The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 431

l1ave elicited the pathetic and pict.orial powers of unnumbered pa.inters, No wonder thnt every grest picture-gallery in every Obristian land contains some maaterpiece of l"Omc famous painter, of one school or another, depicting the crucifixion of the Holy One n nd the.Just. For us the scene has not only an artistic and affecting, but alao and far more a spiritue.l, sigrrificabce. I. (hrn CROBB DI 'l'H1I: 6YHIIOL OF DIVINE LOVE Am> OF BUM~1' SALVATION, The centre.I fi~ure of the three ia that which drawa to it every eye. 1, There Is in t'nis cro88 whnt every epeotator can dieoern. A Being undoubtedly innouint, holy, benevolE.D.t, is suffering unjustly the reoompense of the evil-doer. Yet he endures all with patimce and meekness, with no oomplaint, but with sincere words of forgiveness for his foes. We conceive Jesus saying," All ye that pass by, behold, and see; was there ever sorrow like unto my sorrow?" 2. What did Christ's enemies see in his cross? The fruit of their malice, tbe success of their schemos, the fulfilment, as it seemed to them, of their selfish hopes. 3. A more practical a.nd interesting question for us is-What do we behold in t.be cross of Christ? To all Christ's friends, their crucified Lord is the Revelation of the power and the wisdom of God, none the less so because his enemies see here only an exhibition of weakness, of folly, and of fa.ilure. The voice that reaches us from Calvary is the voice that speaks Divine love to all mankind. Here Christians recognize the provision of full and everlasting salvation; and here they come under the influence of the highest motive which appeals to the spiritual nature, and calls forth an affectionate and grateful devotion. " From the cross uplifted high, Where the Saviour deigns to die, Wbo.t melodious sounds I hear, Bmsti.ng on my ravished ear I Love's redeeming work is done : Come and welcome, sinner, come." lL A IIECOh"D OBOU 18 THE SY.11.BOL OF DIPENITENOE AND BEJEOTION OF DIVUU!I KERCY. In the blaspheming robber who hung by the side of the Lord Jesus we have an awful example of human sin and crime; an awful witness to human justice and to the penalty with which transgressors are visited; and o.n awful illustration of the length t.o which sinners may carry their callous indifference to sin. An impenitent criminal reviles the one Deing who has the power and the disposition to deliver him from his sin and from its worst results. Selfishness of the narrowest and meanest kind is left: " Save us! " i.e. from torture and the impending fate. A degraded life is followed by a hopeless death. Several terrible lessons are taught by this felon's character and fate. L How impoesihle it is for those to be saved who reject the means of salvation I 2. How possible it is to be close to Christ, in body, in communication, in privilege, and yet, because destitute of faith and love, to be without any benefit from such proximity I 8. How foolish it is to rely npon a late repentance, seeing that sinners are found to per- severe in sin and unbelief even in the immediate prospect of death I fil A THIRD CB06B 18 THE SYMBOL OF PENITENCE AND OF PARDON. The story of the repentant malelactor shows us that, even when human justice does its work, Di vino mercy may have its way. 1. The proceBB of seeking God, even in mortal extremity. Conscience works; conviction of sin ensues, and creates a new disposition of the soul ; this prompts a fearless rebuke of a neighbour's sin; faith-in the circumstances truly amazina-is exercised; true, simple, fervent prayer is offered. 2. The manifestation of com~ion and mercy. The dying Lord imparts to the dying penitent an assurance of favour; free pardon is announced; bright hope is inspired; immortal happiness is secured. 3. Le&11ons of precious encouragement are impressed upon the spectators of this third crOSII. It is possible for the vilest to repent. It is certain that the sincere penitent will be regarded with favour. Even at the eleventh hour salvation is not to be despaired of. There is a prospect before those who aro accepted and pardoned, of immediate joy and Divine fellowship after this life is over.-T. Vere. 26, 27.-TJ.e third word from the croBB, Whoever of our Lord's friends, followeu, and kindred were absent during the awful hours of the Crucifixion, we know that hil! nearest relative, his mother, waa there, and ihat his w.011t intimate and con• OH, ux. 1-- 42.] THE GOSPRL ACCORDING TO BT. ,TOHN. 445