The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 204

Ver. 3i.-Prompmlllls infollo,:oing Jeffl8. There was R reReon why Peter could nofl follow Jesus then. He could not lRy down hie life for Christ until Christ had laid down hls life for him. Peter did sincerely Rspire to obedience and consecrntion, But muoh WIIB neceBIIILcy before he should be ablo to reRlize hia aspir&tione. He must needs leRrn his own weaknel!B, 11.nd prove the strength and grace of hie Lord. When these lessons b.ad been learned, he WIii! ready enough to take up his cross and to follow the Master, even unto death. l. THIB QUESTION REVEALS A JUBT OO'NUEI'TION OF THE Rl!:LIGIOUB LIFE, 1. It consists in persona.l relRtion, e.s is apparent from the use of the terms "I" and "thee," In order to a right coUJ'l!e, it is necessary to understand and to feel that the individual eoul hRI! to be brought into oonecioue and immediate contact with Obrist Jesus. The experience of the Apostle Paul may be quoted as exemplifying this: "He loved me and gave himself for me." If Jesus be the &n of God and the Saviour of mankind' as a personal and living Benefactor, he must be approached in spirit and by faith by ~very one who would know his power and feel his love. 2. It consists in following Christ. We must confide in him. admire and love him, in order that we may follow him. By " following him "-an expression frequent in the New Testament-is to be understood imitating his example and doing his will. Such conduct is the proof of the reality of the personal relationship presumed. It is not a simple act, but a constant habit, that is intended by this phrase. To follow a guide, a man must follow him in every stage of the journey, until the end is reached. So is it with the Christian's relation to his Lord. It may be that to follow Christ will involve the taking up of his cross, sharing his persecution, perhaps ev11n his death. This Peter learned in after-years. But the question for Christ's disciple is not-Whither will this resolve lead me? but rather- Am I in the way of obedience? in the footsteps of my Lord? IL Tms QUESTION DIPLIES THE DDIEDIATE CLAIM OF RELIGION. "Even now,._ ' such is the langaage of Peter's ardent spirit. 'l'he summons of God is to prompt, unhesitating obedience: "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found." The possibility of blessing is assared upon compliance with the requirement of immediate application: "Now is the accepted time." The promise is to those who give heed without delay: " To-day if ye will hear his voice." It may be urged upon the young that theirs is the period of life in which it is wise to resolve upon the path of earth's pilgrimage. It may be urged upon the old that the present is almost the only time left for them to obey the voice of Heaven. Some for the first time hear the truth with conviction of the understandm.g, with emotion of the heart; let such take advantage of this new . enlightenment and enthusiasm, lest the unheeded voice of conscience be hushed; Others have often acknowledged the justice of the Divine claim, but have harde11ed themselves age.inst it by worldliness and sin; let such remember that now may be their last opportunity, and hewe.re lest it pass away and leave them miblessed. III. '!'ms QUEBTION B'UGGESTB THE OONSIDEBATION OF THE REASONS WHY BEARERS OF THE GOSPEL DO NOT FOLLOW JESUS EVEN NOW. Of course there are many who have no disposition to seek what is good; but even amongst such as do not deny the· claims of Christ., and are not indi1ferent to those claims, there are to be found some who do not arise and undertake the Christian pilgrimage. This may be explained in one of two ways. L On the part of some there is unwillingness to give up the service of sin. The emoluments or the pleasures of sin may ha.ve a stronger attraction for them than the voice of Divine love counteracts. Not insensible to the nobility and blessedness of a religious life, they yet llllffer themselves to be drawn into what they know is au inferior path, by the fascinations of carnal joys, of sinful society, of worldly interest. There may be in their minds a hope that at some future time, when these attractions have lost much of their power, another course may be taken, a better, pa.rt be chosen. 2. On the part of others there is a habit of indecision and procrastination. A want of depth of nature, a disinclination for serious deliberation, a weak suscepti- bility to varions distractions, or a habitual fickleness, prevent eome · from following Christ, in following whom they would be acting in conformity with their highest con- victiona and with the impulseB of their bett.er nature. They aro far from denying the truth, from deliberately rejecting the Saviour, from wilfully despising their opportu- nities, from ridiculing the offers of the gospel; yet they are so foolish as to put off a practical e.ck:nowled.,crment of the claims of Obrist until "a more convenient season." on, xm. 1-88.] TIIE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. 211