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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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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>J O H N.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. VI.</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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In this chapter we have,
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I. The miracle of the loaves,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:1-14">ver. 1-14</A>.
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II. Christ's walking upon the water,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:15-21">ver. 15-21</A>.
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III. The people's flocking after him to Capernaum,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:22-25">ver. 22-25</A>.
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IV. His conference with them, occasioned by the miracle of the loaves,
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in which he reproves them for seeking carnal food, and directs them to
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spiritual food
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:26,27">ver. 26, 27</A>),
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showing them how they must labour for spiritual food
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:28,29">ver. 28, 29</A>),
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and what that spiritual food is,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:30-59">ver. 30-59</A>.
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V. Their discontent at what he said, and the reproof he gave them for
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it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:60-65">ver. 60-65</A>.
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VI. The apostasy of many from him, and his discourse with his
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disciples that adhered to him upon that occasion,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:66-71">ver. 66-71</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Joh6_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh6_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh6_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh6_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh6_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh6_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh6_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh6_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh6_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh6_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh6_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh6_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh6_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh6_14"> </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 Five Thousand Fed.</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 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which
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is <I>the sea</I> of Tiberias.
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2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his
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miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
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3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his
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disciples.
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4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
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5 When Jesus then lifted up <I>his</I> eyes, and saw a great company
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come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread,
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that these may eat?
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6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he
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would do.
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7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not
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sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
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8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith
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unto him,
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9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two
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small fishes: but what are they among so many?
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10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much
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grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five
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thousand.
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11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he
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distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were
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set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
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12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up
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the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
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13 Therefore they gathered <I>them</I> together, and filled twelve
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baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which
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remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
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14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus
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did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into
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the world.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We have here an account of Christ's feeding five thousand men with five
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loaves and two fishes, which miracle is in <I>this</I> respect
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remarkable, that it is the only passage of the actions of <I>Christ's
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life</I> that is recorded by all the four evangelists. John, who does
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not usually relate what had been recorded by those who wrote before
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him, yet relates this, because of the reference the following discourse
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has to it. Observe,</P>
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<P>
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I. The <I>place</I> and <I>time</I> where and when this miracle was
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wrought, which are noted for the greater evidence of the truth of the
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story; it is not said that it was done once upon a time, nobody knows
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where, but the circumstances are specified, that the fact might be
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enquired into.</P>
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<P>
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1. The country that Christ was in
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>):
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<I>He went over the sea of Galilee,</I> called elsewhere <I>the lake of
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Gennesareth,</I> here <I>the sea of Tiberias,</I> from a city
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adjoining, which Herod had lately enlarged and beautified, and called
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so in honour of Tiberius the emperor, and probably had made his
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metropolis. Christ did not go directly over cross this inland sea, but
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made a <I>coasting</I> voyage to another place on the same side. It is
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not tempting God to choose to go <I>by water,</I> when there is
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convenience for it, even to those places whither we might go <I>by
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land;</I> for Christ never <I>tempted the Lord his God,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+4:7">Matt. iv. 7</A>.</P>
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<P>
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2. The company that he was attended with: <I>A great multitude followed
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him, because they saw his miracles,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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Note,
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(1.) Our Lord Jesus, while he went about <I>doing good,</I> lived
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continually in <I>a crowd,</I> which gave him more trouble than honour.
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Good and useful men must not complain of a <I>hurry</I> of business,
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when they are serving God and their generation; it will be time enough
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to <I>enjoy ourselves</I> when we come to that world where we shall
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<I>enjoy God.</I>
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(2.) Christ's miracles drew many <I>after him</I> that were not
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effectually drawn <I>to him.</I> They had their curiosity gratified by
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the strangeness of them, who had not their consciences convinced by the
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power of them.</P>
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<P>
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3. Christ's posting himself advantageously to entertain them
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>):
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<I>He went up into a mountain,</I> and there he <I>sat with his
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disciples,</I> that he might the more conveniently be seen and heard by
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the multitude that crowded after him; this was a <I>natural</I> pulpit,
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and not, like Ezra's, made <I>for the purpose.</I> Christ was now
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driven to be a <I>field preacher;</I> but his word was never the worse,
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nor the less acceptable, for that, to those who knew how to value it,
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who followed him still, not only when he <I>went out</I> to a desert
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place, but when he <I>went up</I> to a mountain, though <I>up-hill</I>
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be <I>against heart.</I> He <I>sat</I> there, as teachers do <I>in
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cathedra--in the chair of instruction.</I> He did not sit at ease, not
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sit in state, yet he sat as one having authority, sat ready to receive
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addresses that were made to him; whoever would might come, and find him
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there. He sat <I>with his disciples;</I> he condescended to take them
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to <I>sit with him,</I> to put a reputation upon them before the
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people, and give them an earnest of the glory in which they should
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shortly sit with him. We are said to <I>sit with him,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+2:6">Eph. ii. 6</A>.</P>
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<P>
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4. The time when it was. The first words, <I>After those things,</I> do
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not signify that this immediately followed what was related in the
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foregoing chapter, for it was a considerable time after, and they
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signify no more than in process of time; but we are told
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>)
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that it was <I>when the passover was nigh,</I> which is here noted,
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(1.) Because, perhaps, that had brought in all the apostles from their
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respective expeditions, whither they were sent as itinerant preachers,
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that they might attend their Master to Jerusalem, to keep the feast.
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(2.) Because it was a custom with the Jews religiously to observe the
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approach of the passover <I>thirty days</I> before, with some sort of
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solemnity; so long before they had it in their eye, repaired the roads,
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mended bridges, if there was occasion, and discoursed of the passover
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and the institution of it.
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(3.) Because, perhaps, the approach of the passover, when every one
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knew Christ would go up to Jerusalem, and be absent for some time, made
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the multitude flock the more after him and attend the more diligently
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on him. Note, The prospect of losing our opportunities should quicken
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us to improve them with double diligence; and, when solemn ordinances
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are approaching, it is good to prepare for them by conversing with the
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word of Christ.</P>
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<P>
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II. The miracle itself. And here observe,</P>
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<P>
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1. The notice Christ took of the crowd that attended him
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>):
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He <I>lifted up his eyes,</I> and <I>saw a great company come to
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him,</I> poor, mean, ordinary people, no doubt, for such make up the
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multitudes, especially in such remote corners of the country; yet
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Christ showed himself pleased with their attendance, and concerned for
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their welfare, to teach us to <I>condescend to those of low estate,</I>
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and not to <I>set</I> those <I>with the dogs of our flock</I> whom
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Christ hath set with the lambs of his. The souls of the poor are as
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precious to Christ, and should be so to us, as those of the rich.</P>
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<P>
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2. The enquiry he made concerning the way of providing for them. He
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directed himself to Philip, who had been his disciple from the first,
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and had seen all his miracles, and particularly that of his turning
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water into wine, and therefore it might be expected that he should have
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said, "Lord, if thou wilt, it is easy to thee to feed them all." Those
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that, like Israel, have been witnesses of Christ's works, and have
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shared in the benefit of them, are inexcusable if they say, <I>Can he
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furnish a table in the wilderness?</I> Philip was of Bethsaida, in the
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neighbourhood of which town Christ now was, and therefore he was most
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likely to help them to provision at the best hand; and probably much of
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the company was known to him, and he was concerned for them. Now
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Christ asked, <I>Whence shall we buy bread, that these</I> may eat?
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(1.) He takes it for granted that they must all <I>eat with him.</I>
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One would think that when he had taught and healed them he had done his
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part; and that now they should rather have been contriving how to treat
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him and his disciples, for some of the people were probably
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<I>rich,</I> and we are sure that Christ and his disciples were
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<I>poor;</I> yet he is solicitous to entertain them. Those that will
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accept Christ's spiritual gifts, instead of <I>paying</I> for them,
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shall be <I>paid</I> for their acceptance of them. Christ, having fed
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their souls with the bread of life, feeds their bodies also with
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<I>food convenient,</I> to show that the Lord is for the body, and to
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encourage us to pray for our daily bread, and to set us an example of
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compassion to the poor,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+2:15,16">James ii. 15, 16</A>.
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(2.) His enquiry is, <I>Whence shall we buy bread?</I> One would think,
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considering his poverty, that he should rather have asked, <I>Where
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shall we have money to buy for them?</I> But he will rather lay out all
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he has than they shall want. He will buy to give, and we must
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<I>labour,</I> that we may give,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:28">Eph. iv. 28</A>.</P>
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<P>
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3. The design of this enquiry; it was only to try the faith of Philip,
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<I>for he himself knew what he would do,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
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Note,
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(1.) Our Lord Jesus is never at a loss in his counsels; but, how
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difficult soever the case is, he knows what he has to do and what
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course he will take,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:18">Acts xv. 18</A>.
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<I>He knows the thoughts he has towards his people</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+29:11">Jer. xxix. 11</A>)
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and is never at uncertainty; when we know not, he <I>himself knows what
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he will do.</I>
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(2.) When Christ is pleased to <I>puzzle</I> his people, it is only
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with a design to <I>prove</I> them. The question put Philip to a
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nonplus, yet Christ proposed it, to try whether he would say, "Lord, if
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thou wilt exert thy power for them, we need not buy bread."</P>
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<P>
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4. Philip's answer to this question: "<I>Two hundred pennyworth of
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bread is not sufficient,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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Master, it is to no purpose to talk of buying bread for them, for
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neither will the country afford so much bread, nor can we afford to lay
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out so much money; ask Judas, who carries the bag." Two hundred pence
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of <I>their</I> money amount to about six pounds of <I>ours,</I> and,
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if they lay out all that at once, it will exhaust their fund, and break
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them, and they must starve themselves. Grotius computes that <I>two
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hundred pennyworth of bread</I> would scarcely reach to <I>two
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thousand,</I> but Philip would go as near hand as he could, would have
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<I>every one to take a little;</I> and nature, we say, is content with
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a little. See the weakness of Philip's faith, that in this strait, as
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if the Master of the family had been an <I>ordinary person,</I> he
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looked for supply only in an <I>ordinary way.</I> Christ might now have
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said to him, as he did afterwards, Have I <I>been so long time with
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you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?</I> Or, as God to Moses in
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a like case, <I>Is the Lord's hand waxen short?</I> We are apt thus to
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distrust God's power when visible and ordinary means fail, that is, to
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trust him no further than we can see him.</P>
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<P>
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5. The information which Christ received from another of his disciples
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concerning the provision they had. It was Andrew, here said to be
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<I>Simon Peter's brother;</I> though he was senior to Peter in
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discipleship, and instrumental to bring Peter to Christ, yet Peter
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afterwards so far outshone him that he is described by his relation to
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Peter: he acquainted Christ with what they had at hand; and in this we
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may see,</P>
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<P>
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(1.) The <I>strength</I> of his <I>love</I> to those for whom he saw
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his Master concerned, in that he was willing to bring out all they had,
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though he knew not but they might want themselves, and any one would
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have said, <I>Charity begins at home.</I> He did not go about to
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conceal it, under pretence of being a better husband of their provision
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than the master was, but honestly gives in an account of all they had.
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There is a lad here, <B><I>paidarion</I></B>--<I>a little lad,</I>
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probably one that used to follow this company, as settlers do the camp,
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with provisions to sell, and the disciples had bespoken what he had for
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themselves; and it was <I>five barley-loaves,</I> and two small fishes.
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Here,
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[1.] The provision was <I>coarse</I> and <I>ordinary;</I> they were
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<I>barley loaves.</I> Canaan was a <I>land of wheat</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+8:8">Deut. viii. 8</A>);
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its inhabitants were commonly fed with the finest wheat
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+81:16">Ps. lxxxi. 16</A>),
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the kidneys of wheat
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+32:14">Deut. xxxii. 14</A>);
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yet Christ and his disciples were glad of <I>barley-bread.</I> It does
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|
not follow hence that we should tie ourselves to such coarse fare, and
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place religion in it (when God brings that which is finer to our hands,
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let us receive it, and be thankful); but it does follow that therefore
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we must not be <I>desirous of dainties</I>
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|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+23:3">Ps. xxiii. 3</A>);
|
|
|
|
nor murmur if we be reduced to coarse fare, but be content and
|
|
thankful, and well reconciled to it; barley-bread is what Christ
|
|
<I>had,</I> and better than we <I>deserve.</I> Nor let us despise the
|
|
mean provision of the poor, nor look upon it with contempt, remembering
|
|
how Christ was provided for.
|
|
|
|
[2.] It was but <I>short</I> and <I>scanty;</I> there were but <I>five
|
|
loaves,</I> and those so small that one little lad carried them all;
|
|
and we find
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+4:42,43">2 Kings iv. 42, 43</A>)
|
|
|
|
that <I>twenty barley-loaves,</I> with some other provision to help
|
|
out, would not dine a hundred men without a miracle. There were but two
|
|
fishes, and those <I>small</I> ones (<B><I>dyo opsaria</I></B>), so
|
|
small that one of them was but a morsel, <I>pisciculi assati.</I> I
|
|
take the fish to have been <I>pickled,</I> or <I>soused,</I> for they
|
|
had not fire to dress them with. The provision of <I>bread</I> was
|
|
<I>little,</I> but that of <I>fish</I> was <I>less</I> in proportion to
|
|
it, so that many a bit of dry bread they must eat before they could
|
|
make a meal of this provision; but they were content with it.
|
|
<I>Bread</I> is meat for our hunger; but of those that murmured for
|
|
flesh it is said, <I>They asked meat for their lust,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+78:18">Ps. lxxviii. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
Well, Andrew was willing that the people should have this, as far as it
|
|
would go. Note, A distrustful fear of wanting ourselves should not
|
|
hinder us from needful charity to others.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) See here the <I>weakness</I> of his <I>faith</I> in that word,
|
|
"<I>But what are they among so many?</I> To offer this to such a
|
|
multitude is but to mock them." Philip and he had not that actual
|
|
consideration of the power of Christ (of which they had had such large
|
|
experience) which they should have had. Who fed the camp of Israel in
|
|
the wilderness? He that could make <I>one man chase a thousand</I>
|
|
could make one loaf feed a thousand.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
6. The directions Christ gave the disciples to seat the guests
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>Make the men sit down,</I> though you have nothing to set before
|
|
them, and trust me for that." This was like <I>sending providence</I>
|
|
to <I>market,</I> and going to buy without money: Christ would thus try
|
|
their obedience. Observe,
|
|
|
|
(1.) The furniture of the dining-room: <I>there was much grass in that
|
|
place,</I> though a desert place; see how bountiful nature is, it
|
|
<I>makes grass to grow upon the mountains,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+147:8">Ps. cxlvii. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
This grass was uneaten; God gives not only enough, but more then
|
|
enough. Here was this plenty of grass where Christ was preaching; the
|
|
gospel brings other blessings along with it: <I>Then shall the earth
|
|
yield her increase,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+67:6">Ps. lxvii. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
This plenty of grass made the place the more commodious for those that
|
|
must sit on the ground, and served them for cushions, or <I>beds</I>
|
|
(as they called what they sat on at meat,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Es+1:6">Esth. i. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
and, considering what Christ says of the grass of the field
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+6:29,30">Matt. vi. 29, 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
these beds excelled those of Ahasuerus: nature's pomp is the most
|
|
glorious.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The number of the guests: <I>About five thousand:</I> a great
|
|
entertainment, representing that of the gospel, which is a <I>feast for
|
|
all nations</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+25:6">Isa. xxv. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
a feast for all <I>comers.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
7. The distribution of the provision,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) It was done with thanksgiving: <I>He gave thanks.</I> Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] We ought to give thanks to God for our food, for it is a mercy to
|
|
have it, and we have it from the hand of God, and must <I>receive it
|
|
with thanksgiving,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+4:4,5">1 Tim. iv. 4, 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
And this is the sweetness of our creature-comforts, that they will
|
|
furnish us with <I>matter,</I> and give us occasion, for that excellent
|
|
duty of thanksgiving.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Though our provision be coarse and scanty, though we have neither
|
|
plenty nor dainty, yet we must give thanks to God for what we have.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) It was distributed from the hand of Christ by the hands of his
|
|
disciples,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] All our comforts come to us <I>originally</I> from the hand of
|
|
Christ; whoever <I>brings</I> them, it is he that <I>sends</I> them, he
|
|
distributes to those who distribute to us.
|
|
|
|
[2.] In distributing the bread of life to those that follow him, he is
|
|
pleased to make use of the ministration of his disciples; they are the
|
|
servitors at Christ's table, or rather rulers in his household, to give
|
|
to <I>every one his portion of meat in due season.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) It was done to universal satisfaction. They did not every one take
|
|
a little, but all had <I>as much as they would;</I> not a short
|
|
allowance, but a full meal; and considering how long they had fasted,
|
|
with what an appetite they sat down, how agreeable this miraculous food
|
|
may be supposed to have been, above common food, it was not a little
|
|
that served them when they ate as much as they would and on free cost.
|
|
Those whom Christ feeds with the bread of life he does not stint,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+81:10">Ps. lxxxi. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
There were but <I>two small fishes,</I> and yet they had <I>of them</I>
|
|
too <I>as much as they would.</I> He did not reserve them for the
|
|
better sort of the guests, and put off the poor with dry bread, but
|
|
treated them all alike, for they were all alike welcome. Those who call
|
|
feeding upon fish <I>fasting</I> reproach the entertainment Christ here
|
|
made, which was a <I>full feast.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
8. The care that was taken of the broken meat.
|
|
|
|
(1.) The orders Christ gave concerning it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>When they were filled,</I> and every man had within him a sensible
|
|
witness to the truth of the miracle, Christ <I>said to the
|
|
disciples,</I> the servants he employed, <I>Gather up the
|
|
fragments.</I> Note, We must always take care that we make no waste of
|
|
any of God's good creatures; for the grant we have of them, though
|
|
large and full, is with this proviso, <I>wilful waste only
|
|
excepted.</I> It is just with God to bring us to the want of that which
|
|
we make waste of. The Jews were very careful not to lose any bread, nor
|
|
let it fall to the ground, to be trodden upon. <I>Qui panem contemnit
|
|
in gravem incidit paupertatem--He who despises bread falls into the
|
|
depths of poverty,</I> was a saying among them. Though Christ could
|
|
command supplies whenever he pleased, yet he would have the fragments
|
|
gathered up. When we are filled we must remember that others want, and
|
|
we may want. Those that would have wherewith to be <I>charitable</I>
|
|
must be <I>provident.</I> Had this broken meat been left upon the
|
|
grass, the beasts and fowls would have gathered it up; but that which
|
|
is fit to be meat for men is wasted and lost if it be thrown to the
|
|
brute-creatures. Christ did not order the broken meat to be gathered up
|
|
till all were filled; we must not begin to hoard and lay up till all is
|
|
laid out that ought to be, for that is withholding more than is meet.
|
|
Mr. Baxter notes here, "How much less should we lose God's word, or
|
|
helps, or our time, or such greater mercies!"
|
|
|
|
(2.) The observance of these orders
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>They filled twelve baskets with the fragments,</I> which was an
|
|
evidence not only of the <I>truth</I> of the miracle, that they were
|
|
fed, not with fancy, but with real food (witness those remains), but of
|
|
the <I>greatness</I> of it; they were not only filled, but there was
|
|
all this over and above. See how large the divine bounty is; it not
|
|
only <I>fills</I> the cup, but makes it <I>run over;</I> bread enough,
|
|
and to spare, in our Father's house. The fragments filled twelve
|
|
baskets, one for each disciple; they were thus repaid with interest for
|
|
their willingness to part with what they had for public service; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ch+31:10">2 Chron. xxxi. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Jews lay it as a law upon themselves, when they have eaten a meal,
|
|
to be sure to leave a piece of bread upon the table, upon which the
|
|
blessing after meat may rest; for it is a curse upon the wicked man
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+20:21">Job xx. 21</A>)
|
|
|
|
that <I>there shall none of his meat be left.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. Here is the influence which this miracle had upon the people who
|
|
tasted of the benefit of it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>They said, This is of a truth that prophet.</I> Note,
|
|
|
|
1. Even the vulgar Jews with great assurance expected the Messiah to
|
|
come into the world, and to be a <I>great prophet,</I> They speak here
|
|
with assurance of his coming. The Pharisees despised them as <I>not
|
|
knowing the law;</I> but, it should seem, they knew more of him that is
|
|
the <I>end of the law</I> than the Pharisees did.
|
|
|
|
2. The miracles which Christ wrought did clearly demonstrate that he
|
|
was the Messiah promised, a teacher come from God, the great prophet,
|
|
and could not but convince the amazed spectators that this was he that
|
|
should come. There were many who were convinced he was that prophet
|
|
that should come into the world who yet did not cordially receive his
|
|
doctrine, for they did not continue in it. Such a wretched incoherence
|
|
and inconsistency there is between the faculties of the corrupt
|
|
unsanctified soul, that it is possible for men to acknowledge that
|
|
Christ is that prophet, and yet to turn a deaf ear to him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_21"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ Walks on the Water.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take
|
|
him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a
|
|
mountain himself alone.
|
|
16 And when even was <I>now</I> come, his disciples went down unto
|
|
the sea,
|
|
17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward
|
|
Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
|
|
18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
|
|
19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty
|
|
furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh
|
|
unto the ship: and they were afraid.
|
|
20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
|
|
21 Then they willingly received him into the ship: and
|
|
immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here is, I. Christ's retirement from the multitude.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Observe what induced him to retire; because he perceived that those
|
|
who acknowledged him to be that prophet that should come into the world
|
|
would come, and <I>take him by force, to make him a king,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now here we have an instance,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Of the irregular zeal of some of Christ's followers; nothing would
|
|
serve but they would make him <I>a king.</I> Now,
|
|
|
|
[1.] This was <I>an act of zeal</I> for the honour of Christ, and
|
|
against the contempt which the ruling part of the Jewish church put
|
|
upon him. They were concerned to see so great a benefactor to the world
|
|
so little esteemed in it; and therefore, since royal titles are counted
|
|
the most illustrious, they would make him a king, knowing that the
|
|
Messiah was to be a king; and if a prophet, like Moses, then a
|
|
sovereign prince and lawgiver, like him; and, if they cannot set him up
|
|
<I>upon the holy hill of Zion,</I> a <I>mountain</I> in Galilee shall
|
|
serve for the present. Those whom Christ has feasted with the royal
|
|
dainties of heaven should, in return for his favour, make him
|
|
<I>their</I> king, and set him upon the throne in their souls: let him
|
|
that has <I>fed</I> us <I>rule us.</I> But,
|
|
|
|
[2.] It was an <I>irregular</I> zeal; for <I>First,</I> It was grounded
|
|
upon a mistake concerning the nature of Christ's kingdom, as if it were
|
|
to be <I>of this world,</I> and he must appear with outward pomp, a
|
|
crown on his head, and an army at his foot; such a king as this they
|
|
would make him, which was as great a disparagement to his glory as it
|
|
would be to lacquer gold or paint a ruby. Right notions of Christ's
|
|
kingdom would keep us to right methods for advancing it.
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> It was excited by the love of the flesh; they would
|
|
make <I>him</I> their king who could feed them so plentifully without
|
|
their toil, and save them from the curse of <I>eating their bread in
|
|
the sweat of their face. Thirdly,</I> It was intended to carry on a
|
|
<I>secular</I> design; they hoped this might be a fair opportunity of
|
|
shaking off the Roman yoke, of which they were weary. If they had one
|
|
to head them who could victual an army cheaper than another could
|
|
provide for a family, they were sure of the sinews of the war, and
|
|
could not fail of success, and the recovery of their ancient liberties.
|
|
Thus is religion often prostituted to a secular interest, and Christ is
|
|
served only to <I>serve a turn,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+16:18">Rom. xvi. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Vix quæritur</I> Jesus <I>propter</I> Jesum, <I>sed propter
|
|
aliud--Jesus is usually sought after for something else, not for his
|
|
own sake.</I>--Augustine. Nay, <I>Fourthly,</I> It was a tumultuous,
|
|
seditious attempt, and a disturbance of the public peace; it would make
|
|
the country a seat of war, and expose it to the resentments of the
|
|
Roman power. <I>Fifthly,</I> It was contrary to the mind of our Lord
|
|
Jesus himself; for they would take him <I>by force,</I> whether he
|
|
would or no. Note, Those who force honours upon Christ which he has not
|
|
required at their hands displease him, and do him the greatest
|
|
dishonour. Those that say <I>I am of Christ,</I> in opposition to those
|
|
that are of Apollos and Cephas (so making Christ the head of a party),
|
|
take him by force, to make him a king, contrary to his own mind.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Here is an instance of the humility and self-denial of the Lord
|
|
Jesus, that, when they would have made him a king, he <I>departed;</I>
|
|
so far was he from countenancing the design that he effectually quashed
|
|
it. Herein he has left a testimony,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Against ambition and affectation of worldly honour, to which he
|
|
was perfectly mortified, and has taught us to be so. Had they come to
|
|
take him by force and make him a prisoner, he could not have been more
|
|
industrious to abscond than he was when they would make him a king. Let
|
|
us not then covet to be the <I>idols of the crowd,</I> nor be
|
|
<I>desirous of vainglory.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] Against faction and sedition, treason and rebellion, and whatever
|
|
tends to disturb the peace of kings and provinces. By this it appears
|
|
that he was no enemy to Cæsar, nor would have his followers be
|
|
so, but the <I>quiet in the land;</I> that he would have his ministers
|
|
decline every thing that looks <I>like</I> sedition, or looks
|
|
<I>towards</I> it, and improve their interest only for their work's
|
|
sake.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Observe <I>whither</I> he retired: <I>He departed again into a
|
|
mountain,</I> <B><I>eis to oros</I></B>--<I>into the</I> mountain, the
|
|
mountain where he had preached
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
whence he came down into the plain, to feed the people, and then
|
|
returned to it alone, to be private. Christ, though so useful in the
|
|
places of concourse, yet chose sometimes to be alone, to teach us to
|
|
sequester ourselves from the world now and then, for the more free
|
|
converse with God and our own souls; and <I>never less alone,</I> says
|
|
the serious Christian, <I>than when alone.</I> Public services must not
|
|
jostle out private devotions.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Here is the disciples' distress at sea. <I>They that go down to the
|
|
sea in ships, these see the works of the Lord, for he raiseth the
|
|
stormy wind,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+17:23,24">Ps. xvii. 23, 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
Apply this to these disciples.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Here is their <I>going down to the sea</I> in a ship
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:16,17"><I>v.</I> 16, 17</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>When even was come,</I> and they had done their day's work, it was
|
|
time to look homeward, and therefore they went aboard, and set sail for
|
|
Capernaum. This they did by particular direction from their Master,
|
|
with design (as it should seem) to get them out of the way of the
|
|
temptation of countenancing those that would have made him a king.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Here is the <I>stormy wind</I> arising and <I>fulfilling the word of
|
|
God.</I> They were Christ's disciples, and were now in the way of their
|
|
duty, and Christ was now in the mount praying for them; and yet they
|
|
were in this distress. The perils and afflictions of this present time
|
|
may very well consist with our interest in Christ and his intercession.
|
|
They had lately been feasted at Christ's table; but after the sun-shine
|
|
of comfort expect a storm.
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>It was now dark;</I> this made the storm the more dangerous and
|
|
uncomfortable. Sometimes the people of God are in trouble, and cannot
|
|
see their way out; in the dark concerning the cause of their trouble,
|
|
concerning the design and tendency of it, and what the issue will be.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Jesus <I>was not come to them.</I> When they were in that storm
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+8:23">Matt. viii. 23</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c.) <I>Jesus was with them;</I> but now their beloved had withdrawn
|
|
himself, and was gone. The absence of Christ is the great aggravation
|
|
of the troubles of Christians.
|
|
|
|
(3.) The <I>sea arose by reason of a great wind.</I> It was calm and
|
|
fair when they put to sea (they were not so presumptuous as to launch
|
|
out in a storm), but it arose when they were <I>at sea.</I> In times of
|
|
tranquillity we must prepare for trouble, for it may arise when we
|
|
little think of it. Let it comfort good people, when they happen to be
|
|
in storms at sea, that the disciples of Christ were so; and let the
|
|
promises of a gracious God balance the threats of an angry sea. Though
|
|
in a storm, and <I>in the dark,</I> they are no worse off than Christ's
|
|
disciples were. Clouds and darkness sometimes surround the children of
|
|
the light, and of the day.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. Here is Christ's seasonable approach to them when they were in this
|
|
peril,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>They had rowed</I> (being forced by the contrary winds to betake
|
|
themselves to their oars) <I>about twenty-five or thirty furlongs.</I>
|
|
The Holy Spirit that indicted this could have ascertained the number of
|
|
furlongs precisely, but this, being only circumstantial, is left to be
|
|
expressed according to the conjecture of the penman. And, when they
|
|
were got off a good way at sea, they <I>see Jesus walking on the
|
|
sea.</I> See here,
|
|
|
|
(1.) The power Christ has over the laws and customs of nature, to
|
|
control and dispense with them at his pleasure. It is natural for
|
|
heavy bodies to sink in water, but Christ walked <I>upon</I> the water
|
|
as upon dry land, which was more than Moses's dividing the water and
|
|
walking <I>through</I> the water.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The concern Christ has for his disciples in distress: <I>He drew
|
|
nigh to the ship;</I> for <I>therefore</I> he walked upon the water, as
|
|
he <I>rides upon the heavens, for the help of his people,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+33:26">Deut. xxxiii. 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
He will not leave them comfortless when they seem to be <I>tossed with
|
|
tempests</I> and <I>not comforted.</I> When they are banished (as John)
|
|
into remote places, or shut up (as Paul and Silas) in close places, he
|
|
will find access to them, and will be nigh them.
|
|
|
|
(3.) The relief Christ gives to his disciples in their fears. They
|
|
<I>were afraid,</I> more afraid of an apparition (for so they supposed
|
|
him to be) than of the winds and waves. It is more terrible to wrestle
|
|
with the rulers of the darkness of this world than with a tempestuous
|
|
sea. When they thought a demon haunted them, and perhaps was
|
|
instrumental to raise the storm, they were more terrified than they had
|
|
been while they saw nothing in it but what was natural. Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Our real distresses are often much increased by our imaginary
|
|
ones, the creatures of our own fancy.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Even the approaches of comfort and deliverance are often so
|
|
misconstrued as to become the occasions of fear and perplexity. We are
|
|
often not only <I>worse frightened than hurt,</I> but <I>then</I> most
|
|
<I>frightened</I> when we are ready to be <I>helped.</I> But, when they
|
|
were in this fright, how affectionately did Christ silence their fears
|
|
with that compassionate word
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>It is I, be not afraid!</I> Nothing is more powerful to convince
|
|
sinners than that word, <I>I am Jesus whom thou persecutest;</I>
|
|
nothing more powerful to comfort saints than this, "<I>I am Jesus whom
|
|
thou lovest;</I> it is I that love thee, and seek thy good; be not
|
|
afraid of me, nor of the storm." When trouble is nigh Christ is
|
|
nigh.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. Here is their speedy arrival at the port they were bound for,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
(1.) They <I>welcomed</I> Christ into the ship; they <I>willingly
|
|
received him.</I> Note, Christ's absenting himself for a time is but so
|
|
much the more to <I>endear himself,</I> at his return, to his
|
|
disciples, who value his presence above any thing; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+3:4">Cant. iii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Christ brought them safely to the shore: <I>Immediately the ship
|
|
was at the land whither they went.</I> Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] The ship of the church, in which the disciples of Christ have
|
|
<I>embarked</I> themselves and their all, may be much shattered and
|
|
distressed, yet it shall come safe to the harbour at last;
|
|
<I>tossed</I> at sea, but not <I>lost;</I> cast down, but not
|
|
destroyed; the bush burning, but not consumed.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The power and presence of the church's King shall expedite and
|
|
facilitate her deliverance, and conquer the difficulties which have
|
|
baffled the skill and industry of all her other friends. The disciples
|
|
had rowed hard, but could not make their point till they had got Christ
|
|
in the ship, and then the work was <I>done suddenly.</I> If we have
|
|
received Christ Jesus the Lord, have received him willingly, though the
|
|
night be dark and the wind high, yet we may comfort ourselves with
|
|
this, that we shall be at shore shortly, and are nearer to it than we
|
|
think we are. Many a doubting soul is fetched to heaven by a pleasing
|
|
surprise, or ever it is aware.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_27"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ's Discourse with the Multitude.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other
|
|
side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save
|
|
that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus
|
|
went not with his disciples into the boat, but <I>that</I> his
|
|
disciples were gone away alone;
|
|
23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the
|
|
place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given
|
|
thanks:)
|
|
24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there,
|
|
neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to
|
|
Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
|
|
25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea,
|
|
they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
|
|
26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto
|
|
you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye
|
|
did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
|
|
27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat
|
|
which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall
|
|
give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
In these verses we have,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The careful enquiry which the people made after Christ,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:23,24"><I>v.</I> 23, 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
They saw the disciples go to sea; they saw Christ retire to the
|
|
mountain, probably with an intimation that he desired to be private for
|
|
some time; but, their hearts being set upon <I>making him a king,</I>
|
|
they way-laid his return, and <I>the day following,</I> the hot fit of
|
|
their zeal still continuing,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. They were <I>much at a loss</I> for him. He was gone, and they knew
|
|
not what was become of him. They saw there was <I>no boat there</I> but
|
|
that in which the disciples went off, Providence so ordering it for the
|
|
confirming of the miracle of his walking on the sea, for there was no
|
|
boat for him to go in. They observed also that <I>Jesus did not go with
|
|
his disciples,</I> but that they went off alone, and left him among
|
|
<I>them</I> on <I>their</I> side of the water. Note, Those that would
|
|
find Christ must diligently observe all his motions, and learn to
|
|
understand the tokens of his presence and absence, that they may steer
|
|
accordingly.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. They were very <I>industrious in seeking</I> him. They searched the
|
|
places thereabouts, and when <I>they saw that Jesus was not there, nor
|
|
his disciples</I> (neither he nor any one that could give tidings of
|
|
him), they resolved to search elsewhere. Note, Those that would find
|
|
Christ must accomplish a diligent search, must seek till they find,
|
|
must go from sea to sea, to seek the word of God, rather than live
|
|
without it; and those whom Christ has feasted with the bread of life
|
|
should have their souls carried out in earnest desires towards him.
|
|
Much would have more, in communion with Christ. Now,
|
|
|
|
(1.) They resolved to go to Capernaum in quest of him. There were his
|
|
head-quarters, where he usually resided. Thither his disciples were
|
|
gone; and they knew he would not be long absent from <I>them.</I> Those
|
|
that would find Christ must go forth by the footsteps of the flock.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Providence favoured them with an opportunity of going thither by
|
|
sea, which was the speediest way; for there <I>came other boats from
|
|
Tiberias,</I> which lay further off upon the same shore, <I>nigh,</I>
|
|
though not so nigh to the place where they did <I>eat bread,</I> in
|
|
which they might soon make a trip to Capernaum, and probably the boats
|
|
were bound for that port. Note, Those that in sincerity seek Christ,
|
|
and seek opportunities of converse with him, are commonly owned and
|
|
assisted by Providence in those pursuits. The evangelist, having
|
|
occasion to mention their eating the <I>multiplied</I> bread, adds,
|
|
<I>After that the Lord had given thanks,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
So much were the disciples affected with their Master's giving thanks
|
|
that they could never forget the impressions made upon them by it, but
|
|
took a pleasure in remembering the gracious words that then proceeded
|
|
out of his mouth. This was the grace and beauty of that meal, and made
|
|
it remarkable; their hearts burned within them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. They laid hold of the opportunity that offered itself, and <I>they
|
|
also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.</I> They
|
|
did not defer, in hopes to see him again <I>on this side the water;</I>
|
|
but their convictions being strong, and their desires warm, they
|
|
followed him presently. Good motions are often crushed, and come to
|
|
nothing, for want of being <I>prosecuted</I> in <I>time.</I> They came
|
|
to Capernaum, and, for aught that appears, these unsound hypocritical
|
|
followers of Christ had a <I>calm</I> and <I>pleasant</I> passage,
|
|
while his sincere disciples had a <I>rough</I> and <I>stormy</I> one.
|
|
It is not strange if it fare worst with the best men in this evil
|
|
world. They <I>came, seeking Jesus.</I> Note, Those that would find
|
|
Christ, and find comfort in him, must be willing to take pains, and, as
|
|
here, to <I>compass</I> sea and land to seek and serve him who came
|
|
from heaven to earth to seek and save us.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The success of this enquiry: <I>They found him on the other side of
|
|
the sea,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, Christ will be found of those that seek him, first or last; and
|
|
it is worth while to cross a sea, nay, to go <I>from sea to sea, and
|
|
from the river to the ends of the earth,</I> to seek Christ, if we may
|
|
but find him at last. These people appeared afterwards to be unsound,
|
|
and not actuated by any good principle, and yet were thus zealous.
|
|
Note, Hypocrites may be very forward in their attendance on God's
|
|
ordinances. If men have <I>no more</I> to show for their love to Christ
|
|
than their running after sermons and prayers, and their pangs of
|
|
affection to good preaching, they have reason to suspect themselves no
|
|
better than this <I>eager crowd.</I> But though these people were no
|
|
better principled, and Christ knew it, yet he was willing to be found
|
|
of them, and admitted them into fellowship with him. If we could know
|
|
the hearts of hypocrites, yet, while their profession is plausible, we
|
|
must not exclude them from our communion, much less when we do not know
|
|
their hearts.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The question they put to him when they found him: <I>Rabbi, when
|
|
camest thou hither?</I> It should seem by
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:59"><I>v.</I> 59</A>
|
|
|
|
that they found him <I>in the synagogue.</I> They knew this was the
|
|
likeliest place to seek Christ in, for it was <I>his custom</I> to
|
|
attend public assemblies for religious worship,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+4:16">Luke iv. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, Christ must be sought, and will be found, in the congregations of
|
|
his people and in the administration of his ordinances; public worship
|
|
is what Christ chooses to own and grace with his presence and the
|
|
manifestations of himself. There they found him, and all they had to
|
|
say to him was, <I>Rabbi, when camest thou hither?</I> They saw he
|
|
would not be made a king, and therefore say no more of this, but call
|
|
him Rabbi, their teacher. Their enquiry refers not only to the
|
|
<I>time,</I> but to the <I>manner,</I> of his conveying himself
|
|
thither; not only <I>When,</I> but, "<I>How,</I> camest thou thither?"
|
|
for there was no boat for him to come in. They were curious in asking
|
|
concerning Christ's motions, but not solicitous to observe their
|
|
own.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. The answer Christ gave them, not direct to their question (what was
|
|
it to them <I>when</I> and <I>how</I> he came thither?) but such an
|
|
answer as their case required.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He discovers the <I>corrupt principle</I> they <I>acted from</I> in
|
|
following him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>Verily, verily, I say unto you,</I> I that search the heart, and
|
|
know what is in man, I the Amen, the faithful witness,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+3:14,15">Rev. iii. 14, 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>You seek me;</I> that is well, but it is not from a good principle."
|
|
Christ knows not only <I>what</I> we do, but <I>why</I> we do it. These
|
|
followed Christ,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Not for his doctrine's sake: <I>Not because you saw the
|
|
miracles.</I> The miracles were the great confirmation of his doctrine;
|
|
Nicodemus sought for him for the sake of them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+3:2"><I>ch.</I> iii. 2</A>),
|
|
|
|
and argued from the power of his works to the truth of his word; but
|
|
these were so stupid and mindless that they never considered this. But,
|
|
|
|
(2.) It was for their own bellies' sake: <I>Because you did eat of the
|
|
loaves, and were filled;</I> not because he taught them, but because he
|
|
fed them. He had given them,
|
|
|
|
[1.] A <I>full</I> meal's meat: <I>They did eat, and were filled;</I>
|
|
and some of them perhaps were so poor that they had not known of a long
|
|
time before now what it was to have enough, to eat and leave.
|
|
|
|
[2.] A <I>dainty</I> meal's meat; it is probable that, as the
|
|
miraculous wine was the best wine, so was the miraculous food more than
|
|
usually pleasant.
|
|
|
|
[3.] A <I>cheap</I> meal's meat, that cost them nothing; no reckoning
|
|
was brought in. Note, Many follow Christ for <I>loaves,</I> and not for
|
|
<I>love.</I> Thus those do who aim at secular advantage in their
|
|
profession of religion, and follow it because by this craft they get
|
|
their preferments. <I>Quantis profuit nobis hæc fabula de
|
|
Christo--This fable respecting Christ, what a gainful concern we have
|
|
made of it!</I> said one of the popes. These people <I>complimented</I>
|
|
Christ with Rabbi, and showed him great respect, yet he told them thus
|
|
faithfully of their hypocrisy; his ministers must hence learn not to
|
|
flatter those that flatter them, nor to be <I>bribed</I> by fair words
|
|
to cry <I>peace</I> to all that cry <I>rabbi</I> to them, but to give
|
|
faithful reproofs where there is cause for them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He directs them to better principles
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Labour for that meat which endures to everlasting life.</I> With the
|
|
woman of Samaria he had discoursed of spiritual things under the
|
|
similitude of <I>water;</I> here he speaks of them under the similitude
|
|
of <I>meat,</I> taking occasion from the loaves they had eaten. His
|
|
design is,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) To moderate our worldly pursuits: <I>Labour not for the meat that
|
|
perishes.</I> This does not forbid honest labour for food convenient,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Th+3:12">2 Thess. iii. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
But we must not make the things of this world our chief care and
|
|
concern. Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] The things of the world are <I>meat that perishes.</I> Worldly
|
|
wealth, honour, and pleasure, are <I>meat;</I> they <I>feed the
|
|
fancy</I> (and many times this is all) and <I>fill the belly.</I> These
|
|
are things which mean <I>hunger</I> after as <I>meat,</I> and glut
|
|
themselves with, and which a carnal heart, as long as they last, may
|
|
make a shift to live upon; but they <I>perish,</I> are of a perishing
|
|
nature, wither of themselves, and are exposed to a thousand accidents;
|
|
those that have the largest share of them are not sure to have them
|
|
while they live, but are sure to leave them and lose them when they
|
|
die.
|
|
|
|
[2.] It is therefore folly for us inordinately to labour after them.
|
|
<I>First,</I> We must not labour in religion, nor work the works
|
|
thereof, <I>for this perishing meat,</I> with an eye to this; we must
|
|
not make our religion subservient to a worldly interest, nor aim at
|
|
<I>secular advantages</I> in <I>sacred exercises. Secondly,</I> We must
|
|
not at all <I>labour</I> for this meat; that is, we must not make these
|
|
perishing things our <I>chief good,</I> nor make our care and pains
|
|
about them our <I>chief business;</I> not seek those things
|
|
<I>first</I> and <I>most,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+23:4,5">Prov. xxiii. 4, 5</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) To quicken and excite our gracious pursuits: "Bestow your pains to
|
|
better purpose, and <I>labour for that meat</I> which belongs to the
|
|
soul," of which he shows,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] That it is <I>unspeakably desirable:</I> It is meat which
|
|
<I>endures to everlasting life;</I> it is a happiness which will last
|
|
as long as we must, which not only itself endures eternally, but will
|
|
nourish us up to everlasting life. The blessings of the new covenant
|
|
are our preparative for eternal life, our preservative to it, and the
|
|
pledge and earnest of it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] It is <I>undoubtedly attainable.</I> Shall all the treasures of
|
|
the world be ransacked, and all the fruits of the earth gathered
|
|
together, to furnish us with provisions that will last to eternity? No,
|
|
<I>The sea saith, It is not in me,</I> among all the treasures hidden
|
|
in the sand. <I>It cannot be gotten for gold;</I> but it is that
|
|
<I>which the Son of man shall give;</I> <B><I>hen dosei</I></B>, either
|
|
which <I>meat,</I> or which <I>life,</I> the Son of man shall give.
|
|
Observe here, <I>First,</I> Who gives this meat: the <I>Son of man,</I>
|
|
the great householder and master of the stores, who is entrusted with
|
|
the administration of the kingdom of God among men, and the
|
|
dispensation of the gifts, graces, and comforts of that kingdom, and
|
|
has power to give eternal life, with all the means of it and
|
|
preparatives for it. We are told to <I>labour for it,</I> as if it were
|
|
to be got by our own industry, and sold upon that valuable
|
|
consideration, as the heathen said, <I>Dii laboribus omnia vendunt--The
|
|
gods sell all advantages to the industrious.</I> But when we have
|
|
laboured ever so much for it, we have not merited it as our
|
|
<I>hire,</I> but the Son of man <I>gives it.</I> And what more free
|
|
than gift? It is an encouragement that he who has the giving of it is
|
|
the <I>Son of man,</I> for then we may hope the <I>sons of men</I> that
|
|
seek it, and labour for it, shall not fail to have it. <I>Secondly,</I>
|
|
What authority he has to give it; for <I>him has God the Father
|
|
sealed,</I> <B><I>touton gar ho Pater esphragisen, ho
|
|
Theos</I></B>--<I>for him the Father has sealed</I> (proved and
|
|
evidenced) <I>to be God;</I> so some read it; he has declared him to be
|
|
the Son of God with power. He has <I>sealed him,</I> that is, has given
|
|
him full authority to deal between God and man, as God's
|
|
<I>ambassador</I> to man and man's <I>intercessor</I> with God, and has
|
|
proved his commission by miracles. Having given him <I>authority,</I>
|
|
he has given us <I>assurance</I> of it; having entrusted him with
|
|
<I>unlimited powers,</I> he has satisfied us with <I>undoubted
|
|
proofs</I> of them; so that as he might go on with confidence in his
|
|
undertaking for us, so may we in our resignations to him. <I>God the
|
|
Father</I> scaled him with the Spirit that rested on him, by the voice
|
|
from heaven, by the testimony he bore to him in signs and wonders.
|
|
Divine revelation is perfected in him, in him the <I>vision</I> and
|
|
<I>prophecy</I> is <I>sealed up</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+9:24">Dan. ix. 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
to him all believers <I>seal</I> that he is true
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+3:33"><I>ch.</I> iii. 33</A>),
|
|
|
|
and in him they are all <I>sealed,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+1:22">2 Cor. i. 22</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_28"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ the True Bread from Heaven; Christ Welcomes All that Come to Him; Necessity of Feeding upon Christ.</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>28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might
|
|
work the works of God?
|
|
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God,
|
|
that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
|
|
30 They said therefore unto him, What sign showest thou then,
|
|
that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
|
|
31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written,
|
|
He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
|
|
32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
|
|
Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth
|
|
you the true bread from heaven.
|
|
33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven,
|
|
and giveth life unto the world.
|
|
34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
|
|
35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that
|
|
cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me
|
|
shall never thirst.
|
|
36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe
|
|
not.
|
|
37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that
|
|
cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
|
|
38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but
|
|
the will of him that sent me.
|
|
39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of
|
|
all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should
|
|
raise it up again at the last day.
|
|
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one
|
|
which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting
|
|
life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
|
|
41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the
|
|
bread which came down from heaven.
|
|
42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose
|
|
father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came
|
|
down from heaven?
|
|
43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not
|
|
among yourselves.
|
|
44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me
|
|
draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
|
|
45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught
|
|
of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of
|
|
the Father, cometh unto me.
|
|
46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of
|
|
God, he hath seen the Father.
|
|
47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath
|
|
everlasting life.
|
|
48 I am that bread of life.
|
|
49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
|
|
50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man
|
|
may eat thereof, and not die.
|
|
51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any
|
|
man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that
|
|
I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the
|
|
world.
|
|
52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can
|
|
this man give us <I>his</I> flesh to eat?
|
|
53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
|
|
Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood,
|
|
ye have no life in you.
|
|
54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal
|
|
life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
|
|
55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
|
|
56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in
|
|
me, and I in him.
|
|
57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father:
|
|
so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
|
|
58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your
|
|
fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread
|
|
shall live for ever.
|
|
59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in
|
|
Capernaum.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Whether this conference was with the Capernaites, in whose synagogue
|
|
Christ now was, or with those who came from the other side of the sea,
|
|
is not certain nor material; however, it is an instance of Christ's
|
|
condescension that he gave them leave to ask him questions, and did not
|
|
resent the interruption as an affront, no, not from his common hearers,
|
|
though not his immediate followers. Those that would be apt to teach
|
|
must be swift to hear, and study to answer. It is the wisdom of
|
|
teachers, when they are asked even impertinent unprofitable questions,
|
|
thence to take occasion to answer in that which is profitable, that the
|
|
question may be rejected, but not the request. Now,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Christ having told them that <I>they</I> must <I>work for the
|
|
meat</I> he spoke of, must <I>labour</I> for it, they enquire what work
|
|
they must do, and he answers them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:28,29"><I>v.</I> 28, 29</A>.
|
|
|
|
1. Their <I>enquiry</I> was <I>pertinent</I> enough
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?</I> Some
|
|
understand it as a pert question: "What works of God can we do more and
|
|
better than those we do in obedience to the law of Moses?" But I rather
|
|
take it as a humble serious question, showing them to be, at least for
|
|
the present, in a good mind, and willing to know and do their duty; and
|
|
I imagine that those who asked this question, How and What
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
and made the request
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>),
|
|
|
|
were not the same persons with those that murmured
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:41,42"><I>v.</I> 41, 42</A>),
|
|
|
|
and strove
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:52"><I>v.</I> 52</A>),
|
|
|
|
for those are expressly called <I>the Jews,</I> who came out of Judea
|
|
(for those were strictly called Jews) to cavil, whereas these were of
|
|
Galilee, and came to be taught. This question here intimates that they
|
|
were convinced that those who would obtain this everlasting meat,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Must aim to do something great. Those who <I>look high</I> in
|
|
their expectations, and hope to enjoy the <I>glory of God,</I> must
|
|
<I>aim high</I> in those endeavours, and study to <I>do the works of
|
|
God,</I> works which he requires and will accept, <I>works of God,</I>
|
|
distinguished from the works of worldly men in their worldly pursuits.
|
|
It is not enough to speak the words of God, but we must do the works of
|
|
God.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Must be willing to do any thing: <I>What shall we do?</I> Lord, I
|
|
am ready to do whatever thou shalt appoint, though ever so displeasing
|
|
to flesh and blood,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+9:6">Acts ix. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. Christ's answer was plain enough
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>This is the work of God that ye believe.</I> Note,
|
|
|
|
(1.) The work of faith is the work of God. They enquire after the
|
|
<I>works</I> of God (in the plural number), being careful about <I>many
|
|
things;</I> but Christ directs them to one work, which includes all,
|
|
the one thing needful: that <I>you believe,</I> which supersedes all
|
|
the works of the ceremonial law; the work which is necessary to the
|
|
acceptance of all the other works, and which produces them, for without
|
|
faith you cannot please God. It is <I>God's work,</I> for it is of his
|
|
<I>working in us,</I> it subjects the soul to his working on us, and
|
|
quickens the soul in working <I>for him,</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) That faith is the work of God which closes with Christ, and relies
|
|
upon him. It is to <I>believe on him</I> as one whom God <I>hath
|
|
sent,</I> as God's commissioner in the great affair of peace between
|
|
God and man, and as such to <I>rest</I> upon him, and <I>resign
|
|
ourselves</I> to him. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:1"><I>ch.</I> xiv. 1</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Christ having told them that the <I>Son of man</I> would <I>give
|
|
them this meat,</I> they enquire concerning him, and he answers their
|
|
enquiry.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Their enquiry is after <I>a sign</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>What sign showest thou?</I> Thus far they were right, that, since he
|
|
required them to give him <I>credit,</I> he should produce his
|
|
<I>credentials,</I> and make it out by miracle that he was <I>sent of
|
|
God.</I> Moses having confirmed his mission by <I>signs,</I> it was
|
|
requisite that Christ, who came to set aside the ceremonial law, should
|
|
in like manner confirm his: "<I>What dost thou work?</I> What doest
|
|
thou drive at? What lasting characters of a divine power does thou
|
|
design to leave upon thy doctrine?" But <I>herein</I> they missed
|
|
it,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) That they overlooked the many miracles which they had seen wrought
|
|
by him, and which amounted to an abundant proof of his divine mission.
|
|
Is this a time of day to ask, "What sign showest thou?" especially at
|
|
Capernaum, the <I>staple</I> of miracles, where he had done so <I>many
|
|
mighty works, signs</I> so significant of his office and undertaking?
|
|
Were not these very persons but the other day miraculously fed by him?
|
|
None so blind as they that will not see; for they may be so blind as to
|
|
question whether it be day or no, when the sun shines in their
|
|
faces.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) That they preferred the miraculous feeding of Israel in the
|
|
wilderness before all the miracles Christ wrought
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Our fathers did eat manna in the desert;</I> and, to strengthen the
|
|
objection, they quote a scripture for it: <I>He gave them bread from
|
|
heaven</I> (taken from
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+78:24">Ps. lxxviii. 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>he gave them of the corn of heaven.</I> What a good use might be
|
|
made of this story to which they here refer! It was a memorable
|
|
instance of God's power and goodness, often mentioned to the glory of
|
|
God
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ne+19:20,21">Neh. xix. 20, 21</A>),
|
|
|
|
yet see how these people perverted it, and made an ill use of it.
|
|
|
|
[1.] Christ reproved them for their fondness of the miraculous bread,
|
|
and bade them not set their hearts upon <I>meat which perisheth;</I>
|
|
"Why," say they, "<I>meat for the belly</I> was the great good thing
|
|
that God gave to our fathers in the desert; and why should not we then
|
|
labour for that meat? If God made much of them, why should not we be
|
|
for those that will make much of us?"
|
|
|
|
[2.] Christ had fed five thousand men with five loaves, and had given
|
|
them that as one sign to prove him <I>sent of God;</I> but, under
|
|
colour of <I>magnifying</I> the miracles of Moses, they tacitly
|
|
<I>undervalue</I> this miracle of Christ, and <I>evade</I> the evidence
|
|
of it. "Christ fed his thousands; but Moses his hundreds of thousands;
|
|
Christ fed them but once, and then reproved those who followed him in
|
|
hope to be still fed, and put them off with a discourse of spiritual
|
|
food; but Moses fed his followers forty years, and miracles were not
|
|
their rarities, but their daily bread: Christ fed them with bread out
|
|
of <I>the earth,</I> barley-bread, and fishes out of <I>the sea;</I>
|
|
but Moses fed Israel with bread <I>from heaven,</I> angel's food." Thus
|
|
big did these Jews talk of the <I>manna</I> which <I>their fathers did
|
|
eat;</I> but their fathers had slighted it as much as they did now the
|
|
barley-loaves, and called <I>light bread,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+21:5">Num. xxi. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thus apt are we to slight and overlook the appearances of God's power
|
|
and grace in our own times, while we pretend to admire the wonders of
|
|
which <I>our fathers told us.</I> Suppose <I>this</I> miracle of Christ
|
|
was outdone by that of Moses, yet there were other instances in which
|
|
Christ's miracles outshone his; and, besides, all true miracles prove a
|
|
divine doctrine, though not equally illustrious in the circumstances,
|
|
which were ever <I>diversified</I> according as the occasion did
|
|
require. As much as the manna excelled the barley-loaves, so much, and
|
|
much more, did the doctrine of Christ excel the law of Moses, and his
|
|
heavenly institutions the carnal ordinances of that dispensation.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Here is Christ's reply to this enquiry, wherein,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) He <I>rectifies</I> their <I>mistake</I> concerning the
|
|
<I>typical</I> manna. It was true that their fathers did eat
|
|
<I>manna</I> in the desert. But,
|
|
|
|
[1.] It was not Moses that gave it to them, nor were they obliged to
|
|
him for it; he was but the instrument, and therefore they must look
|
|
beyond him to God. We do not find that Moses did so much as pray to God
|
|
for the <I>manna;</I> and he spoke unadvisedly when he said, <I>Must we
|
|
fetch water out of the rock?</I> Moses gave them not either <I>that</I>
|
|
bread or <I>that water.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] It was not given them, as they imagined, <I>from heaven,</I> from
|
|
the highest heavens, but only from <I>the clouds,</I> and therefore not
|
|
so much superior to that which had its rise from the earth as they
|
|
thought. Because the scripture saith, <I>He gave them bread from
|
|
heaven,</I> it does not follow that it was <I>heavenly bread,</I> or
|
|
was intended to be the nourishment of souls. Misunderstanding
|
|
scripture language occasions many mistakes in the things of God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He <I>informs</I> them concerning the <I>true</I> manna, of which
|
|
that was a type: <I>But my Father giveth you the true bread from
|
|
heaven;</I> that which is truly and properly the <I>bread from
|
|
heaven,</I> of which the manna was but a shadow and figure, is <I>now
|
|
given,</I> not to <I>your fathers,</I> who are dead and gone, but <I>to
|
|
you</I> of this present age, for whom the <I>better things were
|
|
reserved:</I> he is <I>now giving</I> you that <I>bread from
|
|
heaven,</I> which is <I>truly</I> so called. As much as the throne of
|
|
God's glory is above the clouds of the air, so much does the
|
|
<I>spiritual bread</I> of the everlasting gospel excel the
|
|
<I>manna.</I> In calling God <I>his Father,</I> he proclaims himself
|
|
greater than Moses; for Moses was faithful but as a servant, Christ as
|
|
a <I>Son,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+3:5,6">Heb. iii. 5, 6</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. Christ, having replied to their enquiries, takes further occasion
|
|
from their objection concerning the <I>manna</I> to discourse of
|
|
<I>himself</I> under the similitude of <I>bread,</I> and of
|
|
<I>believing</I> under the similitude of <I>eating and drinking;</I> to
|
|
which, together with his putting both together in the <I>eating</I> of
|
|
<I>his flesh</I> and <I>drinking</I> of his <I>blood,</I> and with the
|
|
remarks made upon it by the hearers, the rest of this conference may be
|
|
reduced.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Christ having spoken of <I>himself</I> as the great <I>gift of
|
|
God,</I> and the <I>true bread</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>),
|
|
|
|
largely <I>explains</I> and <I>confirms</I> this, that we may rightly
|
|
know him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) He here shows that he is the <I>true bread;</I> this he repeats
|
|
again and again,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:33,35,48-51"><I>v.</I> 33, 35, 48-51</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] That Christ is <I>bread</I> is that to the soul which bread is to
|
|
the body, nourishes and supports the spiritual life (is the staff of
|
|
it) as bread does the bodily life; <I>it is the staff of life.</I> The
|
|
doctrines of the gospel concerning Christ--that he is the mediator
|
|
between God and man, that he is our peace, our righteousness, our
|
|
Redeemer; <I>by these things do men live.</I> Our bodies could better
|
|
live without food than our souls without Christ. <I>Bread-corn</I> is
|
|
<I>bruised</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+28:28">Isa. xxviii. 28</A>),
|
|
|
|
so was Christ; he was born at Bethlehem, the <I>house of bread,</I> and
|
|
typified by the <I>show-bread.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] That he is the <I>bread of God</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>),
|
|
|
|
divine bread; it is he that is <I>of God</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:46"><I>v.</I> 46</A>),
|
|
|
|
bread which my Father gives
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>),
|
|
|
|
which he has made to be the food of our souls; the bread of God's
|
|
family, his <I>children's bread.</I> The Levitical sacrifices are
|
|
called the <I>bread of God</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+21:21,22">Lev. xxi. 21, 22</A>),
|
|
|
|
and Christ is the great sacrifice; Christ, in his word and ordinances,
|
|
the <I>feast</I> upon the sacrifice.
|
|
|
|
[3.] That he is the <I>bread of life</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:35,48"><I>v.</I> 35, and again, <I>v.</I> 48</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>that</I> bread of life, alluding to the tree of life in the midst of
|
|
the garden of Eden, which was to Adam the seal of that part of the
|
|
covenant, <I>Do this and live,</I> of which he might <I>eat and
|
|
live.</I> Christ is the bread of life, for he is the fruit of the
|
|
<I>tree of life. First,</I> He is the <I>living bread</I> (so he
|
|
explains himself,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:51"><I>v.</I> 51</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>I am the living bread.</I> Bread is itself a dead thing, and
|
|
nourishes not but by the help of the faculties of a living body; but
|
|
Christ is himself <I>living bread,</I> and nourishes by his own power.
|
|
Manna was a dead thing; if kept but one night, it putrefied and bred
|
|
worms; but Christ is ever living, everlasting bread, that never moulds,
|
|
nor waxes old. The doctrine of Christ crucified is now as strengthening
|
|
and comforting to a believer as ever it was, and his mediation still of
|
|
as much value and efficacy as ever. <I>Secondly, He gives life unto the
|
|
world</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>),
|
|
|
|
spiritual and eternal life; the life of the soul in union and communion
|
|
with God here, and in the vision and fruition of him hereafter; a life
|
|
that includes in it all happiness. The <I>manna</I> did only reserve
|
|
and support life, did not preserve and perpetuate life, much less
|
|
restore it; but Christ <I>gives</I> life to those that were dead in
|
|
sin. The manna was ordained only for the life of the Israelites, but
|
|
Christ is given for the <I>life of the world;</I> none are excluded
|
|
from the benefit of this bread, but such as exclude themselves. Christ
|
|
came to <I>put life</I> into the minds of men, principles productive of
|
|
acceptable performances.
|
|
|
|
[4.] That he is the <I>bread which came down from heaven;</I> this is
|
|
often repeated here,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:33,50,51,58"><I>v.</I> 33, 50, 51, 58</A>.
|
|
|
|
This denotes, <I>First,</I> The divinity of Christ's person. As God, he
|
|
had a being in heaven, whence he came to take our nature upon him: <I>I
|
|
came down from heaven,</I> whence we may infer his <I>antiquity,</I> he
|
|
was in the beginning with God; his <I>ability,</I> for heaven is the
|
|
firmament of power; and his <I>authority,</I> he came with a divine
|
|
commission. <I>Secondly,</I> The divine original of all that good which
|
|
flows to us through him. He <I>comes,</I> not only
|
|
<B><I>katabas</I></B>--<I>that came down</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:51"><I>v.</I> 51</A>),
|
|
|
|
but <B><I>katabainoi</I></B>--<I>that comes down;</I> he is descending,
|
|
denoting a constant communication of light, life, and love, from God to
|
|
believers through Christ, as the <I>manna</I> descended daily; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+1:3">Eph. i. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Omnia desuper--All things from above.</I>
|
|
|
|
[5.] That he is <I>that bread</I> of which the <I>manna</I> was a type
|
|
and figure
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:58"><I>v.</I> 58</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>that</I> bread, the true bread,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
As the rock that they drank of was Christ, so was the manna they ate of
|
|
<I>spiritual bread,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+10:3,4">1 Cor. x. 3, 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Manna</I> was given to Israel; so Christ to the spiritual Israel.
|
|
There was <I>manna</I> enough for them all; so in Christ a fulness of
|
|
grace for all believers; he that <I>gathers much</I> of this
|
|
<I>manna</I> will have none to spare when he comes to use it; and he
|
|
that gathers little, when his grace comes to be perfected in glory,
|
|
shall find that <I>he has no lack. Manna</I> was to be gathered in the
|
|
morning; and those that would find Christ must <I>seek him early.</I>
|
|
Manna was sweet, and, as the author of the <I>Wisdom of Solomon</I>
|
|
tells us
|
|
|
|
(<U>Wisd. xvi. 20</U>),
|
|
|
|
was agreeable to every palate; and to those that believe Christ is
|
|
<I>precious.</I> Israel lived upon <I>manna</I> till they came to
|
|
Canaan; and Christ is our life. There was a memorial of the
|
|
<I>manna</I> preserved in the ark; so of Christ in the Lord's supper,
|
|
as the food of souls.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He here shows what his undertaking was, and what his errand into
|
|
the world. Laying aside the metaphor, he speaks plainly, and speaks no
|
|
proverb, giving us an account of his business among men,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:38-40"><I>v.</I> 38-40</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] He assures us, in general, that he came from heaven upon his
|
|
Father's business
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:38"><I>v.</I> 38</A>),
|
|
|
|
not <I>do his own will, but the will of him that sent him.</I> He
|
|
<I>came from heaven,</I> which bespeaks him an intelligent active
|
|
being, who voluntarily descended to this lower world, a long journey,
|
|
and a great step downward, considering the glories of the world he came
|
|
from and the calamities of the world he came to; we may well ask with
|
|
wonder, "What moved him to such an expedition?" Here he tells that he
|
|
came to do, not <I>his own will,</I> but the will of his Father; not
|
|
that he had any will that stood in competition with the will of his
|
|
Father, but those to whom he spoke suspected he might. "No," saith he,
|
|
"my own will is not the spring I act from, nor the rule I go by, but I
|
|
am come to <I>do the will of him that sent me.</I>" That is,
|
|
<I>First,</I> Christ did not come into the world as a <I>private</I>
|
|
person, that acts for himself only, but under a <I>public
|
|
character,</I> to act for others as an ambassador, or plenipotentiary,
|
|
authorized by a public commission; he came into the world as God's
|
|
great agent and the world's great physician. It was not any private
|
|
business that brought him hither, but he came to settle affairs between
|
|
parties no less considerable than the great Creator and the whole
|
|
creation. <I>Secondly,</I> Christ, when he was in the world, did not
|
|
carry on any <I>private</I> design, nor had any <I>separate
|
|
interest</I> at all, distinct from theirs for whom he acted. The scope
|
|
of his whole life was to glorify God and do good to men. He therefore
|
|
never consulted his own ease, safety, or quiet; but, when he was to lay
|
|
down his life, though he had a human nature which startled at it, he
|
|
set aside the consideration of that, and resolved his will as man into
|
|
the will of God: <I>Not as I will, but as thou wilt.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] He acquaints us, in particular, with that will of the Father which
|
|
he came to do; he here <I>declares the decree,</I> the instructions he
|
|
was to pursue.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> The <I>private instructions</I> given to Christ, that he
|
|
should be sure to save all the chosen remnant; and this is the
|
|
<I>covenant of redemption</I> between the Father and the Son
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:38"><I>v.</I> 38</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>This is the Father's will, who hath sent me;</I> this is the charge
|
|
I am entrusted with, that <I>of all whom he hath given me I should lose
|
|
none.</I>" Note,
|
|
|
|
1. There is a certain number of the children of men <I>given</I> by the
|
|
Father to Jesus Christ, to be his care, and so to be to him for a name
|
|
and a praise; given him for <I>an inheritance,</I> for a possession.
|
|
Let him do all that for them which their case requires; teach them, and
|
|
heal them, pay their debt, and plead their cause, prepare them for, and
|
|
preserve them to, eternal life, and then let him make his best of them.
|
|
The Father might dispose of them as he pleased: as creatures, their
|
|
lives and beings were <I>derived from</I> him; as sinners, their lives
|
|
and beings were <I>forfeited to him.</I> He might have sold them for
|
|
the satisfaction of his justice, and delivered them <I>to the
|
|
tormentors;</I> but he pitched upon them to be the monuments of his
|
|
mercy, and delivered them to the Saviour. Those whom God chose to be
|
|
the objects of his special love he lodged as a trust in the hands of
|
|
Christ.
|
|
|
|
2. Jesus Christ has undertaken that he will <I>lose none</I> of those
|
|
that were thus <I>given him</I> of the Father. The <I>many sons</I>
|
|
whom he was to <I>bring to glory</I> shall all be forth-coming, and
|
|
none of them missing,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:14">Matt. xviii. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
None of them shall be lost, for want of a sufficient grace to sanctify
|
|
them. <I>If I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then
|
|
let me bear the blame for ever,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+43:9">Gen. xliii. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
3. Christ's undertaking for those that are given him extends to the
|
|
resurrection of their bodies. <I>I will raise it up again at the last
|
|
day,</I> which supposes all that goes before, but this is to crown and
|
|
complete the undertaking. The body is a part of the man, and therefore
|
|
a part of Christ's purchase and charge; it pertains to the promises,
|
|
and therefore it shall not be <I>lost.</I> The undertaking is not only
|
|
that he shall <I>lose none,</I> no <I>person,</I> but that he shall
|
|
<I>lose nothing,</I> no part of the person, and therefore not the body.
|
|
Christ's undertaking will never be accomplished till the resurrection,
|
|
when the souls and bodies of the saints shall be re-united and gathered
|
|
to Christ, that he may present them to the Father: <I>Behold I, and the
|
|
children that thou has given me,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+2:13,2Ti+1:12">Heb. ii. 13; 2 Tim. i. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
4. The spring and original of all this is the <I>sovereign will of
|
|
God,</I> the counsels of his will, according to which he works all
|
|
this. This was the commandment he gave to his Son, when he sent him
|
|
into the world, and to which the Son always had an eye.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> The <I>public instructions</I> which were to be given
|
|
to the children of men, in what way, and upon what terms, they might
|
|
obtain salvation by Christ; and this is the <I>covenant of grace</I>
|
|
between God and man. Who the particular persons were that were given to
|
|
Christ is a <I>secret: The Lord knows them that are his,</I> we do not,
|
|
nor is it fit we should; but, though their names are concealed, their
|
|
characters are published. An offer is made of life and happiness upon
|
|
gospel terms, that by it those that were given to Christ might be
|
|
brought to him, and others left inexcusable
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:40"><I>v.</I> 40</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>This is the will,</I> the revealed will, <I>of him that sent
|
|
me,</I> the method agreed upon, upon which to proceed with the children
|
|
of men, that <I>every one,</I> Jew or Gentile, that <I>sees the Son,
|
|
and believes on him,</I> may have <I>everlasting life,</I> and <I>I
|
|
will raise him up.</I>" This is <I>gospel</I> indeed, good news. Is it
|
|
now reviving to hear this?
|
|
|
|
1. That <I>eternal life</I> may be had, if it be not our own fault;
|
|
that whereas, upon the sin of the first Adam, the <I>way of the tree of
|
|
life</I> was blocked up, by the grace of the second Adam it is laid
|
|
upon again. The crown of glory is set before us as the prize of our
|
|
high calling, which we may run for and obtain.
|
|
|
|
2. Every one may have it. This gospel is to be preached, this offer
|
|
made, to all, and none can say, "It belongs not to me,"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+22:17">Rev. xxii. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
3. This everlasting life is sure to all those who believe in Christ,
|
|
and to them only. He that <I>sees the Son,</I> and <I>believes on
|
|
him,</I> shall be saved. Some understand this <I>seeing</I> as a
|
|
<I>limitation</I> of this condition of salvation to those only that
|
|
have the revelation of Christ and his grace made to them. Every one
|
|
that has the opportunity of being acquainted with Christ, and improves
|
|
this so well as to <I>believe</I> in him, shall have everlasting life,
|
|
so that none shall be condemned for unbelief (however they maybe for
|
|
other sins) but those who have had the gospel preached to them, who,
|
|
like these Jews here
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:36"><I>v.</I> 36</A>),
|
|
|
|
have <I>seen,</I> and yet have <I>not</I> believed; have known Christ,
|
|
and yet not trusted in him. But I rather understand <I>seeing</I> here
|
|
to mean the same thing with <I>believing,</I> for it is
|
|
<B><I>theoron</I></B>, which signifies not so much the sight of the eye
|
|
(as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:36"><I>v.</I> 36</A>,
|
|
|
|
<B><I>heorakate me</I></B>--<I>ye have seen me</I>) as the
|
|
<I>contemplation of the mind.</I> Every one that <I>sees the Son,</I>
|
|
that is, <I>believes on him,</I> sees him with an eye of faith, by
|
|
which we come to be duly acquainted and affected with the doctrine of
|
|
the gospel concerning him. It is to look upon him, as the stung
|
|
Israelites upon the brazen serpent. It is not a <I>blind</I> faith that
|
|
Christ requires, that we should be willing to have our <I>eyes put
|
|
out,</I> and then follow him, but that we should <I>see him,</I> and
|
|
see what ground we go upon in our faith. It is <I>then</I> right when
|
|
it is not taken up upon <I>hearsay</I> (believing as the church
|
|
believes), but is the result of a due consideration of, and insight
|
|
into, the motives of credibility: <I>Now mine eye sees thee. We have
|
|
heard him ourselves.</I>
|
|
|
|
4. Those who believe in Jesus Christ, in order to their having
|
|
everlasting life, shall be raised up by his power at the last day. He
|
|
had it in charge as his Father's will
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:39"><I>v.</I> 39</A>),
|
|
|
|
and here he solemnly makes it his own undertaking: I <I>will raise him
|
|
up,</I> which signifies not only the return of the body to life, but
|
|
the putting of the <I>whole man</I> into a full possession of the
|
|
eternal life promised.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Now Christ discoursing thus concerning himself, as the <I>bread of
|
|
life</I> that came down from heaven, let us see what remarks his
|
|
hearers made upon it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) When they heard of such a thing as the <I>bread of God,</I> which
|
|
<I>gives life,</I> they heartily prayed for it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Lord, evermore give us this bread.</I> I cannot think that this is
|
|
spoken scoffingly, and in a way of derision, as most interpreters
|
|
understand it: "Give us such bread as this, if thou canst; let us be
|
|
fed with it, not for one meal, as with the five loaves, but
|
|
<I>evermore;</I>" as if this were no better a prayer than that of the
|
|
impenitent thief: <I>If thou be the Christ, save thyself and us.</I>
|
|
But I take this request to be made, though ignorantly, yet honestly,
|
|
and to be well meant; for they call him <I>Lord,</I> and desire a share
|
|
in what he <I>gives,</I> whatever he means by it. General and confused
|
|
notions of divine things produce in carnal hearts some kind of desires
|
|
towards them, and wishes of them; like Balaam's wish, to die the
|
|
<I>death of the righteous.</I> Those who have an indistinct knowledge
|
|
of the things of God, who see men as trees walking, make, as I may call
|
|
them, <I>inarticulate</I> prayers for spiritual blessings. They think
|
|
the favour of God a <I>good thing,</I> and heaven a <I>fine place,</I>
|
|
and cannot but wish them their own, while they have no value nor desire
|
|
at all for that holiness which is necessary both to the one and to the
|
|
other. Let this be the desire of our souls; have we tasted that the
|
|
Lord is gracious, been feasted with the word of God, and Christ in the
|
|
word? Let us say, "<I>Lord, evermore give us this bread;</I> let the
|
|
bread of life be our daily bread, the heavenly manna our continual
|
|
feast, and let us never know the want of it."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) But, when they understood that by this <I>bread of life</I> Jesus
|
|
meant <I>himself,</I> then they <I>despised</I> it. Whether they were
|
|
the same persons that had prayed for it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>),
|
|
|
|
or some others of the company, does not appear; it seems to be some
|
|
others, for they are called <I>Jews.</I> Now it is said
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:41"><I>v.</I> 41</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>They murmured at him.</I> This comes in immediately after that
|
|
solemn declaration which Christ had made of God's will and his own
|
|
undertaking concerning man's salvation
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:39,40"><I>v.</I> 39, 40</A>),
|
|
|
|
which certainly were some of the most weighty and gracious words that
|
|
ever proceeded out of the mouth of our Lord Jesus, the most faithful,
|
|
and best worthy of all acceptation. One would think that, like Israel
|
|
in Egypt, when they heard that God had thus <I>visited</I> them, they
|
|
should have <I>bowed their heads and worshipped;</I> but on the
|
|
contrary, instead of closing with the offer made them, they
|
|
<I>murmured,</I> quarrelled with what Christ said, and, though they did
|
|
not openly oppose and contradict it, yet they privately whispered among
|
|
themselves in contempt of it, and instilled into one another's minds
|
|
prejudices against it. Many that will not professedly contradict the
|
|
doctrine of Christ (their cavils are so weak and groundless that they
|
|
are either ashamed to own them or afraid to have them silenced), yet
|
|
say in their hearts that they <I>do not like it.</I> Now,
|
|
|
|
[1.] That which offended them was Christ's asserting his origin to be
|
|
<I>from heaven,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:41,42"><I>v.</I> 41, 42</A>.
|
|
|
|
How is it that he saith, <I>I came down from heaven?</I> They had heard
|
|
of angels coming down <I>from heaven,</I> but never of a man,
|
|
overlooking the proofs he had given them of his being more than a man.
|
|
|
|
[2.] That which they thought justified them herein was that they knew
|
|
his extraction on earth: <I>Is not this Jesus the son of Joseph, whose
|
|
father and mother we know?</I> They took it amiss that he should say
|
|
that he came down from heaven, when he was <I>one of them.</I> They
|
|
speak slightly of his blessed name, <I>Jesus: Is not this Jesus.</I>
|
|
They take it for granted that Joseph was really his father, though he
|
|
was only <I>reputed</I> to be so. Note, Mistakes concerning the person
|
|
of Christ, as if he were a mere man, conceived and born by ordinary
|
|
generation, occasion the offence that is taken at his doctrine and
|
|
offices. Those who set him on a level with the other sons of men, whose
|
|
father and mother we know, no wonder if they derogate from the honour
|
|
of his satisfaction and the mysteries of his undertaking, and, like the
|
|
Jews here, murmur at his promise to <I>raise us up at the last
|
|
day.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. Christ, having spoken of faith as the great <I>work of God</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>),
|
|
|
|
discourses largely concerning this work, instructing and encouraging us
|
|
in it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) He shows what it is to <I>believe in Christ.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] To believe in Christ is to <I>come to Christ.</I> He that <I>comes
|
|
to</I> me is the same with him that <I>believes in me</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:35"><I>v.</I> 35</A>),
|
|
|
|
and again
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:37"><I>v.</I> 37</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>He that comes unto me;</I> so
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:44,45"><I>v.</I> 44, 45</A>.
|
|
|
|
Repentance towards God is <I>coming to him</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+3:22">Jer. iii. 22</A>)
|
|
|
|
as our chief good and highest end; and so faith towards our Lord Jesus
|
|
Christ is coming to him as our prince and Saviour, and our way to the
|
|
Father. It denotes the out-goings of our affection towards him, for
|
|
these are the motions of the soul, and actions agreeable; it is to
|
|
<I>come off</I> from all those things that stand in opposition to him
|
|
or competition with him, and to <I>come up</I> to those terms upon
|
|
which life and salvation are offered to us through him. When he was
|
|
here on earth it was more that barely coming where he was; so it is now
|
|
more than coming to his word and ordinances.
|
|
|
|
[2.] It is to <I>feed upon Christ</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:51"><I>v.</I> 51</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>If any man eat of this bread.</I> The former denotes applying
|
|
ourselves to Christ; this denotes applying Christ to ourselves, with
|
|
appetite and delight, that we may receive life, and strength, and
|
|
comfort from him. To feed on him as the Israelites on the manna,
|
|
having quitted the <I>fleshpots</I> of Egypt, and not depending on the
|
|
<I>labour of their hands</I> (to eat of that), but living purely on the
|
|
bread given them from heaven.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He shows what is to be got by believing in Christ. What will he
|
|
give us if we <I>come to him?</I> What shall we be the better of we
|
|
<I>feed upon him? Want</I> and <I>death</I> are the chief things we
|
|
dread; may we but be assured of the comforts of our being, and the
|
|
continuance of it in the midst of these comforts, we have enough; now
|
|
these two are here secured to true believers.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] They shall never want, <I>never hunger, never thirst,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:35"><I>v.</I> 35</A>.
|
|
|
|
Desires they have, earnest desires, but these so suitably, so
|
|
seasonably, so abundantly satisfied, that they cannot be called hunger
|
|
and thirst, which are uneasy and painful. Those that did eat manna, and
|
|
drink of the rock, hungered and thirsted afterwards. Manna surfeited
|
|
them; water out of the rock failed them. But there is such an
|
|
<I>over-flowing fulness</I> in Christ as can never be <I>exhausted,</I>
|
|
and there are such <I>ever-flowing communications</I> from him as can
|
|
never be interrupted.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] They shall <I>never die,</I> not die eternally; for, <I>First,</I>
|
|
He that believes on Christ <I>has everlasting life</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:47"><I>v.</I> 47</A>);
|
|
|
|
he has the assurance of it, the grant of it, the earnest of it; he has
|
|
it in the promise and first-fruits. Union with Christ and communion
|
|
with God in Christ are <I>everlasting life</I> begun. <I>Secondly,</I>
|
|
Whereas they that did <I>eat manna</I> died, Christ is such bread as a
|
|
man may eat of and never die,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:49,50"><I>v.</I> 49, 50</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe here,
|
|
|
|
1. The insufficiency of the typical manna: <I>Your fathers did eat
|
|
manna in the wilderness, and are dead.</I> There may be much good use
|
|
made of the death of our fathers; their graves speak to us, and their
|
|
monuments are our memorials, particularly of this, that the greatest
|
|
<I>plenty</I> of the most <I>dainty</I> food will neither prolong the
|
|
thread of life nor avert the stroke of death. Those that did eat manna,
|
|
angel's food, died like other men. There could be nothing amiss in
|
|
their diet, to shorten their days, nor could their deaths be hastened
|
|
by the toils and fatigues of life (for they neither sowed nor reaped),
|
|
and <I>yet they died.</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Many of them died by the immediate strokes of God's vengeance for
|
|
their unbelief and murmurings; for, <I>though they did eat that
|
|
spiritual meat,</I> yet with many of them God <I>was not well-pleased,
|
|
but they were overthrown in the wilderness,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+10:3-5">1 Cor. x. 3-5</A>.
|
|
|
|
Their eating manna was no security to <I>them</I> from the <I>wrath of
|
|
God,</I> as believing in Christ is to <I>us.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The rest of them died in a course of nature, and their carcases
|
|
fell, under a divine sentence, in that wilderness where they did <I>eat
|
|
manna.</I> In that very age when miracles were <I>daily bread</I> was
|
|
the life of man reduced to the stint it now stands at, as appears,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+90:10">Ps. xc. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
Let them not then boast so much of <I>manna.</I>
|
|
|
|
2. The all-sufficiency of the true <I>manna,</I> of which the other
|
|
was a type: <I>This is the bread that cometh down from heaven,</I> that
|
|
truly divine and heavenly food, <I>that a man may eat thereof and not
|
|
die;</I> that is, not fall under the wrath of God, which is killing to
|
|
the soul; <I>not die</I> the second death; no, nor the first death
|
|
finally and irrecoverably. <I>Not die,</I> that is, not perish, not
|
|
come short of the heavenly Canaan, as the Israelites did of the
|
|
earthly, for want of <I>faith,</I> though they had <I>manna.</I> This
|
|
is further explained by that promise in the next words: <I>If any man
|
|
eat of this bread, he shall live for ever,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:51"><I>v.</I> 51</A>.
|
|
|
|
This is the meaning of this <I>never dying:</I> though he go down <I>to
|
|
death,</I> he shall pass through it to that world where there shall be
|
|
<I>no more death.</I> To <I>live for ever</I> is not to <I>be</I> for
|
|
ever (the damned in hell shall <I>be</I> for ever, the soul of man was
|
|
made for an endless state), but to be <I>happy</I> for ever. And
|
|
because the body must needs die, and be as water spilt upon the ground,
|
|
Christ here undertakes for the gathering of that up too (as before,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:44"><I>v.</I> 44</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>I will raise him up at the last day</I>); and even that shall live
|
|
for ever.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) He shows what encouragements we have to believe in Christ. Christ
|
|
here speaks of some who <I>had seen him and yet believed not,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:36"><I>v.</I> 36</A>.
|
|
|
|
They saw his person and miracles, and heard him preach, and yet were
|
|
not wrought upon to believe in him. Faith is not always the effect of
|
|
sight; the soldiers were eye-witnesses of his resurrection, and yet,
|
|
instead of <I>believing</I> in him, they <I>belied</I> him; so that it
|
|
is a difficult thing to bring people to believe in Christ: and, by the
|
|
operation of the Spirit of grace, those that <I>have not seen have yet
|
|
believed.</I> Two things we are here assured of, to encourage our
|
|
faith:--</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] That the Son will bid all those welcome that come to him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:37"><I>v.</I> 37</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.</I> How welcome
|
|
should this word be to our souls which bids us welcome to Christ!
|
|
<I>Him</I> that cometh; it is in the singular number, denoting favour,
|
|
not only to the body of believers in general, but to every particular
|
|
soul that applies itself to Christ. Here, <I>First,</I> The duty
|
|
required is a pure gospel duty: to <I>come to Christ,</I> that we may
|
|
come to God by him. His beauty and love, those great attractives, must
|
|
<I>draw</I> us to him; sense of need and fear of danger must
|
|
<I>drive</I> us to him; any thing to bring us to Christ.
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> The promise is a pure gospel promise: <I>I will in no
|
|
wise cast out</I>--<B><I>ou me ekbago exo</I></B>. There are two
|
|
negatives: <I>I will not, no, I will not.</I>
|
|
|
|
1. Much favour is expressed here. We have reason to fear that he should
|
|
<I>cast us out.</I> Considering our meanness, our vileness, our
|
|
unworthiness to come, our weakness in coming, we may justly expect that
|
|
he should frown upon us, and shut his doors against us; but he obviates
|
|
these fears with this assurance, he <I>will not</I> do it; will not
|
|
disdain us though we are mean, will not reject us though we are sinful.
|
|
Do poor scholars come to him to be taught? Though they be dull and
|
|
slow, he will not <I>cast them out.</I> Do poor <I>patients</I> come to
|
|
him to be <I>cured,</I> poor <I>clients</I> come to him to be
|
|
<I>advised?</I> Though their case be bad, and though they come
|
|
empty-handed, he will <I>in no wise cast them out.</I> But,
|
|
|
|
2. More favour is implied than is expressed; when it is said that he
|
|
will no cast them out the meaning is, He will receive them, and
|
|
entertain them, and give them all that which they come to him for. As
|
|
he will not refuse them at their first coming, so he will not
|
|
afterwards, upon every displeasure, cast them out. <I>His gifts and
|
|
callings are without repentance.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] That the Father will, without fail, bring all those to him in due
|
|
time that were given him. In the federal transactions between the
|
|
Father and the Son, relating to man's redemption, as the Son undertook
|
|
for the justification, sanctification, and salvation, of all that
|
|
should come to him ("Let me have them put into my hands, and then leave
|
|
the management of them to me"), so the Father, the fountain and
|
|
original of being, life, and grace, undertook to put into his hand all
|
|
that were given him, and bring them to him. Now,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> He here <I>assures</I> us <I>that</I> this shall be done:
|
|
<I>All that the Father giveth me shall come to me,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:37"><I>v.</I> 37</A>.
|
|
|
|
Christ had complained
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:36"><I>v.</I> 36</A>)
|
|
|
|
of those who, though they had <I>seen</I> him, yet would not believe on
|
|
him; and then he adds this,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>a.</I> For <I>their</I> conviction and awakening, plainly intimating
|
|
that their not coming to him, and believing on him, if they persisted
|
|
in it, would be a certain sign that they did not belong to the election
|
|
of grace; for how can we think that God gave us to Christ if we give
|
|
ourselves to the world and the flesh?
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+1:10">2 Pet. i. 10</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>b.</I> For <I>his own</I> comfort and encouragement: <I>Though
|
|
Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious.</I> The election
|
|
<I>has obtained,</I> and shall though multitudes be <I>blinded,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+11:7">Rom. xi. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Though he lose many of his <I>creatures,</I> yet none of his <I>charge:
|
|
All that the Father gives him shall come to him</I> notwithstanding.
|
|
Here we have,
|
|
|
|
(<I>a.</I>) The election described: <I>All that the father giveth
|
|
me,</I> <B><I>pan ho didosi</I></B>--<I>every thing</I> which the
|
|
Father <I>giveth to me;</I> the persons of the elect, and all that
|
|
belongs to them; all their services, all their interests. As all that
|
|
he has is <I>theirs,</I> so all that they have is <I>his,</I> and he
|
|
speaks of them as his all: they were given him in full recompense of
|
|
his undertaking. Not only all persons, but all things, are gathered
|
|
together in Christ
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+1:10">Eph. i. 10</A>)
|
|
|
|
and reconciled,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+1:20">Col. i. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
The giving of the chosen remnant to Christ is spoken of
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:39"><I>v.</I> 39</A>)
|
|
|
|
as a thing <I>done;</I> he <I>hath given</I> them. Here it is spoken
|
|
of as a thing <I>in the doing;</I> he <I>giveth them;</I> because,
|
|
<I>when the first begotten was brought into the world,</I> it should
|
|
seem, there was a renewal of the grant; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:5">Heb. x. 5</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c. God was now about to <I>give him the heathen for his
|
|
inheritance</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+2:8">Ps. ii. 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
to put him in possession of <I>the desolate heritages</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+49:8">Isa. xlix. 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
to <I>divide him a portion with the great,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=isa+53:12">Isa. liii. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
And though the Jews, who <I>saw</I> him, <I>believed not</I> on him,
|
|
yet these (saith he) shall <I>come to me;</I> the other sheep, which
|
|
are not of this fold, shall be <I>brought,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+10:15,16"><I>ch.</I> x. 15, 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+13:45-48">Acts xiii. 45-48</A>.
|
|
|
|
(<I>b.</I>) The effect of it secured: <I>They shall come to me.</I>
|
|
This is not in the nature of a <I>promise,</I> but a <I>prediction,</I>
|
|
that as many as were in the counsel of God ordained to life shall be
|
|
brought to life by being brought to Christ. They are <I>scattered,</I>
|
|
are mingled among the nations, yet none of them shall be forgotten; not
|
|
a grain of God's corn shall be lost, as is promised,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Am+9:9">Amos ix. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
They are by nature <I>alienated</I> from Christ, and averse to him, and
|
|
yet <I>they shall come.</I> As God's omniscience is engaged for the
|
|
finding of them all out, so is his omnipotence for the bringing of them
|
|
all in. Not, They shall be <I>driven,</I> to me, but, They shall come
|
|
freely, shall be made <I>willing.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> He here <I>acquaints</I> us <I>how</I> it shall be
|
|
done. How shall those who are given to Christ be brought to him? Two
|
|
things are to be done in order to it:--</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>a.</I> Their <I>understandings</I> shall be <I>enlightened;</I> this
|
|
is promised,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:45,46"><I>v.</I> 45, 46</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is written in the prophets, who spoke of these things before, <I>And
|
|
they shall be all taught of God;</I> this we find,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+54:13,Jer+31:34">Isa. liv. 13, and Jer. xxxi. 34</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>They shall all know me.</I> Note,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(<I>a.</I>) In order to our <I>believing in Jesus Christ,</I> it is
|
|
necessary that we be <I>taught of God;</I> that is,
|
|
|
|
[<I>a.</I>] That there be a <I>divine revelation made to us,</I>
|
|
discovering to us both what we are to believe concerning Christ and why
|
|
we are to believe it. There are some things which <I>even nature
|
|
teaches,</I> but to bring us to Christ there is need of a higher light.
|
|
|
|
[<I>b.</I>] That there be a <I>divine work wrought in us,</I> enabling
|
|
us to understand and receive these revealed truths and the evidence of
|
|
them. God, in giving us reason, teaches us more than the <I>beasts of
|
|
the earth;</I> but in giving us faith he teaches more than the
|
|
<I>natural man.</I> Thus all the church's children, all that are
|
|
<I>genuine,</I> are <I>taught of God;</I> he hath undertaken their
|
|
education.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(<I>b.</I>) It follows then, by way of inference from this, that
|
|
<I>every man</I> that has <I>heard and learned of the Father comes to
|
|
Christ,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:45"><I>v.</I> 45</A>.
|
|
|
|
[<I>a.</I>] It is here implied that none will come to Christ but those
|
|
that have <I>heard</I> and <I>learned of the Father.</I> We shall never
|
|
be brought to Christ but under a divine conduct; except God by his
|
|
grace enlighten our minds, inform our judgments, and rectify our
|
|
mistakes, and not only <I>tell</I> us that we may <I>hear,</I> but
|
|
teach us, that we may <I>learn</I> the truth as it is in Jesus, we
|
|
shall never be brought to believe in Christ.
|
|
|
|
[<I>b.</I>] That this <I>divine teaching</I> does so necessarily
|
|
produce the <I>faith of God's elect</I> that we may conclude that those
|
|
who do not <I>come to Christ</I> have never <I>heard</I> nor
|
|
<I>learned</I> of the Father; for, if they had, doubtless they would
|
|
have come to Christ. In vain do men pretend to be <I>taught of God</I>
|
|
if they believe not in Christ, for he teaches no other lesson,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+1:8,9">Gal. i. 8, 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
See how God deals with men as reasonable creatures, draws them with the
|
|
<I>cords of a man,</I> opens the understanding first, and then by that,
|
|
in a regular way, influences the inferior faculties; thus he comes in
|
|
by the door, but Satan, as a robber, climbs up another way. But lest
|
|
any should dream of a visible appearance of God the Father to the
|
|
children of men (to teach them these things), and entertain any gross
|
|
conceptions about hearing and learning of the Father, he adds
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:46"><I>v.</I> 46</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Not that any man hath seen the Father;</I> it is implied, nor
|
|
<I>can</I> see him, with bodily eyes, or may expect to learn of him as
|
|
Moses did, to whom he spoke <I>face to face;</I> but God, in
|
|
enlightening men's eyes and teaching them, works in a spiritual way.
|
|
The Father of spirits hath access to, and influence upon, men's
|
|
spirits, undiscerned. The Father of spirits hath access to, and
|
|
influence upon, men's spirits, undiscerned. Those that have not seen
|
|
his face have felt his power. And yet there is one intimately
|
|
acquainted with the Father, he <I>who is of God,</I> Christ himself, he
|
|
hath <I>seen the Father,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:18"><I>ch.</I> i. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, <I>First,</I> Jesus Christ is of God in a peculiar manner, God of
|
|
God, light of light; not only sent of God, but begotten of God before
|
|
all worlds. <I>Secondly,</I> It is the prerogative of Christ to have
|
|
<I>seen the Father,</I> perfectly to know him and his counsels.
|
|
<I>Thirdly,</I> Even that illumination which is preparative to faith is
|
|
conveyed to us through Christ. Those that <I>learn of the Father,</I>
|
|
forasmuch as they cannot see him themselves, must learn of Christ, who
|
|
alone hath seen him. As all divine discoveries are made through Christ,
|
|
so through him all divine powers are exerted.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>b.</I> Their <I>wills</I> shall be <I>bowed.</I> If the soul of man
|
|
had now its original rectitude there needed no more to influence the
|
|
will than the illumination of the understanding; but in the depraved
|
|
soul of fallen man there is a rebellion of the will against the right
|
|
dictates of the understanding; a <I>carnal mind,</I> which is
|
|
<I>enmity</I> itself to the divine light and law. It is therefore
|
|
requisite that there be a work of grace wrought upon the will, which is
|
|
here called <I>drawing,</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:44"><I>v.</I> 44</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>No man can come to me except the Father, who hath sent me, draw
|
|
him.</I> The Jews murmured at the doctrine of Christ; not only would
|
|
not receive it themselves, but were angry that others did. Christ
|
|
overheard their secret whisperings, and said
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:43"><I>v.</I> 43</A>),
|
|
|
|
"<I>Murmur not among yourselves;</I> lay not the fault of your dislike
|
|
of my doctrine one upon another, as if it were because you find it
|
|
generally distasted; no, it is owing to yourselves, and your own
|
|
corrupt dispositions, which are such as amount to a <I>moral
|
|
impotency;</I> your antipathies to the truths of God, and prejudices
|
|
against them, are so strong that nothing less than a divine power can
|
|
conquer them." And this is the case of all mankind: "<I>No man can come
|
|
to me,</I> can persuade himself to come up to the terms of the gospel,
|
|
<I>except the Father, who hath sent me, draw him,</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:44"><I>v.</I> 44</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
(<I>a.</I>) The nature of the work: It is <I>drawing,</I> which denotes
|
|
not a <I>force</I> put upon the will, whereby of unwilling we are made
|
|
willing, and a new bias is given to the soul, by which it inclines to
|
|
God. This seems to be more than a <I>moral suasion,</I> for by that it
|
|
is in the power to <I>draw;</I> yet it is not to be called a
|
|
<I>physical impulse,</I> for it lies out of the road of <I>nature;</I>
|
|
but he that <I>formed the spirit of man within him</I> by his creating
|
|
power, and <I>fashions the hearts of men</I> by his providential
|
|
influence, knows how to new-mould the soul, and to alter its bent and
|
|
temper, and make it conformable to himself and his own will, without
|
|
doing any wrong to its natural liberty. It is such a drawing as works
|
|
not only a <I>compliance,</I> but a cheerful compliance, a complacency:
|
|
<I>Draw us, and we will run after thee.</I>
|
|
|
|
(<I>b.</I>) The necessity of it: <I>No man,</I> in this weak and
|
|
helpless state, can come to Christ without it. As we <I>cannot</I> do
|
|
any natural action without the concurrence of <I>common providence,</I>
|
|
so we cannot do any action morally good without the influence of
|
|
<I>special grace,</I> in which the <I>new man</I> lives, and moves, and
|
|
has its being, as much as the <I>mere man</I> has in the divine
|
|
providence.
|
|
|
|
(<I>c.</I>) The author of it: The <I>Father who hath sent me.</I> The
|
|
Father, having sent Christ, will succeed him, for he would not send him
|
|
on a fruitless errand. Christ having undertaken to bring souls to
|
|
glory, God promised him, in order thereunto, to bring them to him, and
|
|
so to give him possession of those to whom he had given him a right.
|
|
God, having by promise given the kingdom of Israel to David, did at
|
|
length <I>draw the hearts</I> of the people to him; so, having sent
|
|
Christ to save souls, he sends souls to him to be saved by him.
|
|
|
|
(<I>d.</I>) The crown and perfection of this work: And <I>I will raise
|
|
him up at the last day.</I> This is four times mentioned in this
|
|
discourse, and doubtless it includes all the intermediate and
|
|
preparatory workings of divine grace. When he <I>raises them up at the
|
|
last day,</I> he will put the <I>last hand</I> to his undertaking, will
|
|
<I>bring forth the topstone.</I> If he undertakes this, surely he
|
|
<I>can</I> do any thing, and will do every thing that is necessary in
|
|
order to do it. Let our expectations be carried out towards a happiness
|
|
reserved for the <I>last day,</I> when all the years of time shall be
|
|
fully complete and ended.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. Christ, having thus spoken of himself as the <I>bread of life,</I>
|
|
and of faith as <I>the work of God,</I> comes more particularly to show
|
|
<I>what of himself</I> is this bread, namely, his flesh, and that to
|
|
believe is to eat of that,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:51-58"><I>v.</I> 51-58</A>,
|
|
|
|
where he still prosecutes the metaphor of food. Observe, here, the
|
|
<I>preparation</I> of this food: <I>The bread that I will give is my
|
|
flesh</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:51"><I>v.</I> 51</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>the flesh of the Son of man and his blood,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:53"><I>v.</I> 53</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>His flesh is meat indeed, and his blood is drink indeed,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:55"><I>v.</I> 55</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe, also, the <I>participation</I> of this food: We must <I>eat
|
|
the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:53"><I>v.</I> 53</A>);
|
|
|
|
and again
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:54"><I>v.</I> 54</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood;</I> and the same words
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:56,57"><I>v.</I> 56, 57</A>),
|
|
|
|
he that <I>eateth me.</I> This is certainly a parable or figurative
|
|
discourse, wherein the actings of the soul upon things spiritual and
|
|
divine are represented by bodily actions about things sensible, which
|
|
made the truths of Christ more intelligible to some, and less so to
|
|
others,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+4:11-12">Mark iv. 11-12</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Let us see how this discourse of Christ was liable to mistake and
|
|
misconstruction, that <I>men might see, and not perceive.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] It was misconstrued by the carnal <I>Jews,</I> to whom it was
|
|
first delivered
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:52"><I>v.</I> 52</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>They strove among themselves;</I> they whispered in each other's
|
|
ears their dissatisfaction: <I>How can this man give us his flesh to
|
|
eat?</I> Christ spoke
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:51"><I>v.</I> 51</A>)
|
|
|
|
of giving his flesh <I>for us,</I> to suffer and die; but they, without
|
|
due consideration, understood it of his giving it <I>to us,</I> to be
|
|
eaten, which gave occasion to Christ to tell them that, however what he
|
|
said was otherwise intended, yet even that also of <I>eating of his
|
|
flesh</I> was no such absurd thing (if rightly understood) as <I>prima
|
|
facie--in the first instance,</I> they took it to be.
|
|
|
|
[2.] It has been wretchedly misconstrued by the church of Rome for the
|
|
support of their monstrous doctrine of transubstantiation, which gives
|
|
the lie to our senses, contradicts the nature of a sacrament, and
|
|
overthrows all convincing evidence. They, like these Jews here,
|
|
understand it of a corporal and carnal eating of Christ's body, like
|
|
Nicodemus,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+3:4:"><I>ch.</I> iii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Lord's supper was not yet instituted, and therefore it could have
|
|
no reference to that; it is a <I>spiritual</I> eating and drinking that
|
|
is here spoken of, not a <I>sacramental.</I>
|
|
|
|
[3.] It is misunderstood by many ignorant carnal people, who hence
|
|
infer that, if they take the sacrament when they die, they shall
|
|
certainly go to heaven, which, as it makes many that are weak
|
|
causelessly uneasy if they want it, so it makes many that are wicked
|
|
causelessly easy if they have it. Therefore,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Let us see how this discourse of Christ is to be understood.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] What is meant by the <I>flesh and blood of Christ.</I> It is
|
|
called
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:53"><I>v.</I> 53</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>The flesh of the Son of man, and his blood, his</I> as Messiah and
|
|
Mediator: the <I>flesh and blood</I> which he <I>assumed</I> in his
|
|
incarnation
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+2:14">Heb. ii. 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
and which he <I>gave up</I> in his <I>death</I> and <I>suffering: my
|
|
flesh which I will give</I> to be crucified and slain. It is said to be
|
|
<I>given for the life of the world,</I> that is, <I>First, Instead</I>
|
|
of the <I>life of the world,</I> which was <I>forfeited</I> by sin,
|
|
Christ gives his own flesh as a ransom or counterprice. Christ was our
|
|
bail, bound <I>body for body</I> (as we say), and therefore <I>his</I>
|
|
life must go for <I>ours,</I> that ours may be spared. <I>Here am I,
|
|
let these go their way. Secondly, In order to</I> the <I>life of the
|
|
world,</I> to purchase a <I>general</I> offer of eternal life to all
|
|
the world, and the <I>special</I> assurances of it to all believers. So
|
|
that the <I>flesh and blood</I> of the Son of man denote the Redeemer
|
|
<I>incarnate</I> and <I>dying;</I> Christ and <I>him crucified,</I> and
|
|
the redemption wrought out by him, with all the precious benefits of
|
|
redemption: pardon of sin, acceptance with God, the adoption of sons,
|
|
access to the throne of grace, the promises of the covenant, and
|
|
eternal life; these are called <I>the flesh and blood</I> of Christ,
|
|
|
|
1. Because they are purchased by his flesh and blood, by the breaking
|
|
of his body, and shedding of his blood. Well may the purchased
|
|
privileges be denominated from the price that was paid for them, for it
|
|
puts a value upon them; write upon them <I>pretium sanguinis--the price
|
|
of blood.</I>
|
|
|
|
2. Because they are meat and drink to our souls. <I>Flesh with the
|
|
blood</I> was prohibited
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+9:4">Gen. ix. 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
but the privileges of the gospel are as flesh and blood to us, prepared
|
|
for the nourishment of our souls. He had before compared himself to
|
|
<I>bread,</I> which is necessary food; here to <I>flesh,</I> which is
|
|
delicious. It is a <I>feast of fat things,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+25:6">Isa. xxv. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
The soul is satisfied with Christ as <I>with marrow and fatness,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+63:5">Ps. lxiii. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is <I>meat indeed,</I> and <I>drink indeed; truly so,</I> that is
|
|
spiritually; so Dr. Whitby; as Christ is called the <I>true vine;</I>
|
|
or <I>truly meat,</I> in opposition to the shows and shadows with which
|
|
the world shams off those that feed upon it. In Christ and his gospel
|
|
there is real supply, solid satisfaction; that is <I>meat indeed,</I>
|
|
and <I>drink indeed,</I> which satiates and replenishes,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+31:25,26">Jer. xxxi. 25, 26</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] What is meant by <I>eating this flesh</I> and <I>drinking</I> this
|
|
<I>blood,</I> which is so necessary and beneficial; it is certain that
|
|
is means neither more nor less than believing in Christ. As we partake
|
|
of meat and drink by eating and drinking, so we partake of Christ and
|
|
his benefits by faith: and <I>believing in Christ</I> includes these
|
|
four things, which <I>eating and drinking</I> do:--<I>First,</I> It
|
|
implies an <I>appetite</I> to Christ. This spiritual eating and
|
|
drinking begins with <I>hungering</I> and <I>thirsting</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+5:6">Matt. v. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
earnest and importunate desires after Christ, not willing to take up
|
|
with any thing short of an interest in him: "Give me Christ or else I
|
|
die." <I>Secondly,</I> An <I>application</I> of Christ to ourselves.
|
|
Meat <I>looked upon</I> will not nourish us, but meat <I>fed upon,</I>
|
|
and so made <I>our own,</I> and as it were <I>one with us.</I> We must
|
|
so accept of Christ as to appropriate him to ourselves: <I>my Lord, and
|
|
my God,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+20:28"><I>ch.</I> xx. 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Thirdly,</I> A <I>delight</I> in Christ and his salvation. The
|
|
doctrine of Christ crucified must be <I>meat and drink</I> to us, most
|
|
pleasant and delightful. We must feast upon the dainties of the <I>New
|
|
Testament in the blood of Christ,</I> taking as great a complacency in
|
|
the methods which Infinite Wisdom has taken to redeem and save us as
|
|
ever we did in the most needful supplies or grateful delights of
|
|
nature. <I>Fourthly,</I> A <I>derivation of nourishment</I> from him
|
|
and a dependence upon him for the support and comfort of our spiritual
|
|
life, and the strength, growth, and vigour of the new man. To <I>feed
|
|
upon Christ</I> is to do all <I>in his name,</I> in union with him, and
|
|
by virtue drawn from him; it is to live upon him as we do upon our
|
|
meat. How our bodies are nourished by our food we cannot describe, but
|
|
that they are so we know and find; so it is with this spiritual
|
|
nourishment. Our Saviour was so well pleased with this metaphor (as
|
|
very significant and expressive) that, when afterwards he would
|
|
institute some outward sensible signs, by which to represent our
|
|
<I>communicating</I> of the benefits of his death, he chose those of
|
|
<I>eating</I> and <I>drinking,</I> and made them <I>sacramental</I>
|
|
actions.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) Having thus explained the general meaning of this part of Christ's
|
|
discourse, the particulars are reducible to two heads:--</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] The <I>necessity</I> of our <I>feeding upon Christ</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:53"><I>v.</I> 53</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you
|
|
have no life in you.</I> That is, <I>First,</I> "It is a certain sign
|
|
that you <I>have no</I> spiritual <I>life</I> in you if you have no
|
|
<I>desire</I> towards Christ, nor <I>delight</I> in him." If the soul
|
|
does not <I>hunger</I> and <I>thirst,</I> certainly it does not
|
|
<I>live:</I> it is a sign that we are dead indeed if we are dead to
|
|
such meat and drink as this. When <I>artificial</I> bees, that by
|
|
curious springs were made to move to and fro, were to be
|
|
<I>distinguished</I> from <I>natural</I> ones (they say), it was done
|
|
by putting honey among them, which the natural bees only flocked to,
|
|
but the artificial ones minded not, for <I>they had no life in them.
|
|
Secondly,</I> "It is certain that you <I>can have</I> no spiritual
|
|
life, unless you derive it from Christ by faith; separated from him you
|
|
can do nothing." Faith in Christ is the <I>primum vivens--the first
|
|
living principle</I> of grace; without it we have not the <I>truth</I>
|
|
of <I>spiritual</I> life, nor any title to eternal life: our bodies may
|
|
as well live without meat as our souls without Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] The <I>benefit</I> and <I>advantage</I> of it, in two things:--</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> We shall be <I>one with Christ,</I> as our bodies are
|
|
with our food when it is digested
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:56"><I>v.</I> 56</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>He that eats my flesh, and drinks my blood,</I> that lives by faith
|
|
in Christ crucified (it is spoken of as a continued act), he
|
|
<I>dwelleth in me, and I in him.</I> By faith we have a close and
|
|
intimate union with Christ; he is <I>in us,</I> and we <I>in him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:21-23,1Jo+3:24"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 21-23; 1 John iii. 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
Believers dwell in Christ as their stronghold or city of refuge; Christ
|
|
dwells in them as the master of the house, to rule it and provide for
|
|
it. Such is the union between Christ and believers that he shares in
|
|
their griefs, and they share in his graces and joys; he <I>sups</I>
|
|
with them upon their bitter herbs, and <I>they with him</I> upon his
|
|
<I>rich dainties.</I> It is an inseparable union, like that between the
|
|
body and digested food,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:35,1Jo+4:13">Rom. viii. 35; 1 John iv. 13</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> We shall <I>live,</I> shall live eternally, <I>by
|
|
him,</I> as our bodies live by our food.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>a.</I> We shall <I>live by him</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:57"><I>v.</I> 57</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he
|
|
that eateth me, even he shall live by me.</I> We have here the series
|
|
and order of the divine life.
|
|
|
|
(<I>a.</I>) God is the <I>living Father,</I> hath life in and of
|
|
himself. <I>I am that I am</I> is his name for ever.
|
|
|
|
(<I>b.</I>) Jesus Christ, as Mediator, lives <I>by the Father;</I> he
|
|
has life <I>in himself</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+5:26"><I>ch.</I> v. 26</A>),
|
|
|
|
but he has it of the Father. He that sent him, not only qualified him
|
|
with that life which was necessary to so great an undertaking, but
|
|
constituted him the treasury of divine life to us; he breathed into the
|
|
second Adam the breath of spiritual lives, as into the first Adam the
|
|
breath of natural lives.
|
|
|
|
(<I>c.</I>) True believers receive this divine life by virtue of their
|
|
union with Christ, which is inferred from the union between the Father
|
|
and the Son, as it is compared to it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:21"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
For therefore <I>he that eateth me,</I> or feeds on me, <I>even he
|
|
shall live by me:</I> those that live <I>upon</I> Christ shall live
|
|
<I>by</I> him. The life of believers is <I>had from Christ</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:16"><I>ch.</I> i. 16</A>);
|
|
|
|
it is <I>hid with Christ</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:4">Col. iii. 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
we live by <I>him</I> as the members by the head, the branches by the
|
|
root; because he lives, we shall live also.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>b.</I> We shall live <I>eternally</I> by him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:54"><I>v.</I> 54</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood,</I> as prepared in the
|
|
gospel to be the food of souls, he <I>hath eternal life,</I> he hath it
|
|
now, as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:40"><I>v.</I> 40</A>.
|
|
|
|
He has that in him which is eternal life begun; he has the earnest and
|
|
foretaste of it, and the hope of it; he shall live <I>for ever,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:58"><I>v.</I> 58</A>.
|
|
|
|
His happiness shall run parallel with the longest line of eternity
|
|
itself.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_60"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_61"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_62"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_63"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_64"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_65"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_66"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_67"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_68"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_69"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_70"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh6_71"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec5"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ's Discourse with His Disciples; The Effect of Christ's Discourse; The Character of Judas.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard <I>this,</I>
|
|
said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it?
|
|
61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at
|
|
it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
|
|
62 <I>What</I> and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he
|
|
was before?
|
|
63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth
|
|
nothing: the words that I speak unto you, <I>they</I> are spirit, and
|
|
<I>they</I> are life.
|
|
64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew
|
|
from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who
|
|
should betray him.
|
|
65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come
|
|
unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
|
|
66 From that <I>time</I> many of his disciples went back, and walked
|
|
no more with him.
|
|
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
|
|
68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go?
|
|
thou hast the words of eternal life.
|
|
69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the
|
|
Son of the living God.
|
|
70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one
|
|
of you is a devil?
|
|
71 He spake of Judas Iscariot <I>the son</I> of Simon: for he it was
|
|
that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here an account of the effects of Christ's discourse. Some were
|
|
offended and others edified by it; some driven <I>from him</I> and
|
|
others brought nearer <I>to him.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. To some it was a <I>savour of death unto death;</I> not only to the
|
|
Jews, who were professed enemies to him and his doctrine, but even to
|
|
many of <I>his disciples,</I> such as were disciples <I>at large,</I>
|
|
who were his frequent hearers, and followed him <I>in public;</I> a
|
|
mixed multitude, like those among Israel, that began all the
|
|
discontents. Now here we have,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Their murmurings at the doctrine they heard
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:60"><I>v.</I> 60</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>This is a hard saying, who can hear it?</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) They do not like it themselves: "What stuff is this? <I>Eat the
|
|
flesh, and drink the blood, of the Son of man!</I> If it is to be
|
|
understood figuratively, it is not intelligible; if literally, not
|
|
practicable. What! must we turn cannibals? Can we not be religious, but
|
|
we must be barbarous?" <I>Si Christiani adorant quod comedunt</I> (said
|
|
Averroes), <I>sit anima mea cum philosophis--If Christians adore what
|
|
they eat, my mind shall continue with the philosophers.</I> Now, when
|
|
they found it a hard saying, if they had humbly begged of Christ to
|
|
have <I>declared unto them this parable,</I> he would have opened it,
|
|
and their understandings too; for <I>the meek will he teach his
|
|
way.</I> But they were not willing to have Christ's sayings explained
|
|
to them, because they would not lose <I>this</I> pretence for rejecting
|
|
them--that they were <I>hard sayings.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) They think it impossible that any one else should like it: "<I>Who
|
|
can hear it?</I> Surely none can." Thus the scoffers at religion are
|
|
ready to undertake that all the intelligent part of mankind concur with
|
|
them. They conclude with great assurance that no <I>man of sense</I>
|
|
will admit the doctrine of Christ, nor any <I>man of spirit</I> submit
|
|
to his laws. Because they cannot bear to be so <I>tutored,</I> so
|
|
<I>tied up,</I> themselves, they think none else can: <I>Who can hear
|
|
it?</I> Thanks be to God, thousands have <I>heard</I> these sayings of
|
|
Christ, and have found them not only easy, but pleasant, as their
|
|
<I>necessary food.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Christ's animadversions upon their murmurings.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) He well enough knew their murmurings,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:61"><I>v.</I> 61</A>.
|
|
|
|
Their cavils were secret in their own breasts, or whispered among
|
|
themselves in a corner. But,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Christ <I>knew</I> them; he saw them, he heard them. Note, Christ
|
|
takes notice not only of the bold and open <I>defiances</I> that are
|
|
done to his name and glory by <I>daring sinners,</I> but of the secret
|
|
slights that are put upon his doctrine by carnal professors; he knows
|
|
that which the <I>fool saith in his heart,</I> and cannot for shame
|
|
<I>speak out;</I> he observes how his doctrine is <I>resented</I> by
|
|
those to whom it is <I>preached;</I> who <I>rejoice</I> in it, and who
|
|
<I>murmur</I> at it; who are reconciled to it, and bow before it, and
|
|
who quarrel with it, and rebel against it, though ever so secretly.
|
|
|
|
[2.] He knew it <I>in himself,</I> not by any information given him,
|
|
nor any external indication of the thing, but by his own divine
|
|
omniscience. He knew it not as the prophets, by a <I>divine
|
|
revelation</I> made to him (that which the prophets desired to know was
|
|
sometimes hid from them, as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+4:27">2 Kings iv. 27</A>),
|
|
|
|
but by a <I>divine knowledge</I> in him. He is that essential Word that
|
|
<I>discerns the thoughts of the heart,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+4:12,13">Heb. iv. 12, 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thoughts are words to Christ; we should therefore take heed not only
|
|
what we say and do, but what we think.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He well enough knew how to answer them: "<I>Doth this offend
|
|
you?</I> Is this a stumbling-block to you?" See how people by their own
|
|
wilful mistakes create offences to themselves: they take offence where
|
|
there is none given, and even make it where there is nothing to make it
|
|
of. Note, We may justly wonder that so much offence should be taken at
|
|
the doctrine of Christ for so little cause. Christ speaks of it here
|
|
with wonder: "<I>Doth this offend you?</I>" Now, in answer to those who
|
|
condemned his doctrine as intricate and obscure (<I>Si non vis
|
|
intelligi, debes negligi</I>--<I>If you are unwilling to be understood,
|
|
you ought to be neglected</I>),</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] He gives them a hint of his ascension into heaven, as that which
|
|
would give an irresistible evidence of the truth of his doctrine
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:62"><I>v.</I> 62</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>What and if you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was
|
|
before?</I> And what then? <I>First,</I> "If I should tell you of that,
|
|
surely it would much more offend you, and you would think my
|
|
pretensions too high indeed. If this be so hard a saying that you
|
|
cannot hear it, how will you digest it when I tell you of my returning
|
|
<I>to</I> heaven, whence I came down?" See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+3:12"><I>ch.</I> iii. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
Those who stumble at smaller difficulties should consider how they will
|
|
get over greater. <I>Secondly,</I> "When you see the Son of man
|
|
ascend, this will much more offend you, for then my body will be less
|
|
capable of being eaten by you in that gross sense wherein you now
|
|
understand it;" so Dr. Whitby. Or, <I>Thirdly,</I> "When you see that,
|
|
or hear it from those that shall see it, surely then you will be
|
|
satisfied. You think I take too much upon me when I say, <I>I came down
|
|
from heaven,</I> for it was with this that you quarrelled
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:42"><I>v.</I> 42</A>);
|
|
|
|
but will you think so when you see me return to heaven?" If he
|
|
<I>ascended,</I> certainly he <I>descended,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:9,10">Eph. iv. 9, 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
Christ did often refer himself thus to <I>subsequent</I> proofs, as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:50,51,2:14,Mt+12:40,26:64"><I>ch.</I> i. 50, 51; ii. 14; Matt. xii. 40; xxvi. 64</A>.
|
|
|
|
Let us wait awhile, till the mystery of God shall be finished, and then
|
|
we shall see that there was no reason to be offended at any of Christ's
|
|
sayings.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] He gives them a general key to this and all such parabolical
|
|
discourses, teaching them that they are to be understood spiritually,
|
|
and not after a corporal and carnal manner: <I>It is the spirit that
|
|
quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:63"><I>v.</I> 63</A>.
|
|
|
|
As it is in the natural body, the animal spirits quicken and enliven
|
|
it, and without these the most nourishing food would profit nothing
|
|
(what would the body be the better for bread, if it were not quickened
|
|
and animated by the spirit), so it is with the soul. <I>First,</I> The
|
|
bare participation of ordinances, unless the Spirit of God work with
|
|
them, and quicken the soul by them, <I>profits nothing;</I> the word
|
|
and ordinances, if the Spirit works with them, are as food to a living
|
|
man, if not, they are as food to a dead man. Even the flesh of Christ,
|
|
the sacrifice for sin, will avail us nothing unless the blessed Spirit
|
|
quicken our souls thereby, and enforce the powerful influences of his
|
|
death upon us, till we by his grace are planted together in the
|
|
likeness of it. <I>Secondly,</I> The doctrine of eating Christ's flesh
|
|
and drinking his blood, if it be understood literally, <I>profits
|
|
nothing,</I> but rather leads us into mistakes and prejudices; but the
|
|
spiritual sense or meaning of it quickens the soul, makes it
|
|
<I>alive</I> and <I>lively;</I> for so it follows: <I>The words that I
|
|
speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. To eat the flesh of
|
|
Christ!</I> this is a hard saying, but to believe that Christ died for
|
|
me, to derive from that doctrine strength and comfort in my approaches
|
|
to God, my oppositions to sin and preparations for a future state, this
|
|
is the <I>spirit and life</I> of that saying, and, construing it thus,
|
|
it is an excellent saying. The reason why men <I>dislike</I> Christ's
|
|
sayings if because they <I>mistake</I> them. The literal sense of a
|
|
parable does us no good, we are never the wiser for it, but the
|
|
spiritual meaning is instructive. <I>Thirdly,</I> The flesh profits
|
|
nothing--those that <I>are in the flesh</I> (so some understand it),
|
|
that are under the power of a carnal mind, <I>profit not</I> by
|
|
Christ's discourses; but <I>the Spirit quickeneth</I>--those that have
|
|
the Spirit, that are spiritual, are quickened and enlivened by them;
|
|
for they are received <I>ad modum recipientis--so as to correspond with
|
|
the state of the receiver's mind.</I> They found fault with Christ's
|
|
sayings, whereas the fault was in themselves; it is only to
|
|
<I>sensual</I> minds that spiritual things are <I>senseless</I> and
|
|
<I>sapless,</I> spiritual minds <I>relish</I> them; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+2:14,15">1 Cor. ii. 14, 15</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] He gives them an intimation of his <I>knowledge of them,</I> and
|
|
that he had expected no better from them, though they called themselves
|
|
his disciples,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:64,65"><I>v.</I> 64, 65</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now was fulfilled that of the prophet, speaking of Christ and his
|
|
doctrine
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+53:1">Isa. liii. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord
|
|
revealed?</I> Both these Christ here takes notice of.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> They did not <I>believe his report:</I> "There are
|
|
<I>some of you</I> who said you would leave all to follow me who yet
|
|
<I>believe not;</I>" and this was the reason why the <I>word preached
|
|
did not profit them,</I> because it was <I>not mixed with faith,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+4:2">Heb. iv. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
They did not believe him to be the Messiah, else they would have
|
|
acquiesced in the doctrine he preached, and not have quarrelled with
|
|
it, though there were some things in it <I>dark, and hard to be
|
|
understood. Oportet discentum credere--Young beginners in learning must
|
|
take things upon their teacher's word.</I> Note,
|
|
|
|
1. Among those who are <I>nominal Christians,</I> there are many who
|
|
are <I>real infidels.</I>
|
|
|
|
2. The unbelief of hypocrites, before it discovers itself to the world,
|
|
is naked and open before the eyes of Christ. He <I>knew from the
|
|
beginning</I> who they were of the multitudes that followed him that
|
|
<I>believed,</I> and who of the twelve should betray him; he knew
|
|
<I>from the beginning</I> of their acquaintance with him, and
|
|
attendance on him, when they were in the hottest pang of their zeal,
|
|
who were sincere, as Nathanael
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:47"><I>ch.</I> i. 47</A>),
|
|
|
|
and who were not. Before they distinguished themselves by an overt act,
|
|
he could infallibly distinguish <I>who believed</I> and who did not,
|
|
whose love was <I>counterfeit</I> and whose <I>cordial.</I> We may
|
|
gather hence,
|
|
|
|
(1.) That the apostasy of those who have long made a plausible
|
|
profession of religion is a certain proof of their constant hypocrisy,
|
|
and that <I>from the beginning they believed not,</I> but is not a
|
|
proof of the possibility of the total and final apostasy of any true
|
|
believers: such revolts are not to be called the fall of real saints,
|
|
but the discovery of pretended ones; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:19">1 John ii. 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Stella cadens non stella fuit--The star that falls never was a
|
|
star.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) That it is Christ's prerogative to <I>know the heart;</I> he knows
|
|
who they are that <I>believe not,</I> but dissemble in their
|
|
profession, and yet continues them room in his church, the use of his
|
|
ordinances, and the credit of his name, and does not discover them in
|
|
this world, unless they by their own wickedness discover themselves;
|
|
because such is the constitution of his visible church, and the
|
|
discovering day is yet to come. But, if we pretend to judge men's
|
|
hearts, we step into Christ's throne, and anticipate his judgment. We
|
|
are often deceived in men, and see cause to change our sentiments of
|
|
them; but this we are sure of, that Christ knows all men, and <I>his
|
|
judgment is according to truth.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> The reason why they did not believe his report was
|
|
because the <I>arm of the Lord</I> was not <I>revealed</I> to them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:65"><I>v.</I> 65</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Therefore said I unto you that no man can come to me, except it be
|
|
given unto him of my Father;</I> referring to
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:44"><I>v.</I> 44</A>.
|
|
|
|
Christ therefore could not but know who believed and who did not,
|
|
because faith is the gift and work of God, and all his Father's gifts
|
|
and works could not but be known to him, for they all passed through
|
|
his hands. There he had said that none could <I>come to him, except the
|
|
Father draw him;</I> here he saith, <I>except it be given him of my
|
|
Father,</I> which shows that God <I>draws</I> souls by giving them
|
|
grace and strength, and a heart to come, without which, such is the
|
|
moral impotency of man, in his fallen state, that he <I>cannot
|
|
come.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. We have here their final apostasy from Christ hereupon: <I>From that
|
|
time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:66"><I>v.</I> 66</A>.
|
|
|
|
When we admit into our minds hard thoughts of the word and works of
|
|
Christ, and conceive a secret dislike, and are willing to hear
|
|
insinuations tending to their reproach, we are then <I>entering into
|
|
temptation;</I> it is as the letting forth of water; it is <I>looking
|
|
back,</I> which, if infinite mercy prevent not, will end in <I>drawing
|
|
back;</I> therefore <I>Obsta principiis--Take heed of the
|
|
beginnings</I> of apostasy.
|
|
|
|
(1.) See here the <I>backsliding</I> of these <I>disciples. Many of
|
|
them went back</I> to their houses, and families, and callings, which
|
|
they had left for a time to follow him; <I>went back,</I> one to his
|
|
farm and another to his merchandise; <I>went back,</I> as Orpah did, to
|
|
their people, and to their gods,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ru+1:15">Ruth i. 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
They had entered themselves in Christ's school, but they <I>went
|
|
back,</I> did not only play truant for once, but took leave of him and
|
|
his doctrine for ever. Note, The apostasy of Christ's disciples from
|
|
him, though really a strange thing, yet has been such a common thing
|
|
that we need not be surprised at it. Here were <I>many</I> that <I>went
|
|
back.</I> It is often so; when some backslide many backslide with them;
|
|
the disease is infectious.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The occasion of this backsliding: <I>From that time,</I> from the
|
|
time that Christ preached this comfortable doctrine, that he is the
|
|
<I>bread of life,</I> and that those who by faith feed <I>upon him</I>
|
|
shall live <I>by him</I> (which, one would think, should have engaged
|
|
them to cleave more closely to him)--from <I>that</I> time they
|
|
withdrew. Note, The corrupt and wicked heart of man often makes that an
|
|
occasion of offence which is indeed matter of the greatest comfort.
|
|
Christ foresaw that they would thus take offence at what he said, and
|
|
yet he said it. That which is the undoubted word and truth of Christ
|
|
must be faithfully delivered, whoever may be offended at it. Men's
|
|
humours must be captivated to God's word, and not God's word
|
|
accommodated to men's humours.
|
|
|
|
(3.) The degree of their apostasy: <I>They walked no more with him,</I>
|
|
returned no more to him and attended no more upon his ministry. It is
|
|
hard for those who have been <I>once enlightened,</I> and have
|
|
<I>tasted the good word of God, if they fall away, to renew them again
|
|
to repentance,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+6:4-6">Heb. vi. 4-6</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. This discourse was to others a <I>savour of life unto life. Many
|
|
went back,</I> but, thanks be to God, all did not; even then the
|
|
<I>twelve</I> stuck to him. Though the <I>faith of some be
|
|
overthrown,</I> yet the <I>foundation of God stands sure.</I> Observe
|
|
here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The affectionate question which Christ put to the twelve
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:67"><I>v.</I> 67</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Will you also go away?</I> He saith nothing to those who went back.
|
|
<I>If the unbelieving depart, let them depart;</I> it was no great
|
|
<I>loss</I> of those whom he never <I>had;</I> lightly come, lightly
|
|
go; but he takes this occasion to speak to the twelve, to confirm them,
|
|
and by trying their stedfastness the more to fix them: <I>Will you also
|
|
go away?</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) "It is <I>at your choice</I> whether you will or no; if you will
|
|
forsake me, now is the time, when so many do: it is an hour of
|
|
temptation; if you will go back, go now." Note, Christ will detain none
|
|
with him against their wills; his soldiers are volunteers, not pressed
|
|
men. The twelve had now had time enough to try how they liked Christ
|
|
and his doctrine, and that none of them might afterwards say that they
|
|
were trepanned into discipleship, and if it were to do again they would
|
|
not do it, he here allows them a power of revocation, and leaves them
|
|
at their liberty; as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+25:15,Ru+1:15">Josh. xxiv. 15; Ruth i. 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) "It is <I>at your peril</I> if you do go away." If there was any
|
|
secret inclination in the heart of any of them to depart from him, he
|
|
stops it with this awakening question, "<I>Wilt you also go away?</I>
|
|
Think not that you hang at as loose an end as they did, and may go away
|
|
as easily as they could. They have not been so intimate with me as you
|
|
have been, nor received so many favours from me; they are gone, but
|
|
will <I>you</I> also go? Remember your character, and say, Whatever
|
|
others do, we will never go away. <I>Should such a man as I flee?</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ne+6:11">Neh. vi. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, The nearer we have been to Christ and the longer we have been
|
|
with him, the more engagements we have laid ourselves under to him, the
|
|
greater will be our sin if we desert him.
|
|
|
|
(3.) "I have reason <I>to think you will not.</I> Will you go away? No,
|
|
I have faster hold of you than so; <I>I hope better things of you</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+6:9">Heb. vi. 9</A>),
|
|
|
|
for <I>you are they that have continued with me,</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:28">Luke xxii. 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
When the apostasy of some is a grief to the Lord Jesus, the constancy
|
|
of others is so much the more his honour, and he is pleased with it
|
|
accordingly. Christ and believers know one another too well to part
|
|
upon every displeasure.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The believing reply which Peter, in the name of the rest, made to
|
|
this question,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:68,69"><I>v.</I> 68, 69</A>.
|
|
|
|
Christ put the question to them, as Joshua put Israel to their choice
|
|
whom they would serve, with design to draw out from them a promise to
|
|
adhere to him, and it had the like effect. <I>Nay, but we will serve
|
|
the Lord,</I> Peter was upon all occasions the <I>mouth of the
|
|
rest,</I> not so much because he had more of his Master's ear than
|
|
they, but because he had more tongue of his own; and what he said was
|
|
sometimes approved and sometimes reprimanded
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+16:17,23">Matt. xvi. 17, 23</A>)
|
|
|
|
--the common lot of those who are swift to speak. This here was well
|
|
said, admirably well; and probably he said it by the direction, and
|
|
with the express assent, of his fellow-disciples; at least he knew
|
|
their mind, and spoke the sense of them all, and did not except Judas,
|
|
for we must hope the best.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Here is a good resolution to adhere to Christ, and so expressed as
|
|
to intimate that they would not entertain the least thought of leaving
|
|
him: "<I>Lord, to whom shall we go?</I> It were folly to go from thee,
|
|
unless we knew where to better ourselves; no, Lord, we like our choice
|
|
too well to change." Note, Those who leave Christ would do well to
|
|
consider to whom they will go, and whether they can expect to find rest
|
|
and peace any where but in him. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+73:27,28,Ho+2:9">Ps. lxxiii. 27, 28; Hos. ii. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
"<I>Whither shall we go?</I> Shall we make our court to the world? It
|
|
will certainly <I>deceive</I> us. Shall we return to sin? It will
|
|
certainly <I>destroy</I> us. Shall we leave the <I>fountain of living
|
|
waters</I> for <I>broken cisterns?</I>" The disciples resolve to
|
|
continue their pursuit of life and happiness, and will have a guide to
|
|
it, and will adhere to Christ as their guide, for they can never have a
|
|
better. "Shall we go to the heathen philosophers, and become their
|
|
disciples? They are become vain in their imaginations, and, professing
|
|
themselves to be wise in other things, are become fools in religion.
|
|
Shall we go to the scribes and Pharisees, and sit at their feet? What
|
|
good can they do us who have made void the commandments of God by their
|
|
traditions? Shall we go to Moses? He will send us back again to thee.
|
|
Therefore, if ever we find the way to happiness, it must be in
|
|
following thee." Note, Christ's holy religion appears to great
|
|
advantage when it is compared with other institutions, for then it will
|
|
be seen how far it excels them all. Let those who find fault with this
|
|
religion find a better before they quit it. A divine teacher we must
|
|
have; can we find a better than Christ? A divine revelation we cannot
|
|
be without; if the scripture be not such a one, where else may we look
|
|
for it?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Here is a good reason for this resolution. It was not the
|
|
inconsiderate resolve of a blind affection, but the result of mature
|
|
deliberation. The disciples were resolved never to go away from
|
|
Christ,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] Because of the <I>advantage</I> they promised themselves by him:
|
|
<I>Thou hast the words of eternal life.</I> They themselves did not
|
|
fully understand Christ's discourse, for as yet the doctrine of the
|
|
cross was a riddle to them; but in the general they were satisfied that
|
|
<I>he had the words of eternal life,</I> that is, <I>First,</I> That
|
|
the word of his doctrine showed the way to <I>eternal life,</I> set it
|
|
before us, and directed us what to do, that we might inherit it.
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> That the word of his <I>determination</I> must confer
|
|
eternal life. His <I>having the words of eternal life</I> is the same
|
|
with his having <I>power to give eternal life to as many as were given
|
|
him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:2"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
He had in the foregoing discourse assured <I>eternal life</I> to his
|
|
followers; these disciples fastened upon this plain saying, and
|
|
therefore resolved to stick to him, when the others overlooked this,
|
|
and fastened upon the <I>hard sayings,</I> and therefore forsook him.
|
|
Though we cannot account for every mystery, every obscurity, in
|
|
Christ's doctrine, yet we know, in the general, that it is the word of
|
|
eternal life, and therefore must live and die by it; for if we forsake
|
|
Christ <I>we forsake our own mercies.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] Because of the assurance they had concerning him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:69"><I>v.</I> 69</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>We believe, and are sure, that thou art that Christ.</I> if he be
|
|
the promised Messiah, he must <I>bring in an everlasting
|
|
righteousness</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+9:24">Dan. ix. 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
and therefore has the <I>words of eternal life,</I> for
|
|
<I>righteousness reigns to eternal life,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+5:21">Rom. v. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
observe, <I>First,</I> The <I>doctrine</I> they believed: that this
|
|
Jesus was the Messiah promised to the fathers and expected by them, and
|
|
that he was not a mere man, but the Son of the living God, the same to
|
|
whom God had said, <I>Thou art my Son,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+2:7">Ps. ii. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
In times of temptation to apostasy it is good to have recourse to our
|
|
first principles, and stick to them; and, if we faithfully abide by
|
|
that which is <I>past dispute,</I> we shall be the better able both to
|
|
<I>find</I> and to <I>keep</I> the truth in matters of doubtful
|
|
disputation. <I>Secondly,</I> The <I>degree</I> of their faith: it
|
|
rose up to a full assurance: <I>We are sure.</I> We have known it <I>by
|
|
experience;</I> this is the best knowledge. We should take occasion
|
|
from others' wavering to be so much the more established, especially in
|
|
that which is the present truth. When we have so strong a faith in the
|
|
gospel of Christ as boldly to venture our souls <I>upon it,</I> knowing
|
|
<I>whom we have believed,</I> then, and not till then, we shall be
|
|
willing to venture every thing else for it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. The melancholy remark which our Lord Jesus made upon this reply of
|
|
Peter's
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:70,71"><I>v.</I> 70, 71</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?</I> And the
|
|
evangelist tells us whom he meant: <I>he spoke of Judas Iscariot.</I>
|
|
Peter had undertaken for them all that they would be faithful to their
|
|
Master. Now Christ does not condemn his charity (it is always good to
|
|
hope the best), but he tacitly corrects his confidence. We must not be
|
|
too sure concerning any. God knows those that are his; we do not.
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Observe here,
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(1.) Hypocrites and betrayers of Christ are no better than devils.
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Judas not only <I>had</I> a devil, but he <I>was</I> a devil. One of
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you is a <I>false accuser;</I> so <B><I>diabolos</I></B> sometimes
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signifies
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+3:3">2 Tim. iii. 3</A>);
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and it is probable that Judas, when he sold his Master to the chief
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priests, represented him to them as a bad man, to justify himself in
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what he did. But I rather take it as we read it: <I>He is a devil,</I>
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a devil incarnate, a fallen apostle, as the devil a fallen angel. He is
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Satan, an adversary, an enemy to Christ. He is Abaddon, and Apollyon, a
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son of perdition. He was of his father the devil, did his lusts, was in
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his interests, as Cain,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+3:12">1 John iii. 12</A>.
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Those whose bodies were possessed by the devil are never called
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<I>devils</I> (<I>demoniacs,</I> but not <I>devils</I>); but Judas,
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into whose <I>heart</I> Satan entered, and filled it, is called a
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<I>devil.</I>
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(2.) Many that are <I>seeming</I> saints are <I>real</I> devils. Judas
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had as fair an outside as many of the apostles; his venom was, like
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that of the serpent, covered with a fine skin. He <I>cast out
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devils,</I> and appeared an enemy to the devil's kingdom, and yet was
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himself a devil all the while. Not only he <I>will be</I> one shortly,
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but he <I>is one</I> now. It is <I>strange,</I> and to be wondered at;
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Christ speaks of it with wonder: <I>Have not I?</I> It is <I>sad,</I>
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and to be lamented, that ever Christianity should be made a cloak to
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diabolism.
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(3.) The disguises of hypocrites, however they may deceive men, and put
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a cheat upon them, cannot deceive Christ, for his piercing eye sees
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through them. He can call those <I>devils</I> that call themselves
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<I>Christians,</I> like the prophet's greeting to Jeroboam's wife, when
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she came to him in masquerade
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+14:6">1 Kings xiv. 6</A>):
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<I>Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam.</I> Christ's <I>divine sight,</I>
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far better than any <I>double sight,</I> can see spirits.
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(4.) There are those who are chosen by Christ to special services who
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yet prove false to him: <I>I have chosen you</I> to the
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<I>apostleship,</I> for it is expressly said that Judas was not chosen
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to eternal life
|
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+13:18"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 18</A>),
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and yet one of <I>you</I> is a devil. Note, Advancement to places of
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honour and trust in the church is no certain evidence of saving grace.
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<I>We have prophesied in thy name.</I>
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(5.) In the most <I>select</I> societies on this side heaven it is no
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new thing to meet with those that are corrupt. Of the twelve that were
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chosen to an intimate conversation with an <I>incarnate Deity,</I> as
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|
great an honour and privilege as ever men were chosen to, one was an
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<I>incarnate devil.</I> The historian lays an emphasis upon this, that
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Judas was <I>one of the twelve</I> that were so dignified and
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distinguished. Let us not reject and unchurch the twelve because <I>one
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of them is a devil,</I> nor say that they are all cheats and hypocrites
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because one of them was so; let those that are so bear the blame, and
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not those who, while they are undiscovered, incorporate with them.
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There is a society within the veil into which no unclean thing shall
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enter, a church of first-born, in which are no <I>false
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brethren.</I></P>
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