
|
had just now referred himself,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:54"><I>v.</I> 54</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, The scripture are in the fulfilling every day; and all those
|
|
scriptures which speak of the Messiah, had their full accomplishment in
|
|
our Lord Jesus.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
5. How he was, in the midst of this distress, shamefully deserted by
|
|
his disciples; <I>They all forsook him, and fled,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:56"><I>v.</I> 56</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) This was their sin; and it was a great sin for them who had left
|
|
all to follow him, now to leave him for they knew not what. There was
|
|
unkindness in it, considering the relation they stood in to him, the
|
|
favours they had received from him, and the melancholy circumstances he
|
|
was now in. There was unfaithfulness in it, for they had solemnly
|
|
promised to adhere to him, and never to forsake him. He had indented
|
|
for their safe conduct
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+18:8">John xviii. 8</A>);
|
|
|
|
yet they could not rely upon that, but shifted for themselves by an
|
|
inglorious flight. What folly was this, for fear of death to flee from
|
|
him whom they themselves knew and had acknowledged to be the
|
|
<I>Fountain of life?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:67,68">John vi. 67, 68</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Lord, what is man!</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) It was a part of Christ's suffering, it added affliction to his
|
|
bonds, to be thus deserted, as it did to Job
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+19:13"><I>ch.</I> xix. 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>He hath put my brethren far from me;</I> and to David
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+38:11">Ps. xxxviii. 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Lovers and friends stand aloof from my sore.</I> They should have
|
|
staid with him, to minister to him, to countenance him, and, if need
|
|
were, to be witnesses for him at his trial; but they treacherously
|
|
deserted him, as, at St. Paul's <I>first answer, no man stood with
|
|
him.</I> But there was a mystery in this.
|
|
|
|
[1.] Christ, as a sacrifice for sins, stood thus abandoned. The deer
|
|
that by the keeper's arrow is marked out to be hunted and run down, is
|
|
immediately deserted by the whole herd. In this he was made a curse for
|
|
us, being left as one separated to evil.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Christ, as the Saviour of souls, stood thus alone; as he needed
|
|
not, so he had not the assistance of any other in working out our
|
|
salvation; he bore all, and did all himself. He <I>trod the wine-press
|
|
alone,</I> and when there was <I>none to uphold,</I> then <I>his own
|
|
arm wrought salvation,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+63:3,5">Isa. lxiii. 3, 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
So <I>the Lord alone did lead his Israel,</I> and they <I>stand still,
|
|
and only see this great salvation,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+32:12">Deut. xxxii. 12</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_57"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_58"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_59"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_60"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_61"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_62"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_63"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_64"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_65"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_66"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_67"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_68"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec9"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ in the High Priest's Palace.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led <I>him</I> away to
|
|
Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were
|
|
assembled.
|
|
58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's
|
|
palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
|
|
59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council,
|
|
sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
|
|
60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, <I>yet</I>
|
|
found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
|
|
61 And said, This <I>fellow</I> said, I am able to destroy the
|
|
temple of God, and to build it in three days.
|
|
62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou
|
|
nothing? what <I>is it which</I> these witness against thee?
|
|
63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and
|
|
said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us
|
|
whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
|
|
64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say
|
|
unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the
|
|
right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
|
|
65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath
|
|
spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold,
|
|
now ye have heard his blasphemy.
|
|
66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of
|
|
death.
|
|
67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others
|
|
smote <I>him</I> with the palms of their hands,
|
|
68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote
|
|
thee?
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here the arraignment of our Lord Jesus in the ecclesiastical
|
|
court, before the great sanhedrim. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The sitting of the court; the scribes and the elders were assembled,
|
|
though it was in the dead time of the night, when other people were
|
|
fast asleep in their beds; yet, to gratify their malice against Christ,
|
|
they denied themselves that natural rest, and sat up all night, to be
|
|
ready to fall upon the prey which Judas and his men, they hoped, would
|
|
<I>seize.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
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See,
|
|
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1. Who they were, that were assembled; the <I>scribes,</I> the
|
|
principal teachers, and <I>elders,</I> the principal rulers, of the
|
|
Jewish church: these were the most bitter enemies to Christ our great
|
|
teacher and ruler, on whom therefore they had a jealous eye, as one
|
|
that eclipsed them; perhaps some of these scribes and elders were not
|
|
so malicious at Christ as some others of them were; yet, in concurrence
|
|
with the rest, they made themselves guilty. Now the scripture was
|
|
fulfilled
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+22:16">Ps. xxii. 16</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>The assembly of the wicked have enclosed me.</I> Jeremiah complains
|
|
of an assembly of treacherous men; and David of his enemies
|
|
<I>gathering themselves together against him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+35:15">Ps. xxxv. 15</A>.</P>
|
|
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|
<P>
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|
|
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2. Where they were assembled; <I>in the palace of Caiaphas the High
|
|
Priest;</I> there they assembled two days before, to lay the plot
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
and there they now convened again, to prosecute it. The <I>High
|
|
Priest</I> was <I>Ab-beth-din--the father of the house of judgment,</I>
|
|
but he is now the patron of wickedness; his house should have been the
|
|
sanctuary of oppressed innocency, but it is become the throne of
|
|
iniquity; and no wonder, when even God's house of prayer was made a den
|
|
of thieves.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The setting of the prisoner to the bar; they that had <I>laid hold
|
|
on Jesus, led him away,</I> hurried him, no doubt, with violence, led
|
|
him as a trophy of their victory, led him as a victim to the altar; he
|
|
was brought into Jerusalem through that which was called the
|
|
<I>sheep-gate,</I> for that was the way into town from the mount of
|
|
Olives; and it was so called because the sheep appointed for sacrifice
|
|
were brought that way to the temple; very fitly therefore is Christ led
|
|
that way, who is the Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world.
|
|
Christ was led first to the High Priest, for by the law all sacrifices
|
|
were to be first <I>presented to the priest, and delivered into his
|
|
hand,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+17:5">Lev. xvii. 5</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The cowardice and faint-heartedness of Peter
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:58"><I>v.</I> 58</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>But Peter followed afar off.</I> This comes in here, with an eye to
|
|
the following story of his denying him. He forsook him as the rest did,
|
|
when he was seized, and what is here said of his following him is
|
|
easily reconcilable with his forsaking him; such following was no
|
|
better than forsaking him; for,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He followed him, but it was <I>afar off.</I> Some sparks of love and
|
|
concern for his Master there were in his breast, and therefore he
|
|
followed him; but fear and concern for his own safety prevailed, and
|
|
therefore he followed afar off. Note, It looks ill, and bodes worse,
|
|
when those that are willing to be Christ's disciples, are not willing
|
|
to be known to be so. Here began Peter's denying him; for to follow him
|
|
afar off, is by little and little to go back from him. There is danger
|
|
in drawing back, nay, in looking back.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He followed him, but he <I>went in, and sat with the servants.</I>
|
|
He should have gone up to the court, and attended on his Master, and
|
|
appeared for him; but he went in where there was a good fire, and sat
|
|
with the servants, not to silence their reproaches, but to screen
|
|
himself. It was presumption in Peter thus to thrust himself into
|
|
temptation; he that does so, throws himself out of God's protection.
|
|
Christ had told Peter that he could not follow him now, and had
|
|
particularly warned him of his danger <I>this night;</I> and yet he
|
|
would venture into the midst of this wicked crew. It helped David to
|
|
walk in his integrity, that he <I>hated the congregation of evil doers,
|
|
and would not sit with the wicked.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. He followed him, but it was only <I>to see the end,</I> led more by
|
|
his curiosity than by his conscience; he attended as an idle spectator
|
|
rather than as a disciple, a person concerned. He should have gone in,
|
|
to do Christ some service, or to get some wisdom and grace to himself,
|
|
by observing Christ's behaviour under his sufferings: but he went in,
|
|
only to look about him; it is not unlikely that Peter went in,
|
|
expecting that Christ would have made his escape miraculously out of
|
|
the hands of his persecutors; that, having so lately struck them down,
|
|
who came to seize him, he would now have struck them dead, who sat to
|
|
judge him; and this he had a mind to see: if so, it was folly for him
|
|
to think of seeing any other end than what Christ had foretold, that he
|
|
should be put to death. Note, It is more our concern to prepare for the
|
|
end, whatever it may be, than curiously to enquire what the end will
|
|
be. The event is God's, but the duty is ours.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. The trial of our Lord Jesus in this court.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. They examined witnesses against him, though they were resolved,
|
|
right or wrong, to condemn him; yet, to put the better colour upon it,
|
|
they would produce evidence against him. The crimes properly cognizable
|
|
in their court, were, false doctrine and blasphemy; these they
|
|
endeavoured to prove upon him. And observe here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Their search for proof; <I>They sought false witness against
|
|
him;</I> they had seized him, bound him, abused him, and after all have
|
|
to seek for something to lay to his charge, and can show no cause for
|
|
his commitment. They tried if any of them could allege seemingly from
|
|
their own knowledge any thing against him; and suggested one calumny
|
|
and then another, which, if true, might touch his life. Thus <I>evil
|
|
men dig up mischief,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+16:27">Prov. xvi. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here they trod in the steps of their predecessors, who <I>devised
|
|
devices against Jeremiah,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+18:18,20:10">Jer. xviii. 18; xx. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
They made proclamation, that, if any one could give information against
|
|
the prisoner at the bar, they were ready to receive it, and presently
|
|
many bore false witness against him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:60"><I>v.</I> 60</A>);
|
|
|
|
for is <I>a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked,</I> and
|
|
will carry false stories to him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+29:12">Prov. xxix. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
This is an evil often seen under the sun,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+10:5">Eccl. x. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
If Naboth must be taken off, there are sons of Belial to swear against
|
|
him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Their success in this search; in several attempts they were
|
|
baffled, they sought false testimonies among themselves, others came in
|
|
to help them, and yet they found none; they could make nothing of it,
|
|
could not take the evidence together, or give it any colour of truth or
|
|
consistency with itself, no, not they themselves being judges. The
|
|
matters alleged were such palpable lies, as carried their own
|
|
confutation along with them. This redounded much to the honour of
|
|
Christ now, when they were loading him with disgrace.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
But at last they met with <I>two</I> witnesses, who, it seems, agreed
|
|
in their evidence, and therefore were hearkened to, in hopes that now
|
|
the point was gained. The words they swore against him, were, that he
|
|
should say, <I>I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it
|
|
in three days,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:61"><I>v.</I> 61</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now by this they designed to accuse him,
|
|
|
|
[1.] As an enemy to the temple, and one that sought for the destruction
|
|
of it, which they could not bear to hear of; for they valued themselves
|
|
by <I>the temple of the Lord</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+7:4">Jer. vii. 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
and, when they abandoned other idols, made a perfect idol of that.
|
|
Stephen was accused for <I>speaking against this holy place,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+6:13,14">Acts vi. 13, 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] As one that dealt in witchcraft, or some such unlawful arts, by
|
|
the help of which he could rear such a building in three days: they had
|
|
often suggested that he was in league with Beelzebub. Now, as to this,
|
|
<I>First,</I> The words were mis-recited; he said, <I>Destroy ye this
|
|
temple</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:19">John ii. 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
plainly intimating that he spoke of a temple which his enemies would
|
|
seek to destroy; they come, and swear that he said, <I>I am able to
|
|
destroy</I> this temple, as if the design against it were his. He said,
|
|
<I>In Three days I will raise it up</I>--<B> <I>egero auton</I></B>, a
|
|
word properly used of a living temple; <I>I will raise it to life.</I>
|
|
They come, and swear that he said, <I>I am able,</I>
|
|
<B><I>oikodomesai</I></B>--<I>to build it;</I> which is properly used
|
|
of a house temple. <I>Secondly,</I> The words were misunderstood; <I>he
|
|
spoke of the temple of his body</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:21">John ii. 21</A>),
|
|
|
|
and perhaps when he said, <I>this temple,</I> pointed to, or laid his
|
|
hand upon, his own body; but they swore that he said the <I>temple of
|
|
God,</I> meaning this holy place. Note, There have been, and still are,
|
|
such as <I>wrest</I> the sayings of Christ <I>to their own
|
|
destruction,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+3:16">2 Pet. iii. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Thirdly,</I> Make the worst they could of it, it was no capital
|
|
crime, even by their own law; if it had been, no question but he had
|
|
been prosecuted for it, when he spoke the words in a public discourse
|
|
some years ago; nay, the words were capable of a laudable construction,
|
|
and such as bespoke a kindness for the temple; if it were destroyed, he
|
|
would exert himself to the utmost to rebuild it. But any thing that
|
|
looked criminal, would serve to give colour to their malicious
|
|
prosecution. Now the scriptures were fulfilled, which said, <I>False
|
|
witnesses are risen up against me</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+27:12">Ps. xxvii. 12</A>);
|
|
|
|
and see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+35:11">Ps. xxxv. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against
|
|
me,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+7:13">Hos. vii. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
We stand justly accused, the law <I>accuseth us,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+27:26,Joh+5:45">Deut. xxvii. 26; John v. 45</A>.
|
|
|
|
Satan and our own consciences accuse us,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+3:20">1 John iii. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
The creatures cry out against us. Now, to discharge us from all these
|
|
just accusations, our Lord Jesus submitted to this, to be unjustly and
|
|
falsely accused, that in the virtue of his sufferings we may be enabled
|
|
to triumph over all challenges; <I>Who shall lay any thing to the
|
|
charge of God's elect?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:33,34">Rom. viii. 33, 34</A>.
|
|
|
|
He was accused, that he might not be condemned; and if at any time we
|
|
suffer thus, have all manner of evil, not only said, but <I>sworn,
|
|
against us falsely,</I> let us remember that we cannot expect to fare
|
|
better than our Master.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) Christ's silence under all these accusations, to the amazement of
|
|
the court,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:62"><I>v.</I> 62</A>.
|
|
|
|
The High Priest, the judge of the court, arose in some heat, and said,
|
|
"<I>Answerest thou nothing?</I> Come, you the prisoner at the bar; you
|
|
hear what is sworn against you, what have you now to say for yourself?
|
|
What defence can you make? Or what please have you to offer in answer
|
|
to this charge?" <I>But Jesus held his peace</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:63"><I>v.</I> 63</A>),
|
|
|
|
not as one sullen, or as one self-condemned, or as one astonished and
|
|
in confusion; not because he wanted something to say, or knew not how
|
|
to say it, but that the scripture might be fulfilled
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+53:7">Isa. liii. 7</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>As the sheep is dumb before the shearer,</I> and before the butcher,
|
|
<I>so he opened not his mouth;</I> and that he might be the Son of
|
|
David, who, when his enemies spoke mischievous things against him, was
|
|
<I>as a deaf man that heard not,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+38:12-14">Ps. xxxviii. 12-14</A>.
|
|
|
|
He was silent, because <I>his hour was come;</I> he would not deny the
|
|
charge, because he was willing to submit to the sentence; otherwise, he
|
|
could as easily have put them to silence and shame now, as he had done
|
|
many a time before. If God had entered into judgment with us, we had
|
|
been <I>speechless</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+22:12"><I>ch.</I> xxii. 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
not able to <I>answer for one of a thousand,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+9:3">Job ix. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
Therefore, when Christ was <I>made sin for us,</I> he was silent, and
|
|
left it to his blood to speak,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+12:24">Heb. xii. 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
He stood mute at this bar, that we might have something to say at God's
|
|
bar.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Well, this way will not do; <I>aliâ aggrediendum est
|
|
viâ--recourse must be had to some other expedient.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. They examined our Lord Jesus himself upon an oath like that <I>ex
|
|
officio;</I> and, since they could not accuse him, they will try,
|
|
contrary to the law of equity, to make him accuse himself.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Here is the interrogatory put to him by the High Priest.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] The question itself; <I>Whether thou be the Christ, the Son of
|
|
God?</I> That is, Whether thou pretend to be so? For they will by no
|
|
means admit it into consideration, whether he be really so or no;
|
|
though the Messiah was to <I>be the Consolation of Israel,</I> and
|
|
glorious things were spoken concerning him in the Old Testament, yet so
|
|
strangely besotted were they with a jealousy of any thing that
|
|
threatened their exorbitant power and grandeur, that they would never
|
|
enter into the examination of the matter, whether Jesus was the Messiah
|
|
or no; never once put the case, suppose he should be so; they only
|
|
wished him to confess that he called himself so, that they might on
|
|
that indict him as a deceiver. What will not pride and malice carry men
|
|
to?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] The solemnity of the proposal of it; <I>I adjure thee by the
|
|
living God, that thou tell us.</I> Not that he had any regard to the
|
|
living God, but took his name in vain; only thus he hoped to gain his
|
|
point with our Lord Jesus; "If thou hast any value for the blessed name
|
|
of God, and reverence for his Majesty, tell us this." If he should
|
|
refuse to answer when he was thus adjured, they would charge him with
|
|
contempt of the blessed name of God. Thus the persecutors of good men
|
|
often take advantage against them by their consciences, as Daniel's
|
|
enemies did against him in the matter of his God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Christ's answer to this interrogatory
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:64"><I>v.</I> 64</A>),
|
|
|
|
in which,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] He owns himself to be <I>The Christ the Son of God. Thou hast
|
|
said;</I> that is, "It is as thou hast said;" for in St. Mark it is,
|
|
<I>I am.</I> Hitherto, he seldom professed himself expressly to be the
|
|
Christ, the Son of God; the tenour of his doctrine bespoke it, and his
|
|
miracles proved it: but now he would not omit to make a confession of
|
|
it, <I>First,</I> Because that would have looked like a disowning of
|
|
that truth which he came into the world to bear witness to.
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> It would have looked like declining his sufferings,
|
|
when he knew the acknowledgment of this would give his enemies all the
|
|
advantage they desired against him. He thus confessed himself, for
|
|
example and encouragement to his followers, when they are called to it,
|
|
to <I>confess him before men,</I> whatever hazards they run by it. And
|
|
according to this pattern the martyrs readily confessed themselves
|
|
Christians, though they knew they must die for it, as the martyrs at
|
|
Thebais, <I>Euseb. Hist.</I> 50.8, 100.9. That Christ answered out of a
|
|
regard to the adjuration which Caiaphas had profanely used by the
|
|
<I>living God,</I> I cannot think, any more than that he had any regard
|
|
to the like adjuration in the devil's mouth,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+5:7">Mark v. 7</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] He refers himself, for the proof of this, to his second coming,
|
|
and indeed to his whole estate of exaltation. It is probable that they
|
|
looked upon him with a scornful disdainful smile, when he said, "<I>I
|
|
am;</I>" "A likely fellow," thought they, "to be the Messiah, who is
|
|
expected to come in so much pomp and power;" and to that this
|
|
<I>nevertheless</I> refers. "Though now you see me in this low and
|
|
abject state, and think it a ridiculous thing for me to call myself the
|
|
Messiah, <I>nevertheless</I> the day is coming when I shall appear
|
|
otherwise." <I>Hereafter,</I> <B><I>ap arti</I></B>--<I>à
|
|
modo--shortly;</I> for his exaltation began in a few days; now shortly
|
|
his kingdom began to be set up; and <I>hereafter ye shall see the Son
|
|
of man sitting on the right hand of power, to judge the world;</I> of
|
|
which his coming shortly to judge and destroy the Jewish nation would
|
|
be a type and earnest. Note, The terrors of the judgment-day will be a
|
|
sensible conviction to the most obstinate infidelity, not in order to
|
|
conversion (that will be then too late), but in order to an eternal
|
|
confusion. Observe, <I>First,</I> Whom they should see; <I>the Son of
|
|
man.</I> Having owned himself the Son of God, even now in his estate of
|
|
humiliation, he speaks of himself as the Son of man, even in his estate
|
|
of exaltation; for he had these two distinct natures in one person. The
|
|
incarnation of Christ has made him Son of God and Son of man; for he is
|
|
<I>Immanuel,</I> God with us. <I>Secondly,</I> In what posture they
|
|
should see him;
|
|
|
|
1. <I>Sitting on the right hand of power,</I> according to the prophecy
|
|
of the Messiah
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+110:1">Ps. cx. 1</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Sit thou at my right hand;</I> which denotes both the dignity and
|
|
the dominion he is exalted to. Though now he stood at the bar, they
|
|
should shortly see him sit on the throne.
|
|
|
|
2. <I>Coming in the clouds of heaven;</I> this refers to another
|
|
prophecy concerning the <I>Son of man</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+7:13,14">Dan. vii. 13, 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
which is applied to Christ
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:33">Luke i. 33</A>),
|
|
|
|
when he came to destroy Jerusalem; so terrible was the judgment, and so
|
|
sensible the indications of the wrath of the Lamb in it, that it might
|
|
be called <I>a visible appearance of Christ;</I> but doubtless it has
|
|
reference to the general judgment; to this day he appeals, and summons
|
|
them to an appearance, then and there to answer for what they are now
|
|
doing. He had spoken of this day to his disciples, awhile ago, for
|
|
their comfort, and had bid them <I>lift up their heads</I> for joy in
|
|
the prospect of it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+21:27,28">Luke xxi. 27, 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now he speaks of it to his enemies, for their terror; for nothing is
|
|
more comfortable to the righteous, nor more terrible to the wicked,
|
|
than Christ's judging the world at the last day.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. His conviction upon this trial; <I>The High Priest rent his
|
|
clothes,</I> according to the custom of the Jews, when they heard or
|
|
saw any thing done or said, which they looked upon to be a reproach to
|
|
God; as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+36:22,37:1,Ac+14:14">Isa. xxxvi. 22; xxxvii. 1;
|
|
Acts xiv. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
Caiaphas would be thought extremely tender of the glory of God
|
|
(<I>Come, see his zeal for the Lord of hosts</I>); but, while he
|
|
pretended an abhorrence of blasphemy, he was himself the greatest
|
|
blasphemer; he now forgot the law which forbade the High Priest in any
|
|
case to rend his clothes, unless we will suppose this an excepted
|
|
case.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
1. The crime he was found guilty of; <I>blasphemy. He hath spoken
|
|
blasphemy;</I> that is, he hath spoken reproachfully of the living God;
|
|
that is the notion we have of blasphemy; because we by sin had
|
|
reproached the Lord, therefore Christ, when <I>he was made Sin for
|
|
us,</I> was condemned as a blasphemer for the truth he told them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The evidence upon which they found him guilty; <I>Ye have heard the
|
|
blasphemy;</I> why should we trouble ourselves to examine
|
|
<I>witnesses</I> any further? He owned the fact, that he did profess
|
|
himself the <I>Son of God;</I> and then they made blasphemy of it, and
|
|
convicted him upon his confession. The High Priest triumphs in the
|
|
success of the snare he had laid; "Now I think I have done his business
|
|
for him." <I>Aha, so would we have it.</I> Thus was he <I>judged out of
|
|
his own mouth</I> at their bar, because we were liable to be so judged
|
|
at God's bar. There is no need of witnesses against us; our own
|
|
consciences are against us instead of a thousand witnesses.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VI. His sentence passed, upon this conviction,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:66"><I>v.</I> 66</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here is,
|
|
|
|
1. Caiaphas's appeal to the bench; <I>What think ye?</I> See his base
|
|
hypocrisy and partiality; when he had already prejudged the cause, and
|
|
pronounced him a blasphemer, then, as if he were willing to be advised,
|
|
he asks the judgment of his brethren; but hide malice ever so cunningly
|
|
under the robe of justice, some way or other it will break out. If he
|
|
would have dealt fairly, he should have collected the votes of the
|
|
bench <I>seriatim--in order,</I> and begun with the junior, and
|
|
delivered his own opinion last; but he knew that by the authority of
|
|
his place he could sway the rest, and therefore declares his judgment,
|
|
and presumes they are all of his mind; he takes the crime, with regard
|
|
to Christ, <I>pro confesso--as a crime confessed;</I> and the judgment,
|
|
with regard to the court, <I>pro concesso--as a judgment agreed
|
|
to.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Their concurrence with him; they said, <I>He is guilty of death;</I>
|
|
perhaps they did not all concur: it is certain that Joseph of
|
|
Arimathea, if he was present, dissented
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+23:51">Luke xxiii. 51</A>);
|
|
|
|
so did Nicodemus, and, it is likely, others with them; however, the
|
|
majority carried it that way; but, perhaps, this being an extraordinary
|
|
council, or cabal rather, none had notice to be present but such as
|
|
they knew would concur, and so it might be voted <I>nemine
|
|
contradicente--unanimously.</I> The judgment was, "<I>He is guilty of
|
|
death;</I> by the law he deserves to die." Though they had not power
|
|
now to put any man to death, yet by such a judgment as this they made a
|
|
man an <I>outlaw</I> among his people (<I>qui caput gerit lupinum--he
|
|
carries a wolf's head;</I> so our old law describes an outlaw), and so
|
|
exposed him to the fury either of a popular tumult, as Stephen was, or
|
|
to be clamoured against before the governor, as Christ was. Thus was
|
|
the Lord of life condemned to die, that through him there may be <I>no
|
|
condemnation to us.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VII. The abuses and indignities done to him after sentence passed
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:67,68"><I>v.</I> 67, 68</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Then,</I> when he was found guilty, they <I>spat in his face.</I>
|
|
Because they had not power to put him to death, and could not be sure
|
|
that they should prevail with the governor to be their executioner,
|
|
they would do him all the mischief they could, now that they had him in
|
|
their hands. Condemned prisoners are taken under the special protection
|
|
of the law, which they are to make satisfaction to, and by all
|
|
civilized nations have been treated with tenderness; sufficient is this
|
|
punishment. But when they had passed sentence upon our Lord Jesus, he
|
|
was treated as if hell had broken loose upon him, as if he were not
|
|
only <I>worthy of death,</I> but as if that were too good for him, and
|
|
he were unworthy of the compassion shown to the worst malefactors. Thus
|
|
<I>he was made a curse for us.</I> But who were they that were thus
|
|
barbarous? It should seem, the very same that had passed sentence upon
|
|
him. <I>They said, He is guilty of death, and then did they spit in his
|
|
face.</I> The priests began, and then no wonder if the servants, who
|
|
would do any thing to make sport to themselves, and curry favour with
|
|
their wicked masters, carried on the humour. See how they abused
|
|
him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. <I>They spat in his face.</I> Thus the scripture was fulfilled
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+50:6">Isa. l. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>He hid not his face from shame and spitting.</I> Job complained of
|
|
this indignity done to him, and herein was a type of Christ
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+31:10">Job xxxi. 10</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>They spare not to spit in my face.</I> It is an expression of the
|
|
greatest contempt and indignation possible; looking upon him as more
|
|
despicable than the very ground they spit upon. When Miriam was under
|
|
the leprosy, it was looked upon as a disgrace to her, like that of
|
|
<I>her father spitting in her face,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+12:14">Num. xii. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
He that refused to raise up seed to his brother, was to undergo this
|
|
dishonour,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+25:9">Deut. xxv. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
Yet Christ, when he was repairing the decays of the great family of
|
|
mankind, submitted to it. That face which was <I>fairer than the
|
|
children of men,</I> which was <I>white and ruddy,</I> and which angels
|
|
reverence, was thus filthily abused by the basest and vilest of the
|
|
children of men. Thus was confusion poured upon his face, that ours
|
|
might not be filled with everlasting shame and contempt. They who now
|
|
profane his blessed name, abuse his word, and hate his image in his
|
|
sanctified ones; what do they better than spit in his face? They would
|
|
do that, if it were in their reach.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. <I>They buffeted him, and smote him with the palms of their
|
|
hands.</I> This added pain to the shame, for both came in with sin. Now
|
|
the scripture was fulfilled
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+50:6">Isa. l. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>I gave my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; and</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=La+3:30">Lam. iii. 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him; he is filled with
|
|
reproach,</I> and yet <I>keepeth silence</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>);
|
|
|
|
and
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mic+5:1">Mic. v. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>They shall smite the Judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek;</I>
|
|
here the margin reads it, <I>They smote him with rods;</I> for so
|
|
<B><I>errapisan</I></B> signifies, and this he submitted to.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. They challenged him to tell who struck him, having first blindfolded
|
|
him; <I>Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, who is he that smote thee?</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) They made sport of him, as the Philistines did with Samson; it is
|
|
grievous to those that are in misery, for people to make merry
|
|
<I>about</I> them, but much more to make merry <I>with</I> them and
|
|
their misery. Here was an instance of the greatest depravity and
|
|
degeneracy of the human nature that could be, to show that there was
|
|
need of a religion that should recover men to humanity.
|
|
|
|
(2.) They made sport with his prophetical office. They had heard him
|
|
called a <I>prophet,</I> and that he was famed for wonderful
|
|
discoveries; this they upbraided him with, and pretended to make a
|
|
trial of; as if the divine omniscience must stoop to a piece of
|
|
children's play. <I>They</I> put a like affront upon Christ, who
|
|
profanely jest with the scripture, and make themselves merry with holy
|
|
things; like Belshazzar's revels in the temple bowls.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_69"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_70"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_71"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_72"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_73"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_74"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt26_75"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec10"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ Denied by Peter.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto
|
|
him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
|
|
70 But he denied before <I>them</I> all, saying, I know not what
|
|
thou sayest.
|
|
71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another <I>maid</I> saw
|
|
him, and said unto them that were there, This <I>fellow</I> was also
|
|
with Jesus of Nazareth.
|
|
72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
|
|
73 And after a while came unto <I>him</I> they that stood by, and
|
|
said to Peter, Surely thou also art <I>one</I> of them; for thy speech
|
|
bewrayeth thee.
|
|
74 Then began he to curse and to swear, <I>saying,</I> I know not
|
|
the man. And immediately the cock crew.
|
|
75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him,
|
|
Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out,
|
|
and wept bitterly.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here the story of Peter's denying his Master, and it comes in
|
|
as a part of Christ's sufferings. Our Lord Jesus was now in the High
|
|
Priest's hall, not to be tried, but baited rather; and then it would
|
|
have been some comfort to him to see his friends near him. But we do
|
|
not find any friend he had about the court, save Peter only, and it
|
|
would have been better if he had been at a distance. Observe how he
|
|
fell, and how he got up again by repentance.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. His sin, which is here impartially related, to the honour of the
|
|
penmen of scripture, who dealt faithfully. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The immediate occasion of Peter's sin. He sat without in the palace,
|
|
among the servants of the High Priest. Note, Bad company is to many an
|
|
occasion of sin; and those who needlessly thrust themselves into it, go
|
|
upon the devil's ground, venture into his crowds, and may expect either
|
|
to be tempted and ensnared, as Peter was, or to be ridiculed and
|
|
abused, as his Master was; they scarcely can come out of such company,
|
|
without guilt or grief, or both. He that would keep God's commandments
|
|
and his own covenant, must say to evil-doers, <I>Depart from me,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+119:115">Ps. cxix. 115</A>.
|
|
|
|
Peter spoke from his own experience, when he warned his new converts to
|
|
<I>save themselves from that untoward generation;</I> for he had like
|
|
to have ruined himself by but going once among them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The temptation to it. He was challenged as a retainer to Jesus of
|
|
Galilee. First one maid, and then another, and then the rest of the
|
|
servants, charged it upon him; <I>Thou also wert with Jesus of
|
|
Galilee,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:69"><I>v.</I> 69</A>.
|
|
|
|
And again, <I>This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:71"><I>v.</I> 71</A>.
|
|
|
|
And again
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:73"><I>v.</I> 73</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Thou also art one of them, for thy speech betrayeth thee</I> to be a
|
|
Galilean; whose dialect and pronunciation differed from that of the
|
|
other Jews. Happy he whose speech betrays him to be a disciple of
|
|
Christ, by the holiness and seriousness of whose discourse it appears
|
|
that he has been with Jesus! Observe how scornfully they speak of
|
|
Christ-Jesus <I>of Galilee,</I> and <I>of Nazareth,</I> upbraiding him
|
|
with the country he was of: and how disdainfully they speak of
|
|
Peter--<I>This fellow;</I> as if they thought it a reproach to them to
|
|
have such a man in their company, and he was well enough served for
|
|
coming among them; yet they had nothing to accuse him of, but that he
|
|
was with Jesus, which, they thought, was enough to render him both a
|
|
scandalous and a suspected person.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. The sin itself. When he was charged as one of Christ's disciples, he
|
|
denied it, was ashamed and afraid to own himself so, and would have all
|
|
about him to believe that he had no knowledge of him, nor any kindness
|
|
or concern for him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Upon the first mention of it, he said, <I>I know not what thou
|
|
sayest.</I> This was a shuffling answer; he pretended that he did not
|
|
understand the charge, that he knew not whom she meant by <I>Jesus of
|
|
Galilee,</I> or what she meant by being <I>with</I> him; so making
|
|
strange of that which his heart was now as full of as it could be.
|
|
|
|
[1.] It is a fault thus to misrepresent our own apprehensions,
|
|
thoughts, and affections, to serve a turn; to pretend that we do not
|
|
understand, or did not think of, or remember, that which yet we do
|
|
apprehend, and did think of, and remember; this is a species of lying
|
|
which we are more prone to than any other, because in this a man is not
|
|
easily disproved; for <I>who knows the spirit of a man, save
|
|
himself?</I> But God knows it, and we must be restrained from this
|
|
wickedness by a fear of him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+24:12">Prov. xxiv. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] It is yet a greater fault to be shy of Christ, to dissemble our
|
|
knowledge of him, and to shift off a confession of him, when we are
|
|
called to it; it is, in effect, to <I>deny</I> him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Upon the next attack, he said, flat and plain, <I>I know not the
|
|
man,</I> and backed it with an oath,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:72"><I>v.</I> 72</A>.
|
|
|
|
This was, in effect, to say, I will not own him, I am no Christian; for
|
|
Christianity is the knowledge of Christ. Why, Peter? Canst thou look
|
|
upon yonder Prisoner at the bar, and say thou dost not know him? Didst
|
|
not thou quit all to follow him? And hast thou not been the man of his
|
|
counsel? Hast thou not known him better than any one else? Didst thou
|
|
not confess him to be the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? Hast thou
|
|
forgotten all the kind and tender looks thou hast had from him, and all
|
|
the intimate fellowship thou hast had with him? Canst thou look him in
|
|
the face, and say that thou dost not know him?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) Upon the third assault, <I>he began to curse and to swear, saying,
|
|
I know not the man,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:74"><I>v.</I> 74</A>.
|
|
|
|
This was worst of all, for the way of sin is down-hill. He cursed and
|
|
swore,
|
|
|
|
[1.] To back what he said, and to gain credit to it, that they might
|
|
not any more call it in question; he did not only <I>say</I> it, but
|
|
<I>swear</I> it; and yet what he said, was false. Note, We have reason
|
|
to suspect the truth of that which is backed with rash oaths and
|
|
imprecations. None but the devil's sayings need the devil's proofs. He
|
|
that will not be restrained by the third commandment from mocking his
|
|
God, will not be kept by the ninth from deceiving his brother.
|
|
|
|
[2.] He designed it to be an evidence for him, that he was none of
|
|
Christ's disciples, for this was none of their language. Cursing and
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swearing suffice to prove a man no disciple of Christ; for it is the
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language of his enemies thus to <I>take his name in vain.</I></P>
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<P>
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This is written for warning to us, that we sin not after the similitude
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of Peter's transgression; that we never, either directly or indirectly,
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deny Christ the Lord that bought us, by rejecting his offers, resisting
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his Spirit, dissembling our knowledge of him, and being ashamed of him
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and his words, or afraid of suffering for him and with his suffering
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people.</P>
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<P>
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4. The aggravations of this sin, which it may be of use to take notice
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of, that we may observe the like transgressions in our own sins.
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Consider,
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(1.) Who he was: an apostle, one of the first three, that had been upon
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all occasions the most forward to speak to the honour of Christ. The
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greater profession we make of religion, the greater is our sin if in
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any thing we walk unworthily.
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(2.) What fair warning his Master had given him of his danger; if he
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had regarded this as he ought to have done, he would not have run
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himself into the temptation.
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(3.) How solemnly he had promised to adhere to Christ in this night of
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trial; he had said again and again, "<I>I will never deny thee;</I> no,
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I will die with thee first;" yet he broke these bonds in sunder, and
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his word was yea and nay.
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(4.) How soon he fell into this sin after the Lord's supper. There to
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receive such an inestimable pledge of redeeming love, and yet the same
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night, before morning, to disown his Redeemer, was indeed <I>turning
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aside quickly.</I>
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(5.) How weak comparatively the temptation was; it was not the judge,
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nor any of the officers of the court, that charged him with being a
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disciple of Jesus, but a silly maid or two, that probably designed him
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no hurt, nor would have done him any if he had owned it. This was but
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<I>running with the footmen,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+12:5">Jer. xii. 5</A>.
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(6.) How often he repeated it; even after the cock had crowed once he
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continued in the temptation, and a second and third time relapsed into
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the sin. Is this Peter? <I>How art thou fallen!</I></P>
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<P>
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Thus was his sin aggravated; but on the other hand there is this to
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extenuate it, that, what he said he said <I>in his haste,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+116:11">Ps. cxvi. 11</A>.
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He fell into the sin by surprise, not as Judas, with design; his heart
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was against it; he spoke very ill, but it was unadvisedly, and before
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he was aware.</P>
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<P>
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II. Peter's repentance for this sin,
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:75"><I>v.</I> 75</A>.
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The former is written for our admonition, that we may not sin; but, if
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at any time we be overtaken, this is written for our imitation, that we
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may make haste to repent. Now observe,</P>
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<P>
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1. What it was, that brought Peter to repentance.</P>
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<P>
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(1.) <I>The cock crew</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:74"><I>v.</I> 74</A>);
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a common contingency; but, Christ having mentioned the crowing of
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<I>the cock</I> in the warning he gave him, that made it a means of
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bringing him to himself. The word of Christ can put a significancy upon
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whatever sign he shall please to choose, and by virtue of that word he
|
|
can make it very beneficial to the souls of his people. The crowing of
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|
a cock is to Peter instead of a John Baptist, the voice of one calling
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|
to repentance. Conscience should be to us as the crowing of the cock,
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to put us in mind of what we had forgotten. When <I>David's heart smote
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|
him</I> the cock crew. Where there is a living principle of grace in
|
|
the soul, though for the present overpowered by temptation, a little
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|
hint will serve, only for a memorandum, when God sets in with it, to
|
|
recover it from a by-path. Here was the crowing of a cock made a happy
|
|
occasion of the conversion of a soul. Christ comes sometimes in mercy
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<I>at cock-crowing.</I></P>
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<P>
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|
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(2.) <I>He remembered the words of the Lord;</I> this was it that
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|
brought him to himself, and melted him into tears of godly sorrow; a
|
|
sense of his ingratitude to Christ, and the slight regard he had had to
|
|
the gracious warning Christ had given him. Note, A serious reflection
|
|
upon the words of the Lord Jesus will be a powerful inducement to
|
|
repentance, and will help to break the heart for sin. Nothing grieves a
|
|
penitent more than that he has sinned against the grace of the Lord
|
|
Jesus and the tokens of his love.</P>
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<P>
|
|
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2. How his repentance was expressed; <I>He went out, and wept
|
|
bitterly.</I></P>
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|
|
|
<P>
|
|
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(1.) His sorrow was secret; he went out, out of the High Priest's hall,
|
|
vexed at himself that ever he came into it, now that he found what a
|
|
snare he was in, and got out of it as fast as he could. He went out
|
|
into the porch before
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:71"><I>v.</I> 71</A>);
|
|
|
|
and if he had gone quite off then, his second and third denial had been
|
|
prevented; but then he came in again, now he went out and came in no
|
|
more. He went out to some place of solitude and retirement, where he
|
|
might <I>bemoan</I> himself, <I>like the doves of the valleys,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+7:16,Jer+9:1,2">Ezek. vii. 16; Jer. ix. 1, 2</A>.
|
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|
|
He went out, that he might not be disturbed in his devotions on this
|
|
sad occasion. We may <I>then</I> be most free in our communion with
|
|
God, when we are most free from the converse and business of this
|
|
world. In mourning for sin, we find <I>the families apart, and their
|
|
wives apart,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+12:11,12">Zech. xii. 11, 12</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) His sorrow was serious; <I>He wept bitterly.</I> Sorrow for sin
|
|
must not be slight, but great and deep, like that for an only son.
|
|
Those that have sinned sweetly, must weep bitterly; for, sooner or
|
|
later, sin will be bitterness. This deep sorrow is requisite, not to
|
|
satisfy divine justice (a sea of tears would not do that), but to
|
|
evidence that there is a real change of mind, which is the essence of
|
|
repentance, to make the pardon the more welcome, and sin for the future
|
|
the more loathsome. Peter, who wept so bitterly for denying Christ,
|
|
never denied him again, but <I>confessed</I> him often and openly, and
|
|
in the mouth of danger; so far from ever saying, <I>I know not the
|
|
man,</I> that he made all the house of <I>Israel know assuredly that
|
|
this same Jesus was Lord and Christ.</I> True repentance for any sin
|
|
will be best evidenced by our abounding in the contrary grace and duty;
|
|
that is a sign of our weeping, not only bitterly, but sincerely. Some
|
|
of the ancients say, that as long as Peter lived, he never heard a cock
|
|
crow but it set him a weeping. Those that have truly sorrowed for sin,
|
|
will sorrow upon every remembrance of it; yet not so as to hinder, but
|
|
rather to increase, their joy in God and in his mercy and grace.</P>
|
|
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