The latter end of the foregoing chapter acquainted us with the prudential care of Christ in withdrawing from the fury of his enemies in and about Jerusalem, who were consulting his destruction: his time not being fully come, he gets out of the way of his persecutors: but now the passover being at ha... [ Continue Reading ]
In these verses, an account is given of our Saviour's entertainment at Bethany after he had raised Lazarus.. supper is made for him, at which Martha served, and Lazarus sat with him, but Mary anoints Christ with precious ointment. Where note, 1. The action which this holy woman performed, she pours... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, It was not zeal, but curiousity, which brought these persons at this time to Christ; they had an itching desire to see Lazarus, to inquire after the truth of his death, and possibly after the state of the dead, and the condition that separated souls are in after death. Thus the miracle... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The unreasonableness of that rage and madness, which was found in the chief priests against Lazarus. THEY CONSULTED TOGETHER HOW THEY MIGHT PUT LAZARUS TO DEATH. But supposing that Christ had spoken blasphemy, in making himself equal with God, supposing that he had broken the sabbat... [ Continue Reading ]
Here, we have recorded the carriage of the multitude towards our Saviour, when he came near the city of Jerusalem: they take palms in their hands, and go forth to meet him, and cast their garments on the ground before him to ride upon: yea, they do not only disrobe their backs, but expend their brea... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How the multitude at Jerusalem came forth to meet Christ, when he was making his public entry into the city, hearing the fame of his miracles; FOR THIS CAUSE THE PEOPLE ALSO MET HIM, FOR THAT THEY HAD HEARD THAT HE HAD DONE THIS MIRACLE. Observe, 2. How amongst others who came fort... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How our blessed Saviour entertains his followers with. discourse concerning his approaching death and sufferings: THE HOUR is coming that the Son of man shall be glorified. OBSERVE, 2. HOW HE ARMS HIS DISCIPLES AGAINST THE SCANDAL OF THE CROSS, BY SHEWING THEM THE GREAT BENEFIT THA... [ Continue Reading ]
That is, "If any man assumes the title, and enters into the sacred engagement of being Christ's servant, let his conversation correspond with his profession, and let him be willing to follow me in the thorny path of affliction and sufferings from this assurance, That all his grievous sufferings shal... [ Continue Reading ]
Whilst our Saviour was thus preaching of his own death and sufferings,. natural horror of his approaching passion (though such as was without sin) seizes upon him; his Father giving him. taste of that wrath which he was to undergo upon the cross for our sins. Hereupon he takes himself to prayer, FA... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The way of God in speaking to his people by. voice in thunder for the greater declaration of his glory and majesty. Thunderings and lightnings usually attended the voice of God, even in consolations, and when he spake comfortably to his own servants. Oh! how dreadful and terrible t... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The objection which the Jews make against our Saviour's being the true Messias. Their argument runs thus: " It was foretold under the law, that Christ or the Messias abideth for ever; but thou sayest, the Son of man must be lifted up and die. How then canst thou be the promised Mess... [ Continue Reading ]
The place which our Evangelist alludes to, is, HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, IS THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE WHOLE EARTH IS FULL OF HIS GLORY. Isaiah 6:3 From whence,. clear argument for Christ's divinity may be thus drawn. He whom Isaiah saw environed with seraphims, and praised as most holy by them, was the true a... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, 1. That though the generality of the Jews were thus hardened under Christ's ministry and miracles, yet there were some, and those of the chief rank, even rulers, that did believe on him; that is, they were under strong and powerful convictions, that he was the true and expected Messias. Eve... [ Continue Reading ]
In these verses we have our Saviour's farewell sermon to the Jews, concerning his person, office, and doctrine; as touching his person, he acquaints them with his divine nature, his oneness and equality with the Father; and accordingly challenges not only the assent, but also the obedience and adora... [ Continue Reading ]