the dying of this Corn of wheat. Let us search whether Christ be in us the hope of glory; let us beg
him to make us indifferent to the trifling concerns of this life, that we may serve the Lord Jesus
with a willing mind, and follow his holy example.
Verses 27–33
The sin of our souls was the troubled of Christ's soul, when he undertook to redeem and save
us, and to make his soul an offering for our sin. Christ was willing to suffer, yet prayed to be saved
from suffering. Prayer against trouble may well agree with patience under it, and submission to the
will of God in it. Our Lord Jesus undertook to satisfy God's injured honour, and he did it by humbling
himself. The voice of the Father from heaven, which had declared him to be his beloved Son, at
his baptism, and when he was transfigured, was heard proclaiming that He had both glorified his
name, and would glorify it. Christ, reconciling the world to God by the merit of his death, broke
the power of death, and cast out Satan as a destroyer. Christ, bringing the world to God by the
doctrine of his cross, broke the power of sin, and cast out Satan as a deceiver. The soul that was at
a distance from Christ, is brought to love him and trust him. Jesus was now going to heaven, and
he would draw men's hearts to him thither. There is power in the death of Christ to draw souls to
him. We have heard from the gospel that which exalts free grace, and we have heard also that which
enjoins duty; we must from the heart embrace both, and not separate them.
Verses 34–36
The people drew false notions from the Scriptures, because they overlooked the prophecies that
spoke of Christ's sufferings and death. Our Lord warned them that the light would not long continue
with them, and exhorted them to walk in it, before the darkness overtook them. Those who would
walk in the light must believe in it, and follow Christ's directions. But those who have not faith,
cannot behold what is set forth in Jesus, lifted up on the cross, and must be strangers to its influence
as made known by the Holy Spirit; they find a thousand objections to excuse their unbelief.
Verses 37–43
Observe the method of conversion implied here. Sinners are brought to see the reality of Divine
things, and to have some knowledge of them. To be converted, and truly turned from sin to Christ,
as their Happiness and Portion. God will heal them, will justify and sanctify them; will pardon their
sins, which are as bleeding wounds, and mortify their corruptions, which are as lurking diseases.
See the power of the world in smothering convictions, from regard to the applause or censure of
men. Love of the praise of men, as a by-end in that which is good, will make a man a hypocrite
when religion is in fashion, and credit is to be got by it; and love of the praise of men, as a base
principle in that which is evil, will make a man an apostate, when religion is in disgrace, and credit
is to be lost for it.
Verses 44–50