^ We are not to think of Christ's advocacy in heaven as if it were of the natiu'e of supplication on our behalf. It is much more than that, although it is to be feared that the modern ideas which have usurped the ground which the word " intercession " covers have nearly evacuated the word of its fuller and more glorious signification. The word used by Christ in this very verse implies that His Personal mediation is an " appeal " of a higher kind than we understand by prayer. So, again, in John xvii. 9, 15, 20. And notice that this word is used by Him before His glorification. He never uses of Himself the word " ask " which He so often uses when He bids us pray. We have to ask in His Name, and the ground of our reliance when we so pray is His universal intervention for His Church, the result of His sacrificial "appeal." He intervenes in heaven (Eom. viii. 34; Heb. vii. 25), personally, presenting His merits as our High Priest on behalf of all His members who come unto God through Him. The other Paraclete intervenes on earth (Rom. viii. 27), not by intermediate advocacy, but by the elevating power of Divine inspiration, lifting us up to speak with God our Father in the fulness of Christ's merits, by the living fellowship wherein He unites us with Him.^
4. As our Saviour prayed to the Father for them, so now they
* A. Maclaren, ' R. M. Benson, Tlhe Final Passover, ii. (pt, i.) 359,
ST. JOHN XIV. 15-17 135
would pray for themselves by the grace of the Advocate. Much of our Saviour's work among men was teaching them to help themselves. He taught them to pray, not simply by putting a form of words into their mouths, but by leading them into the presence of the Father, by instructing and encouraging them to maintain a humble boldness in that presence, and by assuring them that their prayers offered in His name would have as much power as His own prayers offered by Himself.
The disciples seem to have made the mistake of thinking that they must always have His intercession to lean upon. They were thankful for it, but it was becoming a hindrance to their own devotions ; as all help becomes a hindrance the moment it discourages personal effort instead of drawing it forth. The mother's finger is useful to the little child learning to walk, as long as it is needed to impart courage and give steadiness ; but as soon as it tempts to idleness and thoughtlessness, it must be withdrawn. And so any religious help is good as long as our ignorance, or coldness, or want of faith requires a kind of external support, but that should only be preparatory to our walking, working, and praying by virtue of an inner impulse. Our Lord was the advocate outside His disciples, praying for them some- times while they slept, reading their wants and interpreting them to God, doing for them what they must do for themselves if they are to become strong men. And the time for the withdrawal of His aid was at hand ; and instead of it was to be substituted the advocacy of the Holy G-host in their hearts ; through His grace they would be enabled to plead for themselves as earnestly and successfully as Christ had done for them ; which would be a clear spiritual gain. " Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also ; and greater works than these shall he do ; because I go unto my Father. And what- soever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it."
iii. The Gift. "He will give."
1. The Father sent His Son into the world. He does not* send His Spirit into the world, but He gives Him to the faithful. /
136 THE GIVING OF THE COMFORTER
The word "giving" is larger than the word "sending." Although the latter is also used respecting the Holy Ghost whom the Father gives, yet the more adequate word is that which Jesus uses here. The mission would not imply any covenanted circle of recipients. A mission may be towards enemies. When we were enemies God sent His Son, that we might be reconciled by His death (Eom. v. 10). The Son was not given to all man- kind. He was " sent " to them. God sent His Son (John viii. 16). God ** commissioned " Him (1 John iv. 10). God sent His Son into the world. He gave Him not to the world, but /or the world as a sacrifice (John iii. 16). The Spirit is " given " to the faithful, to dwell in them. A gift implies a permanent bestowal. The Presence of the Holy Ghost with the Church is a permanent bestowal. He is not to be withdrawn. This is " the gift of God," respecting which our Lord spoke to -the woman of Samaria. Similarly our Lord says of His flesh, " The bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world " (John vi. 51). This promised gift of Christ's flesh is by the power of His Spirit. So the gift of the Spirit of life is prior and preparatory to the gift of the food of life.