The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 1 — Section 468

of mnn. 6. In all these divisions it is all-importwnt to possess an earnest .~pi-rit and a well-disposed heart, for through these alone can we see ,Jesus as he is. 6. Jn these divisions we may give Jesus a good name and nothing more. \Ve may call him tbo Christ, but "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord," etc. He demands the ver<lict of the heart. 7. In this division where do we stand-for OT against him 1-B. 'l'. Vora. 46, 46,-0aptivity led captive. Notice- I. 'l'nE oouNcrL's QUESTION. "Why did ye not bring him?" There are several feeliugs nml sentiments implied in this question. 1. Great hatred. Tbcy hated Jesus to such an extent thnt they wished to put him to death. For this purposo they sent the officers to take him, an<l the hatred which inspired this contemplated deed was implied in this question. Human hatred cannot go further than this. Murder is the Inst cowardly argument of bigotry and weakness. They had no reason. Hatred does not rcquiro a valid reason; it will coin one for itself. It was seething in the question, "vVhy," etc.? 2. Great surprise. They would not be more surprised to see Jesus thero without the officers than to see the officers without Jesus. They were not some men sent at random, but picked officers, furnished with authority and strictly com- manded to bring him. But they a.re returned without their Victim-and why? They are lost in surprise. 3. Great disappointment. They had calculated upon a feast more enjoyable to them than that of Tabernacles. 'l'hey had stayed away fro:n the latter in anticipatiou of a greater luxury-to have the Victim of their hatred it1 their power. Ilut, behold the officers without him! It is thought that the best opportunity is lost. By t.he next time the attempt is made to take him, he will perhaps have so grown in power and popularity that it will be in vain. A good opportunity is lost; the feast of hatred and malice is mbsed. "vVhy," etc.? '!.'he question trembles with disappointment. Hatred is terribly disappointed when it cannot obtain what it wishes. 4. .A great insult. In this question we can hear the quivering notes of insulted pride. "Why," etc.? There is a suspicion that their authority was disobeyed and their com- mand set at naught, and that by their inferiors, t.heir dependants, their menials; and they demand the reason. 5. A severe reproof. We can well imngine their voices thunders, their words lightnings, and their visage as the angry sky just before a storm, as they asked the question, "Why did ye," etc.? If their power and authority were equal to their hatred and pride, these officials would soon have to feel the terrible weight of their revenge. II. THE OFFIOEl'IS' REPLY. "Never man," etc. 1. This is a remarkable testimony of unbiased witnesses to JesV,S. If they had any prejudice at all, it would certainly be against him. It is almost the general rule that servants are inspired with the spirit and sentiments of their masters. If so, we can well imagine how these officers felt and spoke as they went forth to take Jesus. Ilut they returned in a different spirit and with a different tale. "Never man," etc. No one can suspect them of undue partbli ty to Jesus, but rather the contrary; therefore their testimony is remarkable and of special value. 2. It is the testimony of personal experience, as well as that of popular opinion. It is not the result of hearsay or a second-hand report, but they had heard Jesus with their own ears, and seen with their own eyes the wonderful effect he had on the multitudes, and this was the testimony of their own personal experience and observation: "Never man," etc. 3. It is a great but a natural testimony to Jesus as a Teacher. "Never man," etc. There had been in the world great men among Jews and Gentiles -mighty orators, eloquent prophets, and sage philosophers; but "never man," etc., not even Moses. "Never man," etc. As much as to say that he must be more than a mere man; if not, the fact is still more extraordinary that a poor, uneducated Ge.lihean should eclipse all his illustrious predecessors in wisdom and Divine eloquence as a Teacher. Grant him to be the Messiah-the Son of God incarnate-then this testimony, though great, is most natural. What else could be expected? 4. The substantial t1"uth of this testimony is amply corrobOTatea 'by the teaching of Jesus. .Alt.hough we have not the fascinating 1oioe, the effective utterance, and the charming presence, yet euffioient is reoorded to prove the unquestionable truth of the testimony. The testimony of these officers must have been inspired, for they could not fully comprehend it; still its truth has been confirmed by the most intelligent, learned, aud competent judge~ ,,f all succeeding ages. "Never man," etc. (1) Never man epake such Divine cmd sublin~ MO THE GOSPEL AOOORDING TO ST. JOHN. [ou. vu. 1-08,