The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 166

Jrnrnnn nature, of which it is the highest and most import.ant part, and most capablo of refined and spiritual sufferings, and even his flesh quivered at the prospect of snch trentment at the hands of those from whom he expected and deserved kindness. 'l'hero is a close connection between the soul and the body-sympathy between them. Suffering is contagious. II. JESUS IN PRAYER. 1. It was a prayer in trouble, and trouble sent him naturally to his Fatlier for succour. Inward and outward trouble naturally drives the devoted soul to God. It had this effect on Jesus now. .And who could approach God with such confidence and certainty of success as be? He bad not brought the trouble upon him- self, but bore H for others in accordance with the eternal will. 2. It was a pra:1tr in ivhich he found it d(fficult to expi·ess himself. " What shall I say?" This difficulty arose : (1) From the troubled state of his soul. When a man is in great trouble, accurate expression to God or man is difficult. It will be inaccurate, or he must pause and ask, "What shall I say?" (2) From a severe conflict between the flesh and the spirit. Jesus was thoroughly human, and was now young and in the bloom of life, and also ionocent and pure. In him the claims of life and the terrors of death would be natur- ally great. '!'here was a severe conflict between the weakness of the flesh and the readiness of the spirit; and the natural prayer of the former would be, " Father, save me from this hour," etc. (3) From the conflict between the possi1n7,ity of escape, and the law of obedience in his heart. The possibility and advantages of escape were now <loubtless presented to his mind-one of the last temptations of the prince of this world. The temptation in the wilderness was not the only one he encountered. It was only the introduction. He was tempted through life. His own power and superiority were used as instruments of temptation. The possibility and present advantages of escape were presented to him to the last; and, if such a consideration triumphed, his natural prayer would be," Father, save me," etc. (4) The ruling principles of his soul immediately triumphed. The question, "Shall f say, Father, save me from this hour?" The loyalty of his soul immediately answered, "No, I shall not say that, because for this cause came I to this hour." Such a prayer would be a contradiction to his whole spirit and history before and after the incarnation; would be against the very purpose of his coming, which was well known ,to him; would be a victory for the enemy. But his loyalty triumphed, and the prince of this world was cast out. 3. It is a prayer, the burden of which is his Father's glOT!J. "Glorify thyself." This implies: (1) .An intense desire that his Father should be glorified. This is the prayer of bis soul and the soul of his prayer, and the affectionate cry of his agonies, that the Divine power, wisdom, goodness, justice, mercy, and love, should be crowned, and the reputation of the Divir:c name should be advanced. (2) .An intense desire that his Father should be glorified in hi~n his life and death; that he should be the medium of his glorification ; that in his incarnate life and death his Father's glory should be increased here and everywhere. (3) .A self-sacrificing submission to his Father's will. He is entirely lost in the Divine will. His prayer is not, "Father, save me," but " Glorify thyself." In what is corning never mind me; take care of thy Name. He would not be saved at any risk to the Divine Name.: He offers himself a willing Sacrifice on the altar of his Father's glory. Selfishness is conquered, and love is all ablaze. (4) The highest note of devotion. "Glorify thy Name." '!'his, as uttered by our Lord, is the highest note of human devotion, the climax of human worship, and the sweetest music of self-sacrifice. IIL THE PRAYER OF JESUS ANSWERED. 1. The answer is full and di-rect. "I have both," etc.. We have here the glorification of the Divine Name in Jesus. (1) In relation to the past. "I have," etc. His past life and work had been in the higbest degree. acceptable and efficient, and satisfactory to the Divine Being, and served the highest interests of the Divine nature. (2) In relation to the future. ".And will," etc. Jesus's past is only au earnest of even a brighter future. In him the Divine Name will be ever glorious, the Divine glory will ever shine1 and the Divine attributes blaze with special and increasing brilliancy. .In him the Divine nature will reach its highest and brightest m~nifestatious. 2., The answer was 'immediate. "There came a voice," etc . .There was. no delay. 'J;'Ae prayer went up in agony, and i=ediately came back iu glory. Jesu~ was near heaven when on earth, and heaven was near him, and ever ready to respond. Heaven is ever !lear and responsive to the prayer:i of ear1:1est faith_. 3. 1:hd answer iuras audible. "A v01ce," etc. The prayer went up m a voice, and m a voice  172 TRE GOSPEL ACCO:RDIN(} '1.\l ST. JORN. [olI. x.tr. 1-50,