October 28
The Proficiency of Christ's Disciples
The Christian's Daily Treasury"For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me: and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me."—John 17:8.
THUS spake our Lord of his disciples, in his intercessory prayer. Observe here two things.
THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE SAVIOUR. "For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me." What words were these? It includes the whole will of God concerning the salvation of sinners.
The word of the Gospel as the promise of salvation. For this end he was born, and came into the world that he might bear witness to the truth; he preached the kingdom of God. How gracious were the words that proceeded from his lips!
The word of the law as the rule of life. Lest any should mistake the end of his mission, he said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." He magnified the law in a perfect obedience to its precepts; let us honor it in a sincere obedience to its commands. These words he gave to the disciples by divine authority, plainly, faithfully, impartially, and affectionately. Here is a model for a Christian minister, who is to declare the whole counsel of God.
THE PROFICIENCY OF THE DISCIPLES. "And they have received them." Observe here three things.
The reception they gave his doctrine. They received it so as to acknowledge its purity — believe its divine authority — understand its meaning, and feel its influence.
The assurance they felt of his Godhead. "And have known surely that I came out from thee." That is, they felt a firm persuasion of his being the Son of God, equal with the Father. This term "known surely," distinguishes it from mere speculative knowledge.
The belief they exercised in his divine mission. "And they have believed that thou didst send me." The other expression had a reference to our Saviour's being the Father's equal; this regards his being the Father's ambassador. They believed that God sent him, though he came into the world not in the pomp and equipage of a prince, but in the form of a servant. What matter of joy is it that such a Redeemer has been sent into our world; that we have the doctrines he taught! But how have we received them?