Christ's intercession.
John xvii. 24. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am ; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me.
THERE is an height, and depth, and length, and breadth in the love of Christ, which can never be ex- plored. His assumption of our sinful nature, and his submission to the accursed death of the cross for our sake, will fill the universe with wonder to all eternity. Next to those unparalleled instances of his love, we cannot but notice the concern which he expressed for his people's welfare in the last hours of his life. Well did he know all that was coming upon him ; yet in- stead of being occupied, as might have been expected, about his own sufferings, he was intent only on the salvation of others. Having prayed in the hearing of his Disciples that they, and all his followers to the end of the world, might be preserved and sanctified, he adds the petition which we have now read ; in discoursing on which we shall consider, I. The subject-matter of the petition —
The manner in which it is expressed is worthy of notice.
[It is generally considered as an authoritative demand, which he made in consequence of the right he had in them, and with a more especial view to their comfort. Certain it is that, as his people had been " given him by the Father," and as he was now about to confirm his title to them by the sur- render of his own life in their stead, he might justly claim the blessings which he asked in their behalf. But the same ex- pression is elsewhere used where nothing more is intended than great earnestness in the request a; and this seems to be the real import of the words before us. Our Lord had come down from heaven to rescue his people from destruction ; nor could he endure the thought of returning thither without first securing them to himself as the trophies of his victory. Hence was there an extraordinary emphasis laid on this petition, because, if that should not be granted, all which he had done and suffered for them would be in vain.]
■; Murk vi. 25. and x. 35.
1716.] Christ's intercession. 145
The petition itself represents the final glorification of all his Disciples —
[Jesus was now going to his Father in heaven. He was already in heaven as to his divine nature ; but his human nature also was speedily to be removed thither. A short separation from them was necessary, in order that he might prosecute his mediatorial work in heaven, and they discharge their apostolic office on earth. But he had promised that, " where he was, there should also his servants beb;" and that, as he was going to prepare mansions for them, so he would surely come again and receive them to himself, that they might be with him for everc. Besides, he had already given them a glimpse of his glory, which they had seen through the veil of his flesh d; and had taught them to expect that what they had beheld in the dawn, should be revealed to them in its meridian splendour e. These expectations he would never disappoint. Hence in his intercession he gave them an additional assurance, that they should in due time possess the promised bliss. At the same time he taught them by his example, that the promises of God were not to supersede, but to encourage prayer : and that, however secure they might feel themselves in knowing the eternal purposes of God, they were never to relax their ear- nestness in prayer till every decree of God should be finally accomplished f.]
As we cannot conceive any petition more impor- tant, we shall proceed to mark, II. The blessedness of those who are interested in it —