The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 313

parables and his direct dieoounee alike animated the breBHte of the disciples with thla bles~ed hope. All the more did they rejoice in this prospect, because they were taught t.hat he who had oome the first time in humiliation and obedience would come the seoond time to judge and to reign. n THE FULl,"EBB OF IMPORT AND BLESSING WHIOB THIS PROHISl!I OONTAINS, 1, The assurance that Christ will see his people is even more precious and welcome than the assurance given (in previous verses) that they shall see him. Our religion teaches us t-0 look away from ourselves to God, to rest on his declarations, his fa.ithfolness, hie love. Unless we are in a morbid, self-conscious state, it will give us strength and comfort to forget ourselves in order to concentrate our thoughts and desires upon him who holds us dear, and who will never forget and never forsake his own. 2. That Christ will see bis people, involves an accession to their happiness. To know that the eye of our dearest friend is resting upon us, and t.hat with interest and approbation, what so fitted as this to send a thrill of joy through all our nature? We are encouraged by the language of the text to think of Christ thus affectionately and (so to speak) in a manner so truly human. 3. That Christ will see bis people, nssures them of the wpply of all their wants. Can our dearest and mightiest Friend see us in danger, and not deliver us? in temptation, and not succour us? in sorrow, and not console ue? in need, and not minister to us? For a Being so sympathizing, to see is to pity; for a Being so mighty, to pity is to aid.-T. Vers. 26, 27.-TM Father's lov& The time here referred to must be the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. A great purpose of the gift of the Comforter and the establishment of the Church on earth was that a new, intimate, and happy relation might be con- stituted uniting the eternal God by personal and spiritual bonds to those who, ma.de in his image, should become by grace partakers of his character. 1 THE OBJECTS OF THE FATHEB's LOVE. The description given of such as the Father regards with affection is very definite and very instructive. 1. They are those who love Christ. Undoubtedly, the apostles, to whom these words were originally spoken, did love their Master; event.a proved the sincerity of their attachment. Yet this qualification is one which may exist in those who have not seen Jesus in the body, but only "·itb the eye of faith. Christiane, who are such in reality and not merely in name, cherish a warm and grateful affection towards the Son of God, who himself loved them and bought them with his precious blood. Their love does not evaporate in sentiment; it displays itself in their reception of his doctrine, their obedience to his commands. their imitation of his holy example. 2. They a.re those who believe l.n Christ's Divine mission. If any man thinks of Christ as of One who is "of the earth," who is a merely human development, who has no special and Divine authority to save and to rule, such a one is not described in this language, and shuts himself out from tLe blessing which is accessible. But he who thinks of Jesus as of the Being who came forth from the Father, commissioned and equipped by the Father to be the Saviour of men, and who not only thinks of him a.right, but acts towards bim in such a way as this belief authorizes, he may be encouraged to regard himself as the object of the Divine Father's love. Thus love and belief are both necessary. In this passage love takes precedence ; but some belief concerning Christ must come before love, though unquestionably the loving soul learns to believe more richly and fully con- cerning the Divine, incomparable Friend. Il. THE OllillACTEB OF THE F ATHEB'B LOVE. 1. It originates in his benevolent nature. His Jove is not caused by ours. " We love him, because he first loved us." But the love of Divine pity revealed in Christ enkindles the flame of love upon our hearts. 2. It manifests itself in the mediation of .the Son. The love of God is not caused by the intercession of our Divine Advocate and Representative. 3. It is, towards those who believe in Christ, the love of satisfaction and complacency, Beginning (if we may use language so human) with pity, the Divine love goes on to approval. The Father recognizes in the friends and followers of Christ the same moral features and expressions which be looks upon with delight in bis Son. This is a view of God which is eminently and distinctively Christian. The God whom we worship is a God who can love man, whose Jove flows forth in streams of compassion towards ell men, but who11e favour is revealed to those who display moral sympathy with his own beloved Son. en. xvr. 1-33.J THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST, JOUN. :J23