The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 321

the in<'n o_f a tem~ral kingdom.. Peter manifested his sy1;1pathy ln a clumsy attempt to fight_ his foes with a sword, which we.a to him a greater ms_ult than help. And even the wail of the tender-hearted women at the cross was misapplied, looked ephitU&l drtue, and did not rhyme with the agonizing wail of hie soul for ein. In the yearnings Jnd Rtruggles of his holy neture, and the spiritual conceptions and purposes of his heart he ~toc>d the lonely King and Saviour. 4. To a great ea;tent he was necessarily alone'. In a great portion of hie work no one could help. He drank" cnp of which no one could drink a drop, and Ollrried a burden of which no one could carry an atom-the oup of our curee and the burden of our sin. When making an atonement, sBtiefying justice ,md honouring Law, and manifesting Divine love in sacrifice, he was necessarily alone. He fought the powers of darkness, vanquished death and the prince of this world in a single comb&t. He trod the wine-press alone. No one could help him, and he did not expect it. But he expected the allegiance of his friends. But even this was denied him for a time, not for want of genuine love, but for want of intelligent and oouracreoue faith and self-sacrificing Adherence and spiritual discernment. He does not complain of this; still, he keenly felt it, and it pained him. What pain was it? (1) The pain of pe,jed and tender sociality at being alone. To be left alone would not affect an unsocial hermit, a cold misa.nthrope; such would be in their element. But Jesus was the most social of beings; he would associate with the poor, and would appreciate the least kind- ness. The desertion of friends would specially pain such a nature. (2) The pain of perfed humanity in the total absence of genuine sympathy in suffering. tt is not more natural for the thirsty flower to look to heaven for its dew than for man to look to his friend for sympathy in suffering. But this was denied Jesus. When he cried," I thirst," there was only the rough and unsympathetic hand of a foreigner to give him a sip of drink. (3) 'l'he pain which perfect benevolence feels at ingratitude. He felt this with regard to the nation, and with regard to hundreds in that crowd whom he had personally benefited, and a.11 of whom he had sought to benefit; but especially with regard to hie disciples, whom he had loved, and loved to the end. But they deserted him while fighting their battle and the battle of the world. (4) The pain of an absolutely pure and loving belng at the terri'ble and universal sinfulness and selfishness which his loneliness indicated, He was face to face with this as he was never before. From it there was not so much ae a weak disciple to shelter him. "Every man to hie own," and he alone for all. (5) The pain of perfed sympathy with the weaknas of friends. He loved them still. Hence the special pain caused by their desertion. The betrayal of Judas was to him more poignant than the nails of steel, the denial of Peter keener than the spear of the Roman, and the flight of his friends more painful than a.11 the cruel treatment of his foes. II. CHRIST NOT ALONE. " Yet I am not alone, because the Father," eto. He had the fellowship of his Father. 1. This fellowship was essential. Being one in nature and essence, nothing could separate him from this. It was one of the special and esaential privileges of natnre and relationship. 2. This fellowship was deserved, and betitmoed upon him as a Divine favour for his perfect obedience. It was not interrupted by his inca.rnation, but fully enjoyed by him in human nature and under human conditions. It was the reward of his voluntary sacrifice and his perfection as a Mediator and the Author of eternal salvation. He did nothing to forfeit it, but every- thing to deserve and secure it in the fullest measnre. 3. This fellowship was continuoua and unbroken. It is not "The Father was," or "will be," but "is with me "-with me now aud always. He was fully conscious of his Father's cheering and smiling presence in every emotion he felt, every thought he conceived, every word he uttered, every purpose he executed, ever_y act. he pert:ormed, and in every suffering he bore. His wbole life was such a manifestation of hie Father's character and love, such an execu- tion of his will and purposes, that he was ever conscious of his loving and approving fellowship. It is true that at tb11.t darkest moment on the cross he exclaimed, " My Gc,d, my God," etc.-the full meoming of which we probably can neycr k?ow. ~hen drinking the very dregs of the cup of our curse, he could not describe his experience better than by sa.yin<> that he felt as if the Father had for a moment hid hie face from him. Bnt he was still conscious of his fellowship, addressed him as his God, and soon committed his Spirit unto his loving ea.re. 4. This fellowahlp wa, to hlm now specially sweet and preeitnu. It was ever precious, but specially so now. Ho could not bear on. xvi, 1-88.) THE GOSPEL .ACCORDING TO BT. JOHN. 331