_That they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill Him._
CRAFT AND CRUELTY COUPLED IN THE CHURCH’S ADVERSARIES
Neither of them “wants their mate,” as the Scripture says of those
birds of prey and desolation (Isaiah 34:16). These priests and elders
were so bitterly bent against Christ, that nothing w... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper._
CHRIST ANOINTED FOR HIS BURIAL
Let us endeavour to find out what was the latent virtue in the
apparently simple act which won so noble a reward.
I. There can be no doubt that the majority of Christians would express
surprise at the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief
priests._
JUDAS, THE TRUTH SOLD FOR MONEY
What was his prompting principle?
(1) Not a Divine impulse;
(2) or sense of public duty;
(3) or malicious feeling towards Christ;
(4) but avarice.
A man, to commit this sin, must have... [ Continue Reading ]
_And as they did eat, He said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you
shall betray Me._
SELF-DISTRUST
Every man is a mystery to himself. In every soul there lie, coiled and
dormant, like hybernating snakes, evils that a very slight rise in the
temperature will wake up into poisonous activity. Let... [ Continue Reading ]
_And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it._
RELATION OF THE HOLY COMMUNION TO CHRIST
The bread and cup are His body and blood, because they are causes
instrumental, upon the receipt whereof the participation of His body
and blood ensueth. Every cause is in the effect which groweth... [ Continue Reading ]
_And when they had sung an hymn._
THE PARTING HYMN
Our Lord commemorated the Passover as His countrymen were wont to do;
and we may justly conclude that He sung what they were used to sing in
finishing the solemn celebration. When the Passover was instituted on
the night of the destruction of the f... [ Continue Reading ]
_Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be
offended._
ENTHUSIASM AND ITS DANGERS
I. The confidence of inexperience, aided by lack of imagination. How
often is this repeated before our eyes! Castles in the air are built
by inexperienced virtue, to be demolished, alas! at... [ Continue Reading ]
_A place called Gethsemane._
THE LANGUAGE AND TONE BEFITTING OUR PRAYERS TO GOD
To a thoughtful and inquiring mind, nothing will be more manifest than
the decorum of our Saviour’s addresses to the throne of grace. He is
never betrayed into flights and ecstasies; never uses any phrase which
is not m... [ Continue Reading ]
_Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation _
CHRISTIAN CAUTION
Who sleeps by a magazine of gunpowder needs to take care even of
sparks.
Who walks on ice, let him not go star-gazing, but look to his feet,
and take care of falling. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into
temptation,” is a w... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come?_
THE LAST PLEADING OF LOVE
I. The patience of Christ’s love. The betrayer in the very instant
of his treason has that changeless tenderness lingering around him,
and that merciful hand beckoning to him still. Sin is mighty, but it
cannot m... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father?_
WAR OPPOSED TO THE PRECEPTS AND SPIRIT OF CHRISTIANITY
Show that war is opposed to the spirit of Christianity.
I. Offer such reasons as prove this.
1. The toleration of war under the New Testament dispensation is
contrary to what Christianity... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled._
THE CAUSES, SIGNS, EVILS, AND CURE OF BACKSLIDING
I. Its causes.
1. Opposition and fear of injury from those who are the enemies of
religion.
2. A too frequent and uniform conformity and intercourse with the
world.
3. Self-confidence in spiritual g... [ Continue Reading ]
_But Peter followed Him afar off._
DANGER OF FOLLOWING JESUS AFAR OFF
I. What induced the apostle to follow Jesus afar of. It was fear of
men, of the evil which might fall upon him. He might persuade himself
that he could render no help to his Master. Compare the attachment of
Ruth to Naomi. The a... [ Continue Reading ]
_But Jesus held His peace._
SILENCE THE BEST REPLY TO SLANDER
It is reported of Titus Vespasian, that when any one spake ill of him
he was wont to say that he was above false reports; and if they were
true, he had more reason to be angry with himself than the relator.
And the good Emperor Theodosi... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now Peter sat without in the palace._
THE FALL OF PETER
One of the most melancholy instances of depravity ever committed. But
a little while before so confident, seated at the table of the Lord,
etc. Draw from it important practical uses.
I. The danger of self-confidence-“Let him that thinketh,”... [ Continue Reading ]