The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 312

sorrowed because of their own loss. Jesus was everything to them, and they wer~ about to lose him; this they knew, and the consciousness of this loss, which wa.~ imminent, Beems to have occupied 11nd abBorbed their souls, to the exclusion of con- siderations whioh might have brought consolation. Thus it has often been with all of us; grief is BO close to the heart that it shutB out the vision of aught beyond. 2, The diBciplcs Borrowed through sympathy with the sorrow of their Lord. He was to be hated, to be persecuted, to lay down hie life, Yet he was not only innocent, be was the Friend and llenefactor of men. The treatment he received from the world was a. proof of monstrous ingratitude, Those who were nearest to him, and who knew him best, could not but sympathize with him, and in some measure, though very imper- fectly, share his grief, 3. Tho disciples sorrowed because of the cloud which gathered over their hopes. These hopes were to some extent indefinite; yet they looked for- ward to a Messianic kingdom of which their Master should be the Head, and in which they should hold place and sway and honour, They trusted that be should redeem Israel ; and they could not understand how such a fate as that which was, according to his own words, about to overtake him, could be reconciled with the prospect which they bad been cherishing. Hence their weeping and lamentation. II. THE GLADNESS TO BE CREATED BY THE LORD'S RETURN. There was only one antidote to sorrow such as that which was oppressing the apostles' hearts, and which was to deepen into anguish and terror. If their Lord was all to them, their mindH could only be relieved by the prospect of reunion with him. 1. Jesus promised that after "a little while" his friends should again behold his form and hear bis voice. How this prospect waa consistent with the assurance that he was about to be slain, these inexperienced and bewildered friends of Jesus could not see. But events were to teach them. That the Resurrection came upon them as a surprise, the narrative makes abundantly clear. But the disciples were "glad when they saw the Lord." 2. This fellowship for a brief season to be accorded to the disciples was an earnest of a spiritual communion never to cease, and of a final and perfect reunion in a higher state of being. There were in our Lord's last discourses and conversations many intimations of this glorious prospect. Very inadequately did these simple learners grasp truths so great and so new, that only time, experience, and the Holy Spirit's teaching could possibly bring them home to their hearts. The revelation was too grand to be grasped at once. Yet it was a revelation which was to nourish the faith, impel the coil8Ccration, and inspire the patience, of the Church of Christ through the long ages of the spiritual dis- pensation. What joy the spiritual fellowship with the unseen Saviour enkindled in the souls of his faithful people, we know from their recorded experience and from their confident admonitions. "Joy unspeakable and foll of glory" was, in the view of the apostles, the proper portion of those who believed in Jesus. "Rejoice evermore I" was the exhortation with which gloom was rebuked, with which privilege and hope of immortal progress were indissolubly connected.-T. Ver. 22.-" I will see 1J011, again." The sympathy and the wisdom alike of our Lord's declarations and promises to his disciples upon the eve of his departure, command our warmest admiration. He both felt for those who were about to pass through a trial so severe, and he knew how to minister to their heart's necessities. What a knowledge of human nature is apparent in this simple but most significant promise ! I. THE 00CABIONB UPON WHICH THIB PROMISE WAS FULFILLED. 1. Upon our Lord's resurrect-ion. Had he not to.ken this very early opportunity of again seeing his own, it is not obvious how their faith and courage could have been sustained. They were depressed almost to despondency by their Lord's Passion and burial. Had he not appeared when he did, it would seem that their confidence in him must have been shaken, and thelr mutual unity must have been dissolved. But when he saw them, gladness took the place of sorrow, attachment was strengthened, and hope banished despair. 2. The descent of the Spirit was o. richer and fuller accomplishment of our Lord's designs of grace towards his Church. He had promised _the Com_forter, whoso coming should keep the~ from being orJ?hans, a?11Ddoned, -~~ fnendless. ID the world. And in the Spirit he himself came o.gBln to his own, v1S1t1ag thtim ID show_ers of spiritual blessing. 3. The return at the second advtint must also have been m the Master'H mind when he uttered these gracious words of friendly assurance. His JOUB-11. y  822 'l'HE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. [oa. XVI. 1-33.