an illustrious example of his own rule of doing good to those that hate us, as afterwards he did of
praying for those that despitefully use us. Corrupt nature warps our conduct to extremes; we should
seek for the Lord's direction before we act in difficult circumstances. Christ was willing to wait for
his triumphs till his warfare was accomplished, and we must be so too. But the hour and the power
of darkness were short, and such the triumphs of the wicked always will be.
Verses 54–62
Peter's fall was his denying that he knew Christ, and was his disciple; disowning him because
of distress and danger. He that has once told a lie, is strongly tempted to persist: the beginning of
that sin, like strife, is as the letting forth of water. The Lord turned and looked upon Peter. 1. It was
a convincing look. Jesus turned and looked upon him, as if he should say, Dost thou not know me,
Peter? 2. It was a chiding look. Let us think with what a rebuking countenance Christ may justly
look upon us when we have sinned. 3. It was an expostulating look. Thou who wast the most forward
to confess me to be the Son of God, and didst solemnly promise thou wouldest never disown me!
- It was a compassionate look. Peter, how art thou fallen and undone if I do not help thee! 5. It
was a directing look, to go and bethink himself. 6. It was a significant look; it signified the conveying
of grace to Peter's heart, to enable him to repent. The grace of God works in and by the word of
God, brings that to mind, and sets that home upon the conscience, and so gives the soul the happy
turn. Christ looked upon the chief priests, and made no impression upon them as he did on Peter.
It was not the mere look from Christ, but the Divine grace with it, that restored Peter.
Verses 63–71
Those that condemned Jesus for a blasphemer, were the vilest blasphemers. He referred them
to his second coming, for the full proof of his being the Christ, to their confusion, since they would
not admit the proof of it to their conviction. He owns himself to be the Son of God, though he knew
he should suffer for it. Upon this they ground his condemnation. Their eyes being blinded, they
rush on. Let us meditate on this amazing transaction, and consider Him who endured such
contradiction of sinners against himself.
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
Christ before Pilate. (1–5)
Christ before Herod. (6–12)
Barabbas preferred to Christ. (13–25)
Christ speaks of the destruction of (26–31)
Jerusalem.
The crucifixion, The repentant malefactor. (32–43)