August 17

But "they were amazed." It is not wonderful that his disciples expressed so much surprise, but so little: for things had never been seen "on this fashion;" and they were every day in the midst of something peculiar, remarkable, and even miraculous. But many of their feelings are not recorded; and what is marvellous and extraordinary, by repetition and continuance, becomes familiar, and ceases to strike. The Jews, after a few weeks or days, gathered the manna from heaven with as little reflection as our rustics reap the corn, and viewed the pillar of fire as thousands do the sun, that is, without any surprise or one thought of the agency of God! On this occasion, perhaps they were amazed to see him so cheerful and full of ardour, in view of so menacing an expedition—Perhaps, indeed, at the thought how he could suffer at all. Nothing had ever occurred like it before. Many had suffered; our earth had always been a vale of tears; but every sufferer before had sinned—whereas he did no sin, did nothing amiss, did all things well, and was "the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." "If he suffers where is Providence? Where is the God of judgment if he is spit upon, and scourged, and crucified? We also trusted that this was he which should have redeemed Israel!" At present their knowledge was very limited and indistinct. They resembled the blind man when half enlightened, who "saw men as trees walking." They were unable as yet to comprehend the spirituality of his empire, the nature of his salvation, and especially the giving his flesh for the life of the world. They were in a kind of dawn, and "the light was neither dark nor clear." Their glimmerings and their doubts kept them in a degree of surprise, conjecture, and confusion, significant of the experience of many with regard to various things which, all through life, keep them in a sort of amazement.

Though he was ready, they were not so forward; they required drawing on—"And as they followed they were afraid." The fear we conceive was not only or principally on his behalf, but on their own—"If he is apprehended and put to death how shall we escape? What will become of us?" As yet they were not sufficiently mortified to the world, and willing to deny themselves. They preferred a whole skin to a scar. It was not till the Holy Ghost was given that they were able to rejoice and glory in tribulation. But as their knowledge, and faith, and hope increased, none of these things moved them, neither counted they their lives dear. It was enough that Christ was magnified in their body, whether by life or by death.

Do we not here see how worthy the Scriptures are of our confidence? How honestly they report facts. The writer of this Gospel was himself one of those who appeared to so little advantage on this occasion, compared with their Lord and Master. Yet he makes no scruple to tell us all their fears and faults, regardless of consequences. Truth was his only concern; and his very manner commends it to every man's conscience in the sight of God.