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1994-03-02
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02759
#39-46 Every description which the evangelists give of the state
of mind in which our Lord entered upon this conflict, proves the
tremendous nature of the assault, and the perfect foreknowledge
of its terrors possessed by the meek and lowly Jesus. Here are
three things not in the other evangelists. 1. When Christ was in
his agony, there appeared to him an angel from heaven,
strengthening him. It was a part of his humiliation that he was
thus strengthened by a ministering spirit. 2. Being in agony, he
prayed more earnestly. Prayer, though never out of season, is in
a special manner seasonable when we are in an agony. 3. In this
agony his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling
down. This showed the travail of his soul. We should pray also
to be enabled to resist unto the shedding of our blood, striving
against sin, if ever called to it. When next you dwell in
imagination upon the delights of some favourite sin, think of
its effects as you behold them here! See its fearful effects in
the garden of Gethsemane, and desire, by the help of God, deeply
to hate and to forsake that enemy, to ransom sinners from whom
the Redeemer prayed, agonized, and bled.
02767
#47-53 Nothing can be a greater affront or grief to the Lord
Jesus, than to be betrayed by those who profess to be his
followers, and say that they love him. Many instances there are,
of Christ's being betrayed by those who, under the form of
godliness, fight against the power of it. Jesus here gave an
illustrious example of his own rule of doing good to those that
hate us, as afterwards he did of praying for those that
despitefully use us. Corrupt nature warps our conduct to
extremes; we should seek for the Lord's direction before we act
in difficult circumstances. Christ was willing to wait for his
triumphs till his warfare was accomplished, and we must be so
too. But the hour and the power of darkness were short, and such
the triumphs of the wicked always will be.
02774
#54-62 Peter's fall was his denying that he knew Christ, and was
his disciple; disowning him because of distress and danger. He
that has once told a lie, is strongly tempted to persist: the
beginning of that sin, like strife, is as the letting forth of
water. The Lord turned and looked upon Peter. 1. It was a
convincing look. Jesus turned and looked upon him, as if he
should say, Dost thou not know me, Peter? 2. It was a chiding
look. Let us think with what a rebuking countenance Christ may
justly look upon us when we have sinned. 3. It was an
expostulating look. Thou who wast the most forward to confess me
to be the Son of God, and didst solemnly promise thou wouldest
never disown me! 4. It was a compassionate look. Peter, how art
thou fallen and undone if I do not help thee! 5. It was a
directing look, to go and bethink himself. 6. It was a
significant look; it signified the conveying of grace to Peter's
heart, to enable him to repent. The grace of God works in and by
the word of God, brings that to mind, and sets that home upon
the conscience, and so gives the soul the happy turn. Christ
looked upon the chief priests, and made no impression upon them
as he did on Peter. It was not the mere look from Christ, but
the Divine grace with it, that restored Peter.
02783
#63-71 Those that condemned Jesus for a blasphemer, were the
vilest blasphemers. He referred them to his second coming, for
the full proof of his being the Christ, to their confusion,
since they would not admit the proof of it to their conviction.
He owns himself to be the Son of God, though he knew he should
suffer for it. Upon this they ground his condemnation. Their
eyes being blinded, they rush on. Let us meditate on this
amazing transaction, and consider Him who endured such
contradiction of sinners against himself.
02792
* Christ before Pilate. (1-5) Christ before Herod. (6-12)
Barabbas preferred to Christ. (13-25) Christ speaks of the
destruction of Jerusalem. (26-31) The crucifixion, The repentant
malefactor. (32-43) The death of Christ. (44-49) The burial of
Christ. (50-56)
#1-5 Pilate well understood the difference between armed forces
and our Lord's followers. But instead of being softened by
Pilate's declaration of his innocence, and considering whether
they were not bringing the guilt of innocent blood upon
themselves, the Jews were the more angry. The Lord brings his
designs to a glorious end, even by means of those who follow the
devices of their own hearts. Thus all parties joined, so as to
prove the innocence of Jesus, who was the atoning sacrifice for
our sins.
02797
#6-12 Herod had heard many things of Jesus in Galilee, and out
of curiosity longed to see him. The poorest beggar that asked a
miracle for the relief of his necessity, was never denied; but
this proud prince, who asked for a miracle only to gratify his
curiosity, is refused. He might have seen Christ and his
wondrous works in Galilee, and would not, therefore it is justly
said, Now he would see them, and shall not. Herod sent Christ
again to Pilate: the friendships of wicked men are often formed
by union in wickedness. They agree in little, except in enmity
to God, and contempt of Christ.