The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 201

campaign&; but all this is preparatory to actual w11rfaro, and ho will hnvo studie,l t-0 good purpose only if, when tho time comes, when some unexpected responsibility fall!J upon him, he is able to load o. force or to defend a city. In like manner young people o.re tcmght the Scriptures, are mnde familiar with the doctrines, the principles, tho laws of Christio.nity. 'lo what end? Surely with the intention that they may not merely oo.11 Jesus Master and Lord, but that they mo.y do the things which ho bidB. III. BLESSEDNESS. It is wrong to make happiness tho one great end of life. Yet happiness iR a merciful addition to life-an ornament and a recompense appointed by a benevolent Providence. It is remarkable how often the Lord Jesus pronounced those ho.ppy who shared his character and obeyed his will. The pursuit and acquirement of knowledge aro nttended with happiness; but the truest happiness is the fruit of obedience. 1. This appears from the consideration that those who know and do Christ's will employ all their powers in true harmony. The capacity for knowledge and the faculty for action in such a case work together towards an end, and such co-operation he who made our nature has designed to be productive of a tranquil joy. "This man," says James, speaking of the doer of the work, "shall be happy in his doing." 2. 'l'hey who know a.nd do Christ's will are happy, because they have a good conscience. If a man feels and says, " I know that I ought to follow such a. line of conduct, but I confess that I do not carry out my convictions;•· how can he have pea.ce? The conviction and reproof of the inward monitor will not let him rest. On the other hand, when there is no schiim ·between knowledge and practice, the voice of conscience speaks approval, and such approbation is blessedness iatlccd. 3. Obedience as the fruit of knowledge is accepted and commended by the Lord Christ. His approving smile rests upon his true and loyal disciple and servant, who takes up his cross, when so summoned, and follows his Lord. Hereafter the blessedness shall be perfect, for Christ shall sa.y to the faithful servant, "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."-T. Ver. 21.-.A discipk and yet a traitor. In bow many passages of the gospel narra- tive is there a. revelation of the truly human heart of our Lord Jesus! Again and again he was grieved, troubled, indignant; for he was a. partaker of our nature and of our sinless feelings. It is observable that most instances of our Lord's deep feeling were occasions upon which others had, by their conduct, displeased or disappointed him. He was bitterly ilistressed by the unbelief and unfaithfulness- of those whose welfare he sought. No .wonder that, amidst the complication of sufferings which closed around him as his Passion approached, the treachery of Judas pained his tender and sensitive heart. I. DISCIPLESHIP MAKES TREACHERY POSSIBLE. It was sad enough for Jesus to know that, among those to whom he ministered, there were many who were incredulous as to his teaching and claims, and hostile to his plans. " He ea.me to his own, and bis own received him not." But it was sadder that, in the circle of his chosen and trusted com- panions, there should be those who, whilst professing allegiance and attachment, were in heart estranged from him, and were ready, when opportunity should offer, to desert and to botmy him. And it must be romembered tha.t, although there were enemies without, traitors could only arise from within. An open foe one knows how to treat; one may evade or overcome. Dut a. secret foe, in the court, in the camp, in the house- hold, is far more dangerous. He has, by reason of the confidence with which he is treated, opportunities of injuring a leader, a. cause, which no other can use. If a.ll men were either a.vowed foes or sincere friends of Christ, there would be no danger, for there would be no possibility of treachery. Judas knew the place and the time for finding the Master unprotected; and the open enemies of Jesus made use of the knowledge of bis professed friend, who led them to the garden, pointed out the object of their hostility, and betrayed the Son of ma.n with a. kiss. II. DISOIPLESIDP MAKES TREA0RERY DOUBLY DLA.MABLE. For: 1. The disciple knows the Master, and accordingly knows his excellences and his just claim to reverence and fidelity. There wero thoMe among our Lord's enemies who wronged him, not knowing what theJ did. They had no real perception of his goodness and the Divine beauty of his character. Since they knew nothiug against Jesus, they wern griovously to blame for the part they took against him. Still they did not siu against clear, full do.yli:,;ht. Dut J u<lns was in conlit.\llt associat.iou "'ith his Lord, and knew  208 THE GOSPEL AOCORDING TO ST. JOHN. [cH. xm. l-3e.