quietly, after the resistance which had been offered. Christ set us an example of meekness in
sufferings, and a pattern of submission to God's will in every thing that concerns us. It is but a cup,
a small matter. It is a cup that is given us; sufferings are gifts. It is given us by a Father, who has
a father's authority, and does us no wrong; a father's affection, and means us no hurt. From the
example of our Saviour we should learn how to receive our lighter afflictions, and to ask ourselves
whether we ought to oppose our Father's will, or to distrust his love. We were bound with the cords
of our iniquities, with the yoke of our transgressions. Christ, being made a sin-offering for us, to
free us from those bonds, himself submitted to be bound for us. To his bonds we owe our liberty;
thus the Son makes us free.
Verses 13–27
Simon Peter denied his Master. The particulars have been noticed in the remarks on the other
Gospels. The beginning of sin is as the letting forth of water. The sin of lying is a fruitful sin; one
lie needs another to support it, and that another. If a call to expose ourselves to danger be clear, we
may hope God will enable us to honour him; if it be not, we may fear that God will leave us to
shame ourselves. They said nothing concerning the miracles of Jesus, by which he had done so
much good, and which proved his doctrine. Thus the enemies of Christ, whilst they quarrel with
his truth, wilfully shut their eyes against it. He appeals to those who heard him. The doctrine of
Christ may safely appeal to all that know it, and those who judge in truth bear witness to it. Our
resentment of injuries must never be passionate. He reasoned with the man that did him the injury,
and so may we.
Verses 28–32
It was unjust to put one to death who had done so much good, therefore the Jews were willing
to save themselves from reproach. Many fear the scandal of an ill thing, more than the sin of it.
Christ had said he should be delivered to the Gentiles, and they should put him to death; hereby
that saying was fulfilled. He had said that he should be crucified, lifted up. If the Jews had judged
him by their law, he had been stoned; crucifying never was used among the Jews. It is determined
concerning us, though not discovered to us, what death we shall die: this should free us from disquiet
about that matter. Lord, what, when, and how, thou hast appointed.
Verses 33–40
Art thou the King of the Jews? that King of the Jews who has been so long expected? Messiah
the Prince; art thou he? Dost thou call thyself so, and wouldest thou be thought so? Christ answered
this question with another; not for evasion, but that Pilate might consider what he did. He never
took upon him any earthly power, never were any traitorous principles or practices laid to him.
Christ gave an account of the nature of his kingdom. Its nature is not worldly; it is a kingdom within
men, set up in their hearts and consciences; its riches spiritual, its power spiritual, and it glory
within. Its supports are not worldly; its weapons are spiritual; it needed not, nor used, force to
maintain and advance it, nor opposed any kingdom but that of sin and Satan. Its object and design
are not worldly. When Christ said, I am the Truth, he said, in effect, I am a King. He conquers by