The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 441

of life. The ChriRli11n son will be the moRt affection11to and careful of hie surviving rn0ther. 2. This duty u,us pe,:formed 'by Christ under the most frying circumstances, Tl!i~ duty '11'116 done 11m~dst the 'most rxcrncia!ing sufferings, physical, mental, and ~!•mtual. It was done ID the very act of dying. When uttering these words of tcnderneBs, he was in the g1ip of the most painful dertth. It WI\S do11e when per- fl>rrning the moet important work of his life. When ~roviding for the spiritual wants of the world. he pro,·i,1oo for the temporal wants of lns mother. These fncte prove: (1) His tdlei· ~elf-o'blit>iousne.ss. "He made himself of no repnlrttion." Not himself, but ot-hcrs. :Kot his own agonies, but the comfort of his survidng aud stricken mother, (2) His wonderful ~o!'ercif!11ty over the most adverse circumstances of life, In the rnidisl of snfferiugs nnd indignities he v,as perfectly crtlm nnd self-possessed, Ho hnd ~ll control over Iii, frelings, actions, sufferings, and even death, He kept aeath at bay till he performed the la~t duty of love pertaining to this life. (3) The strength of liis filial a_(Tection. (4) His continued i11hel'ent interest in those lie loved.. In his beloved mother end disciple. And this interest, which blR.Zed so brightly in the gloom of death, was not likely to be extinguished in the happiness and effulgence of the life beyond. (5) 'l'he minuteness and tendemess of his 'loving care. While wo contemplate this, his last act of filial love, under the circumstances in which it was performed, we a.re ree.dy to exclaim, "How hume.n ! bow Divine l how comprehensive I how minute I how God-like! How like the Father of all ! " While he governs and sustains the vast universe, he forget8 not a single object-not even the smallest. He lights the sun and guides the stars, but forgets not tlie glow-worm-nor to smile on the rose e.nd the lily. And so the Divine Son now on the cross, while he me.de an atonement for sin, satisfied justice, and honoured the Law; still, at the very time, his mother is rio-t forgotten. 3. Thu duty was pe,formed in the best way. (1) ln the most efficient way. He entrusted her to the care of his best earthly friend, one with the means and the heart, the will and the way. He could do nothing else. He had no means to bequeath to her; but he had a lo,ing heart at his command, which would ever be kind to her. (2) In the most 1,atural way. What could comfort the bereaved mother as much as another son, and so loved by and so like the Jost one? John would remind her of Jesus, and their society would be congenial, and their conversation sweet as to the past and the future .. (3) In the most suitable time. Up to this time he was with her; there was no need of any one else. But now his life is past hope; his mother was in the suppressed ;igonies of grief and sorrow-the sword was through her heart. Then another son was .atroduccd who would never cease to care for her-a very present help. Ill. TBE EXERCISE OF LOVING onEDIBNCE, This is illustrated in the mother and in the disciple. 1. The new relationship is most naturally felt and realized. It jars not on the feelings of either; but e. flush of a new kinship passes over their countenance. 2. The sacred charge was most cheerfully accepted. There was no need of a long lecture ; only the brief introduction, "Behold," etc. I By his Spirit and providence he bad pre• pared both for the new relationship. 3. It was practicall,y accepted. He took her to bis own home. Loving obedience is ever practical and full To his own home, which was the home of love. 4. It was immediately practical. There was no delay. " From that hour." The obedience of love is hearty and prompt. Probably that very minute he took her away. (1) For her own sake. She could scarcely stand the heart-rending scene any longer. Her motherly instincts would cling to the cross till the last; but tlie tender instincts of her newly adopted son would considerately lead her away. It was enough. (2) For Chrisfs sake. His human eyes should see the obedience of love. The sacred charge would be taken at once, and his will immediately executed. Thie shonld not press a moment on him. A weeping mother should not bold him back from death. W ouJd not even Christ die more happily after seeing bis mother cared for? LEssoNs. 1. There are some wliom JesU6 loves 11WTe tluun others. John was such. He specially loved him on account of his speciaily loving qualities and his likeness to him. 2. Tl,ose whom, JeB'US specuilly loves he specially hOMttrs-bonours with his confidence, friendship, mind, and treasures. 3. The greatest lwnwlr which Ohri~t can c<nifer -upon '<is iJJ t,o employ "" in hi,s special service. 4. Je11'UfJ luu many poor relations still in need of care. Those who befriend the or1ihan and the widow are doing Jel!Us special sc-mce. We hear still from the cross the words, " Son, behold thy mother I " et.c. -D. 'l'. en. xtx. 1--42.J THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. 455