Luke 22

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXII.—Whether should I here most admire the lengths in wickedness to which sinners will go when left to themselves; the covetousness, treachery, unbelief, hardness of heart, malice, and malignity, manifested in plotting against, betraying, apprehending, condemning, reviling, and murdering, the Son of God, and Saviour of mankind;—or his love in patiently undergoing every thing, severe or shameful; in feasting, warning, directing, and comforting, his disciples; in solemn resignation of himself to his sufferings and death; in miraculously healing one of his miscreant apprehenders; in graciously converting him who most criminally denied him;—and in avowing himself a divine person, at the hazard of his life!—How extensive were his sufferings in soul—in body—in character! And yet all the malice of his enemies was so overruled as only to accomplish the fulfilment of prophecies, the honour of God, and the salvation of men. Marvellously he changed the ancient passover into a crucified Redeemer, and a delightful feast on his fulness. Let us always then observe it in the faith of his institution, in obedience to his authority, and aiming at his honour. It is an awful thing for professed disciples and dignified clergymen to betray their Master; and highly shameful to indulge carnal pride and ambition in the presence of a suffering Redeemer, whose kingdom is not of this world. But seasonably preserved, highly honoured, and plentifully rewarded, are they who continue faithful in times of trouble. Great is the danger of pride, self-confidence, and unwatchfulness; or of rashly entering into temptation: and there is need of Jesus’ intercession to preserve his people’s faith when it is sorely shaken. And, if we experience his influences, let us improve them for the warning and strengthening of our fellow Christians. But sins of infirmity in his saints greatly differ from the presumptuous rebellion of hardened sinners. How shocking it is for men to interrogate Jesus concerning his person, doctrine, or work, merely to strengthen their own and other’s prejudices against him! For soon will be appear in great glory and majesty, to the confusion and ruin of every obstinate despiser, and to the unspeakable comfort of every cordial believer. 11 M