Let us take heed that we are among those who really follow Christ, and abide with Him. It is not enough to hear Him preached from the pulpit, and to read of Him as described in books. We must actually follow Him, pour out our hearts before Him, and hold personal communion with Him. Then, and not till then, we shall feel con- strained to speak of Him to others. The man who only knows Christ by the hearing of the ear, will never do much for the spread of Christ's cause in the earth.
Notes. John I. 35—42.
35. — [The next day.] Let St. John's particularity in noting days at this period of our Lord's history, be observed again in this verse. If, as many suppose, St. John was one of the two who this day followed Jesus and became His disciples, we can well under- stand that it was a memorable day to him.
[John stood.] This expression seems to imply that there was some particular spot near Bethabara, where John the Baptist was in the habit of standing, to preach, and to receive those who came to be baptized. While he '' stood " here, the event which follows took place. 36. — [Looliing.... Jesus ^ as he walked.] This probably means that he saw Jesus walking among the crowd of persons who were at- tracted to Bethabara, alone, without followers, and as yet not recognized by any one as the Messiah.
Stier remarks, "John saw Jesus walking, in silent meditation, waiting for His hour, and His Father's commands ; in full pre- paration for the world and its sin : equipped for the testimony to the truth, with that armour, which has been tested aud approved in His first great spiritual conflict ; and for the utter- ance of the new words of God, which the Father has given Him."
[lie saithj behold, t£-c.] This seems to have been a second public proclamation of our Lord's office and character, a partial repetition of what had been said the day before ; and yet, as the event shows, a more effective proclamation. The same truth may do good the second time that it is preached, which does noihing the first time. d7 . — [Heard.. ..speak....foUowed.] The three steps described in this verse, are very noteworthy. John the Baptist "speaks." The disciples " hear," After hearing they '' follow Jesus." This is a succinct summary of God's way of saving myriads of souls.