The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 274

pllrUee. On both e)dee it ie v_oluntary. It ie mutnal and reciprocal. We have ee11n how Ohrlet ebowe hie friendship towarrle us. We have to consider how we prove our friendship towards Christ, whnt he justly expects and re<Jnires from us. I. Oun P'RIENDSHIP FOR CnRIBT IS SHOWN IN THE FEELINGS OF O1JJ\ llJl:ART~ TOWARDS IIIM, 1. We oomiro hie ohnrocler. In varying degree we admire the principle~, the diepositione, the conduct, of our OArthly friends. But inaemnch ae there is no imper- fection in the cbarncler of Immanuel, there is no qualification in our love tow,irda him. 2. We are attracted by the congeniality of hie nature. There is n. "drawing" of heart towards him, which originates in some sympathy of disposition, and which ie,ucs in a more complete Pympnthy. 3. We delight in his society. Great wae the privilege of the oboscn twelve, who were permitted to enjoy the company of their Lord durin~ hie earthly ministry. But this fellowship is a privilege open t,o us, who, not having seen Jesus, yet love him. The above are ordinary manifestations of friendship_ l3ut the relation between Jesus and hie people is unique, and evokes feelings altogether special. Thus: 4. We revere his Divine dignity and glory. This is growingly apprehended with growing knowledge of Christ and with growing conformity to Christ. As we approach a mountain we realize its magnitude; the nearer we dr:iw to Christ, the more majestic and venerable does be appear to our spiritual vision. 5. We are grateful for his love and sacrifice. Gratitude does not enter as an element into ordinary hum,in friendship, which is rather interfered with than promoted by obligations. Bnt our indebtedness to the Lord Jesus is immeasuurable, and gives its own colour to the friendship subsisting belween him and us. 6. We cherish devotion to him. As Christ is infinitely the superior in this spiritual kindred, it is natural that he should receive from us the consecration of heart and life. II. Oun FRIENDSHIP FOR CHRIST IS SHOWN IN OUR 0B1!:DIENCE TO HIM. 1. This is a paradox, It seems at first sight altogether incongruous that obedience should be required of friends. The -master commands his servant, but he does not command his friend. And in this very passage J esns says, "I call you not servants, but friend.~." 2. Yet Jesus makes this service and submission a proof of his disciples' friendship. "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." Our Lord cannot divest himself o[his authority.- Our Friend is a King, and he does not cease to be a King even when he toils and suffers for us. 3. The Divine law is this: Love is the best motive to obedience, and obedience is the best proof of love. A forced, mechanical service is not what Christ wants, is not what Christ will accept. It is a willing, cheerful, cordial ser- vice which he asks, and without which no worthless words and formal acts can satisfy him. It is the part of the Christian to serve his Master, but not in the spirit of a hondman ; rather in that of a grateful and affectionate- friend. III. OUB FBillNDSHIP FOB CHRIST IS THE BASIS OF OUB MUTUAL FRIE:::fDSHIP AMOXG OURSELVES. 1. Here we find the motive to the friendship which is appointed as the mark of true discipleship. It is our Lord's new commandment that hi3 disciples love one another. In this love all is comprised; it is the fulfilling of the Law. The true Church of Christ is the society which -is cemented by reciprocal confidence and by brotherly love. 2. Here, too, we find the model of Christian fiiendship. "As I loved you." Such is the rule, such is the appeal, of _our Saviour. The powers that tend to separation, to distrust, to enmity, are many and mighty. A great, comprehensive, con- stant power is needed to counteract and vanquish these. This power we have in the manifested love and the uttered commandment of our redeeming Lord.-T. Ver. 16.-0hoice and appointment. That these words refer in the first place, and indeed,in their complete application, altogether to the apostles, seems unquestionable. Yet there is a great principle embodied in them which has its working out in the expe- rience of all Christ's people in every place and through the whole dispensation. I. THE DIVINE SELl':CTION. Notwithstanding that the Lord Jesus had just expressly repudiated speaking of and treating his disciples as servants, and had just designated them bis friends, it is plo.in that nothing could be further from his thought than any intention to plo.ce them upon an equality with himself. They were given clearly to understand that, if they were bis friends, it was because he bad chosen and designated them to this position. This relation is indeed uot arbitrary, being, like every Divine act, the expression of perfect wisdom. Yet it is impossible for us to comprehend the  284 THE GOSPEL AOOORDING TO ST. JOHN. [en. xv. 1-117.