Il. THE 6SIN-COMMITTING WORLD. (Ver. 43.) L. While the disciples slept, the hostile world was alert. This vigilance was a rebuke to their sloth. Still it isso. Frequenters of haunts of pleasure are often more eager than members of Christ’s Church to invite their companions to join them. 2. Those who assail the cause of Christ are animated by different motives. Some are malignant, as the priests were; others join in the popular cry, though it be “ Crucify him!” The mob in Jerusalem had little idea what they were doing—casting out of the world the Son of God, who had come to be their Saviour and Friend. Men’s acts have more in them than appears; and some who are simply careless will be amazed to find themselves eel amongst his foes! The world had no power over Christ except through the traitor Judas. The weakness of the Church, the inconsistency or apostasy of Christians, ever lead to the most successful attacks, Judas knew where Jesus resorted, and betrayed him by a kiss, The fall of one sentinel may prove the destruction of the camp.
III. THe siN-BEARING Saviour. It is no figment of theological imagination that he himself took our infirmities, that “he was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities.” He made atonement for us, as well as learnt sympathy with us. He took the cup of bitterness that we might receive the cup of blessing —A. RB.
Ver. 54.—Following afar off. The story of Peter’s denial is not omitted by any of the evangelists. They were more anxious for truth than for reputation, They set before us the strongest disciple at his weakest moment without a word of wonder, of blame, or of excuse. Our text indicates the state of mind which led to his fall. He was just beginning his descent to the depths of shame. Because he “ followed afar off * he found the door of the house shut against him, cutting him off from John and from his Lord. Outside, alone,:in the dark, he became more despondent as he reflected that Jesus was in the power of his foes, and that any attempt at rescue had been rebuked by himself; so by the time Jobn came out he had given up hope, and still stood afar off from his Lord, amidst his foes, Then and there occurred this moral tragedy in Church history, Let us consider—
I, SoME MOTIVES WHICH SHOULD HAVE INDUCED PETER TO FOLLOW CLOSELY. 1. The remembrance of his own professions. When Jesus had asked, “ Will ye also go away?”
on. xIv. 1—72.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MARK. 265
Peter had made a noble response; and when an earnest warning had been uttered a few hours before this, he had exclaimed, “ Though all shall be offended, yet will not I.” He meant his promises, and to abide by them; but though the spirit was willing, the flesh was weak. The world is fair in expecting more from those who are professed followers of Christ. Flight is more disgraceful to a soldier in uniform than to a camp- follower. 2, Peter’s recognized leadership of his brethren was another reason for close following. The Lord indicated that Peter would be their leader from the first, and the disciples acquiesced in this, always making way for him to speak and act on their behalf. His responsibility was the heavier. If he had continued to watch, they would have done so; if he had followed closely, they might have rallied. The failure of one was the failure of all. Each one is responsibie to God for the talent, position, or force of character which constitutes him a leader of men. To whom much is given, from him much is required. 3. The loneliness of the Lord ought to have appealed to Peter's heroism and generosity. We can hardly understand how, with his noble im- pulses, he could have left Jesus alone amongst his foes. Yet how often do Chris- tians now fail to stand forth like men to rebuke wrong-doing at any risk! The fact that they alone represent their Lord amid evil companions, is an appeal to all that is chivalrous in them to speak. 4. The remembrance of Christ’s personal love to him might have drawn him nearer. Jesus had dealt gently and generously with Peter. He had chosen him, with two of his brethren, to see his glory on the Mount of Trans- figuration, and to see something of his dire agony in the garden. He had been faith- fully warned of danger, and assured of the intercession of his Lord. Yet all seemed forgotten, and he only “ followed afar off.” It is when we realize the words, “ He loved me, and gave himself for me,” that we can say, “ My soul followeth hard after God.” II. Some EXCUSES WHICH PETER MIGHT HAVE URGED FOR HIS CoNDUCT. 1. Jt seemed as tf he could do no good to his Lord. He had tried in his own way to defend him, but had been rebuked, and no other way seemed open. He forgot that, though his Master had refused the use of physical force, he would have gladly welcomed human sym- pathy. John had deeper insight. Amid the sea of hatred which surged around him, our Lord saw at least one face which expressed love and sympathy. Utilitarianism sometimes keeps us from beautiful and graceful acts, because we do not see immediate, practical good in them, We should probably not have poured out the spikenard as Mary did, but should have joined with those who asked, “ ‘lo what purpose is this waste?” Let us never follow afar off because we do not see the practical advantage of walking closely with our Lord. Heaven’s best blessings are too subtle to be tabulated. 2. It seemed as if evil would befall himself tf he stood close beside his Master. On entering the palace amongst this excited rabble, he might fear personal violence, espe- cially if he were recognized as the assailant of Malchus. He wished, therefore, to con- duct himself as one of the miscellaneous crowd. In doing so he put his soul in danger, instead of his body. “He that saveth his life shall lose it,” his Lord had said, and Peter learnt the meaning soon. This mingling of courage and cowardice puts many a man in danger. May God give us the whole-hearted fidelity which even Peter failed
that night to show!—A. R.
Ver. 70.—A detected disciple. This chapter is crowded with contrasts. 1. The unmeasured love of Mary of Bethany shines radiantly beside the unexampled treachery of Judas Iscariot. 2. Contrasts occur also in the experience of our Lord. He passes from the fellowship of the upper room to the solitude of Gethsemane; from the secrecy of prayer to the publicity of a mock-trial before his foes, 3. There are also great changes visible in the spiritual condition of certain disciples. Judas appears amongst the chosen disciples, listening to the Master’s words and eating at the same table with him; and a few hours after he is seen at the head of a band of ruffians, betraying his Lord with a traitorous kiss. Peter, in the garden, starts forth as a hero in defence of his Master; but in the palace of the high priest, with trembling heart, denies all knowledge of him. To this last scene our text points us. (Describe it.)