The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 1 — Section 429

he could ill e.fTord to e.ek this question after the greBt departure from him. He had e.ppnreutly now only twelve, and to these he asks," Will ye also," etc.? He is not dependent upon his disciples. If thBlle were silent, the very stones would speak; if the children of the kingdom reject him, "many shall come from the eBst," etc. 5. His ajfec- tion'lte cai·efor them, "Will ye also," etc.? Jn this question we hear: (1) The sound o( tender solicil!tde. There is the note of independency and test of character; but not less distinctly is heard the note of affectionate solicitude for their spiritual safety. He did not ask the question of thorn who went away. (2) The sound of danger. Even the twelve were not out of danger, Although they were in one of the inner circles of his attraction, they were in danger of being carried away with the flood. (3) The sound of tender warning, "Will ye nlso,"elc.? You are in de.nger. And their danger was greater and more serious than that oft.hose who left; they were more advanced, and could not go away without commiLting a greater sin. (4) The sounrl of confidence. The question does not seem to anticipate an affirmative reply. With regard to all, with the exception of one, he was confident of their allegiance. II. THE DISCIPLES' ANSWER. Simon Peter was the mouthpiece of all. The answer implies: 1. .A right discernment of their chief good. "Eternal life." This, they thought, was their greatest need, and to obtain it was the chief aim of their life and energy; and in this they were right. 2. .A right discernment of Jesus as their only Helper to oblain it, Little as they understood of the real meaning of his life, and less still of his death, they discerned him (1) as the only 801,rce of eternal life; (2) as the only Revealer of eternal life; (3) as the only Giver of eternal life. " With thee are the words," etc. 3. Implicit faith in his Divine character. "We believe and know," etc. They had faith in him, not as their national, but as their personal and spiritual Deliverer-the Saviour of the soul, and the Possessor and Giver of eternal life. 4. .A determination to cling_ to him. (1) This determination is warmly prompt. It is not the fruit of study, but the warm and natural outburst of the heart and soul. (2) It is wise. "To whom shall we go? " They saw no other one to go to, To the Pharisees or heathen philoso- phers? They could see no hope of eternal life from either. 'l'o Moses? He would only send them back to Christ. It would be we~! for all who are inclined to go away from Christ to ask first, " To whom shall we go?" (3) It is independent, They are deter- mined to cling to Christ, although many left him. They manifest great individuality of character, independency of conduct., and spirituality and firmness of faith. ( 4) It is very strong. (a) The strength of satisfaction. Believing that Christ had the words of eternal life, what more could they neetl or desire? (b) The strength of thorough conviction. They not only believe, but also know. They have the inward testimony of faith and experience. True faith has a tight grasp. Strong conviction has a tenacious hold. (c) The strength of willing loyalty. "Lord, to whom," etc.? "Thou art our Lord and our King, and we are thy loyal subjects,n Their will was on the side of Christ, and their determination to cling to him was consequently strong. (d) The strength of loving attachment. The answer is not only the language of their reason, but also the language of their affection, Their heart was with Jesus. They could not only see no way to go from him, but they had no wish. (e) The strength of a double hold. The Divine and the human. The hold of Jesus on them, and their hold on him. They had felt the Divine drawing, and they were within the irresistible attraction of Jesus. They were all, with one notorious exception, by faith safely in his hand. LESSONS, 1. Loving faith in the Saviour is strengthened by trials. It stands the test of adverse circumstances. In spite of forces which have 11 tendency to draw away from Christ, it clings all the more to him. 2. The success of the ministry must not always be judged by additions, Subtractions are sometimes inevitable and beneficial. The sincerity of the following should be regarded even more than the number of the followers. 3. It is afar greater loss for us to lose Jesus than for JeS"US to lose its. He can do without us, but we cannot do without him. He can go elsewhere for disciples ; but "to whom shall we go? "-B. T. Vera. 1~.-Thefeeding of the five thousand. I. A THOUGRTLESS cnowo. Five thousand men have allowed themselves to be gathered together in a desert place, not very far indeed from places of habitation and nourishment, and yet far enough to cause faintness and famishing before they oan reach them. They seem to have drifted into  298 THE GOSPEL AOOORDING TO ST. JOHN. (on. VI, 1-71.