reth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he : if therefore ye seek me, let these go their ivay : that the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
THE cross of Christ has been an offence and a stumbling-block to both Jews and Gentiles in every age : they think it absurd to expect salvation from one who saved not himself, and life from one who was made subject unto death. But every step of his humiliation was accompanied with circumstances which abundantly attested the dignity of his person, and counterbalanced the ignominy of his low and suffering condition. When he lay in a manger, he was pointed out to the Eastern Magi by an extraordi- nary star ; when he agonized in the garden, there came an angel from heaven to strengthen him ; and when he was apprehended as a thief, he beat down the whole band of his enemies by a word of his mouth. This miraculous exertion of his power, though not recorded in the other Evangelists, is a very inte- resting and instructive part of our Lord's history. I wish you to notice,
I. The particular incidents here related.
1. His successful resistance to his enemies — [Our Lord went forth boldly to meet his enemies. Many from amongst ourselves will go forth to face danger, and will manifest great boldness in the midst of it, because they hope to escape the troubles that threaten them, and to overcome the enemies that oppose them. But if they could look into futurity and see the sufferings which they would be called to endure, they would not be so precipitate ; they would be glad, if possible, to avoid the evil, especially if they found that their submission to it would entail on them nothing but disgrace. Not so our blessed Lord: "he knew all things that should come upon him :" he had already tasted of the bitter cup, and knew that he was about to drink it even to the very dregs ; he knew all that he should endure from men, from devils, and from his heavenly Father; yet he went forth unappalled, " enduring the cross and despising the shame."
He shewed them, however, how vain would be their attempts to apprehend him, if he chose to stand in his own defence. Inquiring calmly whom they sought, and being told, " Jesus of Nazareth," he answered, " I am he." Here were no reproaches
1717.] Christ's enemies smitten down. 149
(for though reviled, he reviled not again), but a plain acknow- ledgment that he was the object whom they wanted. But with what a glorious power were his words accompanied! No sooner were they uttered, than all the band of soldiers, with Judas at their head, were struck as with lightning, and staggering backward, they fell to the ground. This miracle, though at first sight it may appear vindictive, was, in fact, as replete with mercy as any that Jesus ever wrought. It was calculated to shew them their guilt and danger, and thereby to lead them to repentance. The chief priests and elders in par- ticular, (for they also were close at handa,) could scarce fail to call to mind the signal vengeance that had been inflicted on two bands of soldiers who went to apprehend Elijah, and to contrast with that the mercy they had received b. The recol- lection of this might have convinced them that they were at this instant monuments of God's forbearance, and that Christ, if he had chosen, could have struck them all dead upon the spot. Happy would it have been for them if they had indulged such obvious and suitable reflections.
But his hour being come, he satisfied himself with merely shewing them what he could do, if he pleased ; and that they could no otherwise apprehend him than by,]
2. His willing surrender —