Our blessed Saviour knowing that the rage of the chief priests and Pharisees in Judea and at Jerusalem, was grown to that height, that they were resolved to kill him; to avoid their fury, he resolves to continue in Galilee, and would not come into Judea at present, nor go up to Jerusalem into the mo... [ Continue Reading ]
There were three great feasts which the Jews celebrated every year; namely, the feast of the passover, the feast of pentecost, and the feast of tabernacles; this last was observed in the month of September, after they had gathered in the fruits of the earth; whence it was also called the feast of in... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The advice which Christ's brethren, that is, his kindness, gave him to render himself more famous and publicly known to the world: they advise him not to stay any longer in Galilee, an obscure place, but to go into the more noble and populous country of Judea, and work miracles ther... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have Christ's answer and refusal returned to his brethren's desire: he tells them, That they might go up to the feast of Jerusalem, when they pleased, and as publicly; but it was not fit for him to appear so publicly, because the doctrine which he taught was odious to the pharisees, and the... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How our blessed Saviour, who came to fulfil the law, goes to Jerusalem at the Jewish feast, according to the command of God, THREE TIMES. YEAR SHALL ALL THY MALES APPEAR BEFORE ME. Exodus 23:17 Christ being made under the law, sheweth. punctual obedience to the law, and fulfilled it... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. Though Christ went up to Jerusalem privately, lest he should stir up the jealousy of the Pharisees against himself unseasonably; yet went he into the temple and taught publicly; his example teaches us thus much, "that although the servants of Christ may for. time, and in some cases,... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. That our Lord, having vindicated his doctrine in the former verses, comes now to vindicate his practice in healing the impotent man on the sabbath-day, for which the Jews sought his life, as. violation of the fourth commandment given by Moses. Our Saviour tells them, That notwithsta... [ Continue Reading ]
From the foregoing argument, Christ draws an inference or conclusion, That there is no making. judgment according to the first appearance of things: and that suddenness or rashness, prejudice or partiality, in judging, overthrows righteous judgment. This is the general application of what Christ had... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How enraged the Pharisees were, when they heard that so many of the common people were brought to believe in Christ, and to cleave unto Christ, insomuch that they sent public officers, armed with authority, to apprehend our blessed Saviour: THE PHARISEES AND CHIEF PRIESTS SENT OFFIC... [ Continue Reading ]
The feast of tabernacles (which is the first here meant) lasted eight days; the first and last of which were to be kept holy with religious assemblies and sacrifices; and it was. custom among the Jews, upon that solemn day, to offer up. pot of water unto God, which they drew out of the fountain of S... [ Continue Reading ]
Here again Christ alludes to. Jewish custom; the Jews were wont at fountains to build great vessels of stone, and in the midst or belly of them to have pipes, through which the water passes. "Now, says Christ, Thus shall it be with every one that believeth on me; he shall be abundantly filled with t... [ Continue Reading ]
These words are the Evangelist St. John's commentary upon the foregoing promise; he tells us, that Christ spoke this of the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, which did accompany the descent of the Holy Ghost at the feast of Pentecost. FOR THE HOLY GHOST WAS NOT YET GIVEN: Learn hence, That although t... [ Continue Reading ]
In these verses an account is given of the various effects which our Lord's foregoing sermon had upon his hearers hearts: some were so affected with it, that they believed him to be the great prophet promised to Israel, Deuteronomy 18:18. Others apprehended him to be the Christ: others contradict bo... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How God restrained the rage and malice of Christ's enemies, till his hour was come: the officers of the chief priests, who were sent forth with. commission to apprehend him, returned without him: but with this honourable mention of him in their mouths, NEVER MAN SPAKE LIKE THIS MAN.... [ Continue Reading ]
Here observe, 1. How God stirs up Nicodemus, though he durst not openly own Christ, yet to plead for him, that he might not be condemned before heard; this was. common rule of justice, and nothing but what might have been said on behalf of the greatest malefactor; he could not well have said less; b... [ Continue Reading ]