John 18

John 18:11

It is no time for fighting; nor is my kingdom or cause to be propagated by force of arms. I am not destitute of almighty power to rescue myself; but, from regard to the glory of God, and to manifest my own love in the salvation of sinners, I freely and cheerfully submit to all the tribalation and wrath which he hath appointed me to undergo; and I will allow of no 2 opposition to it. 20, 21. Whatsoever I have taught has been with all openness, plainness, and freedom, to all sorts of people, in the most public places and on the most solemn occasions. Nor did I ever teach aught in private that I did not teach openly.—Let then, my hearers, whether friends or foes, be examined as to what they heard me deliver. 36, 37. My kingdom is altogether spiritual and heavenly; consisting in a dominion over men’s souls and consciences, and not over their secular affairs. Nor does it in the least interfere with or tend to the disturbance of, civil government; if it had, I should have allowed my followers to fight for my protection or rescue.—I freely own myself a King; but, to satisfy you that my kingdom is not of a worldly constitution or design, know that God hath sent me into this world, that, by my preaching and miracles, I might reveal and confirm the truth, and that alone, concerning God and myself, and the way of salvation to sinful men. This is the mean of my conquests and government; and every one that is acquainted with, and begotten by, the word of truth, heartily believes and embraces my testimony, and becomes my willing subject

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XVIII.—Garden retirements should at once lead our thoughts to Adam’s ruining fall, and to the gracious promises and redeeming sufferings of Christ. Amazing was his willingness to die for us, who thus went forth to meet his murderers. And, after showing his ability to strike them dead, he readily resigned himself into their hands, in obedience to his Father’s will. Why then should danger or death ever deter us from faithfully owning his cause? Kindly he proportions his people’s trials to their strength, and preserves them by offering himself a sacrifice in their room. And his cause is to be maintained by his ministers, by weapons not carnal, but mighty through God. Yea the most hasty in their zeal are seldom the most stedfast in his service. But hardened indeed are men when even awful miracles cannot restrain their wickedness and folly. Dreadful is the nature of sin, that brought God, in our nature, under such debasement and suffering. And infinite was his kindness and condescension, cheerfully to submit to all, for our sake. O my soul, let the treachery of Judas, the rage of Jews, the repeated denials of Peter, the cowardly injustice of Pilate, serve me as a glass to view myself, as a warning to watchfulness, and to avoid fellowship with sinners. And let the wisdom, meekness, and boldness, of Christ be my pattern. Let me adore that wonderful providence which overruled all for the fulfilment of scripture, the glory of God, and salvation of men. And never let me condemn persons or things because they are run down by the multitude