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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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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. XVI.</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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Among other glorious things God hath spoken of himself this is one, I
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wound, and I heal,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+32:39">
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Deut. xxxii. 39</A>.
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Christ's discourse in this chapter, which continues and concludes his
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farewell sermon to his disciples, does so.
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I. Here are wounding words in the notice he gives them of the troubles
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that were before them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:1-6">ver. 1-6</A>.
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II. Here are healing words in the comforts he administers to them for
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their support under those troubles, which are five:--
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1. That he would send them the Comforter,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:7-15">ver. 7-15</A>.
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2. That he would visit them again at his resurrection,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:16-22">ver. 16-22</A>.
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3. That he would secure to them an answer of peace to all their prayers,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:23-27">ver. 23-27</A>.
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4. That he was now but returning to his Father,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:28-32">ver. 28-32</A>.
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5. That, whatever troubles they might meet with in this world, by
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virtue of his victory over it they should be sure of peace in him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:33">ver. 33</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Joh16_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh16_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh16_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh16_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh16_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh16_6"> </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>Persecution Foretold; The Expediency of Christ's Departure.</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 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be
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offended.
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2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time
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cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God
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service.
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3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not
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known the Father, nor me.
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4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall
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come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I
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said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
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5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you
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asketh me, Whither goest thou?
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6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath
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filled your heart.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Christ dealt faithfully with his disciples when he sent them forth on
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his errands, for he told them the worst of it, that they might sit down
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and count the cost. He had told them in the chapter before to expect
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the world's hatred; now here in these verses,</P>
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<P>
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I. He gives them a reason why he alarmed them thus with the expectation
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of trouble: <I>These things have I spoken unto you, that you should not
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be offended,</I> or <I>scandalized,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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1. The disciples of Christ are apt to be offended at the cross; and the
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offence of the cross is a dangerous temptation, even to good men, to
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turn back from the ways of God, or turn aside out of them, or drive on
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heavily in them; to quit either their integrity or their comfort. It is
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not for nothing that a suffering time is called <I>an hour of
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temptation.</I>
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2. Our Lord Jesus, by giving us notice of trouble, designed to take off
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the terror of it, that it might not be a surprise to us. Of all the
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adversaries of our peace, in this world of troubles, none insult us
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more violently, nor put our troops more into disorder, than
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disappointment does; but we can easily welcome a guest we expect, and
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<I>being fore-warned are fore-armed--Præmoniti,
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præmuniti.</I></P>
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<P>
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II. He foretels particularly what they should suffer
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>):
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"Those that have power to do it shall <I>put you out of their
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synagogues;</I> and this is not the worst, <I>they shall kill you."
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Ecce duo-gladii--Behold two swords</I> drawn against the followers of
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the Lord Jesus.</P>
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<P>
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1. The sword of ecclesiastical censure; this is drawn against them by
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the Jews, for they were the only pretenders to church-power. They shall
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<I>cast you out of their synagogues;</I> <B><I>aposynagogous poiesousin
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hymas</I></B>--<I>they shall make you excommunicates.</I>
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(1.) "They shall cast you out of the particular synagogues you were
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members of." At first, they scourged them in their synagogues as
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contemners of the law
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:17">Matt. x. 17</A>),
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and at length cast them out as incorrigible.
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(2.) "They shall cast you out of the congregation of Israel in general,
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the national church of the Jews; shall debar you from the privileges of
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that, put you into the condition of an outlaw," <I>qui caput gerit
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lupinum--to be knocked on the head, like another wolf;</I> "they will
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look upon you as Samaritans, as heathen men and publicans."
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<I>Interdico tibi aqua et igne--I forbid you the use of water and
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fire.</I> And were it not for the penalties, forfeitures, and
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incapacities, incurred hereby, it would be no injury to be thus driven
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out of a house infected and falling. Note, It has often been the lot
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of Christ's disciples to be unjustly excommunicated. Many a good truth
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has been branded with an anathema, and many a child of God <I>delivered
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to Satan.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. The sword of civil power: "The time cometh, <I>the hour is come;</I>
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now things are likely to be worse with you than hitherto they have
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been; when you are expelled as heretics, they will <I>kill you, and
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think they do God service,</I> and others will think so too."
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(1.) You will find them really cruel: They will <I>kill you.</I>
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Christ's sheep have been accounted as sheep for the slaughter; the
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twelve apostles (we are told) were all put to death, except John.
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Christ had said
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:27"><I>ch.</I> xv. 27</A>),
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You shall <I>bear witness,</I> <B><I>martyreite</I></B>--<I>you shall
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be martyrs,</I> shall seal the truth with your blood, your heart's
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blood.
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(2.) You will find them <I>seemingly conscientious;</I> they will think
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they do God service; they will seem <B><I>latreian
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prospherein</I></B>--<I>to offer a good sacrifice</I> to God; as those
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that cast out God's servants of old, and said, <I>Let the Lord be
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glorified,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+66:5">Isa. lxvi. 5</A>.
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Note,
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[1.] It is possible for those that are real enemies to God's service to
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pretend a mighty zeal for it. The devil's work has many a time been
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done in God's livery, and one of the most mischievous enemies
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Christianity ever had sits <I>in the temple of God.</I> Nay,
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[2.] It is common to patronise an enmity to religion with a color of
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duty to God, and service to his church. God's people have suffered the
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greatest hardships from conscientious persecutors. Paul verily thought
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he <I>ought to do</I> what he did <I>against the name of Jesus.</I>
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This does not at all lessen the sin of the persecutors, for villanies
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will never be consecrated by putting the name of God to them; but it
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does enhance the sufferings of the persecuted, to die under the
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character of being enemies to God; but there will be a resurrection of
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names as well as of bodies at the great day.</P>
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<P>
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III. He gives them the true reason of the world's enmity and rage
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against them
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>):
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"<I>These things will they do unto you,</I> not because you have done
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them any harm, but <I>because they have not known the Father, nor
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me.</I> Let this comfort you, that none will be your enemies but the
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worst of men." Note,
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1. Many that pretend to know God are wretchedly ignorant of him. Those
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that pretend to <I>do him service</I> thought they knew him, but it was
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a wrong notion they had of him. Israel transgressed the covenant, and
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yet cried, <I>My God, we know thee.</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+8:1,2">Hos. viii. 1, 2</A>.
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2. Those that are ignorant of Christ cannot have any right knowledge of
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God. In vain do men pretend to know God and religion, while they slight
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Christ and Christianity.
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3. Those are very ignorant indeed of God and Christ that think it an
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acceptable piece of service to persecute good people. Those that know
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Christ know that he <I>came not into the world to destroy men's lives,
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but to save them;</I> that he rules by the power of truth and love, not
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of fire and sword. Never was such a persecuting church as that which
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makes <I>ignorance the mother of devotion.</I></P>
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<P>
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IV. He tells them why he gave them notice of this now, and why not
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sooner.</P>
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<P>
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1. Why he told them of it now
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>),
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not to discourage them, or add to their present sorrow; nor did he tell
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them of their danger that they might contrive how to avoid it, but that
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"when <I>the time shall come</I> (and you may be sure it will come),
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you may <I>remember that I told you.</I>" Note, When suffering times
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come it will be of use to us to remember what Christ has told us of
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sufferings.
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(1.) That our belief of Christ's foresight and faithfulness may be
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confirmed; and,
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(2.) That the trouble may be the less grievous, for we were told of it
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before, and we took up our profession in expectation of it, so that it
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ought not to be a surprise to us, nor looked upon as a wrong to us. As
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Christ in his sufferings, so his followers in theirs, should have an
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eye to the <I>fulfilling of the scripture.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. Why he did not tell them of it sooner: "<I>I spoke not this to you
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from the beginning</I> when you and I came to be first acquainted,
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because <I>I was with you.</I>"
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(1.) While he was with them, he bore the shock of the world's malice,
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and stood in the front of the battle; against him the powers of
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darkness levelled all their force, not against <I>small or great,</I>
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but only against the <I>king of Israel,</I> and therefore he did not
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need to say so much to them of suffering, because it did not fall much
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to their share; but we do find that from the beginning he bade them
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prepare for sufferings; and therefore,
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(2.) It seems rather to be meant of the promise of <I>another
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comforter.</I> This he had said little of to them <I>at the
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beginning,</I> because he was himself with them to instruct, guide, and
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comfort them, and then they needed not the promise of the Spirit's
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extraordinary presence. The children of the bride-chamber would not
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have so much need of a comforter till the bridegroom should be <I>taken
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away.</I></P>
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<P>
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V. He expresses a very affectionate concern for the present sadness of
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his disciples, upon occasion of what he had said to them
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:5,6"><I>v.</I> 5, 6</A>):
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"<I>Now</I> I am to be no longer with you, but <I>go my way to him that
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sent me,</I> to repose there, after this fatigue; and <I>none of you
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asketh me,</I> with any courage, <I>Whither goest thou?</I> But,
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instead of enquiring after that which would comfort you, you pore upon
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that which looks melancholy, and <I>sorrow has filled your
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heart.</I>"</P>
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<P>
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1. He had told them that he was about to leave them: <I>Now I go my
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way.</I> He was not driven away by force, but voluntarily departed; his
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life was not extorted from him, but deposited by him. He went <I>to him
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that sent him,</I> to give an account of his negotiation. Thus, when we
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depart out of this world, we <I>go to him that sent us</I> into it,
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which should make us all solicitous to live to good purposes,
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remembering we have a commission to execute, which must be returned at
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a certain day.</P>
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<P>
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2. He had told them what hard times they must suffer when he was gone,
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and that they must not expect such an easy quiet life as they had had.
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Now, if these were the legacies he had to leave to them, who had
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<I>left all</I> for him, they would be tempted to think they had made a
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sorry bargain of it, and were, for the present, in a consternation
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about it, in which their master sympathizes with them, yet blames them,
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(1.) That they were careless of the means of comfort, and did not stir
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up themselves to seek it: <I>None of you asks me, Whither goest
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thou?</I> Peter had started this question
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+13:36"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 36</A>),
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and Thomas had seconded it
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:5"><I>ch.</I> xiv. 5</A>),
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but they did not pursue it, they did not take the answer; they were in
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the dark concerning it, and did not enquire further, nor seek for
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fuller satisfaction; they did not continue seeking, continue knocking.
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See what a compassionate teacher Christ is, and how condescending to
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the weak and ignorant. Many a teacher will not endure that the learner
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should ask the same question twice; if he cannot take a thing quickly,
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let him go without it; but our Lord Jesus knows how to deal with babes,
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that must be taught with <I>precept upon precept.</I> If the disciples
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here would have found that his going away was for his advancement, and
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therefore his departure from them should not inordinately trouble them
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(for why should they be against his preferment?) and for their
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advantage, and therefore their sufferings for him should not
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inordinately trouble them; for a sight of <I>Jesus at the right hand of
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God</I> would be an effectual support to them, as it was to Stephen.
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Note, A humble believing enquiry into the design and tendency of the
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darkest dispensations of Providence would help to reconcile us to them,
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and to grieve the less, and fear the less, because of them; it will
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silence us to ask, Whence came they? but will abundantly satisfy us to
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ask, Whither go they? for we know they <I>work for good,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:28">Rom. viii. 28</A>.</P>
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<P>
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(2.) That they were too intent, and pored too much, upon the occasions
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of their grief: <I>Sorrow has filled their hearts.</I> Christ had said
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enough to fill them with joy
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:11"><I>ch.</I> xv. 11</A>);
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but by looking at that only which made against them, and overlooking
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that which made for them, they were so full of sorrow that there was no
|
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room left for joy. Note, It is the common fault and folly of melancholy
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Christians to dwell upon the dark side of the cloud, to meditate
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nothing but terror, and turn a deaf ear to <I>the voice of joy and
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gladness.</I> That which filled the disciples' hearts with sorrow, and
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hindered the operation of the cordials Christ administered, was too
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great an affection to this present life. They were big with hopes of
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their Master's external kingdom and glory, and that they should shine
|
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and reign with him: and now, instead of that, to hear of nothing but
|
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bonds and afflictions, this filled them with sorrow. Nothing is a
|
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greater prejudice to our joy in God than <I>the love of the world;</I>
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and <I>the sorrow of the world,</I> the consequence of it.</P>
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<A NAME="Joh16_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh16_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh16_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh16_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh16_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh16_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh16_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh16_14"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh16_15"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
|
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Expediency of Christ's Departure; The Promise of the Spirit.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
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</TABLE>
|
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<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you
|
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that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come
|
|
unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
|
|
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of
|
|
righteousness, and of judgment:
|
|
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
|
|
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me
|
|
no more;
|
|
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
|
|
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear
|
|
them now.
|
|
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide
|
|
you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but
|
|
whatsoever he shall hear, <I>that</I> shall he speak: and he will show
|
|
you things to come.
|
|
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall
|
|
show <I>it</I> unto you.
|
|
15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I,
|
|
that he shall take of mine, and shall show <I>it</I> unto you.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
As it was usual with the Old Testament prophets to comfort the church
|
|
in its calamities with the promise of the Messiah
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+9:6,Mic+5:6,Zec+3:8">Isa. ix. 6;
|
|
Mic. v. 6; Zech. iii. 8</A>);
|
|
|
|
so, the Messiah being come, the promise of the Spirit was the great
|
|
cordial, and is still.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Three things we have here concerning <I>the Comforter's
|
|
coming:</I>--</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. That Christ's departure was absolutely necessary to the Comforter's
|
|
coming,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
The disciples were so loth to believe this that Christ saw cause to
|
|
assert it with a more than ordinary solemnity: <I>I tell you the
|
|
truth.</I> We may be confident of <I>the truth</I> of everything that
|
|
Christ told us; he has no design to impose upon us. Now, to make them
|
|
easy, he here tells them,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. In general, <I>It was expedient for them that he should go away.</I>
|
|
This was strange doctrine, but if it was true it was comfortable
|
|
enough, and showed them how absurd their sorrow was. <I>It is
|
|
expedient,</I> not only for me, but <I>for you</I> also, <I>that I go
|
|
away;</I> though they did not see it, and are loth to believe it, so it
|
|
is. Note,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Those things often seem grievous to us that are really expedient
|
|
for us; and particularly our going away when we have finished our
|
|
course.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Our Lord Jesus is always for that which is most expedient for us,
|
|
whether we think so or no. He deals not with us according to the folly
|
|
of our own choice, but graciously over-rules it, and gives us the
|
|
physic we are loth to take, because he knows it is good for us.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. <I>It was therefore expedient</I> because it was in order to the
|
|
sending of the Spirit. Now observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) That Christ's going was in order to the Comforter's coming.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] This is expressed negatively: <I>If I go not away, the Comforter
|
|
will not come.</I> And why not? <I>First,</I> So it was settled in the
|
|
divine counsels concerning this affair, and the measure must not be
|
|
altered; <I>shall the earth be forsaken for them?</I> He that gives
|
|
freely may recall one gift before he bestows another, while we would
|
|
fondly hold all. <I>Secondly,</I> It is congruous enough that the
|
|
ambassador extraordinary should be recalled, before the envoy come,
|
|
that is constantly to reside. <I>Thirdly,</I> The sending of the Spirit
|
|
was to be the fruit of Christ's purchase, and that purchase was to be
|
|
made by his death, which was his going away. <I>Fourthly,</I> It was to
|
|
be an answer to his intercession within the veil. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:16"><I>ch.</I> xiv. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thus must this gift be both paid for, and prayed for, by our Lord
|
|
Jesus, that we might learn to put the greater value upon it.
|
|
<I>Fifthly,</I> The great argument the Spirit was to use in convincing
|
|
the world must be Christ's ascension into heaven, and his welcome here.
|
|
See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:10,Joh+7:39"><I>v.</I> 10,
|
|
and <I>ch.</I> vii. 39</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Lastly,</I> The disciples must be weaned from his bodily presence,
|
|
which they were too apt to dote upon, before they were duly prepared to
|
|
receive the spiritual aids and comforts of a new dispensation.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] It is expressed positively: <I>If I depart I will send him to
|
|
you;</I> as though he had said, "Trust me to provide effectually that
|
|
you shall be no loser by my departure." The glorified Redeemer is not
|
|
unmindful of his church on earth, nor will ever leave it without its
|
|
necessary supports. Though he <I>departs, he sends the Comforter,</I>
|
|
nay, he departs on purpose to send him. Thus still, though one
|
|
generation of ministers and Christians depart, another is raised up in
|
|
their room, for Christ will maintain his own cause.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) That the presence of Christ's Spirit in his church is so much
|
|
better, and more desirable, than his bodily presence, that it was
|
|
really expedient for us that he should go away, to send the Comforter.
|
|
His corporal presence could be put in one place at one time, but his
|
|
Spirit is every where, in all places, at all times, wherever <I>two or
|
|
three are gathered in his name.</I> Christ's bodily presence draws
|
|
men's eyes, his Spirit draws their hearts; that was <I>the letter</I>
|
|
which <I>kills,</I> his <I>Spirit gives life.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. That the coming of <I>the Spirit</I> was absolutely necessary to
|
|
the carrying on of Christ's interests on earth
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>And when he is come,</I> <B><I>elthon ekeinos</I></B>. He that is
|
|
sent is willing of himself to come, and at his first coming he will do
|
|
this, <I>he will reprove,</I> or, as the margin reads it, <I>he will
|
|
convince the world,</I> by your ministry, concerning <I>sin,
|
|
righteousness, and judgment.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. See here what the office of the Spirit is, and on what errand he is
|
|
sent.
|
|
|
|
(1.) To <I>reprove.</I> The Spirit, by the word and conscience, is a
|
|
reprover; ministers are reprovers by office, and by them the Spirit
|
|
reproves.
|
|
|
|
(2.) To <I>convince.</I> It is a law-term, and speaks the office of the
|
|
judge in summing up the evidence, and setting a matter that has been
|
|
long canvassed in a clear and true light. He shall <I>convince,</I>
|
|
that is, "He shall put to silence the adversaries of Christ and his
|
|
cause, by discovering and demonstrating the falsehood and fallacy of
|
|
that which they have maintained, and the truth and certainty of that
|
|
which they have opposed." Note, Convincing work is the Spirit's work;
|
|
he can do it effectually, and none but he; man may open the cause, but
|
|
it is the Spirit only that can open the heart. The Spirit is called the
|
|
<I>Comforter</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
and here it is said, <I>He shall convince.</I> One would think this
|
|
were cold comfort, but it is the method the Spirit takes, first to
|
|
convince, and then to comfort; first to lay open the wound, and then to
|
|
apply healing medicines. Or, taking conviction more generally, for a
|
|
demonstration of what is right, it intimates that the Spirit's comforts
|
|
are solid, and grounded upon truth.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. See who they are whom he is to reprove and convince: <I>The
|
|
world,</I> both Jew and Gentile.
|
|
|
|
(1.) He shall give the world the most powerful means of conviction, for
|
|
the apostles shall go into all the world, backed by the Spirit, to
|
|
preach the gospel, fully proved.
|
|
|
|
(2.) He shall sufficiently provide for the taking off and silencing of
|
|
the objections and prejudices of the world against the gospel. Many an
|
|
infidel was <I>convinced of all and judged of all,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+14:24">1 Cor. xiv. 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
(3.) He shall effectually and savingly convince many in the world, some
|
|
in every age, in every place, in order to their conversion to the faith
|
|
of Christ. Now this was an encouragement to the disciples, in reference
|
|
to the difficulties they were likely to meet with,
|
|
|
|
[1.] That they should see good done, Satan's kingdom <I>fall like
|
|
lightning,</I> which would be their joy, as it was his. Even this
|
|
malignant world the Spirit shall work upon; and the conviction of
|
|
sinners is the comfort of faithful ministers.
|
|
|
|
[2.] That this would be the fruit of their services and sufferings,
|
|
these should contribute very much to this good work.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. See what the Spirit shall convince the world of.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>Of sin</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>because they believe not on me.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] The Spirit is sent to convince sinners of sin, not barely to tell
|
|
them of it; in conviction there is more than this; it is to prove it
|
|
upon them, and force them to own it, as they
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+8:9"><I>ch.</I> viii. 9</A>)
|
|
|
|
that were <I>convicted of their own consciences. Make them to know
|
|
their abominations.</I> The Spirit convinces of the fact of sin, that
|
|
we have done so and so; of the fault of sin, that we have done ill in
|
|
doing so; of the folly of sin, that we have acted against right reason,
|
|
and our true interest; of the filth of sin, that by it we are become
|
|
odious to God; of the fountain of sin, the corrupt nature; and lastly,
|
|
of the fruit of sin, that the end thereof is death. The Spirit
|
|
demonstrates the depravity and degeneracy of the whole world, that all
|
|
the world is guilty before God.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The Spirit, in conviction, fastens especially upon the sin of
|
|
unbelief, their not believing in Christ, <I>First,</I> As the great
|
|
reigning sin. There was, and is, a world of people, that believe not in
|
|
Jesus Christ, and they are not sensible that it is their sin. Natural
|
|
conscience tells them that murder and theft are sin; but it is a
|
|
supernatural work of the spirit to convince them that it is a sin to
|
|
suspend their belief of the gospel, and to reject the salvation offered
|
|
by it. Natural religion, after it has given us its best discoveries and
|
|
directions, lays and leaves us under this further obligation, that
|
|
whatever divine revelation shall be made to us at any time, with
|
|
sufficient evidence to prove it divine, we accept it, and submit to it.
|
|
This law those transgress who, when <I>God speaketh to us by his Son,
|
|
refuse him that speaketh;</I> and therefore it is sin.
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> As the great ruining sin. Every sin is so in its own
|
|
nature; no sin is so to them that believe in Christ; so that it is
|
|
unbelief that damns sinners. It is because of this that they cannot
|
|
<I>enter into rest,</I> that they cannot <I>escape the wrath of
|
|
God;</I> it is a sin against the remedy. <I>Thirdly,</I> As that which
|
|
is at the bottom of all sin; so Calvin takes it. The Spirit shall
|
|
convince the world that the true reason why sin reigns among them is
|
|
because they are not by faith united to Christ. <I>Ne putimus vel
|
|
guttam unam rectitudinis sine Christo nobis inesse--Let us not suppose
|
|
that, apart from Christ, we have a drop of rectitude.</I>--Calvin.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) <I>Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and you see me no
|
|
more,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
We may understand this,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Of Christ's personal righteousness. He shall convince the world
|
|
that Jesus of Nazareth was Christ the righteous
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:1">1 John ii. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
as the centurion owned
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+23:47">Luke xxiii. 47</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Certainly this was a righteous man.</I> His enemies put him under
|
|
the worst of characters, and multitudes were not or would not be
|
|
convinced but that he was a bad man, which strengthened their
|
|
prejudices against his doctrine; but he is <I>justified by the
|
|
spirit</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+3:16">1 Tim. iii. 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
he is proved to be a <I>righteous man,</I> and not, a deceiver; and
|
|
then the point is in effect gained; for he is either the great Redeemer
|
|
or a great cheat; but a cheat we are sure he is not. Now by what medium
|
|
or argument will the Spirit convince men of the sincerity of the Lord
|
|
Jesus? Why, <I>First,</I> Their <I>seeing him no more</I> will
|
|
contribute something towards the removal of their prejudices; they
|
|
shall see him no more <I>in the likeness of sinful flesh, in the form
|
|
of a servant,</I> which made them slight him. Moses was more respected
|
|
after his removal than before. But, <I>Secondly,</I> His <I>going to
|
|
the Father</I> would be a full conviction of it. The coming of the
|
|
Spirit, according to the promise, was a proof of Christ's exaltation to
|
|
God's <I>right hand</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+2:33">Acts ii. 33</A>),
|
|
|
|
and this was a demonstration of his righteousness; for the holy God
|
|
would never set a deceiver at his right hand.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Of Christ's righteousness communicated to us for our justification
|
|
and salvation; that everlasting righteousness which Messiah was to
|
|
bring in,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+9:24">Dan. ix. 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now, <I>First,</I> The Spirit shall convince men of this righteousness.
|
|
Having by convictions of sin shown them their need of a righteousness,
|
|
lest this should drive them to despair he will show them where it is to
|
|
be had, and how they may, upon their believing, be acquitted from
|
|
guilt, and accepted as righteous in God's sight. It was hard to
|
|
convince those of this righteousness that <I>went about to establish
|
|
their own</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+10:3">Rom. x. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
but the Spirit will do it. <I>Secondly,</I> Christ's ascension is the
|
|
great argument proper to convince men of this righteousness: <I>I go to
|
|
the Father, and,</I> as an evidence of my welcome with him, <I>you
|
|
shall see me no more.</I> If Christ had left any part of his
|
|
undertaking unfinished, he had been sent back again; but now that we
|
|
are sure he is <I>at the right hand of God,</I> we are sure of being
|
|
justified through him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) <I>Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe here,
|
|
|
|
[1.] The devil, <I>the prince of this world,</I> was judged, was
|
|
discovered to be a great deceiver and destroyer, and as such judgment
|
|
was entered against him, and execution in part done. He was cast out of
|
|
the Gentile world when his oracles were silenced and his altars
|
|
deserted, cast out of the bodies of many in Christ's name, which
|
|
miraculous power continued long in the church; he was cast out of the
|
|
souls of people by the grace of God working with the gospel of Christ;
|
|
he <I>fell as lightning from heaven.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] This is a good argument wherewith the Spirit convinces the world
|
|
of judgment, that is, <I>First,</I> Of inherent holiness and
|
|
sanctification,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+12:18">Matt. xii. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
By <I>the judgment of the prince of this world,</I> it appears that
|
|
Christ is stronger than Satan, and can disarm and dispossess him, and
|
|
set up his throne upon the ruin of his. <I>Secondly,</I> Of a new and
|
|
better dispensation of things. He shall show that Christ's errand into
|
|
the world was to set things to right in it, and to introduce times of
|
|
reformation and regeneration; and he proves it by this, that <I>the
|
|
prince of this world,</I> the great master of misrule, is judged and
|
|
expelled. All will be well when his power is broken who made the
|
|
mischief. <I>Thirdly,</I> Of the power and dominion of the Lord Jesus.
|
|
He shall convince the world that <I>all judgment is committed to
|
|
him,</I> and that he is the <I>Lord of all,</I> which is evident by
|
|
this, that he has judged the prince of this world, has broken <I>the
|
|
serpent's head, destroyed him that had the power of death, and spoiled
|
|
principalities;</I> if Satan be thus subdued by Christ, we may be sure
|
|
no other power can stand before him. <I>Fourthly,</I> Of the final day
|
|
of judgment: all the obstinate enemies of Christ's gospel and kingdom
|
|
shall certainly be reckoned with at last, for the devil, their
|
|
ringleader, is judged.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. That the coming of the Spirit would be of unspeakable advantage to
|
|
the disciples themselves. The Spirit has work to do, not only on the
|
|
enemies of Christ, to convince and humble them, but upon his servants
|
|
and agents, to instruct and comfort them; and therefore it was
|
|
<I>expedient for them that he should go away.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He intimates to them the tender sense he had of their present
|
|
weakness
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>I have yet many things to say unto you</I> (not which should have
|
|
been said, but which he could and would have said), <I>but you cannot
|
|
bear them now.</I> See what a teacher Christ is.
|
|
|
|
(1.) None like him for copiousness; when he has said much, he has still
|
|
many things more to say; treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in
|
|
him, if we be not straitened in ourselves.
|
|
|
|
(2.) None like him for compassion; he would have told them more of
|
|
<I>the things pertaining to the kingdom of God,</I> particularly of the
|
|
rejection of the Jews and the calling of the Gentiles, but they could
|
|
not bear it, it would have confounded and stumbled them, rather than
|
|
have given them any satisfaction. When, after his resurrection, they
|
|
spoke to him of <I>restoring the kingdom to Israel,</I> he referred
|
|
them to <I>the coming of the Holy Ghost,</I> by which they should
|
|
receive power to bear those discoveries which were so contrary to the
|
|
notions they had received that they could not <I>bear them now.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He assures them of sufficient assistances, by the pouring out of the
|
|
Spirit. They were now conscious to themselves of great dulness, and
|
|
many mistakes; and what shall they do now their master is leaving them?
|
|
"<I>But when he, the Spirit of Truth, is come,</I> you will be easy,
|
|
and all will be well." Well indeed; for he shall undertake to guide the
|
|
apostles, and glorify Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) To guide the apostles. He will take care,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] That they do not miss their way: <I>He will guide you;</I> as the
|
|
camp of Israel was guided through the wilderness by <I>the pillar of
|
|
cloud and fire.</I> The Spirit guided their tongues in speaking, and
|
|
their pens in writing, to secure them from mistakes. The Spirit is
|
|
given us to be our guide
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:14">Rom. viii. 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
not only to show us the way, but to go along with us, by his continued
|
|
aids and influences.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] That they do not come short of their end: <I>He will guide them
|
|
into all truth,</I> as the skilful pilot guides the ship into the port
|
|
it is bound for. To be led <I>into a truth</I> is more than barely to
|
|
know it; it is to be intimately and experimentally acquainted with it;
|
|
to be piously and strongly affected with it; not only to have the
|
|
notion of it in our heads, but the relish and savour and power of it in
|
|
our hearts; it denotes a gradual discovery of truth shining more and
|
|
more: "He shall lead you by those truths that are plain and easy to
|
|
those that are more difficult." But how into <I>all truth?</I> The
|
|
meaning is,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> Into the whole truth relating to their embassy; whatever
|
|
was needful or useful for them to know, in order to the due discharge
|
|
of their office, they should be fully instructed in it; what truths
|
|
they were to teach others the Spirit would teach them, would give them
|
|
the understanding of, and enable them both to explain and to
|
|
defend.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> Into nothing but the truth. All that <I>he shall guide
|
|
you into</I> shall be <I>truth</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:27">1 John ii. 27</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>the anointing is truth.</I> In the following words he proves both
|
|
these:--
|
|
|
|
1. "The Spirit shall teach nothing but the truth, <I>for he shall not
|
|
speak of himself</I> any doctrine distinct from mine, <I>but whatsoever
|
|
he shall hear,</I> and knows to be the mind of the Father, <I>that,</I>
|
|
and that only, <I>shall he speak.</I>" This intimates,
|
|
|
|
(1.) That the testimony of the Spirit, in the word and by the apostles,
|
|
is what we may rely upon. The <I>Spirit</I> knows <I>and searches all
|
|
things, even the deep things of God,</I> and the apostles received that
|
|
Spirit
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+2:10,11">1 Cor. ii. 10, 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
so that we may venture our souls upon the Spirit's word.
|
|
|
|
(2.) That the testimony of the Spirit always concurs with the word of
|
|
Christ, <I>for he does not speak of himself,</I> has no separate
|
|
interest or intention of his own, but, as in essence so in records, he
|
|
<I>is one with the Father and the Son,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+5:7">1 John v. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Men's word and spirit often disagree, but the eternal Word and the
|
|
eternal Spirit never do.
|
|
|
|
2. "He shall teach you all truth, and keep back nothing that is
|
|
profitable for you, for <I>he will show you things to come.</I>" The
|
|
Spirit was in the apostles a Spirit of prophecy; it was foretold that
|
|
he should be so
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joe+2:28">Joel ii. 28</A>),
|
|
|
|
and he was so. <I>The Spirit showed them things to come,</I> as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:28,20:23,21:11">Acts xi. 28; xx. 23; xxi. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Spirit spoke of the apostasy of the <I>latter times,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+4:1">1 Tim. iv. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
John, when he was in the Spirit had <I>things to come</I> shown him in
|
|
vision. Now this was a great satisfaction to their own minds, and of
|
|
use to them in their conduct, and was also a great confirmation of
|
|
their mission. Jansenius has a pious note upon this: We should not
|
|
grudge that the Spirit does not <I>show us things to come</I> in this
|
|
world, as he did to the apostles; let it suffice that the Spirit in the
|
|
word hath <I>shown us things to come</I> in the other world, which are
|
|
our chief concern.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The Spirit undertook to glorify Christ,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:14,15"><I>v.</I> 14, 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
[1.] Even the sending of the Spirit was the glorifying of Christ. God
|
|
the Father glorified him in heaven, and the Spirit glorified him on
|
|
earth. It was the honour of the Redeemer that the Spirit was both sent
|
|
in his name and sent on his errand, to carry on and perfect his
|
|
undertaking. All the gifts and graces of the Spirit, all the preaching
|
|
and all the writing of the apostles, under the influence of the Spirit,
|
|
the tongues, and miracles, were to glorify Christ.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The Spirit glorified Christ by leading his followers into <I>the
|
|
truth as it is in Jesus,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:21">Eph. iv. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
He assures them, <I>First,</I> that the Spirit should communicate the
|
|
things of Christ to them: <I>He shall receive of mine, and shall show
|
|
it unto you.</I> As in essence <I>he proceeded from the Son,</I> so in
|
|
influence and operation he derived from him. <I>He shall take</I>
|
|
<B><I>ek tou emou</I></B>--<I>of that which is mine.</I> All that the
|
|
Spirit shows us, that is, applies to us, for our instruction and
|
|
comfort, all that he gives us for our strength and quickening, and all
|
|
that he secures and seals to us, did all belong to Christ, and was had
|
|
and received from him. All was his, for he bought it, and paid dearly
|
|
for it, and therefore he had reason to call it his own; his, for he
|
|
first received it; it was given him as the head of the church, to be
|
|
communicated by him to all his members. The Spirit came not to erect a
|
|
new kingdom, but to advance and establish the same kingdom that Christ
|
|
had erected, to maintain the same interest and pursue the same design;
|
|
those therefore that pretend to the Spirit, and vilify Christ, give
|
|
themselves the lie, for he came to glorify Christ. <I>Secondly,</I>
|
|
That herein the things of God should be communicated to us. Lest any
|
|
should think that the receiving of this would not make them much the
|
|
richer, he adds, <I>All things that the Father hath are mine.</I> As
|
|
God, all that self-existent light and self-sufficient happiness which
|
|
<I>the Father has,</I> he has; as Mediator, <I>all things are delivered
|
|
to him of the Father</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:27">Matt. xi. 27</A>);
|
|
|
|
all that <I>grace and truth</I> which God designed to show us he lodged
|
|
in the hands of the Lord Jesus,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+1:19">Col. i. 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
Spiritual blessings in heavenly things are given by the Father to the
|
|
Son for us, and the Son entrusts the Spirit to convey them to us. Some
|
|
apply it to that which goes just before: <I>He shall show you things to
|
|
come,</I> and so it is explained by
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+1:1">Rev. i. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
God gave <I>it to Christ, and he signified it to John, who wrote what
|
|
the Spirit said,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+1:1">Rev. i. 1</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_22"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ's Departure and Return; Sorrow and Joy Foretold.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little
|
|
while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
|
|
17 Then said <I>some</I> of his disciples among themselves, What is
|
|
this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see
|
|
me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because
|
|
I go to the Father?
|
|
18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little
|
|
while? we cannot tell what he saith.
|
|
19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said
|
|
unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A
|
|
little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while,
|
|
and ye shall see me?
|
|
20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and
|
|
lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful,
|
|
but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
|
|
21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour
|
|
is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she
|
|
remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into
|
|
the world.
|
|
22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again,
|
|
and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from
|
|
you.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Our Lord Jesus, for the comfort of his sorrowful disciples, here
|
|
promises that he would visit them again.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Observe the intimation he gave them of the comfort he designed them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here he tells them,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. That they should now shortly lose the sight of him: <I>A little
|
|
while, and you</I> that have seen me so long, and still desire to
|
|
<I>see me, shall not see me;</I> and therefore, if they had any good
|
|
question to ask him, they must ask quickly, for he was now taking his
|
|
leave of them. Note, It is good to consider how near to a period our
|
|
seasons of grace are, that we may be quickened to improve them while
|
|
they are continued. Now our eyes see our teachers, see the days <I>of
|
|
the Son of man;</I> but, perhaps, yet a <I>little while, and we shall
|
|
not see them.</I> They lost the sight of Christ,
|
|
|
|
(1.) At his death, when he withdrew from this world, and never after
|
|
showed himself openly in it. The most that death does to our Christian
|
|
friends is to take them out of our sight, not out of being, not out of
|
|
bliss, but out of all relation to us, only out of sight, and then not
|
|
out of mind.
|
|
|
|
(2.) At his ascension, when he withdrew from them (from those who,
|
|
after his resurrection, had for some time conversed with him), <I>out
|
|
of their sight; a cloud received</I> him, and, though they looked up
|
|
steadfastly after him, <I>they saw him no more,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:9,10,2Ki+2:12">Acts i. 9, 10; 2 Kings ii. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:16">2 Cor. v. 16</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. That yet they should speedily recover the sight of him; <I>Again a
|
|
little while, and you shall see me,</I> and therefore you ought not to
|
|
<I>sorrow as those that have no hope.</I> His farewell was not a final
|
|
farewell; they should see him again,
|
|
|
|
(1.) At his resurrection, soon after his death, when <I>he showed
|
|
himself alive,</I> by many infallible proofs, and this in a very little
|
|
while, not forty hours. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+6:2">Hos. vi. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) By the pouring out of the Spirit, soon after his ascension, which
|
|
scattered the mists of ignorance and mistake they were almost lost in,
|
|
and gave them a much clearer insight into the mysteries of Christ's
|
|
gospel than they had yet had. The Spirit's coming was Christ's visit to
|
|
his disciples, not a transient but a permanent one, and such a visit as
|
|
abundantly retrieved the sight of him.
|
|
|
|
(3.) At his second coming. They saw him again as they removed one by
|
|
one to him at death, and they shall see him together at the end of
|
|
time, when <I>he shall come in the clouds, and every eye shall see
|
|
him.</I> It might be truly said of this that it was but <I>a little
|
|
while, and they should see him;</I> for what are the days of time, to
|
|
the days of eternity?
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+3:8,9">2 Pet. iii. 8, 9</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. He assigns the reason: "<I>Because I go to the Father;</I> and
|
|
therefore,"
|
|
|
|
(1.) "I must leave you for a time, because my business calls me to the
|
|
upper world, and you must be content to spare me, for really my
|
|
business is yours."
|
|
|
|
(2.) "Therefore you shall see me again shortly, for the Father will not
|
|
detain me to your prejudice. If I go upon your errand, you shall see me
|
|
again as soon as my business is done, as soon as is convenient."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
It should seem, all this refers rather to his going away at death, and
|
|
return at his resurrection, than his going away at the ascension, and
|
|
his return at the end of time; for it was his death that was their
|
|
grief, not his ascension
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+24:52">Luke xxiv. 52</A>),
|
|
|
|
and between his death and resurrection it was indeed a <I>little
|
|
while.</I> And it may be read, not, <I>yet a little while</I> (it is
|
|
not <B><I>eti mikron</I></B>, as it is
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+12:35"><I>ch.</I> xii. 35</A>),
|
|
|
|
but <B><I>mikron</I></B>--<I>for a little while you shall not see
|
|
me,</I> namely, the three days of his lying in the grave; and again,
|
|
<I>for a little while you shall see me,</I> namely, the forty days
|
|
between his resurrection and ascension. Thus we may say of our
|
|
ministers and Christian friends, <I>Yet a little while, and we shall
|
|
not see them,</I> either they must leave us or we must leave them, but
|
|
it is certain that we must part shortly, and yet not part for ever. It
|
|
is but a good night to those whom we hope to see with <I>joy in the
|
|
morning.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The perplexity of the disciples upon the intimation given them;
|
|
they were at a loss what to make of it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:17,18"><I>v.</I> 17, 18</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Some of them said,</I> softly, <I>among themselves,</I> either some
|
|
of the weakest, that were least able, or some of the most inquisitive,
|
|
that were most desirous, to understand him, <I>What is this that he
|
|
saith to us?</I> Though Christ had often spoken to this purport before,
|
|
yet still they were in the dark; though <I>precept be upon precept,</I>
|
|
it is in vain, unless God gave the understanding. Now see here,
|
|
|
|
1. The disciples' weakness, in that they could not understand so plain
|
|
a saying, to which Christ had already given them a key, having told
|
|
them so often in plain terms that he should <I>be killed, and the third
|
|
day rise again;</I> yet, say they, <I>We cannot tell what he saith;</I>
|
|
for,
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>Sorrow had filled their heart,</I> and made them unapt to
|
|
receive the impressions of comfort. The darkness of ignorance and the
|
|
darkness of melancholy commonly increase and thicken one another;
|
|
mistakes cause griefs, and then griefs confirm mistakes.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The notion of Christ's secular kingdom was so deeply rooted in
|
|
them that they could make no sense at all of those sayings of his which
|
|
they knew not how to reconcile with that notion. When we think the
|
|
scripture must be made to agree with the false ideas we have imbibed,
|
|
no wonder that we complain of difficulty; but when our reasonings are
|
|
captivated to revelation, the matter becomes easy.
|
|
|
|
(3.) It should seem, that which puzzled them was the <I>little
|
|
while.</I> If he must go at least, yet they could not conceive how he
|
|
should leave them quickly, when his stay hitherto had been so short,
|
|
and so little while, comparatively. Thus it is hard for us to represent
|
|
to ourselves that change as near which yet we know will come certainly,
|
|
and may come suddenly. When we are told, <I>Yet a little while</I> and
|
|
we must go hence, <I>yet a little while</I> and we must <I>give up our
|
|
account,</I> we know not how to digest it; for we always took the
|
|
vision to be <I>for a great while to come,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+12:27">Ezek. xii. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. Their willingness to be instructed. When they were at a loss about
|
|
the meaning of Christ's words, they conferred together upon it, and
|
|
asked help of one another. By mutual converse about divine things we
|
|
both borrow the light of others and improve our own. Observe how
|
|
exactly they repeat Christ's words. Though we cannot fully solve every
|
|
difficulty we meet with in scripture, yet we must not therefore throw
|
|
it by, but revolve what we cannot explain, and wait <I>till God shall
|
|
reveal even this unto us.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The further explication of what Christ had said.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. See here <I>why</I> Christ explained it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>);
|
|
|
|
because he <I>knew they were desirous to ask him,</I> and designed it.
|
|
Note, The knots we cannot untie we must bring to him who alone can give
|
|
an understanding. Christ <I>knew they were desirous to ask him,</I>
|
|
but were bashful and ashamed to ask. Note, Christ takes cognizance of
|
|
pious desires, though they be not as yet offered up, the <I>groanings
|
|
that cannot be uttered,</I> and even <I>anticipates them with the
|
|
blessings of his goodness.</I> Christ instructed those who he <I>knew
|
|
were desirous to ask him,</I> though they did not ask. <I>Before we
|
|
call, he answers.</I> Another reason why Christ explained it was
|
|
because he observed them canvassing this matter among themselves:
|
|
"<I>Do you enquire this among yourselves?</I> Well, I will make it easy
|
|
to you." This intimates to us who they are that Christ will teach:
|
|
|
|
(1.) The humble, that confess their ignorance, for so much their
|
|
enquiry implied.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The diligent, that use the means they have: "<I>Do you
|
|
enquire?</I> You shall be taught. <I>To him that hath shall be
|
|
given.</I>"</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. See here <I>how</I> he explained it; not by a nice and critical
|
|
descant upon the words, but by bringing the thing more closely to them;
|
|
he had told them of <I>not seeing him, and seeing him,</I> and they did
|
|
not apprehend the meaning, and therefore he explains it by their
|
|
sorrowing and rejoicing, because we commonly measure things according
|
|
as they affect us
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>You shall weep and lament,</I> for my departure, <I>but the world
|
|
shall rejoice</I> in it; <I>and you shall be sorrowful,</I> while I am
|
|
absent, <I>but,</I> upon my return to you, <I>your sorrow will be
|
|
turned into joy.</I> But he says nothing of the <I>little while,</I>
|
|
because he saw that this perplexed them more than any thing; and it is
|
|
of no consequence to us to know <I>the times and the seasons.</I> Note,
|
|
Believers have joy or sorrow according as they have or have not a sight
|
|
of Christ, and the tokens of his presence with them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) What Christ says here, and in
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:21,22"><I>v.</I> 21, 22</A>,
|
|
|
|
of their sorrow and joy, is primarily to be understood of the present
|
|
state and circumstances of the disciples, and so we have,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] Their grief foretold: <I>You shall weep and lament, and you shall
|
|
be sorrowful.</I> The sufferings of Christ could not but be the sorrow
|
|
of his disciples. They wept for him because they loved him; the pain of
|
|
our friend is a pain to ourselves; when they slept, it was for sorrow,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:45">Luke xxii. 45</A>.
|
|
|
|
They wept for themselves, and their own loss, and the sad apprehensions
|
|
they had of what would become of them when he was gone. It could not
|
|
but be a grief to lose him for whom they had left their all, and from
|
|
whom they had expected so much. Christ has given notice to his
|
|
disciples beforehand to expect sorrow, that they may treasure up
|
|
comforts accordingly.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] The world's rejoicing at the same time: <I>But the world shall
|
|
rejoice.</I> That which is the grief of saints is the joy of sinners.
|
|
<I>First,</I> Those that are <I>strangers to Christ</I> will continue
|
|
in their carnal mirth, and not at all interest themselves in their
|
|
sorrows. <I>It is nothing to them that pass by,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=La+1:12">Lam. i. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
Nay, <I>Secondly,</I> Those that are <I>enemies to Christ</I> will
|
|
rejoice because they hope they have conquered him, and ruined his
|
|
interest. When the chief priests had Christ upon the cross, we may
|
|
suppose they made merry over him, as those that dwell on earth over the
|
|
slain witnesses,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+11:10">Rev. xi. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
Let it be no surprise to us if we see others triumphing, when we are
|
|
<I>trembling for the ark.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] The return of joy to them in due time: <I>But your sorrow shall be
|
|
turned into joy.</I> As <I>the joy of the hypocrite,</I> so the sorrow
|
|
of the true Christian, is <I>but for a moment. The disciples were glad
|
|
when they saw the Lord.</I> His resurrection was <I>life from the
|
|
dead</I> to them, and their sorrow for Christ's sufferings was turned
|
|
into a joy of such a nature as could not be damped and embittered by
|
|
any sufferings of their own. They were <I>sorrowful, and yet always
|
|
rejoicing</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+6:10">2 Cor. vi. 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
had sorrowful lives and yet joyful hearts.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) It is applicable to all the faithful followers of the Lamb, and
|
|
describes the common case of Christians.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] Their condition and disposition are both mournful; sorrows are
|
|
their lot, and seriousness is their temper: those that are acquainted
|
|
with Christ must, as he was, be <I>acquainted with grief;</I> they
|
|
<I>weep and lament</I> for that which others make light of, their own
|
|
sins, and the sins of those about them; they mourn with sufferers that
|
|
mourn, and mourn for sinners that mourn not for themselves.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] The world, at the same time, goes away with all the mirth; they
|
|
laugh now, and spend their days so jovially that one would think they
|
|
neither knew sorrow nor feared it. Carnal mirth and pleasures are
|
|
surely none of the best things, for then the worst men would not have
|
|
so large a share of them, and the favourites of heaven be such
|
|
strangers to them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] Spiritual mourning will shortly be turned into eternal rejoicing.
|
|
<I>Gladness is sown for the upright in heart, that sow tears,</I> and
|
|
without doubt <I>they will</I> shortly <I>reap in joy.</I> Their sorrow
|
|
will not only be followed with joy, but turned into it; for the most
|
|
precious comforts take rise from pious griefs. Thus he illustrates by a
|
|
similitude taken from a woman in travail, to whose sorrows he compares
|
|
those of his disciples, for their encouragement; for it is the will of
|
|
Christ that his people should be a comforted people.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> Here is the similitude or parable itself
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>A woman,</I> we know, <I>when she is in travail, hath sorrow,</I>
|
|
she is in exquisite pain, <I>because her hour is come,</I> the hour
|
|
which nature and providence have fixed, which she has expected, and
|
|
cannot escape; <I>but as soon as she is delivered of the child,</I>
|
|
provided she be safely delivered, and the child be, though a
|
|
<I>Jabez</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+4:9">1 Chron. iv. 9</A>),
|
|
|
|
yet not a <I>Benoni</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+35:18">Gen. xxxv. 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
then <I>she remembers no more the anguish,</I> her groans and
|
|
complaints are over, and the after--pains are more easily borne, <I>for
|
|
joy that a man is born into the world,</I> <B><I>anthropos</I></B>, one
|
|
of the human race, a child, be it son or daughter, for the word
|
|
signifies either. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>a.</I> The fruit of the curse, in the sorrow and pain of a woman in
|
|
travail, according to the sentence
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+3:16">Gen. iii. 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>In sorrow shalt thou bring forth.</I> These pains are extreme, the
|
|
greatest griefs and pains are compared to them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+48:6,Isa+13:3,Jer+4:31,6:24">Ps. xlviii. 6;
|
|
Isa. xiii. 3; Jer. iv. 31; vi. 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
and they are inevitable,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+5:3">1 Thess. v. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
See what this world is; all its roses are surrounded with thorns, all
|
|
the children of men are upon this account foolish children, that they
|
|
are <I>the heaviness of her that bore them</I> from the very first.
|
|
This comes of sin.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>b.</I> The fruit of the blessing, in <I>the joy there is for a child
|
|
born into the world.</I> If God had not preserved the blessing in force
|
|
after the fall, <I>Be fruitful and multiply,</I> parents could never
|
|
have looked upon their children with any comfort; but what is the fruit
|
|
of a blessing is matter of joy; the birth of a living child is,
|
|
|
|
(<I>a.</I>) The parents' joy; it makes them very glad,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+20:15">Jer. xx. 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
Though children are certain cares, uncertain comforts, and often prove
|
|
the greatest crosses, yet it is natural to us to rejoice at their
|
|
birth. Could we be sure that our children, like John, would <I>be
|
|
filled with the Holy Ghost,</I> we might, indeed, like his parents,
|
|
have <I>joy and gladness</I> in their birth,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:14,15">Luke i. 14, 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
But when we consider, not only that they are born in sin, but, as it is
|
|
expressed, that <I>they are born into the world,</I> a world of snares
|
|
and a vale of tears, we shall see reason to rejoice with trembling,
|
|
lest it should prove <I>better for them that they had never been
|
|
born.</I>
|
|
|
|
(<I>b.</I>) It is such joy as makes the anguish not to be remembered,
|
|
or <I>remembered as waters that pass away,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+11:16">Job xi. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Hæc olim meminisse juvabit.</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+41:51">Gen. xli. 51</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now this is very proper to set forth,
|
|
|
|
[<I>a.</I>] The sorrows of Christ's disciples in this world; they are
|
|
like travailing pains, sure and sharp, but not to last long, and in
|
|
order to a joyful product; they are in <I>pain to be delivered,</I> as
|
|
the church is described
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+12:2">Rev. xii. 2</A>),
|
|
|
|
and <I>the whole creation,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:22">Rom. viii. 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
And,
|
|
|
|
[<I>b.</I>] Their joys after these sorrows, which will <I>wipe away all
|
|
tears,</I> for <I>the former things are passed away,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+21:4">Rev. xxi. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
When they are born into that blessed world, and reap the fruit of all
|
|
their services and sorrows, the toil and anguish of this world will be
|
|
no more remembered, as Christ's were not, when <I>he saw of the travail
|
|
of his soul</I> abundantly to his satisfaction,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+53:11">Isa. liii. 11</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> The application of the similitude
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>You now have sorrow,</I> and are likely to have more, <I>but I will
|
|
see you again,</I> and you me, and then all will be well."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>a.</I> Here again he tells them of their <I>sorrow: "You now
|
|
therefore have sorrow; therefore,</I> because I am leaving you," as is
|
|
intimated in the antithesis, <I>I will see you again.</I> Note,
|
|
Christ's withdrawings are just cause of grief to his disciples. <I>If
|
|
he hide his face,</I> they cannot be <I>troubled.</I> When the sun
|
|
sets, the sun-flower will hang the head. And Christ takes notice of
|
|
these griefs, has a bottle for the tears, and a book for the sighs, of
|
|
all gracious mourners.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>b.</I> He, more largely than before, assures them of a return of
|
|
joy,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+30:5,11">Ps. xxx. 5, 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
He himself went through his own griefs, and bore ours, <I>for the joy
|
|
that was set before him;</I> and he would have us encourage ourselves
|
|
with the same prospect. Three things recommend the joy:--
|
|
|
|
(<I>a.</I>) The cause of it: "<I>I will see you again.</I> I will make
|
|
you a kind and friendly visit, to enquire after you, and minister
|
|
comfort to you." Note,
|
|
|
|
[<I>a.</I>] Christ will graciously return to those that wait for him,
|
|
though <I>for a small moment</I> he has seemed <I>to forsake them,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+54:7">Isa. liv. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Men, when they are exalted, will scarcely look upon their inferiors;
|
|
but the exalted Jesus will visit his disciples. They shall not only see
|
|
him in his glory, but he will see them in their meanness.
|
|
|
|
[<I>b.</I>] Christ's returns are returns of joy to all his disciples.
|
|
When clouded evidences are cleared up and interrupted communion is
|
|
revived, <I>then is the mouth filled with laughter.</I>
|
|
|
|
(<I>b.</I>) The cordiality of it: <I>Your heart shall rejoice.</I>
|
|
Divine consolation <I>put gladness into the heart.</I> Joy in the heart
|
|
is solid, and not flashy; it is secret, and that which a <I>stranger
|
|
does not intermeddle with;</I> it is sweet, and gives a good man
|
|
satisfaction in himself; it is sure, and not easily broken in upon.
|
|
Christ's disciples should heartily rejoice in his returns, sincerely
|
|
and greatly.
|
|
|
|
(<I>c.</I>) The continuance of it: <I>Your joy no man taketh from
|
|
you.</I> Men will attempt to take their joy from them; they would if
|
|
they could; but they shall not prevail. Some understand it of the
|
|
eternal joy of those that are glorified; those that have <I>entered
|
|
into the joy of the Lord shall go no more out.</I> Our joys on earth we
|
|
are liable to be robbed of by a thousand accidents, but heavenly joys
|
|
are everlasting. I rather understand it of the spiritual joys of those
|
|
that are sanctified, particularly the apostles' joy in their
|
|
apostleship. <I>Thanks be to God,</I> says Paul, in the name of the
|
|
rest, <I>who always causes us to triumph,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+2:14">2 Cor. ii. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
A malicious world would have taken it from them, they would have lost
|
|
it; but, when they took everything else from them, they could not take
|
|
this; <I>as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.</I> They could not rob
|
|
them of their joy, because they could not <I>separate them from the
|
|
love of Christ,</I> could not rob them of their God, nor of their
|
|
<I>treasure in heaven.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_27"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Encouragement to Prayer.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I
|
|
say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he
|
|
will give <I>it</I> you.
|
|
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall
|
|
receive, that your joy may be full.
|
|
25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the
|
|
time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but
|
|
I shall show you plainly of the Father.
|
|
26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you,
|
|
that I will pray the Father for you:
|
|
27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me,
|
|
and have believed that I came out from God.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
An answer to their askings is here promised, for their further comfort.
|
|
Now there are two ways of asking: asking by way of enquiry, which is
|
|
the asking of the ignorant; and asking by way of request, which is the
|
|
asking of the indigent. Christ here speaks of both.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. By way of enquiry, they should not need to ask
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>In that day you shall ask me nothing;</I>" <B><I>ouk erotesete
|
|
ouden</I></B>--<I>you shall ask no questions;</I> "you shall have such
|
|
a clear knowledge of gospel mysteries, by the opening of your
|
|
understandings, that you shall not need to enquire" (as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+8:11">Heb. viii. 11</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>they shall not teach</I>); "you shall have more knowledge on a
|
|
sudden than hitherto you have had by diligent attendance." They had
|
|
asked some ignorant questions (as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+9:2"><I>ch.</I> ix. 2</A>),
|
|
|
|
some ambitious questions (as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:1">Matt. xviii. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
some distrustful ones (as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+19:27">Matt. xix. 27</A>),
|
|
|
|
some impertinent ones, (as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:21"><I>ch.</I> xxi. 21</A>),
|
|
|
|
some curious ones (as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:6">Acts i. 6</A>);
|
|
|
|
but after the Spirit was poured out, nothing of all this. In the story
|
|
<I>of the apostles' Acts</I> we seldom find them asking questions, as
|
|
David, <I>Shall I do this?</I> Or, <I>Shall I go thither?</I> For they
|
|
were constantly under a divine guidance. In that weighty case of
|
|
preaching <I>the gospel to the Gentiles,</I> Peter went, <I>nothing
|
|
doubting,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+10:20">Acts x. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
Asking questions supposes us at a loss, or at least at a stand, and the
|
|
best of us have need to ask questions; but we should aim at such a full
|
|
assurance of understanding that we may not hesitate, but be constantly
|
|
led in a plain path both of truth and duty.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Now for this he gives a reason
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>),
|
|
|
|
which plainly refers to this promise, that they should not need to ask
|
|
questions: "<I>These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs,</I> in
|
|
such a way as you have thought not so plain and intelligible as you
|
|
could have wished, <I>but the time cometh when I shall show you
|
|
plainly,</I> as plainly as you can desire, <I>of the Father,</I> so
|
|
that you shall not need to ask questions."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The great thing Christ would lead them into was the knowledge of
|
|
God: "<I>I will show you the Father,</I> and bring you acquainted with
|
|
him." This is that which Christ designs to give and which all true
|
|
Christians desire to have. When Christ would express the greatest
|
|
favour intended for his disciples, he tells them that it would, <I>show
|
|
them plainly of the Father;</I> for what is the happiness of heaven,
|
|
but immediately and everlastingly to see God? <I>To know God as the
|
|
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ</I> is the greatest mystery for the
|
|
understanding to please itself with the contemplation of; and to know
|
|
him as our Father is the greatest happiness for the will and affections
|
|
to please themselves with the choice and enjoyment of.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Of this he had hitherto spoken to them in proverbs, which are wise
|
|
and instructive sayings, but figurative, and resting in generals.
|
|
Christ had spoken many things very plainly to them, and expounded his
|
|
parables privately to the disciples, but,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Considering their dulness, and unaptness to receive what he said
|
|
to them, he might be said to speak in proverbs; what he said to them
|
|
was as a book sealed,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+29:11">Isa. xxix. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Comparing the discoveries he had made to them, in what he had
|
|
spoken to their ears, with what he would make to them when he would
|
|
<I>put his Spirit into their heart,</I> all hitherto had been proverbs.
|
|
It would be a pleasing surprise to themselves, and they would think
|
|
themselves in a new world, when they would reflect upon all their
|
|
former notions as confused and enigmatical, compared with their present
|
|
clear and distinct knowledge of divine things. <I>The ministration of
|
|
the letter</I> was nothing to <I>that of the Spirit,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+3:8-11">2 Cor. iii. 8-11</A>.
|
|
|
|
(3.) Confining it to what he had said of <I>the Father,</I> and the
|
|
counsels of <I>the Father.</I> what he had said was very dark, compared
|
|
with what was shortly to be revealed,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+2:2">Col. ii. 2</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. He would speak to them <I>plainly,</I>
|
|
<B><I>parresia</I></B>--<I>with freedom,</I> of the Father. When the
|
|
Spirit was poured out, the apostles attained to a much greater
|
|
knowledge of divine things than they had before, as appears by the
|
|
utterance the Spirit gave them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+2:4">Acts ii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
They were led into the mystery of those things of which they had
|
|
previously a very confused idea; and what the Spirit showed them Christ
|
|
is here said to show them, for, as the Father speaks by the Son, so the
|
|
Son by the Spirit. But this promise will have its full accomplishment
|
|
in heaven, where we shall see the Father as he is, <I>face to face,</I>
|
|
not as we do now, <I>through a glass darkly</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+13:12">1 Cor. xiii. 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
which is matter of comfort to us under the cloud of present darkness,
|
|
by reason of which we cannot <I>order our speech,</I> but often
|
|
disorder it. While we are here, we have many questions to ask
|
|
concerning the invisible God and the invisible world; but in that day
|
|
we shall see all things clearly, and <I>ask no more questions.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. He promises that by way of request they should ask nothing in vain.
|
|
it is taken for granted that all Christ's disciples give themselves to
|
|
prayer. He has taught them by his precept and pattern to be much in
|
|
prayer; this must be their support and comfort when he had left them;
|
|
their instruction, direction, strength, and success, must be fetched in
|
|
by prayer. Now,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Here is an express promise of a grant,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
The preface to this promise is such as makes it inviolably sure, and
|
|
leaves no room to question it: "<I>Verily, verily, I say unto you,</I>
|
|
I pledge my veracity upon it." The promise itself is incomparably rich
|
|
and sweet; the golden sceptre is here held out to us, with the word,
|
|
<I>What is thy petition, and it shall be granted?</I> For he says,
|
|
<I>Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to
|
|
you.</I> We had it before,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:13"><I>ch.</I> xiv. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
What would we more? The promise is as express as we can desire.
|
|
|
|
(1.) We are here taught how to seek; we must <I>ask the Father in
|
|
Christ's name;</I> we must have an eye to God as a Father, and come as
|
|
children to him; and to Christ as Mediator, and come as clients. Asking
|
|
of the Father includes a sense of spiritual blessings, with a
|
|
conviction that they are to be had from God only. It included also
|
|
humility of address to him, with a believing confidence in him, as a
|
|
Father able and ready to help us. Asking in Christ's name includes an
|
|
acknowledgment of our own unworthiness to receive any favour from God,
|
|
a complacency in the method God has taken of keeping up a
|
|
correspondence with us by his Son, and an entire dependence upon Christ
|
|
as <I>the Lord our Righteousness.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) We are here told how we shall speed: <I>He will give it to
|
|
you.</I> What more can we wish for than to have what we want, nay, to
|
|
have what we will, in conformity to God's will, for the asking? He
|
|
<I>will give it to you</I> from whom <I>proceedeth every good and
|
|
perfect gift.</I> What Christ purchased by the merit of his death, he
|
|
needed not for himself, but intended it for, and consigned it to, his
|
|
faithful followers; and having given a valuable consideration for it,
|
|
which was accepted in full, by this promise he draws a bill as it were
|
|
upon the treasury in heaven, which we are to present by prayer, and
|
|
<I>in his name</I> to ask for that which is purchased and promised,
|
|
according to the true intent of the new covenant. Christ had promised
|
|
them great illumination by the Spirit, but they must pray for it, and
|
|
did so,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:14">Acts i. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
God will for this be enquired of. He had promised them perfection
|
|
hereafter, but what shall they do in the mean time? They must continue
|
|
praying. Perfect fruition is reserved for the land of our rest; asking
|
|
and receiving are the comfort of the land of our pilgrimage.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Here is an invitation for them to petition. It is thought sufficient
|
|
if great men permit addresses, but Christ calls upon us to petition,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) He looks back upon their practice hitherto: <I>Hitherto have you
|
|
asked nothing in my name.</I> This refers either
|
|
|
|
[1.] To the matter of their prayers: "You have asked nothing
|
|
comparatively, nothing to what you might have asked, and will ask when
|
|
the Spirit is poured out." See what a generous benefactor our Lord
|
|
Jesus is, above all benefactors; he gives liberally, and is so far from
|
|
upbraiding us with the frequency and largeness of his gifts that he
|
|
rather upbraids us with the seldomness and straitness of our requests:
|
|
"<I>You have asked nothing</I> in comparison of what you want, and what
|
|
I have to give, and have promised to give." We are told to <I>open our
|
|
mouth wide.</I> Or,
|
|
|
|
[2.] To the name in which they prayed. They prayed many a prayer, but
|
|
never so expressly in the name of Christ as now he was directing them
|
|
to do; for he had not as yet offered up that great sacrifice in the
|
|
virtue of which our prayers were to be accepted, nor entered upon his
|
|
intercession for us, the incense whereof was to perfume all our
|
|
devotions, and so enable us to pray in his name. Hitherto they had
|
|
cast out devils, and healed diseases, in the name of Christ, as a king
|
|
and a prophet, but they could not as yet distinctly pray in his name as
|
|
a priest.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He looks forward to their practice for the future: <I>Ask and you
|
|
shall receive, that your joy may be full.</I> Here,
|
|
|
|
[1.] He directs them to ask for all that they needed and he had
|
|
promised.
|
|
|
|
[2.] He assures them that they shall <I>receive.</I> What we ask from a
|
|
principle of grace God will graciously give: <I>You shall receive
|
|
it.</I> There is something more in this than the promise that he will
|
|
give it. He will not only give it, but give you to receive it, give you
|
|
the comfort and benefit of it, <I>a heart to eat of it,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+6:2">Eccl. vi. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
[3.] That hereby <I>their joy shall be full.</I> This denotes,
|
|
<I>First.</I> The blessed effect of the <I>prayer of faith;</I> it
|
|
helps to fill up the <I>joy of faith.</I> Would we have our joy full,
|
|
as full as it is capable of being in this world, we must be <I>much in
|
|
prayer.</I> When we are told to <I>rejoice evermore,</I> it follows
|
|
immediately, <I>Pray without ceasing.</I> See how high we are to aim in
|
|
prayer--not only at peace, but joy, a <I>fulness of joy.</I> Or,
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> The blessed effects of the <I>answer of peace:</I>
|
|
"Ask, and you shall receive that which will <I>fill your joy.</I>"
|
|
God's gifts, through Christ, fill the treasures of the soul, they fill
|
|
its joy,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:21">Prov. viii. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
"Ask for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and you shall receive it; and
|
|
whereas other knowledge <I>increaseth sorrow</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+1:18">Eccl. i. 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
the knowledge he gives will increase, will fill, <I>your joy.</I>"</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. Here are the grounds upon which they might hope to speed
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:26,27"><I>v.</I> 26, 27</A>),
|
|
|
|
which are summed up in short by the apostle
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:1">1 John ii. 1</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>We have an advocate with the Father.</I>"</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) We have an advocate; as to this, Christ saw cause at present not
|
|
to insist upon it, only to make the following encouragement shine the
|
|
brighter: "<I>I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for
|
|
you.</I> Suppose I should not tell you that I will intercede for you,
|
|
should not undertake to solicit every particular cause you have
|
|
depending there, yet it may be a general ground of comfort that I have
|
|
settled a correspondence between you and God, have erected a throne of
|
|
grace, and consecrated for you a <I>new and living way into the
|
|
holiest.</I>" He speaks as if they needed not any favours, when he had
|
|
prevailed for the gift of the Holy Ghost to <I>make intercession within
|
|
them,</I> as Spirit of adoption, crying <I>Abba, Father;</I> as if they
|
|
had no further need of him to pray for them now, but we shall find that
|
|
he does more for us than he says he will. Men's performances often come
|
|
short of their promises, but Christ's go beyond them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) We have to do with a Father, which is so great an encouragement
|
|
that it does in a manner supersede the other: "<I>For the Father
|
|
himself loveth you,</I> <B><I>philei hymas</I></B>, he is a friend to
|
|
you, and you cannot be better befriended." Note, The disciples of
|
|
Christ are the beloved of God himself. Christ not only turned away
|
|
God's wrath from us, and brought us into a covenant of peace and
|
|
reconciliation, but purchased his favour for us, and brought us into a
|
|
covenant of friendship. Observe what an emphasis is laid upon this
|
|
"<I>The Father himself loveth you,</I> who is perfectly happy in the
|
|
enjoyment of himself, whose self-love is both his infinite rectitude
|
|
and his infinite blessedness; yet he is pleased to love you." The
|
|
Father himself, whose favour you have forfeited, and whose wrath you
|
|
have incurred, and with whom you need an advocate, he himself now loves
|
|
you. Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Why the Father loved the disciples of Christ: <I>Because you have
|
|
loved me, and have believed that I am come from God,</I> that is,
|
|
because you are my disciples indeed: not as if the love began on their
|
|
side, but when by his grace he has wrought in us a love to him he is
|
|
well pleased with the work of his own hands. See here, <I>First,</I>
|
|
What is the character of Christ's disciples; they love him, because
|
|
they <I>believe he came out from God,</I> is the only-begotten of the
|
|
Father, and his high-commissioner to the world. Note, Faith in Christ
|
|
works by love to him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+5:6">Gal. v. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
If we believe him to be the Son of God, we cannot but love him as
|
|
infinitely lovely in himself; and if we believe him to be our Saviour,
|
|
we cannot but love him as the most kind to us. Observe with what
|
|
respect Christ is pleased to speak of his disciples' love to him, and
|
|
how kindly he took it; he speaks of it as that which recommended them
|
|
to his Father's favour: "You have loved me and believed in me when the
|
|
world has hated and rejected me; and you shall be distinguished
|
|
yourselves." <I>Secondly,</I> See what advantage Christ's faithful
|
|
disciples have, the Father loves them, and that because they love
|
|
Christ; so well pleased is he in him that he is well pleased with all
|
|
his friends.
|
|
|
|
[2.] What encouragement this gave them in prayer. They need not fear
|
|
speeding when they came to one that loved them, and wished them well.
|
|
<I>First,</I> This cautions us against hard thoughts of God. When we
|
|
are taught in prayer to plead Christ's merit and intercession, it is
|
|
not as if all the kindness were in Christ only, and in God nothing but
|
|
wrath and fury; no, the matter is not so, the Father's love and
|
|
good-will appointed Christ to be the Mediator; so that we owe Christ's
|
|
merit to God's mercy in giving him for us. <I>Secondly,</I> Let it
|
|
cherish and confirm in us good thoughts of God. Believers, that love
|
|
Christ, ought to know that God loves them, and therefore to come boldly
|
|
to him as children to a loving Father.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh16_33"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec5"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ's Discoveries of Himself.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world:
|
|
again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
|
|
29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly,
|
|
and speakest no proverb.
|
|
30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest
|
|
not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou
|
|
camest forth from God.
|
|
31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
|
|
32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be
|
|
scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and
|
|
yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
|
|
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might
|
|
have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of
|
|
good cheer; I have overcome the world.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Two things Christ here comforts his disciples with:--</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. With an assurance that, though he was leaving the world, he was
|
|
returning to his Father, from whom he came forth
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:28-32"><I>v.</I> 28-32</A>,
|
|
|
|
where we have,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. A plain declaration of Christ's mission from the Father, and his
|
|
return to him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>I came forth from the Father, and am come,</I> as you see, <I>into
|
|
the world. Again, I leave the world,</I> as you will see shortly,
|
|
<I>and go to the Father.</I> This is the conclusion of the whole
|
|
matter. There was nothing he had more inculcated upon them than these
|
|
two things--whence he came, and whither he went, the <I>Alpha</I> and
|
|
<I>Omega</I> of the <I>mystery of godliness</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+3:16">1 Tim. iii. 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
that the Redeemer, in his entrance, was <I>God manifest in the
|
|
flesh,</I> and in his exit was <I>received up into glory.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) These two great truths are here,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Contracted, and put into a few words. Brief summaries of Christian
|
|
doctrine are of great use to young beginners. The principles of the
|
|
oracles of God brought into a little compass in creeds and catechisms
|
|
have, like the beams of the sun contracted in a burning glass, conveyed
|
|
divine light and heat with a wonderful power. Such we have,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+28:28,Ec+12:13,1Ti+1:15,Tit+2:11,12,1Jo+5:11">Job xxviii. 28;
|
|
Eccl. xii. 13; 1 Tim. i. 15; Tit. ii. 11, 12; 1 John v. 11</A>;
|
|
|
|
much in a little.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Compared, and set the one over against the other. There is an
|
|
admirable harmony in divine truths; they both corroborate and
|
|
illustrate one another; Christ's coming and his going do so. Christ had
|
|
commended his disciples for believing that he came forth from God
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>),
|
|
|
|
and thence infers the necessity and equity of his returning to God
|
|
again, which therefore should not seem to them either strange or sad.
|
|
Note, The due improvement of what we know and own would help us into
|
|
the understanding of that which seems difficult and doubtful.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) If we ask concerning the Redeemer <I>whence he came,</I> and
|
|
<I>whither he went,</I> we are told,
|
|
|
|
[1.] That he <I>came from the Father,</I> who sanctified and sealed
|
|
him; and he came into this world, this lower world, this world of
|
|
mankind, among whom by his incarnation he was pleased to incorporate
|
|
himself. Here his business lay, and hither he came to attend it. He
|
|
left his home for this strange country; his palace for this cottage;
|
|
wonderful condescension!
|
|
|
|
[2.] That, when he had done his work on earth, he left the world, and
|
|
went back to his Father at his ascension. He was not forced away, but
|
|
made it his own act and deed to leave the world, to return to it no
|
|
more till he comes to put an end to it; yet still he is spiritually
|
|
present with his church, and will be to the end.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The disciples' satisfaction in this declaration
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:29,30"><I>v.</I> 29, 30</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Lo, now speakest though plainly.</I> It should seem, this one word
|
|
of Christ did them more good than all the rest, though he had said many
|
|
things likely enough to fasten upon them. The Spirit, as the wind,
|
|
blows when and where, and by what word he pleases; perhaps a word that
|
|
has been <I>spoken once, yea twice,</I> and not perceived, yet, being
|
|
often repeated, takes hold at last. Two things they improved in by this
|
|
saying:--</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) In knowledge: <I>Lo, now speakest thou plainly.</I> When they were
|
|
in the dark concerning what he said, they did not say, <I>Lo, now
|
|
speakest thou obscurely,</I> as blaming him; but now that they
|
|
apprehend his meaning they give him glory for condescending to their
|
|
capacity: <I>Lo, now speakest thou plainly.</I> Divine truths are most
|
|
likely to do good when they are spoken plainly,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+2:4">1 Cor. ii. 4</A>.
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Observe how they triumphed, as the mathematician did with his
|
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<B><I>heureka, heureka</I></B>, when he had hit upon a demonstration he
|
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had long been in quest of: <I>I have found it, I have found it.</I>
|
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Note, When Christ is pleased to speak plainly to our souls, and to
|
|
bring us with open face to behold his glory, we have reason to rejoice
|
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in it.</P>
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<P>
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(2.) In faith: <I>Now are we sure.</I> Observe,</P>
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<P>
|
|
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[1.] What was the matter of their faith: <I>We believe that thou camest
|
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forth from God.</I> He had said
|
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|
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>)
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that they did believe this; "Lord" (say they) "we do believe it, and we
|
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have cause to believe it, and we know that we believe it, and have the
|
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comfort of it."</P>
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<P>
|
|
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[2.] What was the motive of their faith--his omniscience. This proved
|
|
him a teacher come from God, and more than a prophet, that he knew all
|
|
things, which they were convinced of by this that he resolved those
|
|
doubts which were hid in their hearts, and answered the scruples they
|
|
had not confessed. Note, Those know Christ best that know him by
|
|
experience, that can say of his power, It works in me; of his love, He
|
|
loved me. And this proves Christ not only to have a divine mission, but
|
|
to be a divine person, that he is a discerner of the thoughts and
|
|
intents of the heart, therefore the essential, eternal Word,
|
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+4:12,13">Heb. iv. 12, 13</A>.
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He has made all the churches to know that he searches the reins and the
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heart,
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+2:23">Rev. ii. 23</A>.
|
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This confirmed the faith of the disciples here, as it made the first
|
|
impression upon the woman of Samaria that Christ <I>told her all the
|
|
things that ever she did</I>
|
|
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+4:29"><I>ch.</I> iv. 29</A>),
|
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and upon Nathanael that Christ <I>saw him under the fig-tree,</I>
|
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:48,49"><I>ch.</I> i. 48, 49</A>.</P>
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|
<P>
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|
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These words, <I>and needest not that any man should ask thee,</I> may
|
|
bespeak either, <I>First,</I> Christ's aptness to teach. He prevents us
|
|
with his instructions, and is communicative of the <I>treasures of
|
|
wisdom and knowledge</I> that are hid in him, and needs not to be
|
|
importuned. Or, <I>Secondly,</I> His ability to teach: "Thou needest
|
|
not, as other teachers, to have the learners' doubts told thee, for
|
|
thou knowest, without being told, what they stumble at." The best of
|
|
teachers can only answer what is spoken, but Christ can answer what is
|
|
thought, what we are afraid to ask, as the disciples were,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+9:32">Mark ix. 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thus he <I>can have compassion,</I>
|
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+5:2">Heb. v. 2</A>.</P>
|
|
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|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. The gentle rebuke Christ gave the disciples for their confidence
|
|
that they now understood him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:31,32"><I>v.</I> 31, 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observing how they triumphed in their attainments, he said, "<I>Do you
|
|
now believe?</I> Do you now look upon yourselves as advanced and
|
|
confirmed disciples? Do you now think you shall make no more blunders?
|
|
Alas! you know not your own weakness; you will very shortly <I>be
|
|
scattered every man to his own,</I>" &c. Here we have,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) A question, designed to put them upon consideration: <I>Do you now
|
|
believe?</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] "If now, why not sooner? Have you not heard the same things many a
|
|
time before?" Those who after many instructions and invitations are at
|
|
last persuaded to believe have reason to be ashamed that they stood it
|
|
out so long.
|
|
|
|
[2.] "If now, why not ever? When an hour of temptation comes, where
|
|
will your faith be then?" As far as there is inconstancy in our faith
|
|
there is cause to question the sincerity of it, and to ask, "Do we
|
|
indeed believe?"</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) A prediction of their fall, that, how confident soever they were
|
|
now of their own stability, in a little time they would all desert him,
|
|
which was fulfilled that very night, when, upon his being seized by a
|
|
party of the guards, <I>all his disciples forsook him and fled,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:56">Matt. xxvi. 56</A>.
|
|
|
|
They were scattered,
|
|
|
|
[1.] From one another; they shifted every one for his own safety,
|
|
without any care or concern for each other. Troublous times are times
|
|
of scattering to Christian societies; in the cloudy and dark day the
|
|
flock of Christ is dispersed,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+34:12">Ezek. xxxiv. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
So Christ, as a society, is not visible.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Scattered for him: <I>You shall leave me alone.</I> They should
|
|
have been witnesses for him upon his trial, should have ministered to
|
|
him in his sufferings; if they could have given him no comfort they
|
|
might have done him some credit; but they were ashamed of his chain,
|
|
and afraid of sharing with him in his sufferings, and left him alone.
|
|
Note, Many a good cause, when it is distressed by its enemies, is
|
|
deserted by its friends. The disciples had <I>continued with Christ</I>
|
|
in his other temptations and yet turned their back upon him now; those
|
|
that are tried, do not always prove trusty. If we at any time find our
|
|
friends unkind to us, let us remember that Christ's were so to him.
|
|
When they left him alone, they were scattered <I>every man to his
|
|
own;</I> not to their own possessions or habitations, these were in
|
|
Galilee; but to their own friends and acquaintance in Jerusalem; every
|
|
one went his own way, where he fancied he should be most safe. Every
|
|
man to secure his own; himself and his own life. Note, Those will not
|
|
dare to suffer for their religion that <I>seek their own things</I>
|
|
more than the <I>things of Christ,</I> and that look upon the things of
|
|
this world as their <B><I>ta idia</I></B>--<I>their own property,</I>
|
|
and in which their happiness is bound up. Now observe here,
|
|
<I>First,</I> Christ knew before that his disciples would thus desert
|
|
him in the critical moment, and yet he was still tender of them, and in
|
|
nothing unkind. We are ready to say of some, "If we could have foreseen
|
|
their ingratitude, we would not have been so prodigal of our favours to
|
|
them;" Christ did foresee theirs, and yet was kind to them.
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> He told them of it, to be a rebuke to their exultation
|
|
in their present attainments: "<I>Do you now believe?</I> Be not
|
|
high-minded, but fear; for you will find your faith so sorely shaken as
|
|
to make it questionable whether it be sincere or no, in a little time."
|
|
Note, even when we are taking the comfort of our graces, it is good to
|
|
be reminded of our dangers from our corruptions. When our faith is
|
|
strong, our love flaming, and our evidences are clear, yet we cannot
|
|
infer thence that <I>to-morrow shall be as this day.</I> Even when we
|
|
have most reason to think we stand, yet we have reason enough to take
|
|
heed lest we fall. <I>Thirdly,</I> He spoke of it as a thing very
|
|
near. <I>The hour was</I> already <I>come,</I> in a manner, when they
|
|
would be as shy of him as ever they had been fond of him. Note, A
|
|
little time may produce great changes, both concerning us and in
|
|
us.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) An assurance of his own comfort notwithstanding: <I>Yet I am not
|
|
alone.</I> He would not be thought to complain of their deserting him,
|
|
as if it were any real damage to him; for in their absence he should be
|
|
sure of his Father's presence, which was <I>instar omnium--every thing:
|
|
The Father is with me.</I> We may consider this,
|
|
|
|
[1.] As a privilege peculiar to the Lord Jesus; the Father was so with
|
|
him in his sufferings as he never was with any, for still he was <I>in
|
|
the bosom of the Father.</I> The divine nature did not desert the human
|
|
nature, but supported it, and put an invincible comfort and an
|
|
inestimable value into his sufferings. The Father had engaged to be
|
|
with him in his whole undertaking
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+89:21">Ps. lxxxix. 21</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c.), and to preserve him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+49:8">Isa. xlix. 8</A>);
|
|
|
|
this emboldened him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+50:7">Isa. l. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Even when he complained of his Father's forsaking him, yet he called
|
|
him <I>My God,</I> and presently after was so well assured of his
|
|
favourable presence with him as to commit his Spirit into his hand.
|
|
This he had comforted himself with all along
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+8:29"><I>ch.</I> viii. 29</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>He that sent me is with me, the Father hath not left me alone,</I>
|
|
and especially now at last. This assists our faith in the
|
|
acceptableness of Christ's satisfaction; no doubt, the Father was well
|
|
pleased in him, for he went along with him in his undertaking from
|
|
first to last.
|
|
|
|
[2.] As a privilege common to all believers, by virtue of their union
|
|
with Christ; when they are alone, they are <I>not alone,</I> but <I>the
|
|
Father is with them. First,</I> When solitude is their choice, when
|
|
they are alone, as Isaac in the field, Nathanael under the fig-tree,
|
|
Peter upon the house-top, meditating and praying, the Father is with
|
|
them. Those that converse with God in solitude are never less alone
|
|
than when alone. A good God and a good heart are good company at any
|
|
time. <I>Secondly,</I> When solitude is their affliction, their enemies
|
|
lay them alone, and their friends leave them so, their company, like
|
|
Job's, is made desolate; yet they are not so much alone as they are
|
|
thought to be, <I>the Father is with them,</I> as he was with Joseph in
|
|
his bonds and with John in his banishment. In their greatest troubles
|
|
they are as one whom his father pities, as one whom his mother
|
|
comforts. And, while we have God's favourable presence with us, we are
|
|
happy, and ought to be easy, though all the world forsake us. <I>Non
|
|
deo tribuimus justum honorem nisi solus ipse nobis sufficiat--We do not
|
|
render due honour to God, unless we deem him alone
|
|
all-sufficient.</I>--Calvin.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. He comforts them with a promise of peace in him, by virtue of his
|
|
victory over the world, whatever troubles they might meet with in it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>These things have I spoken, that in me you might have peace;</I>
|
|
and if you have it not in me you will not have it at all, for <I>in the
|
|
world you shall have tribulation;</I> you must expect no other, and yet
|
|
may cheer up yourselves, for <I>I have overcome the world.</I>"
|
|
Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The end Christ aimed at in preaching this farewell sermon to his
|
|
disciples: <I>That in him they might have peace.</I> He did not hereby
|
|
intend to give them a full view of that doctrine which they were
|
|
shortly to be made masters of by the pouring out of the Spirit, but
|
|
only to satisfy them for the present that his departure from them was
|
|
really for the best. Or, we may take it more generally: Christ had said
|
|
all this to them that by enjoying him they might have the best
|
|
enjoyment of themselves. Note,
|
|
|
|
(1.) It is the will of Christ that his disciples should have peace
|
|
within, whatever their troubles may be without.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Peace in Christ is the only true peace, and in him alone believers
|
|
have it, for <I>this man shall be the peace,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mic+5:5">Mic. v. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
Through him we have peace with God, and so in him we have peace in our
|
|
own minds.
|
|
|
|
(3.) The word of Christ aims at this, <I>that in him we may have
|
|
peace.</I> Peace is the <I>fruit of the lips, and of his lips,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+57:19">Isa. lvii. 19</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The entertainment they were likely to meet with in the world: "You
|
|
shall not have outward peace, never expect it." Though they were sent
|
|
to proclaim <I>peace on earth,</I> and <I>good-will towards men,</I>
|
|
they must expect trouble on earth, and ill-will from men. Note, It has
|
|
been the lot of Christ's disciples to have more or less tribulation in
|
|
this world. Men persecute them because they are so good, and God
|
|
corrects them because they are no better. Men design to cut them off
|
|
from the earth, and God designs by affliction to make them meet for
|
|
heaven; and so between both <I>they shall have tribulation.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. The encouragement Christ gives them with reference hereto: <I>But be
|
|
of good cheer,</I> <B><I>tharseite</I></B>. "Not only be of good
|
|
comfort, but be of good courage; have a good heart on it, all shall be
|
|
well." Note, In the midst of the tribulations of this world it is the
|
|
duty and interest of Christ's disciples to be of good cheer, to keep up
|
|
their delight in God whatever is pressing, and their hope in God
|
|
whatever is threatening; as sorrowful indeed, in compliance with the
|
|
temper of the climate, and yet always rejoicing, always cheerful
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+6:10">2 Cor. vi. 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
even <I>in tribulation,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+5:3">Rom. v. 3</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. The ground of that encouragement: <I>I have overcome the world.</I>
|
|
Christ's victory is a Christian triumph. Christ overcame the prince of
|
|
this world, disarmed him, and cast him out; and still treads Satan
|
|
under our feet. He overcame the children of this world, by the
|
|
conversion of many to the faith and obedience of his gospel, making
|
|
them the children of his kingdom. When he sends his disciples to preach
|
|
the gospel to all the world, "<I>Be of good cheer,</I>" says he, "<I>I
|
|
have overcome the world</I> as far as I have gone, and so shall you;
|
|
though you have tribulation in the world, yet you shall gain your
|
|
point, and captivate the world,"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+6:2">Rev. vi. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
He overcame the wicked of the world, for many a time he put his enemies
|
|
to silence, to shame; "And be you of good cheer, for the Spirit will
|
|
enable you to do so too." He overcame the evil things of the world by
|
|
submitting to them; he endured the cross, despising it and the shame of
|
|
it; and he overcame the good things of it by being wholly dead to them;
|
|
its honours had no beauty in his eye, its pleasures no charms. Never
|
|
was there such a conqueror of the world as Christ was, and we ought to
|
|
be encouraged by it,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Because Christ has overcome the world before us; so that we may
|
|
look upon it as a conquered enemy, that has many a time been baffled.
|
|
Nay,
|
|
|
|
(2.) He has conquered it for us, as the captain of our salvation. We
|
|
are interested in his victory; by his cross the world is <I>crucified
|
|
to us,</I> which bespeaks it completely conquered and put into our
|
|
possession; all is yours, even <I>the world.</I> Christ having overcome
|
|
the world, believers have nothing to do but to pursue their victory,
|
|
and divide the spoil; and this we do by faith,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+5:4">1 John v. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>We are more than conquerors through him that loved us.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
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