John 13

Ver. 1, 7. You know not the reasons of what I am how doing, and little think what is my meaning in it; but I will in a little time somewhat explain my design; and when the Holy Ghost shall be poured out from on high, he will further acquaint you with it, and make you to experience the benefit of it

John 13:8

You may think your refusal is a humble aversion to my disparaging myself, but you cannot be my disciple if you set yourself against my authority, wisdom, and love; and you can have no fellowship with me, or interest in my saving blessings, unless you be spiritually washed in my blood, and, by my word and Spirit, from the guilt and filth of your sins

John 13:10

He who is once justified and sanctified by my blood and Spirit, needs only to be further cleansed, in the daily exercise of faith and repentance, from the guilt and defilement which, through remaining corruption, he perpetually contracts by his conversation in the world. And most, though not all, of you present are cleansed in this respect

John 13:18

I do not expect you all to be either obedient or happy. I know that, though I have chosen you all to the apostleship, there is one among you, sitting familiarly with us at table, that is not chosen to faith, holiness, and salvation 3 and who will ungratefully desert and betray me. 31, 32. Now the hour is just at hand when I, the Messiah, shall, by more remarkable sufferings and death, gloriously fulfil all my engagements in the room of elect men, conquer sin, Satan, and all his assistants, and purchase an eternal redemption; yea all the perfections of my heavenly Father shall be harmoniously exalted in this my astonishing self-abusement, and therefore shall he honour me in my sufferings by amazing signs and wonders, and with testimonies extorted from enemies themselves; and shall speedily and suitably reward me with a glorious resurrection, ascension, and exaltation at his right hand

John 13:34

The command of brotherly love is here called new, not as if it had not all along existed in the law of God, but because Christ revived it when it was sadly corrupted and almost forgotten, and enjoined it by a new example, and with new explications, motives, and enforcements, that it might be observed with a new spirit and temper, and in a new manner, as a fundamental law of his kingdom, written in his people’s hearts by the Spirit of the New Testament; and because it is most excellent, and will be eternally in full force

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIII.—How affectionate and permanent is Christ’s love to his people. Astonishing was his condescension for their instruction and advantage. And it is impossible to be his disciples unless he wash us by his blood and Spirit, and render us ready to obey his command, and imitate his condescension and kindness. If his providences be dark, we must wait till he explain them, and meanwhile daily apply his word, Spirit, and blood, for the further purification of our heart and life. Without hesitation we must always submit to his authority, and put all the knowledge which we have of his truths into practice. To know better, and do worse, is doubly criminal. And, alas, awful is the thought that any who are in profession Christ’s disciples, and under the highest visible relation and obligation to him, should kick at and betray him! But fearfully Satan leads men captive at his will when they are left to their own corruptions. Yea never is he more ready to enter into men than when they are employed in solemn acts of religion: and desertion of godly society is a common inlet to final apostasy.—It is a great mercy that the Lord knows them that are his, and will preserve them in their new-covenant state and gracious course, notwithstanding all their mistakes, defects, ignorance, rashness, and self-confidence; and that, notwithstanding the most dreadful falls, he will guide them by his counsel, and afterward bring them to his glory. Transcendent were the glories of our Redeemer in his death and exaltation to heaven; and marvellous the displays of the divine perfections in him, as manifested, and to be for ever manifested, in the salvation of men. Strong then is the reason, and plain the duty, of following him through good report and bad report, and of loving all them that bear his image for his sake