John 14:31

That the world may know that. love the Father.

His, death was. sublime act of self-sacrifice. In the prayer of Gethsemane the burden was, "Nevertheless not as. will, but as thou wilt." Hence, because in the mysteries of the divine government it was the Father's will, he died in demonstration of his love of the Father, and "even as the Father gave commandment so" he obeyed.

Arise, let us go hence.

Immediately following these words the Lord continues his discourse as recorded in Chapter s XV and XVI, and then closes with the touching prayer of chapter XVII. As soon as this prayer is closed it is stated that "When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples, over the brook Cedron, where was. garden, etc." Some judicious authorities hold that at the utterance of the words closing verse 31, the Savior and his disciples left the upper room, that the rest of the discourse was delivered on the way, and that when it is said he "went forth" it is meant that he went out of Jerusalem.. cannot, however, think that the character of the next three Chapter s is consistent with the view that they were spoken on the way, when the narrow streets of Jerusalem were crowded by the presence of at least. million strangers in attendance at the great festival. Such. prayer as the Lord's prayer in chapter XVII could not have been offered upon the street, amid the confusion of. noisy city.. cannot doubt that when the Lord "lifted up his eyes," he was in the quiet of. room and surrounded only by his disciples. It is far more probable, therefore, that the words, "Arise, let us go hence," were. signal to make ready for departure; that when all had arisen, he continued his discourse as he stood with the little group around him, with their sandals and outer robes girded upon them, and that, when he had closed with the prayer so graven on the heart of all who love him in every age, then "he went forth with his disciples," as is stated in 18:1.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

1. "Love is the fulfilling of the law." He that "loves God with his whole heart, mind, soul and strength, and his neighbor as himself shall live." Such. soul has passed from death unto life, is. partaker of the divine nature, and. fit abode for the indwelling of the living Christ.

2. The test of our love for Christ is "keeping his words," not some of them, but. complete surrender of our will to his. As he loved the Father and "pleased him in all things," so if we love Christ we must make his will supreme in all things. When there is no discord between our will and that of the Master, then our hearts shall be fitted for. temple of the Lord and the Son will make his abode in the heart.

3. The soul that is completely resigned to the will of Christ, can always pray "thy will be done," will enjoy the presence of Christ always and, with his presence and his peace such will ever feel, whatever may betide, that Christ is with them, that they are held in his hand, and that "all things shall work together for good to them that love God."