conduct according to the spiritual import of the Divine law. We must not judge concerning any by
their outward appearance, but by their worth, and by the gifts and graces of God's Spirit in them.
Verses 25–30
Christ proclaimed aloud, that they were in error in their thoughts about his origin. He was sent
of God, who showed himself true to his promises. This declaration, that they knew not God, with
his claim to peculiar knowledge, provoked the hearers; and they sought to take him, but God can
tie men's hands, though he does not turn their hearts.
Verses 31–36
The discourses of Jesus convinced many that he was the Messiah; but they had not courage to
own it. It is comfort to those who are in the world, but not of it, and therefore are hated by it and
weary of it, that they shall not be in it always, that they shall not be in it long. Our days being evil,
it is well they are few. The days of life and of grace do not last long; and sinners, when in misery,
will be glad of the help they now despise. Men dispute about such sayings, but the event will explain
them.
Verses 37–39
On the last day of the feast of tabernacles, the Jews drew water and poured it out before the
Lord. It is supposed that Christ alluded to this. If any man desires to be truly and for ever happy,
let him apply to Christ, and be ruled by him. This thirst means strong desires after spiritual blessings,
which nothing else can satisfy; so the sanctifying and comforting influences of the Holy Spirit,
were intended by the waters which Jesus called on them to come to Him and drink. The comfort
flows plentifully and constantly as a river; strong as a stream to bear down the opposition of doubts
and fears. There is a fulness in Christ, of grace for grace. The Spirit dwelling and working in
believers, is as a fountain of living, running water, out of which plentiful streams flow, cooling and
cleansing as water. The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit we do not expect, but for his more
common and more valuable influences we may apply. These streams have flowed from our glorified
Redeemer, down to this age, and to the remote corners of the earth. May we be anxious to make
them known to others.
Verses 40–53
The malice of Christ's enemies is always against reason, and sometimes the staying of it cannot
be accounted for. Never any man spake with that wisdom, and power, and grace, that convincing
clearness, and that sweetness, wherewith Christ spake. Alas, that many, who are for a time restrained,
and who speak highly of the word of Jesus, speedily lose their convictions, and go on in their sins!
People are foolishly swayed by outward motives in matters of eternal moment, are willing even to
be damned for fashion's sake. As the wisdom of God often chooses things which men despise, so
the folly of men commonly despises those whom God has chosen. The Lord brings forward his
weak and timid disciples, and sometimes uses them to defeat the designs of his enemies.