The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 205

IV. Tme QUEBTION BUOOEBTS REABONB WHY ALL MEN RHOUT,D FOLLOW ,Jr::sus EVEN NOW, 1. They may. The invitations of the Word of God a.re many and plain and persunsivo, What words were more frequent and emphatic on tho lips of Josue than auch ns these: "Come unto me I" "Follow me I" 2. They can. Christ does not call men, and then withhold the grace which is needed to obey the call. The help of the Holy Spirit is necessary, and that help is graciously bestowed. 3. They mtght. Obedience to the voice which speaks from heaven, to the voice which ~peaks within, to duty, to conscience, to God, requires us all to follow Jesus" even now.'-T. Ver. 1.-Jesus loving to the end. Notice- I. THE SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST. This was the knowledge respecting his death. Its specin!Hy lies, not in his knowing the fact that he would die, but in certain circumstances connected with it, the knowledge of which was calculated to pa.in and discourage him. 1. He knew the time of his death. This is wisely hid from us; but he knew the hour and the minute. 2. He knew that the time of his death lw.d alrea.dy come. "Knew that his hour was come," etc. Comparatively speaking, he was already within the deadly hour, and had only a few minutes between him and the last conflict. 3. He knew the awful circumstances of his death. He knew that it would be by crucifixion, with all its physical torture, public shame, and insult. Earth a.nd hell competed in making his death as painful and ignominious as possible, and his physical sufferings were but a faint shadow of his mental and spiritual, which could only be known to and fully realized by himself. He acted through life in the full knowledge of these, which would naturally paralyze his actions and dry the springs of his energy. 4. But in his knowledge there were some alleviating features. (1) He knew that his death would involve his escapefrom an evil and hostile world. He had lived in it now about thirty-three years. He had spent a quiet youth, and the greatest portion of his manhobd seemed to have been peacefnl and happy; but the last three years he had borne the heat and burden of the day, !llld experienced the most hostile opposition of the world which he had come to benefit. He knew that his death would involve his escape from this, which in itself would doubtless be a relief. (2) He knew that his death would be only a change of state, and not an extinction of existence, nor a cessation of life.. He speaks of it, not as an extinction or expulsion, or even a flight, but a. departure. The commotion, extinction, and hurry were only outward; in the inner regions there was only e. quiet walk into other scenes. (8) He knew that his death would involve his going home. We ca.n well imagine this worl<l, even to a wicked man, becoming so disagreeable as to make death comparatively sweet. A leap is delightful, even in the dark; but Jesus knew absolutely whither he waa going-that he was going to a happy and to a loving Father. It is sweet to come home from every- where, even from the brightest scenes and the most delightful society; but sweeter still to go home from a hostile country and a rough voyage. This was what Jesus was conscious of now. To him death was a felt gain and a royal exchange-a. hostile world for a harpy home, the most cruel treatment for the bosom of an indulgent Father, and the wild execrations of the mad throng for the sweet music of golden harps. (4) He knew that his death would involve the greatest benefit to the world. Its cruelty could only be surpassed by the invaluable spiritual blessings which shall ever flow from it. II. THE· SPECIAL LOVE OF JESUS. "Having loved his own." 1. The special objects of his love. "His own." The world was his own-it was made by him, a.nd now he had become its tenant. The inhabitants of the world were his own-he had created them in his image; and what sad impressions were his as he saw on every hand the Divine image marre<l and disregarded! The Jewish nation were his own, but they disowned and rejected him. But his disciples were specially his own. (1) By special Jove. All material objects, the earth, planets, moon, stars, and sun, a.re the children of his power and wisdom, But his disciples were the children of his care and mercy, the produce a.nd property of his love. (2) By his Father's gift. They were given to him to redeem, save, and perfect. (8) By purchase. '!'hey were bought with a price; the price was paid-he laid down his life for them. (4) By ~tual choice. He chose them, and they voluntarily choso him. They were his willi~ slaves. He had loved them so much as to bind them to himself and engage their fail.J, obedience, a.nd service. (6) ThetJ were his absolutely and for ei•er. Nothing c.ould separate them from him.  THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. [011. xm. 1-38.