John 12

John 12:1-11

In this chapter we are told, 1. How Mary anointed the feet of Yesus at Bethany, ver. 1—8. 2. The confederation of the chief priest to kill him and Lazarus, whom the people flocked to see, ver. 9—11. 3. He enters Jerusalem to triumph, ver. 12—13. 4. The Greek defies to see him, ver. 20—22. 5. He forks his death, ver. 23—33. 6. He solemnly swears the Jews, ver. 34—36. 7. They in general perish in their infidelity, though some of the rulers believe, but don’t not even him, ver. 37—43. 8. He affects his divine mission, ver. 44—50.

1. THEN Jesus, six days before the passage, came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2. There they made him a supper, and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. 3. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of ½ (spiken) and very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. 4. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s sin, which should betray him. 5. Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred ½ pence, and given to the poor? 6. This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put there: in. 7. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. 8. For the poor always ye have with you, but me ye have not always. 9. Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came, not for Jesus take only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10. That the chief priest confided, that they might put Lazarus also to death; 11. Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

We have here,

1. The visit of Jesus to Bethany. He came there six days before the passage, and took up his lodgings with Lazarus, a person now uncommonly distinguished, as having been dead, and miraculously restored to life by his power. He knew the danger to which he exposed himself; but his hour approached, and therefore he offered himself a willing sacrifice, as the true paschal Lamb, who should be sacrificed for us.

2. Lazarus and his sisters gave him a most welcome reception, and in honour of their guest made a great supper: and Martha, to do honour to her heavenly visitant, waited herself upon him, whilst Lazarus sat at the table with him, a living monument of his power and grace.

3. During the entertainment, Mary, to testify her deep respect for her divine Lord and Master, came with a pound of very costly spiken, and anointed his feet, wiping them with her hair; and the odour of the ointment filled the house: expressing hereby her faith, love, and deep humility, receiving him as the anointed Messiah, and paying her dutiful homage to him. Note, No fragrance of the sweetest perfume can adequately represent that sweet favour of Christ, and of the grace of his spirit, which fill the believer’s soul with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

4. Judas, in heart a traitor, but yet in profession ranked among the apostles, pretending charity for the poor, refused indignation at this act of respect shewn to his Master, as if it had been an unnecessary piece of waste: not indeed that this divine grace of charity ever glowed in his false bosom, but because he was a thief; and being intruded with the common purse, he had purported part of the money which was put in it, and applied it to his own use, and hoped if this ointment had been sold, and the money brought into their joint stock, some part of it might be easily secreted. Note, (1.) Hypocrites, when they make the most zealous profession, really dislike that serious godliness they discover in others; and their worldly-mindedness in trifles shew how ready they will be to apostle, the moment a greater temptation hewn them. (2.) Satan transforms himself often into an angel of light, and golds with precious names and pretenses the vital purposes. Thus worldly wisdom is called rational prudence; and covetishness wears the mask of zeal against other extravagance. (3.) The love of money is usually most fatal to the soul. They who are fond of the bag, will not long be faithful to their Lord.

5. Christ vindicates what Mary did from the ill construction which Judas had put upon it. Yesus said, Let her alone; neither

6. Mat. rev. 12. 4. Chap. xii. 10. 5. Deut. 20. 11. 6. Chap. xii. 10. neither blame nor trouble has; against the day of my burial hath the least this; so Divine Providence ordered it, that, though the knew not his approaching death, the thus should establish him when alive, because the would have no opportunity to perform that kind office when he was dead. Besides, he adds, the poor always ye have with you; such objects would never be wanting whereon to exercise their charity: but my ye have not always; and therefore, during the short moment of his stay with them, they could not be too sedulous to shew him every token of respect and honour. Note, Opportunities to serve Christ are precious, and much be embraced without delay. 6. Multitudes of people from Jerusalem shocked to Bethany, in order to gratify their curiosity with a fight of Jesus, concerning whom they had heard so much; and also to see Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead, the fame of which miracle had been greatly spread. 7. The chief-priests, far from being affected with such an influence of Christ’s power, not only persisted in their bloody purpose to murder him, but also considered to put Lazarus to death, being filled with rage and envy, that many of the Jews, struck with the evidence of this miracle, had deserted their piety, and joined themselves to Jesus, professing their faith in him as the Messiah. Note, (1.) They who are most eminently distinguished with God’s favour, are the objects against whom wicked men level their most malignant enmity. (2.) The stronger the evidence is, the more exasperated do they grow who obstinately resolve not to be convinced. 1 Mat. vii. 2. Mech. ii. 3. Luke xii. 4. 5. Mar. xii. 6. 2. Mar. 7. 7. PC. xxvii. 8. 2. 2b. 9. Zoch. ix. p. 1 Chap. vii. 2b. 3. Chap. xii. 4. 1 Chap. xii. 4. 12. ¶ 1 On the next day, much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13. ¶ 2 The branches of palm-trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, ‘Hosanna, blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. 14. And Jesus when he had found a young sly, far theredo; ‘as it is written, 15. Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold thy King cometh, sitting on an as’s colt. 16. These things understood not his disciples at the first but when: ‘Jesus was glorified,’ then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. 17. The people therefore that was with him, when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. 18. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. 19. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, ‘Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing’ behold, the world is gone after him.

John 12:12-19

The triumphal entry of our Lord into Jerusalem is recorded by all the evangelists. 1. A vast crowd, with louder acclamations and every expression of joy, attended him. A great multitude, who were come

Jerusalem, from Bethany, went forth to meet him, and welcome his arrival,

with palm-branches in their hands, the emblem of that victory which Jesus was shortly to obtain over sin and Satan, the issue of which conflict was already sure; and with loud holiness they cried, Blessed is the King of Israel, that cometh in the name of the Lord. They acknowledge Jesus as the King Messiah, so long repeated to sit on David’s throne; they wish him all prosperity, success, and happiness; and hail the glad day of his appearing. Note, With greater joy doth the sinner welcome the Saviour to the throne of his heart, and wishes him to set up his throne there for ever and ever. 2. He made his entry, not with the pomp of earthly majesty, but, as better suited his state of humiliation, on an as’s colt; that this also he might fulfil the Scripture, which had said, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold thy King cometh, to save thee from all thy spiritual foes, sitting on an as’s colt, that humble happlicants may be emboldened to approach him, and preform

their petitions. These things understood not his disciples at the first;

but when Jesus was glorified, and from his throne on high had sent his Spirit into their hearts, to open their understandings, that they might understand the Scripture, then remembered they that these things were written of him; and that, though at the time they had no thoughts about the fulfilment of the Scripture, they had done these things unto him, which had been foretold. Note, (1.) Christ is Zion’s King, and he must reign till he hath put all his enemies and hers under his feet. (2.) The Scriptures are often fulfilled by those who at the time have not the least intention so to do. (3.) Many times the Scriptures are read without the least knowledge of their true meaning; but, when God opens the understanding, the Bible then becomes a book perfectly new, and treasures of wisdom are discovered in it which were utterly unknown before. 3. The reason of so great a multitude coming to usher Jesus into Jerusalem at this time was, that many of those who behold the miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection declared what they had seen: and such an astonishing work, attested by so many and credible eye-witnesses, could not but procure general admiration. 4. The Pharisees behold, with the utmost rage and vexation, the increasing respect paid to Jesus; and said one to another, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? instead of crushing him, all our attempts are baffled, and his rising fame threatens utterly to supplant us in the esteem of the people: behold, the world is gone after him; the generality of our followers have forsaken us, and commenced his disciples. It is high time to put some stop to these proceedings, or the grievances will be paid indeed. Note, (1.) They who oppose Christ, in vain lift up their impotent arm: against his church and kingdom no powers of earth or hell shall be able finally to prevail. (2.) Obituates sinners grow more resolute and determined in sin, by the very checks which God gives them, and mostly rush on the thick beasts of his mother. 20. ¶ And there were ‘certain Greeks among them, that came up to worship at the feast: 21. The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethania of Galilee, and deserted him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. 22. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again, Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23. ¶ And Jesus answered them, saying, ‘The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24. Verily, verily I say unto you, ‘Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25. ‘He that loveth his life shall lose it: and he that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal. 26. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

John 12:20-26

Christ’s fame had been spread far and wide. We have here. 1. The enquiry of some Greeks after him. They seem to have been devout men, prodigies from among the Gentiles, who came up to Jerusalem to worship; and, having heard so much of Jesus, were greatly desirous to fire and converse with him: for which purpose they applied to Philip, with whom probably they might formerly have had some acquaintance. Note, (1.) They who have a real desire after Christ will sink him, and beg advice and assistance from those who are his ministring servants. It is good to know those that know the Saviour. (2.) The awakened sinner desires to see Jesus, his fulnees of grace and all-sufficiency to save, to obtain an interest in his regard, and be admitted to communion with him. 2. Philip first consulted his brother Andrew, whether it was proper to mention the request of Gentiles to their Master; and, being agreed on the point, they informed Jesus of the matter. Note, In doubtful cases it is wisdom to consult a faithful friend. 3. Christ took occasion, from this application to him, to discourte on the glorious issue of his undertaking, when Jews and Gentiles by the power of his Spirit should be converted unto him. The hour is come that the Son of man should be glorified; when, being lifted up on the croft, and exalted to the throne of his glory, he should draw all men unto him, and be honoured in the salvation of sinners from every nation, without distinction. Verily, verily I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. So, he intimates, must be die, and be laid in the earth, that, having thereby made the amusement, and brought in an everlasting righteousness, he might in his resurrection become the root and author of Spiritual life to innumerable multitudes of his redeemed people, who should be raised by him from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness, and bring forth abundant fruits of grace, the glory of which would be alluded to him alone. And as those, whom he died to save, would see his sake, when called and converted unto him, be exposed to the greatest sufferings, he suggests the most powerful arguments to engage their fidelity. He that loveth his life, and, for fear of losing a temporal being, or the advantages of this world, deserts the cause of Jesus; shall life it, and perish everlastingly: and be that hateth his life in this world, fitting loose to its honours, eats, and interests, when they stand in competition with Christ, and ready, if need be, to seal his testimony with his blood; he shall keep it unto life eternal, and be made for ever happy with God in glory. So that, if any man serve me, let him follow me, my example, the teachings of my word and Spirit, and the directions of my providence; and then, whatever difficulties, dangers, or sufferings he may be exposed to, where I am, there shall also my servant be, intertwining the same glory to which I shall be advanced: if any man serve me, in simplicity and godly sincerity; him will my Father honor, fearing him at his own right hand, and causing him to sit down on my throne, as I am sat down with the Father on his throne. Note, (1.) They who would faithfully follow Christ must prepare for sufferings. (2.) When we by faith look to and realize the glories of the world above, we cannot but fit loose to every thing here below. (3.) If Christ be our master, and our affections are placed upon him, where he is we shall shortly be. (4.) However dishonoured we may be by a world which lieth in wickedness,

nals, we shall find the most abundant recompense in the honour which cometh from God only.

27. Now is my foul troubled; and what shall I say?

28. Father, have me from this hour; but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28. Father, glorify thy name.

29. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29. The people therefore that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered; others said, An angel spake to him. 30. Jesus answered and said, ‘This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31. Now is the judgment of this world: ’now shall the prince of this world be call out. 32. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33. (This he said, signifying what death he should die) 34. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law, that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayeth thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 35. Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you: ‘walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness, knoweth not whither he goeth. 36. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus and departed,’ and did hide himself from them.

John 12:37-43

We have here,

1. The address of Jesus to his heavenly Father. Now is my foul troubled, with the prospect of his approaching sufferings, from which the humanity shrank back; and what shall I say, in this address? Father, have me from this hour? Shall I desire to be excused the pains and death which I foresee? No: but for this single cause I unto this hour, according to the eternal comfort being appointed in the stead of sinners to bear their sins and carry their crows; and therefore he desired not to be saved from the suffering to which he had confessed, but to be supported under them. Father, glorify thy name, and by my death display, in the most eminent manner, the glory of thy justice, faithfulness, mercy, and every divine perfection. Note, (1.) The remembrance of the address of the Redeemer’s soul should be a relief to us when our spirits are troubled. He gave his soul an offering for sin, that he might take away the bitterness of it from ours. (2.) Though now for a little moment we had differed, the time is near, when every trouble shall end in everlasting joy. (3.) When we are under difficulties we must fly to God, humbly resign ourselves to his will, and beg for strength to glorify him in the art.

2. The Father answers him by a voice from heaven. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, in the incineration, obedience, miracles, and doctrine of Jesus; and will glorify it again, by his death, resurrection, and ascension.

3. The people who stood by heard with astonishment the voice; some more confusedly, who said it thundered; others more difficultly, who said that an angel spake to him; either ignorantly or wilfully misfaking the glorious testimony.

4. Christ declares to them the meaning of what they heard. This voice came not because of me, for my satisfaction merely: but for your sakes, that you may discipline might be encouraged by this testimony; but for my divine mission. Now is the judgment of this world; the hour is near, when the fourth nation shall receive their doom, and a blessed change be wrought in the heathen world, when God shall separate the precious from the sky, and gather his chosen people to himself, the power of sin and Satan being broken: for now shall the prince of this world be cast out; the devil’s usurped dominion over the souls of men shall be destroyed, his oracles in the heathen world be silenced, and at last his kingdom shall be finally routed up: and this by a method which to human view may appear the most unlikely. I, if I be, at when I am, lifted up from the earth, on the souls as a sacrifice for sin, will draw all men unto me, Gentiles as well as Jews, who should be made partakers of all the inestimable blessings of his blood-breeding, and drawn to him by the irresistible cords of his dying love. (This he said, signifying what death he should die, even by crucifixion). Note, (1.) Satan is now a veniputhed foe; since Christ hath died, the head of this old serpent is bruised. (2.) Christ is the glorious center of unity, the banner under which his redeemed with delight are gathered, and, cleaving to him in faith and love, are made more than conquerors by him over all their enemies. (3.) The cords of Christ is the powerfully attractive object, and thereon all the glories of redeeming love are most eminently displayed, which effectually confirms the sinner’s foul.

5. The people, hearing him speak of himself as about to be lifted up and die, object this as a confutation of the character which he assumed as the Messiah, because the Scriptures spoke of his continuing a king and priest for ever, Pfa. ex. 4. LXXXIX. 29. but they overlooked what the time Scriptures had said con-

curring his sufferings, and would not attend to the repeated notices which Christ had given of his offing again, and thus entring into his glory; which made his sufferings not at all inconsistent with his everlasting dominion: therefore they infirmingly ask, Who is this Son of man? As if he himself could not possibly be the person of whom Daniel prophesied, since he acknowledged he must be lifted up and die. Note, They cannot but err, who take one part or next of Scripture, without considering its connection and relation with the will. Thus many pervert the very life-giving truths of God, and make them a favour of death.

6. As Christ saw the ill spirit and temper that raised these cavils, he declines a direct answer to their question, and rather chutes to reply by warning them of their danger, if they neglected the present opportunity vouchsafed unto them. Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you; either meaning himself, the Son of righteousness, to me abuses to let in blood; or the gospel, which should for a reason be continued among them: well with ye have the light, make old of your day of grace; left darkness come upon you, as it certainly will if you neglect the present salvation; you will then be given up to judicial blindness, the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left, as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walketh in darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; and that the light of the gospel will be removed, and you will be left,as a man benighted, to stumble and fall into eternal misery: for he that walkethin darkness; 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Lally, Christ, having finished this discourse, withdrew, and did hide himself from them. He knew their wicked slogue to apprehend him, and therefore, as his hour was not yet come, he concealed himself, probably at Bethany; abandoning them also hereby to their impenitence and unbelief. Wo to the sinner from whom Jesus finally departs, and leaves him to his own heart. His rain is inevitable.

37. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 38. That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, ‘Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? 39. Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40. He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not be with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 41. Thee things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spoke of him. 42. Nevertheless, among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not conceive him, but they should be put out of the synagogue. 43. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

The miracles and preaching of the Lord Jesus were, we said, ineffectual to the conversion of the Jewish people.

1. Though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him. In general their hearts were deliberately hardened, and they could not bear to think of acknowledging one who appeared so many and poor as their Messiah, concerning whom they had formed such high expectations.

2. Herein the prophecy of Isiah was eminently fulfilled, Lord, who hath believed our report? the declaration made by Jesus and his ministers; and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? how best have been effectually wrought upon by the power of the Squire, and brought to the obedience of faith? Therefore they could not believe; they were under, not a fatal necessity, but a moral impunity; God had determined to leave them to the hardness and impunity of their hearts, and had preached their indictity and destruction; which prophecy there-

fore now received its accomplishment, because that Bjelios said again, Ha. vi. q. 10. He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts, giving them up to follow their own devices, and punishing them with the curse of impenitence; that they should not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them: they would not, and therefore they shall not. He abandons them to their wickedness, and they awfully fulfil the prophetic word. Note, (1.) God’s spiritual judgments are a great doop. We know he is righteous, and will be found just when he judges. (2.) They cannot believe to whom the arm of the Lord is not revealed: for our minds are darkness, till God shows into us, to give us the light of the knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ. (3.) The Scripture must be fulfilled, and they cannot but perish whom God abandons to their own heart’s lusts.

3. The Evangelist shews that the prophecy he had quoted looked farther than the times of Isaiah, even to the days of the Messiah, when the prophet saw his glory, and spoke of it. The place referred to is sfo. vi. 1—10. and contains one of the most glorious visions of the eternal Jehovah in the whole book of Scripture, and the throngs and clearest proof of the proper and effectual divinity of Jesus our Lord.

4. Though in general Christ was rejected by the Jewish people, Knowledge, among the chief rulers also many believed in him, convinced in their consciences that he was the Messiah; but, because of the Priestess, they did not confess him, but they should be put out of the Synagogue; the Sanhedrion, his inveterate enemies, having thus determined; and, unwilling to take up this reproach of Christ, they were ashamed to own what they felt; for they loved the praise of man more than the praise of God. Note, (1.) Many approve in their hearts the truths and preachers, which the fear of men and the reproach of the world deter them from professing and following. (2.) They who are ashamed of Christ, and his gospel, may justly expect to be disowned by him in the great day of his appearing.

5. Jesus cried, and said, ‘He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45. And he that seeth me, seeth him that sent me. 46. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, should not abide in darkness. 47. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, ‘I judge him not: for I came out to judge the world, but to have the world. 48. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same that judge him in the last day. 49. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

6. 44—50. Jesus takes his last farewell of them, and leaves his fondling testimony, with earnestness addressing to them his discourse, it to be that at last, in this their day, they might know the things which made for their everlasting peace, before they should be for ever had some their eyes.

7. He shews the excellence of faith. Your cried and said, He that believeth on me as the Messiah, the true and only Saviour of lost souls, believeth not on me only, or ultimately; but in him that sent me. And he that seeth me, by faith in my true character as God, as well as man, and in my office as commissioned from my Father, seeth him that sent me, from whom to Mediator I derive my authority, and whose glory and perfections are manifested in and by me: for I am come a light into the world, from heaven, where I shone eternally bright in uncrossed glory, that whosoever believeth on me as the Author of eternal salvation, and bringing life and immorality to light by the gospel, expecting to receive from me direction and guidance in the way to glory; should not abide in darkness, in the ways of error and sin, or go down unto eternal darkness. Note, They who walk by faith in Jesus have the light of life before them, and can never finally or fatally err.

8. He warns them of the great peril of unbelief. If any man hear my words, and believe not, willfully rejecting the inconceivable evidences of my divine mission; I judge him not, do not yet pass sentence upon him, but give him a longer respite: for I come out to judge the world, to take vengeance upon sinners; but to save his world, to bring to all in general, Gentiles as well as Jews, the glad tidings of a free and full salvation. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, making light of the gospel, and defeating its offers, hath one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day, and rise up to witness against his obstinate infidelity and hardened impanescence. Note, (1.) The great end of Christ’s coming into the world was the salvation of lost souls. They who reject him for against their own mercies. (2.) In a judgment-day, nothing will rise up to aggravate more brutality than guilt of those that perish, than all the means of grace which they have abused, and the word of the gospel preached to them, which they have sighted.

9. He declares the authority on which he acted. For I have not spoken of myself, as a private person, on my own authority; but the Father, which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak, under whose commission I act, and from whom I have received my instructions; and I know that his commandment is life everlasting, the doctrines, which from him I declare unto you, are the only means of leading sinners to eternal blessedness: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak, and asking under his authority, and declaring his will, it would be at their peril if they rejected the truths which from God he dismayed unto them. Note, (1.) They who would obtain everlasting life must attend to the word of Jesus. There, and only there, is it to be found. (2.) They who reject the gospel do it at their peril. There ruin is inevitable.

John 12:43-51

43. ¶ The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and faith unto him, Follow me. 44. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45. Philip findeth Nathaniel, and faith unto him, We have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46. And Nathaniel said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip faith unto him, Come and see. 47. Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to him, and faith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile. 48. Nathaniel faith unto him, Whence knoweth thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee. 49. Nathaniel answered and said unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the King

of Israel. 50. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig-tree, believeth thou? thou shalt see greater things than thee. 51. And he faith unto him, Verily, verily I say unto you, Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

Our Lord having begun to make choice of his disciples, adds two more to the number, in Galilee, whether he went the day following.

1. Christ himself calls Philip. He found him, not by accident, but defam, as the great Shepherd, seeking after his lost sheep, and gathering them unto himself; not one of whom shall perish: he knoweth their wanderings, and will bring them to his fold. He faith unto him, Follow me; and Christ’s word instantly wrought effectually upon him. He was of Bethsaida, a town on the lake of Gennebarth, and a place very abandoned, March 21. 52. Yet there Andrew and Peter also dwelt; for in the worst of places God hath some chosen vessels, to be to the praise of the glory of his grace.

2. Philip immediately went in quest of some friends to whom he might carry the glad tidings; and finding Nathaniel, he with joy communicates the news, We have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Probably our Lord had opened their scriptures concerning himself to Philip’s faithful satisfaction. But Nathaniel, on the mention of Nazareth, starts an objection, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? a place vile and despicable to a proverb. Philip, unable to follow the difficulty, yet not shaken in his own faith, faith, Come and see, persuaded that Jesus himself could easily silence that act every other objection which might be raised against him. Note, (1.) They, who have found Christ, cannot but exult in this happy acquisition. (2.) They we may not be capable of achieving every objection which may be stated, we are not therefore to conclude our religion is a delusion, but examine further, and then we shall find enough to satisfy us that we have not believed cunningly devised Christ. (3.) When we are in doubt we must come to Jesus, and by prayer and attention to his word may be confident he will lead us into all truth.

3. Nathaniel yielded to Philip’s invitation, and quickly was convinced of the unreasonableness of the prejudices which he had entertained. (1.) Christ highly commends his character as he saw him coming near, saying to those who were in company with him at that time, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile, a genuine son of simple-hearted Jacob. Note, It is a great thing to be an Israelite indeed, in spirit and temper such as our profession demands, without allowed guile either towards God or man, but with regard to both keeping a conscience and of offence. (2.) Nathaniel expressly has surprise how Jesus should know him, whom he has never been before; but the confirmation of it, which Christ gave, yet more amazed him, and silenced all his doubts, as it proved his conscience. Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the figures, I saw thee. Probably Nathaniel had retired thither for some religious exercise, where no eye could see him, and there had offered up his fervent supplications to God for the Messiah coming, or might be employed in meditation, perhaps on that stream of Jacob, Gen. xxviii. 12. to which our Lord refers, v. 51. and such an instance of his knowing both the place of his retirement, and the very sentiments of his soul, could not but give Nathaniel the strongest evidence of his being indeed the Messiah, as Philip had affirmed. Note, The eye of Jesus is upon us in our most retired moments, and he is acquainted with every sentiment of our souls. And this cannot but afford as much comfort to a gracious God as it speaks confession to every hypocrite. (3.) Nathaniel, fully convinced, bows down before him, and makes solemn profession of his faith in him as the Messiah, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the King of Israel. His prejudices instantly vanished, and, assured of the divine mission and character of Jesus, he gladly yields himself up a loyal subject to Israel’s King, trusting on him for salvation from all enemies.

4. Christ, with approbation of his faith, and admiration of his noble confession, assures Nathaniel he shall shortly see greater and more glorious evidences of his infinite wisdom and power, to confirm his confidence. Verily, verily I say unto you, who am the faithful and true witness, Hereafter you shall see heaven opened, to from henceforth, when, entering upon his publick ministry, he should begin to manifest his glory in the miracles he wrought and the dominion he taught; and ye shall see the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man, either literally, in their misalterations to him at his resurrection and ascension, or rather figuratively, such a friendly intercourse between heaven and earth would now appear to be restored, and such wonders wrought by Jesus in confirmation of his mission, that it would be proved with evidence strong and striking as if they saw the heavens themselves opened, and the angels employed in carrying on a correspondence between God the Father and

the

the Son, because men for us men and for our salvation. Note, Through the Son of man the kingdom of heaven is opened to all believers, the angels of God minister to the heirs of salvation, and we may now enter boldly into the hulled of all, ascending by him, who is unto us, as the ladder of Jacob, the way to God and glory.