April 1

And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man.—John 19:5.

AFTER Jesus had endured the cruel scourging, and still arrayed in the garments of mock royalty, Pilate attests for the last time, that he finds no fault in him, and bringing him forth before the people, exclaims, "Behold the Man." How differently was Jesus looked upon by the various spectators at this moment. Pilate beheld him as an innocent man, but took no interest in him, and allowed him to be treated as the vilest malefactor. The Jews beheld him with feelings of galling envy and malice, and with direst hate, ardently thirsted for his blood. Devils beheld the man, and perhaps contemplated in his death, the overthrow of God's spiritual empire on earth. Angels doubtless, beheld him with wonder and affection, and longed to be the messengers of deliverance, or of comfort, to their suffering Lord. The Father beheld him and saw in the object of human scorn, his own Son, in whom all his glories were reflected, his beloved equal, his eternal delight. In this man we behold united, Divine power and human weakness, celestial glory and earthly ignominy. The fountain of happiness to all creatures, and yet the depository of unequalled anguish and suffering. In this man we behold absolute holiness, and yet by imputation, the sins of a world were laid upon him. In this man, and in him only, is to be found the "glory of Israel," and "God's salvation to the ends of the earth." In him is the hope of the penitent, the joy of believers, the King of Zion, and the Lord of Angels. O then let us draw near, and behold him with sorrow for our sins. With faith in his saving merits. With supreme love to his person. And with entire consecratedness of heart to his service. The ungodly will at last behold him, and they who set him at nought, and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. (Revelation 1:7.)