II. What great evils are even good men capable of
committing !
[That the Disciples were good men is certain ; for our Lord himself had recently testified, that " they were clean through the word which he had spoken to them." But their conduct on this occasion was most base and shameful. What ingratitude were they guilty of in forsaking their Lord, when tlieir presence might perhaps be of most essential service to him ! Jesus had conferred innumerable benefits on them : and it was for them that he had exposed himself to these cruel persecutions. Yet how do they requite his kindness? They have a peculiar opportunity to render him most essential ser- vice. From their long and constant attendance on him, they above all were qualified to answer any accusations which might be brought against him ; and by their united testimony might perhaps prevail against the clamours of his enemies : but they, occupied only about their own safety, refuse him the important aid which they were able to afford, and leave him unprotected in the hands of his bloody-thirsty enemies.
The unbelief also which they manifested on this occasion was highly criminal. They had been repeatedly told by Jesus that, after his death and resurrection, he would meet them in Galilee. This was equal to a promise on his part that they should be preserved. Moreover, at the very time when he was apprehended, he said in their hearing, " If ye seek me, let these go their way." This ought to have been regarded by them as a certain pledge of their security. But so completely were they overcome by fear, that they could not think of safety but in flight.
We mention not these things to make any man think lightly of sin. Sin is a dreadful evil, in whomsoever it is found ; but most of all in those who profess godliness. And we notice it in the Disciples, only that we may put all persons on their
guard against it and to make them sensible to whom
they are indebted for the measure of steadfastness they have hitherto been enabled to maintain ]
III. How desirable is it to have just views of Jesus Christ !
[Our blessed Lord forewarned his Disciples that their desertion of him would originate in their misconception of his character and office : " All ye shall be offended in me this night." They had seen their Divine Master controlling the very elements themselves: from whence they had concluded him to be the true Messiah. But, now they behold him bound, and led away by an armed band, they begin to think that all their former notions were false, and that the expecta-