The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 1 — Section 332

'"as a virt.t1c in the Lord's presence, language, and tones- virtue which wns felt by this applicant. He believed the word, and acted in accordance with bis belief; e.nd immediately went his wny. There are some who ha\'e enough faith to bring them to Christ with their petitions, but not enough to rest in Christ's words in wliich their application is answered. 'l'here is, however, every reason why the suppliant should unhesitatingly confide in the assurance of the Saviour, which his very anxiety and eagerness may possibly lead to his doubting. YI. EXPERIENCE MAKES FAITH PERFECT, The nobleman appcnrs not to have hasted on his return. "He that believcth shall not make baste." He hurried to Christ with his request. It was well that he should not hurry from Christ, now that the boon was i;ranted. Yet, when he met his scrvants, there may have bccu some eagerness to know how it was with the boy. And when he learned that the hour of Christ's utterance was t.hc hour of his son's cure, there remained no cloud to shade the brightness of his faith. He believed now, not simply, as at first, the report of Christ; not even, as after- wmds, the word of Christ, but Christ himself. This ,va.s the faith of a full surrender and devotion. Henceforth the Lord was all to him. His life became a. brighter, purer, nobler, stronger thing, because Christ was his, and he was Christ's. The memory of his Lord's mercy could never fade from his mind. What the Lord Jesus does for us and for ours should and must strengthen our confidence in him for all purposes, for all the circumstances, duties, and trials of life. V!L FAITH SPREADS FROM ONE MEMBER OF THE FAlllILY TO THE REST. The whole household believed ; for all had the same evidence, a.ud all partook of the same joy. The presence of the restored and healthy boy would be a perpetual reminder of the obligation under which Jesus laid the whole family. A believing household is a microcosm of the household of faith. PRACTICAL LESSONS. 1. Christ's discernment of human character. 2. His com- 1la8Sion for human sufl'ering and sorrow. 3. His appreciation of human faith.-T. Vers. 31-34.-T/i.e physical and spiritual food qf man. Notice- I. THE FOOD OF TBE BODY. " Master, eat." I. The body must have food. It is true that '' man doth not live by bread alone," but it is quite as true that he cannot live without bread. Man's physical nature requires suitable physical support. If we wish to live, we must eat-eat to live, but not live to eat. 2. The body must have food at stated times. "In due season." There is physical waste, there is a continual demand, and there must be a continual snpply. There is a law of health and life, and should be observed. The prayer of the disciple~, "Master, cat," was quite timely and natural, The meal-time had passed, and he was hungry and fatigued, and their request was the natural langu.age of propriety, want, and kindness. 3. The daims of the body are reC-Og- nized by Christ : (1) In the provisions of nature. In their fulness and variety he was the Provider, and there is no wa.y so effectual to recognize the claims of the body as to provide amply for it. (2) Under human conditions, lie was thoroughly human. He knew by experience what were hunger, thirst, and fatigue; and, as such, he could sympathize with the cravings of others. He had sent his disciples unto the city to buy meat; not, perhaps, so much for his own sake as that of his disciples. In little things he was more cotJcerned for others than for him.self. (3) He was sociable and simple in l,is diet. There was not one table for the Lord and another for the servants; but he shared with them, and his fare was simple and homely. And this, perhaps, was better for mental and spiritual labour. Ea.tin~ and drinking were secondary matters with him. Nevertheless, by example, by actions and words, he fully recog- nized the claims of the body. II. THE FOOD OF THE souL. 1. Doing the Divine will. "My meat is to do the will," etc. (1) This involves self-sacrificing service. A service devoted entirely to God. Self is altogether ignored. Jesus was rapt in the will of him that s~nt him. He lived in his Father, and fed on his will. (2) This service involves the whole of hi, -Oivine will. "His work." Includiag his will in its minutest details-the brief mission of Samaria; and also in its most comprehensive purposes-the salvation of the human family, the great scheme of redemption. (3) This service involves the carrying out the Divine will to its final and proper issues. "And to finish his work." The completion of the work inspires and sup»orts the Worker all through. It is the wiue ctr. tv. 1-64.J 'l'IlE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. ,JOHN. 11)7