087. Parting Directions Of Jesus Christ.
Parting Directions Of Jesus Christ.
John 14:13-16,John 15:16,John 16:23-26. The sun had descended behind the “mountains which were round about Jerusalem;” and even the last rays of twilight were fading from the spires of her lofty edifices, as Jesus and his twelve disciples were entering an upper room of a house in one of the streets of the “Holy City.” It was a solemn and interesting occasion; being the last interview which he should enjoy with them prior to his crucifixion. On this account, doubtless, they seemed dearer to him than ever. He, therefore, took the opportunity presented by the observance of the Passover, to say some things to them, which he had reserved to the present time, but which, now, on the eve of his separation from them, it was expedient for them to know. He wished, also, to draw them nearer than ever to his heart; to show them his inmost love, and thus to prepare them for the pang of parting with their Lord, which he knew was just at hand.
They were soon seated at the table, where, having celebrated the Passover, he instituted the Supper, designed to take the place of that divine and most significant rite, and which was to continue, in all time to come, as a memorial of his love.
“Do this,” he cried, “till time shall end, In mem’ry of your dying friend;
Meet at my table, and record The love of your departed Lord.”
While thus engaged, he announced to them his speedy return to his Father. But, lest the annunciation should fill them with sorrow and apprehension, he followed it with the most kind and consolatory assurances. “He sought to prepare them for the approaching trial, by showing them that, though he died, he died with them on his heart.” He was going; but it was to his Father, and their Father—to his God, and their God. Indeed, it was most expedient for them that he should go. They would meet with trials and tribulations; but, if he went, he would prepare a place for them, and, in due time, call them home to himself. Meanwhile, he would send the Spirit—long promised, long looked for—who should comfort them, support and animate them; who would communicate to them truths of inestimable value to themselves and the world; and who would carry on, and complete within them, the work of sanctification. Nor were they to imagine that intercourse between them and himself was here to terminate. He should, indeed, see them no more in the flesh; but he would come to them, and his Father also, and make their abode with them. And, in addition to all these considerations—calculated to mitigate their sorrows, and to inspire them with joy—he had blessed truths to announce to them, in relation to another mode of intercourse with the earth and himself, namely: prayer.
“Hitherto ye have asked nothing in my name.” Up to this time, they had not besought God through him, as the Mediator, but they had directly applied to him. But, now, he announces to them the new and animating truth, that, from and after his crucifixion, their requests were to be made to God in his name. Immediately following that event, “I will see you,” says he, John 16:22-23; “and in that day,” or from that time, “ye shall ask me nothing,” but ask the Father in my name. “At that day,” and forward, “ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you.” In several instances, he had said he would pray for them: indeed, he had, on this point, given them already such assurances, that further declarations were unnecessary. “I do not say I will pray for you:” there is no need of my repeating this assurance; and, besides, the Father himself loves you so well, that whatever you shall ask, he will grant you for my sake, and because of your love to me.
Such was the valedictory discourse of the Redeemer to his disciples, touching their future intercourse with the Father and himself, by means of prayer. And there is not, and there never was, any thing more tender and appropriate, in all the annals of time. Jesus here pours out his whole soul. He opens the bosom of Infinite Love. He gives assurances of the most friendly and animating character. When he had gone up, after his crucifixion, his disciples understood the full import of his gracious words and promises: and they animated them through all their after-trials; in stripes in imprisonments—in perils by land, and perils by sea—through life, and in death itself.
These directions and assurances of Jesus were not designed to be limited to his disciples, to whom they were originally addressed, but to extend, in all their significance and value, to such as “should believe on his name.” Jesus is, at this present time, an Advocate and Intercessor in behalf of his people, and will so continue till the work of redemption closes. What a blessed annunciation! What an encouragement to those who feel that their cause is weak—and not only weak, but that they personally have no power to present it! Diffident disciple of Jesus! You have a strong cause, for your cause is the cause of Jesus; and you have a strong advocate, for he has assured you that he will plead for you; and, besides, the Father himself has set his love upon you, and is himself ready to grant your request. On what possible ground, then, can you fail?