Spurgeon's notes on JOHN
 

John 1:2

Jesus was in existence when all created things began; he was with God in nature, in love, and in cooperation, and he is himself essentially God.

John 1:4

If we live unto God, and have any spiritual light, it comes to us by Jesus Christ.

John 1:5-9

No one can get light from any other source, and all who desire light may have it from him.

John 1:11

The Jews, who were his own kinsmen, rejected him; and, alas! too many of the children of godly parents refuse the Savior. May it not be so in this house.

John 1:12

This is the essence of the gospel, Christ is the giver, we are only receivers. Faith like a hand receives Christ, and with him the privilege of adoption.

John 1:14

The Lord grant unto us to receive of his grace and to know his truth. Amen.

John 1:19-21

He was not literally Elijah, nor any other departed prophet. The Jews did not see the true import of the promises which foretold the coming of the Messiah's forerunner, but vainly expected Elijah to return in person.

John 1:23

Jesus is the Word, John only the voice declaring the word.

John 1:24

For Sadducees in their unbelief would have taken no interest in such things.

John 1:26, 27

So did he honor his Lord that he felt unworthy to perform the menial service of unloosing and carrying his shoes. To do anything for Jesus is a great honor.

John 1:28, 29

This was a true gospel note. Jesus is the great victim sacrificed for human guilt, not a lamb but the Lamb, and the Lamb of God—"God-ordained, God-given, God-accepted." The sin of the world is viewed as one huge burden which he takes away as a sacrifice. This verse is the substance of the gospel message, and is the burden of all true preaching.

John 1:32-34

Jesus and John had lived apart, and John did not know Jesus until the Spirit had spoken to him; there was therefore no collusion between them, and the witness of John is rendered all the more valuable.

John 1:35-37

That is good preaching, which leads men away from the preacher himself to his Lord.

John 1:38

Meaning, "We desire to converse with you in some quiet place, and learn what John means."

John 1:42

Blessed is the man who having found the Lord for himself brings his brother also. These first disciples were John and Andrew; John says nothing about himself, but is careful to record the zealous act of Andrew; true humility is as glad to display the virtues of others as it is anxious to conceal its own. Andrew brought to Jesus a convert of greater mark than himself, and so may the least be the means of the conversion of the greatest.

John 1:43

That simple word won the heart of the fourth disciple. Has Jesus never said the same to us?

John 1:44, 45

So the good work goes on by one telling another. If each Christian would try to bring another to Jesus, how much would be done!

John 1:46

Nathanael who is elsewhere called Bartholomew

John 1:47

A man of a simple-hearted, frank, open spirit.

John 1:48

There he had probably been seeking divine light by much earnest secret prayer, and the Lord Jesus knew this. How startled must Nathanael have been when his secret habit was thus openly spoken of.

John 1:51

Like a guileless Jacob, he had believed, and like him he shall see the mediatorial ladder which connects earth with Heaven. Those who are willing to learn shall be graciously taught. Very quiet was the work of Jesus, and yet he had in two days gathered five choice men, who became his faithful disciples, and the pioneers of his kingdom. Jesus now removed from the Judean valley to Galilee. The journey would occupy him two days.

John 2:1-2

Marriage was thus honored. Jesus would not have his people despise social joys and duties.

 

John 2:3, 4

The word for "Woman" in the Greek is far more respectful than would appear from the English; but still the sentence was a rebuke, and was meant to prevent Marys overstepping her position. No human relationship could give any man or woman the right to dictate, or even suggest what Jesus should do.

John 2:5-10

By turning water into wine our Lord showed the difference between his teaching and that of John, and also drew a line between his spiritual kingdom and the sects whose righteousness lay in meats and drinks.

John 2:11

So the presence of Jesus elevates our household joys and turns them from water into wine.

John 2:13

We have seen him there once before as a son in his own house, and here we see him in riper years as a son over his own house, the heir, exercising authority in the Father's palace.

John 2:14

They were necessary for public convenience that the worshipers might purchase offerings, and might exchange Roman for Jewish money, since that alone could be presented to the priests; but they had no right to transact this business within the house of God.

John 2:16

Now was fulfilled in measure the prophecy of Malachi: "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in: behold, he shall come, says the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." With like zeal will he drive out of his church all who seek their own advancement, and turn the worship of God into a means of gain for themselves. This was the first occasion upon which our Lord purged the temple, and he had to repeat the work a second time. Nothing is so hard to cleanse as a place which has once been holy and has become defiled. It does not seem that any one opposed the Lord Jesus; the majesty of his appearance probably held all in check.

John 2:20, 21

The resurrection is the surest seal of our Lord's mission, and the fact that he rose by his own power is a clear evidence of his deity. Who but he could say of his own dead body, "I will raise it up"? Since Jesus has risen we ought most heartily to believe on him.

John 2:22

They no doubt before this believed both their Master's word and the Scriptures, but when they understood them better, in the light of their accomplishment, they were as if they believed anew.

John 2:23

The gospel wins many converts, and some of them in after days do not turn out to be stable; this however we must look for, as Jesus did, for the next verse tells us that he did not trust those who were so eager to profess allegiance; for he understood the fickleness of human hearts, the superficial nature of much which passes for true religion, and the ease with which hasty conversions are turned into sudden and final apostasies. May the Lord cleanse our hearts and keep us to the end.

 

John 3:2

Perhaps he came by night because he was busy all the day, or because he would make private inquiries before he committed himself to the new teacher. Jesus did not refuse him a midnight audience, and Nicodemus came to him in courteous and candid spirit.

John 3:3

Thus he tried the faith which the inquiring ruler already had. The doctrine of regeneration has been a test question and a stone of stumbling to many; and always will be so. Jesus tried Nicodemus at the outset with this vital question, for he never suppresses truth to win followers.

John 3:4-6

Flesh at its best can only produce flesh; and since we must become spiritual in order to enter the spiritual kingdom of Jesus, it is inevitable that we must be born again, or else remain strangers to the things of God. Every man must be born twice or die twice: let this never be forgotten.

John 3:7, 8

The regenerate man is a mystery, and whence his new nature came, and where it tends, are both spiritual questions which the carnal mind is unable to answer.

John 3:10-12

earthly things or things belonging to this world

John 3:10-12

The higher truths are not opened up to those who are staggered by the simpler doctrines. It would be idle to attempt it.

John 3:13-13

It is remarkable that the same chapter which so strongly teaches us the need of the new birth is that which most clearly sets forth the gospel of faith in Christ Jesus. Both truths are to be cordially believed. We must be born again, and yet whoever believes in Jesus is not condemned.

John 3:14-17

We have but to look to Jesus, and whoever we may be, we shall find immediate deliverance from all our sins. One glance of faith brings a present salvation. This gospel is for all mankind, and no man of woman born need hesitate to trust his soul's eternal interests in the hands of the Son of God. Whoever trusts him is and shall be saved.

John 3:18

Let this be well marked. All this family who have not believed are already condemned.

John 3:19-21

With such simple teaching before us, it will be terrible if any one of us should live and die in unbelief. It becomes us at once to believe in Jesus, for before long we shall be gone where gospel promises are no longer presented as a ground of hope. Lord, we believe, and by grace we are saved.

John 3:23, 24

John had chosen a spot suitable for the sacred rite. As Milton puts it "Them who shall believe, Baptizing in the profluent stream." He would not have needed much water if he had merely sprinkled the people.

John 3:27

Each one has his appointed place, and John had no desire to usurp that of another, least of all that of his Lord. The truth stated in this verse should act as an effectual cure for envy and emulation.

John 3:28

He felt clear upon this point, and it will be well for all ministers if they are equally sure that they have never exalted themselves, but their Master only.

John 3:29

but the friend of the bridegroom his best man

John 3:32

John's disciples said that all men went after Jesus, and that seemed a great thing to them; John, on the other hand, thought little of the crowds which heard Jesus, he desired something far higher, and sighed because men did not in their hearts receive the Son of God.

John 3:33

John eagerly turns men's minds to the Redeemer. He is willing to be nothing so that they will but believe in the Savior. Indeed, all who love their fellow men must desire the same, for only as Jesus is received in the heart can men be saved.

John 3:36

This is the one grand distinction,—believer or unbeliever, how does it affect this family? Have we believed, or are we now under divine wrath because of unbelief?

 

John 4:1-3

Not wishing to provoke opposition unnecessarily, or evoke controversy at this early stage.

John 4:4

Not only as the nearest road, but because he had a work of mercy to perform. He felt a necessity laid upon him to seek a poor, guilty woman of that country.

John 4:10

Mark the connection, "You would have asked, and he would have given." It is always so, asking and giving are riveted together. Who would not ask, when the answer is so sure and the blessing so precious?

John 4:11, 12

She could not read the Lord's riddle, she thought only of water which she could carry in her bucket.

John 4:15, 16

Hitherto nothing had reached her heart, but this sentence startled her: yet it was a very natural one, and such as eastern custom suggested, for a religious teacher was not allowed to instruct a married woman for any length of time unless her husband was present.

John 4:17, 18

This revealed her history; a woman often divorced, and probably not for the best of reasons. Her vicious career was thus unveiled for her own inspection.

John 4:19

She starts aside to talk of external rites. Like ourselves before conversion, she did not wish to have her conscience probed too much. She was curious to know whether the Jews or the Samaritans had the true temple: even ungodly people dispute on such questions.

John 4:21-24

This was new light to her. Spiritual worship she had not thought of. It is well when we begin to see that all true religion must be heart work.

John 4:26

Thus did the Sun of Righteousness shine full upon her in condescending grace, and in his own light she saw and believed.

John 4:27

Their Jewish prejudices were aroused by his large-hearted care for a Samaritan woman, for they would have scorned to speak to her; yet they were awed by his appearance, and felt too much esteem for their Master to inquire too boldly.

John 4:28, 29

The convert becomes a missionary. Her worldly cares are all forgotten; she cares only for the souls of others.

John 4:30

God blessed the woman's testimony so that their curiosity was excited, and she thus became one link in the chain of causes which led to the conversion of many. We might all be useful if we would but try.

John 4:32

He was so happy in his work that he forgot the calls of appetite; the soul conquered the body.

John 4:34

This occupied all his thoughts, and success in it was refreshing to his heart.

John 4:35

The people were streaming out of Sychar, eager to hear; the Samaritans were as ready for the word as the corn for the sickle. This was a goodly, sight, but it called for further effort. When the people are willing to receive the word, they bring great responsibility upon their ministers.

John 4:38

So is it with us all. We are reapers of what was sown in ages gone by, and especially of that which Jesus has sown by his agonies and death.

John 4:39

Very imperfect instruments may be used by the Holy Spirit to lay the foundations of faith. Foxe tells us that some were brought to a knowledge of the truth in his day by reading Chaucer's works: "And in that rarity of books and want of teachers, this one thing I greatly marvel at," says he, "that the word of God did multiply so exceedingly, for I find that one neighbor conversing with others did soon win and turn their minds to the truth."

John 4:40-42

They outgrew their first instructor, and rose to a firmer basis of faith and a clearer understanding of the Gospel. If they learned so much in two days, how much ought we to have learned who have had Jesus teaching in our streets these many years.

Let us learn from this deeply interesting Scripture to live to do good, and let us also learn that no service which we can render to our fellow-creatures is so really beneficial as to bear witness to them concerning Jesus.

John 4:46, 47

It is a rare sight to see the great ones of the earth coming to Jesus; but they must come as well as the poorest, if they would be blessed.

John 4:48, 49

In his vehement desire he took the rebuke in silence, and then cried out again for mercy.

John 4:50, 51

Faith and the cure were wrought at the same moment. From Cana to Capernaum, like a flash of lightning, the power to heal traveled the moment that the father believed.

John 4:54

The first dealt with marriage, and the second with children. Jesus is the true "Family Friend." Parents, believingly go to him for your children! He waits to answer you.

 

John 5:1

Honoring his Father's law, and at the same time availing himself of the concourse of people to spread the gospel.

John 5:2, 3

Jesus was sure to go where he was most needed, seeking those who could not come to him.

John 5:4-6

A question probably needed to excite his hope, which had grown languid through long waiting and frequent disappointments. The question may well be put to those who have for years been seeking salvation in the use of the outward means of grace without success.

John 5:7

As if to prove his anxiety to be healed, the man mentioned his friendless condition in a very pitiful and humble manner. Sinners should imitate this man, and lay their helpless cases before the Good Physician.

John 5:8

Leave off watching and waiting, believe my word, and rise. This is the way in which the gospel ends all our natural endeavors and tarryings by an immediate and saving command. "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and wait no longer at the pool," is the one precept of the gospel.

John 5:9

Faith in the almighty word of Jesus brings immediate healing to our souls. Why, then, do so many linger year after year, waiting for they know not what? Angels will not now come from Heaven, nor could they save us if they did; but there is life eternal in the message of mercy, and if we will obey it, salvation is ours at once.

John 5:11

He could not quote better authority for what he had done than the word of one who was proved to be divine by the cure which he had wrought. Observe that where Jesus works a gracious cure he also bestows an obedient mind, so that his commands become law to us henceforth.

John 5:12, 13

Salvation may come to those who have but scanty knowledge. If we believe in the person and word of Jesus we shall be taught more of both by-and-by.

John 5:14

Those who are healed need to be instructed, lest they err again. It becomes all who have received any measure of grace to watch against the returns of sin, which may bring them into yet deeper trouble. Happy for us is it that our Lord does not leave us after he has restored us, but visits us with his divine teachings by the Holy Spirit.

John 5:17

The processes of nature, which are the work of God, are not stopped upon the Sabbath. God and his Christ are above all law. Men themselves could not keep the Sabbath if the power of God were not in action to keep them alive.

John 5:19, 20

He declared his own unity and equality with God, even though it excited yet greater wrath against him.

John 5:30

He never acted apart from the Father; he was always the Word of God.

John 5:31-35

He waives the usual objection that a man cannot bear witness to himself, and cites other evidence.

John 5:39

His appeal is to the Scripture which they themselves reverenced. Truly it teems with testimony concerning him.

John 5:40

Alas, this is still true of mankind!

 

John 6:14, 15

He again put away the crown of temporal sovereignty, just as he had done when the devil tempted him in the wilderness.

"Lord, evermore give us this bread."

Those who followed Jesus with a wrong motive soon found that he did not care for their company, and was gone from them, they knew not how. If we attend places of worship with worldly motives, we shall one day find out as these people did, that "Jesus was not there."

John 6:22, 23

John is particular in noticing our Lord's thanksgiving; spiritual minds remark and remember most the spiritual parts of any action. The Jews noticed the bread and the fish, but the beloved disciple was most pleased with the giving of thanks. Oh for a spiritual eye!

John 6:25

Here was much zeal and outward respect, but it was blind and selfish, and therefore the Lord set no store by it.

John 6:26

With an unerring glance he read their hearts. They imagined that they were fond of him and his kingdom; he knew that far grosser affections ruled them; this he told them plainly to their faces, and bade them seek more noble objects.

John 6:29

The most godlike work, the greatest, and most acceptable, is that we believe in Jesus. Faith is, after all, the noblest of works, and none have it but those in whom God himself has placed it.

John 6:31

They wanted feeding again, and thought that by such talk they would induce the Lord to make them another banquet. They spoke of bread from Heaven, little caring where it came from, so long as they might but be filled with it. It is wonderful that Jesus had patience to listen to their greedy and crafty insinuations.

John 6:34

Some thus prayed in honest ignorance, expecting to have food for nothing from his hand every day; but others merely said this in taunt, deridingly setting it before the Lord as the test of his Messiahship that he should give them bread all their lives. Yet they have, unwittingly, furnished us with a petition which we may hourly use; it is full of meaning, and exactly expresses our need and our desire. Let us carry it with us all this day as our heart's wish and prayer—"Lord, evermore give us this bread."

John 6:35

Here he spoke plainly, and made his meaning clear to all who wished to understand it. Faith feeds on Jesus and satisfies the soul.

John 6:37

Their unbelief was proof that they were not his; but though they rejected him, others would come to him, so that he would not be left without followers. Moreover, all who came to him believingly he would receive, whoever they might be. This text is as full of consolation as a honeycomb is full of sweetness.

John 6:40

Some are very much taken up with the decrees of God; here is one which they will do well always to bear in mind—every believer has everlasting life. No secret decree can contradict this published ordinance of Heaven.

John 6:45

They needed not to excite themselves and grow angry, for his preaching did not concern them; they had neither part nor lot in the matter. If they had been his own elect, they would have believed, but their wicked unbelief was sufficient evidence that the bread he came to give was not of the kind which they cared for, and that they were not the people for whom it was provided.

John 6:49, 47

This plain and unlimited statement from the mouth of Jesus himself ought greatly to encourage and comfort all who believe. Do you trust alone in him? Then you have life, life which can never die, life which will be fully developed in eternal happiness. Do you not feel that you have everlasting life? Nevertheless, if you are trusting in Jesus, the fact is sure, and you are certainly in possession of it. Whatever your feelings may be, Jesus knows what he says, and his witness is true. Believe it because he says so. What better witness can you require?

John 6:48

The real bread, the soul bread, the bread of immortality. Jesus is that to all who trust him.

John 6:47-58

The manna was a very full and instructive type of our Lord Jesus, who is the spiritual bread of his people. In order to understand this, let us read his own words in

John 6:48

He is life to believers and the support of their life.

Though the manna came from Heaven, yet it brought not immortality with it as Jesus does. The Jews died, and died very terribly too, many of them; but those who feed on Jesus live forever.

John 6:50

This spiritual bread confers, supports, and preserves spiritual life.

They only ate bread for the body, and the body died. Jesus gives soul bread, and he who eats of it lives in joy forever. Have all in this household trusted Jesus? Are we all feeding upon him? If not, may the Lord work faith in us at this very moment.

Our Lord continued his address upon the bread of life and openly declared—

John 6:51, 52

They understood him literally, just as Papists do now. They were too carnally minded to comprehend that the soul feeds upon the great truth that God took upon himself our flesh.

John 6:52

They looked at the words and did not discern the sense, and hence they asked this very natural question.

John 6:53

Our Lord would not explain his parabolic speech to them. It was not given to them to understand.

He did not refer to the Lord's Supper, for it was not instituted, neither is it absolutely essential to salvation: the dying thief received no sacrament, yet was he with his Lord in Paradise so soon as he expired. The eating and drinking are spiritual, and only regenerated persons can have part in them. How searching, then, is this word of Jesus, for multitudes of professors have no personal experience of such feeding as our Lord intended.

John 6:54-56

John 6:55

Some persons dream that this applies to the Lord's supper, which was not even instituted at the time. It refers neither to the supper, nor to the mass, nor to any sacrificial bread, but to our Lord himself, who must be fed upon spiritually and not in symbol only. Too many even now are like the Jews, and. cannot understand spiritual truth, but stumble over the literal meaning.

John 6:56

The nearest possible union is established between Jesus and the believer.

John 6:57, 58

This truth cannot too often be repeated—eternal life can only be ours as we embrace by faith the incarnate God, and make him the life of our soul.

Have we all in our hearts received Jesus? Are we trusting in Him alone? Do we commune with him? For this is to feed upon him, and enter into living union with him.

John 6:60

Carnal minds first misread the Lord's words, and then kick against them. None but those enlightened by the Spirit of God will see the beauty of the mystery of faith; others will, by-and-by, cavil and be gone.

John 6:61-64

He knew that to many the Spirit did not go with the word, and therefore it would only be to them a savor of death unto death: but in this he was by no means disappointed, he foresaw that it would be so.

John 6:71

The eternal purpose of God to save his chosen, works its way by sending forth the enlightening Spirit upon those ordained to life. These being quickened believe the gospel, and are thereby known to be the chosen of God. The rest do not receive the truth, and never will; by this, then, may each of us judge whether he has a part in electing love or not.

 

John 7:1

It was a sign of stormy weather when these ill birds came together.

John 7:6-8

Our Lord's relatives did not yet understand him. Any trembling faith in his commission which they possessed, was exercised selfishly in wishing to see him become a man of influence, in whose honors they might share. Meanwhile he was bringing down upon his own head enmity and abuse for honestly rebuking the sins of the times. So wide a difference was there between the Lord Jesus and his nearest kindred. He lived for others, and they, until they became renewed in heart, sought only themselves.

John 7:9

The keeping of human commands always leads to the neglect of the divine. Superstition strangles true religion.

John 7:10-13

If an ungrateful son did not care to give his parents what they asked, he had only to say that he had made an offering of it, and he was free from all obligation to support his parents. This was a forcible example of the way in which tradition made void the law of God; but many such might have been quoted, for the Rabbis openly exalted their precepts above the law of Moses. In their Talmud we read, "The words of the scribes are more noble than the words of the law; for the words of the law are both hard and easy, but the words of the scribes are all easy to be understood."

John 7:13

By whom is chiefly meant the rulers. The people were so much in fear of these great ones, that they spoke with bated breath in reference to the object of their enmity.

John 7:14-16

Godliness does not consist in meats or drinks, in feasting or fasting. No food, unless it be the means of gluttony or drunkenness, has a defiling effect. Tradition makes much of externals, the gospel makes very little.

His doctrine was not from himself, it was authorised by the Father, who had sent him.

John 7:17-19

How plaintive are these words! The loving heart of Jesus was wounded at their ingratitude and wanton malice.

John 7:20-24

Thus did he set forth the true spiritual religion, wherein holy hearts are everything, and peculiar meats are nothing; obedient lives are acceptable, and rigid abstinences little worth. We do not need salt fish, but salt in ourselves; not unleavened cakes, but hearts free from malice and hypocrisy.

Excellent advice, which we should all do well to follow. We ought not to allow ourselves to be swayed by prejudice and influenced by superficial appearances. Good men and good things are often despised. Truth and holiness have had to run the gauntlet of mankind. All is not gold that glitters, and there is much true gold which never glitters at all. May we be taught by the Holy Spirit to abhor that which is evil, and cleave only to that which is good and true. On the Savior's side may we always be found.

These were the ancestors of our modern Ritualists, who are fast bound with idle forms and vain ceremonials, and make a great matter of the cut of a garment, or the color of a robe.

John 7:25, 26

There were various opinions and conjectures. All those who had come up to the feast were interested in him. Jesus always creates a stir; men cannot remain indifferent, but must take one side or the other in reference to him. The dauntless manner in which our Lord faced the crowd led many to ask whether, after all, the rulers were not afraid of him.

John 7:27

There was a vague notion current among the Jews that the origin of the Messiah would be veiled in mystery—a notion in which there was a large amount of truth, hence their knowledge of the family at Nazareth was a stumbling-block in the way of their receiving the claims of Jesus.

John 7:28-31

Well might they make the inquiry. If men will not have Christ for a Savior, what sort of a Savior would they have?

John 7:33, 34

They need not be in a hurry to put him away, for he would soon be gone.

John 7:35

There was such a large-heartedness about his teaching that it was adapted for all mankind, and a sense of this may have caused much of the irritated feeling of the Jews towards him.

John 7:36-39

Jesus kept in the background until the fitting moment, and then he came boldly forward to deliver one of the freest and fullest gospel discourses upon record. On a day when no servile work might be done, and consequently no water could be drawn, he freely proclaimed his salvation. His grace is free, it is effectual in its operation, and its results are abiding, elevating, purifying, and saving. Faith receives the grace of God, and the soul lives. Without money and without price the blessing of eternal life is bestowed. Let us bless that dear Redeemer who at this moment still cries aloud, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."

John 7:43

Sermons do not produce the same effect upon all minds. Even when the Lord himself was the preacher some believed and some believed not, and among those who did believe there were several degrees of faith. May God grant that when we hear the word we may be led to embrace it, and feel its power in our inmost souls. One ground of unbelief in our Lord's day appears to have been ignorance; his hearers knew that the Messiah would be born at Bethlehem, and supposing that Jesus was a native of Galilee, they could not believe in him. Had they taken the trouble to inquire, this stumbling-block would soon have been taken out of their way, for they would have learned that he was of the house and lineage of David, and was born in Bethlehem, according to the word of prophecy. If we remain in unbelief through willful ignorance, we shall have no one but ourselves to blame.

John 7:44

Yes, even in the Redeemers congregation there were malicious hearts which remained unsoftened by his message of love, and would have repaid his affectionate zeal by making him their prisoner, if fear had not held them in check.

The Lord's enemies among the rulers now resolved to seize him and put an end to his teaching, and therefore they sent officers to arrest him; but these returned empty-handed to those who sent them.

John 7:46

They had been spell-bound both by his matter and his manner, and the Pharisees were compelled to hear their own servants sing his praises. If we have ever heard the Lord Jesus speaks in our hearts, we shall fully agree with the verdict of the officers. Speak to us now, O Lord, and we shall rejoice with joy unspeakable.

John 7:47, 48

This is an old and foolish objection. Rulers and eminent men are quite as often wrong as right, and human authority is a very doubtful rule.

John 7:49

This again is another stale form of opposition to the truth. The adversaries represent those who believed in Jesus as an ignorant rabble, a contemptible and cursed crew. We may well be content to share the world's scorn with the despised saints, for it has always been the lot of the godly to be sneered at.

John 7:50, 51

This was well spoken. Nicodemus may have been timid, but when he saw that his help was needed, he spoke out right well and wisely. What a blow was here aimed at the heart of prejudice! Prejudiced persons would do well to answer the question of Nicodemus.

 

John 8:1

He had no other resort. Sleep was for all except the Savior: he went to meditation and to prayer. Blessed Lord, what an example do you set us by thus resorting to sacred solitude!

John 8:1

By a night of prayer he had prepared himself for a day of labor and opposition. It is wise, whenever we expect double work or conflict, to gird up our loins by special devotion. He who has overcome Heaven by prayer has no cause to dread the face of his enemies. Calmly did our Lord begin his teaching, though he knew that his enemies were planning his destruction.

John 8:3-5

See the cunning of these foxes. If the Lord condemned the woman to die, they would then tax him with going beyond his province, and setting up for a ruler; and if he let her go, they would charge him with being the friend of vice.

John 8:6

These last words are added by the translators, and are not needed. He wrote on the ground to show his unwillingness to meddle with the matter, and to give time for their consciences to work. He did not at once unmask them, but gave them time to retreat if they were wise, or to invite a crushing defeat by their persevering folly.

John 8:8

He stooped this second time to allow the accusers time to slink away unobserved by him, and they quietly availed themselves of the opportunity.

John 8:9

beginning at the eldest, or at the elders, or chief elders

John 8:9

The trap had failed to secure the victim, but it caught those who had prepared it. Stunned by the blow which Jesus laid home upon them, the vile hypocrites took to their heels, feeling themselves to have been grossly foolish to have provoked such a disclosure.

John 8:11

Dr. Brown well observes: "What inimitable tenderness and grace! Conscious of her own guilt, and until now in the hands of men who had talked of stoning her, wondering at the skill with which her accusers had been dispersed, and the grace of the few words addressed to herself, she would be disposed to listen, with a reverence and teachableness before unknown, to our Lord's admonition.

John 8:11

He pronounces no pardon upon the woman, like 'Your sins are forgiven you; Go in peace.' Much less does he say that she had done nothing condemnable: he simply leaves the matter where it was. He meddles not with the magistrate's office, nor acts the judge in any sense: but in saying, 'Go, and sin no more,' which had been before said to one who undoubtedly believed (ch. 5:14), more is probably implied than expressed. If brought suddenly to conviction of sin, to admiration of her Deliverer, and to a willingness to be admonished and guided by him, this call to begin a new life may have carried with it what would ensure and naturally bring about a permanent change.")

John 8:31-59

Our Lord pleaded with the Jewish people and set the truth clearly before them, but they caviled at him and rejected him. Of this we have an instance in—John 8:31-59.

John 8:31, 32

The contentious party among the Jews here interrupted him, boastfully extolling themselves as freemen. They were under the dominion of the Romans, and yet gloried in never having been in bondage.

John 8:48

When they cannot argue, men usually take to railing. A bad case when hard pushed is very apt to employ abuse as its defense.

John 8:57

The sorrows of our Lord made him appear to be nearly fifty, though he was only a little over thirty.

John 8:58

Thus did he declare his Godhead and eternal existence, but they would not believe in him.

 

John 9:3

that is to say, neither his own sin nor that of his parents is the cause of his blindness

John 9:7

Means lucre used, but they were such as had no efficacy of their own, and would tend rather to impede than assist. Often docs the Lord use the most unlikely instrumentalities.

John 9:9

He was a plain blunt man of unusually sound sense. He ended the controversy by two words of the most positive kind—"I am."

John 9:11

His statement was as clear as it could be, and as brief as possible.

John 9:13, 14

And so the old quarrel was revived, and fresh ground found for opposing the Lord Jesus.

John 9:15

Here is not a word to spare, yet the statement is full and accurate.

John 9:17

So much he felt sure of, and was not ashamed to declare. When he knew more, he was equally definite and decided. If the Lord has given us our spiritual sight, it will be a happy circumstance if we are just as positive and outspoken as this remarkable man. The cause of God needs many champions just now who will speak out whether they offend or please. The Lord make us such.

John 9:24

Smooth words, but full of malice; they did not, however, deceive the resolute man to whom they were spoken.

John 9:25

That was enough for him, and he could not be beaten out of it. Surely the man who had opened eyes which had never seen the light before could not be a guilty person.

John 9:26, 27

He turned from his defensive position and warmly assailed his questioners. They were so determined to cavil that he refused to go over his story again.

John 9:30-33

This was splendid reasoning. The man's eyes were opened in more senses than one.

John 9:34

Railing and persecution are the old arguments of those who are silenced, but refuse to be convinced. We must expect such things just in proportion as our enemies feel the power of our words.

John 9:35

Happy is it for us that Jesus is sure to come to us when we are cast out by men for his sake.

John 9:38

Being no Socinian, the divinity of Jesus was clear to him, and he acted accordingly. If the eyes of Unitarians were opened, they also would worship Jesus.

John 9:39

The process is going on—the wise are made fools, and the fools are made wise. Men who boast of what they know have their folly rendered more conspicuous, while self-distrusting honest-minded confessors of their ignorance are taught of God. Lord, make us to be among those whose eyes rejoice in your light.

John 9:40, 41

If they really could not see, they might be excused, but, sinning against the light of which they boasted, they were guilty indeed.

 

John 10:1

Those pretended shepherds who came not as the Scriptures had appointed were robbers seeking only their own advantage.

John 10:2

Jesus came according to prophecy, in the right and ordained manner.

John 10:3

John the Baptist knew him and opened the door for him.

John 10:3

Outside an eastern village there was a stone enclosure, within which the flocks of the inhabitants were penned at night. When the owner of any one of the flocks desired to lead forth his sheep the porter admitted him, and he soon separated his own sheep from the rest

John 10:4, 5

The shepherd has only to call his own sheep, and they rise and follow. No one can deceive them; if a stranger were dressed in their shepherd's clothes, they would detect him by his voice.

John 10:6-8

The elect of God were not duped, but waited until the true Christ came.

John 10:9-11

Best token of goodness! Noblest deed of love!

The false shepherds were all for gain, but Jesus loved us, and gave himself for its.

John 10:14

Mutual knowledge exists between Jesus and his people. He never mistakes one of them, neither do they follow a pretender under the supposition that he is their Lord. Grace bestows discernment upon the saints, and they know their leader from all others.

John 10:16

The Gentiles were not folded, and were like stray sheep. They are now by grace united with the chosen Jews in one flock.

John 10:17, 18

As God, our Lord Jesus held his life absolutely at his own disposal, and no power could compel him to die, but he became our sin-bearer, and for our sake the servant of the Father, and therefore, to carry out his office, he even laid down his life for us. Blessed be his glorious name for evermore.

John 10:19

Christ thus called out his own sheep from the flocks of others. The gospel is a great separator, and every Sabbath day it reveals its power in dividing the sheep from the goats. Those who hear and obey are saved; those who are disobedient are condemned in their own consciences.

John 10:22, 23

winter or stormy, wintry weather

John 10:22, 23

Sheltering himself from the cold, and reaching the people who would there assemble.

John 10:25, 26

This was plain, bold speech. They were none of his, and therefore they had not discerned him. Had they been his chosen, they would have received him joyfully. This doctrine is very irksome to the pride of man.

John 10:28-31

The chosen are doubly secure; two hands have grasped them, and in that double security they are beyond all danger.

John 10:28-31

They would not hear of his being one with the Father; and, alas, there are persons still living who will honor Jesus as man, but when we speak of his Godhead they are filled with anger.

John 10:33

He was assuredly God, or else, being so good a man, he would never have claimed to be what he was not. If Christ Jesus be not God, he is an impostor, and we are idolaters.

John 10:34-36

This was an argument intended to cool their rage, for, if in some sense the chosen people had been called gods, they ought not to have been so sure that it was blasphemy for Jesus to claim to be the Son of God.

John 10:37-40

Having borne his testimony, our Lord again retired. How does his declaration affect us? Are we his sheep? Do we follow in his steps? Let each answer as before the all-knowing Lord.

 

John 11:1-3

Sickness is no stranger in the homes of the saints. However much we may be the Lord's favorites we can claim no exemption from bodily affliction: but in our case it bears an aspect full of consolation, it is sent not as a punishment, but as a means of blessing.

John 11:4

This sickness is not unto death; death will not be the ultimate end of it

John 11:4

Blessed is that illness of which this can be said: such sickness is better than health.

John 11:5, 6

His love made him slow! This seems strange. We should have hastened on to our friends chamber, but Jesus, who loved better than we do, was in no hurry. Omnipotence is the source of divine patience.

John 11:8

Very rightly they wished to keep him from danger, more rightly still he shrank not from exposing himself when duty called.

John 11:9, 10

He was safe until his hour came, and therefore worked on in defiance of Jewish malice. He had his allotted day, and he meant to work to the end of it despite all opposition.

John 11:12-15

Anything which helps our faith is a blessing for which to thank God.

John 11:16

Bravely did he say, "Since our Master will expose himself to such peril, let us go with him, if it be only to share his fate." Better far to die with Christ than to desert him in the hour of trial.

John 11:19

These were formal visits, customary in those times, but they were of very little use to the two bereaved sisters, who above all things longed to see the Lord. Without Jesus our friends are miserable comforters. A little while ago we read of Jesus at a wedding, and in this passage we find him on the road to a funeral: he shares in all that concerns us, and most of all in our griefs. Have we a family trouble? Let us send for the Master. His presence will make all things work for good.

John 11:20

Martha had earnestly expected the Lord's coming, and her active spirit led her to meet him. In this she is an example to us: our faith and hope and prayer, should go forth to meet the Lord in his ways of providence and grace. We may not judge Mary, but we may do well to remember that it is a temptation to contemplative Christians to sit too still in hours of sorrow. Martha was cumbered with much serving, and there have been Marys who have been cumbered with much fretting.

John 11:21, 22

Her complaint of his absence was very gentle, and her faith in his power to restore her brother was far too pleasing to Jesus for him to be displeased by what she said. How apt are we all to think that if the Lord were with us we should not be in trouble, whereas it is in affliction that he is most graciously manifest.

John 11:25, 26

It would be well after hearing any scriptural truth, to put this question to ourselves: "Believe you this?" Especially should we be well established in the truth that Jesus is the source, substance, and first fruits of the resurrection.

John 11:27, 28

Jesus had probably said more than is here recorded, and had asked for Mary particularly. In the gospel he asks after each one of us.

John 11:32

Her posture indicated the deepest reverence, yet her complaint was couched in the same words as that of her sister. We all find it hard to understand why the Lord permits heavy trials to overtake us.

John 11:35

This little verse is full of great teaching. It shows both the humanity and the sympathy of Jesus, and is forever the mourner's choicest gem of consolation.

John 11:36

A word of astonishment which may as truly be used in reference to his love to each of his servants. His love to us is wonderful.

John 11:37

Of course he could, but they had not the wit to argue that he who could preserve life could also restore it. Often men stand on the verge of faith, and yet at last die in unbelief.

John 11:38

We hear more about his groaning in this case, than in all his own personal sufferings. He never groaned so much for his own trials as for the troubles of his friends.

John 11:39

All that man can do, man must do: the miracle begins only where natural forces end.

John 11:39

In that hot climate, putrefaction would soon set in. Could not Martha, who believed Jesus to be almighty in power, believe that even out of corruption her brother could be raised? Faith has strange weaknesses, and while leaping one way will limp another.

John 11:44

When Jesus calls dead sinners out of their graves of sin into newness of life they are often bound by habits arising out of their former lives, it is our duty by example and instruction to lead them into the full liberty of the gospel.

John 11:45, 46

Some people are mean enough for anything. How base these must have been!

John 11:49, 50

For mere political expediency, he would kill Jesus that the nation might not be destroyed by the Romans: but in this, like Balaam, he said far more than he himself understood, and was the mouthpiece of the Holy Spirit to declare the doctrine of the substitutionary sacrifice, by which atonement is made.

John 11:54-57

What a proof have we here of the madness of depraved nature, when we see men eager to put to death one whose divine power had been so clearly proved by his raising the dead! Such madness is in us all until grace removes it.

 

John 12:1

Our Lord never seems more lovely than when reposing in the delightful family circle of Bethany. We there see his gentle heart unveiled amid domestic joys and sorrows, and we perceive how near akin he is to us, how much at home with us, and how able to bless us. Jesus in the heart and Jesus in the house make up Heaven below.

John 12:2

Christ had once reproved Martha for being cumbered about much serving, but we find her serving still; she had not taken it amiss, and peevishly forsaken her post of duty, as some would have done; she loved her Lord too well for that. This time she served within hearing of the Lord's gracious words, and served without complaining, or exhibiting over-anxiety. It is well when good people grow better. As for Lazarus, he was highly favored, and yet his lot was only such as the Lord gives to all whom he quickens, for those who are made alive by him are made to sit together with him.

John 12:3

This was her grand testimonial of love. She thought nothing too good for her Lord. The expense was nothing in her esteem; she brought him the best she had, for her love was generous. She poured out the precious ointment with her own hands, for she desired to render him personal service, and she poured it not on his head but on his feet, to show both her own deep humility and her Lord's superlative worth. There was also in her loving act an intelligent faith, which recognized his office as Priest and King, and treated him as the anointed of the Lord. Her loving lowliness in wiping his feet with her hair, set forth her entire devotion to his service. Enlightened affection suggested the whole deed, and we shall do well to imitate her therein, by giving our best treasure, and our most intense personal service without stint to him who has redeemed us with his blood.

John 12:6

Here was a devil condemning a saint, and charity to the poor made into an argument against an act of piety. Many in these days argue in the same manner if a liberal heart gives largely to the cause of Christ. To their question, "Why was not this money given to the poor?" we reply, Because it was better still to give it to Jesus.

John 12:7

Her act had gone beyond her own intention. Christ places his peoples actions in the best possible light.

John 12:8

We can always give to the poor, for as long as the church lasts there will be such; but Jesus in his flesh was only once on earth, and it was meet that he should have honor done him by those who loved him.

John 12:10, 11

This was concentrated wickedness. Did they hope to baffle Omnipotence itself? Were they so enraged at the Lord's success as even to defy the life-giving God? To what extremities of sin will men go!

John 12:20-22

These Greeks did well to desire to see the great teacher, and we shall do still better if in all our attendances upon religious worship our chief desire shall be to see Jesus. We should desire this that we may know him better, trust him more readily, and become more like him. We miss the end of public worship if we fail to see Jesus.

John 12:23, 24

Our Lord showed that he could only reach his mediatorial glory through death, and he then went on to teach the Greeks, and us, that, in like manner, by self-denial only can any of us attain to glory.

John 12:25-30

This was the third time the heavenly voice had borne witness to him. First, when as our Priest he commenced his life-work at his baptism; a second time upon the mount of transfiguration, when his Father said "Hear you him," thus marking him out as the prophet long foretold; and now a third time when he had just entered Jerusalem as

King. Thus in each of his three offices the Father bare witness concerning him.

John 12:32, 33

Thus by his death Satan is conquered and cast down from the seat of power, and souls are saved by myriads.

John 12:39, 40

Continued sin and pride brought on a judicial blindness, so that the plainest truth was not seen by them. Have we believed in Jesus? If not, is there not great danger that we shall be blinded too?

John 12:41

We shall find a description of the prophet's vision in the sixth chapter of Isaiah. It is worthy of note that the prophet says, "I saw also the Lord, sitting upon his throne" and that he heard the seraphim adore him. Yet the passage is here used in reference to Jesus, who is therefore Lord and God.

John 12:42, 43

Alas, that men should be such shameful cowards as to be ashamed of the Lord of glory.

 

John 13:1-19

How sweetly did he end their envious disputing by his words, but he went further and dealt it a final death blow by the condescending acts recorded in.

No comment is needed, and we have given none. Let us practice what is here so clearly taught.

John 13:21

He could not but be troubled as he quoted the words of David, "He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me." He who has been deserted by his friend and betrayed by a beloved companion will best be able to sympathize with the Lord. How different from us was he when he found himself betrayed. He did not turn in anger on the traitor, and upbraid him to his face; but he spoke indefinitely of one then present; as if he would give the offender an opportunity to repent, by gently hinting to him that his evil covenant was known to his innocent victim. Hard was the heart which could be hardened under that tender and delicate appeal.

John 13:22

We read that they each one said, "Lord, is it I?" No one suspected his fellow, none thought of Judas. It is well when we take warnings home to ourselves:—"If a traitor was found 'midst the privileged few, If in Jesus' own presence a Judas was near; Let my poor startled conscience this moment renew, The anxious inquiry of 'Lord, is it I?'"

John 13:23

With true modesty John conceals his name, but with fond remembrance of his Master's favor, he uses a title dearer to him than the name his father gave him. To be "that disciple whom Jesus loved" was greater honor than to be an emperor.

John 13:24

If any man may expect to know the secret of the Lord it is the disciple who lives in fellowship with his Lord. He may ask questions when others dare not.

John 13:26

And yet the hardened sinner was not moved to repentance. Son of perdition, indeed, he was. Yet Jesus gave him a sop from his own dish. Outward gifts from the Lord's hand are not always proofs of love. There was but one traitor at the table, and he alone had a sop given him from Christ's own hand; let us not envy those ungodly ones to whom the dainty morsels fall, they are only eating to their own condemnation.

John 13:27

His irritation was great at being discovered, and as he was already a devil in covetousness, so Satan came to him and filled him with malice.

John 13:27

Then said Jesus unto him, That you do, do quickly.

He did not bid him do it, but since he would do it, he charged him to waste no time. Oh, the admirable meekness of the Lamb of God! Not one angry word fell from his lips. Why are we so full of wrath when we are ill-used?

John 13:29

This shows that the Redeemer showed no resentment, he spoke so calmly that the disciples thought that he referred to some ordinary business.

John 13:31

In spirit he had already triumphed. At the sight of Judas he had suffered pangs unutterable, but his soul had overcome the trial, and had gained an earnest of complete victory in the battle which lay before him. The traitor also was driven out of his church, and he saw in this a prophecy of the overthrow of Antichrist.

John 13:32

His eye is on the glory as he enter's upon his passion; "for the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, despising the shame."

John 13:33

Now that Judas is gone, he unbosoms his heart, and speaks to the eleven under the tender term of "little children." He tells them that just now they are not to die with him and for a while they cannot follow him into Heaven, but must tarry below; and he teaches them how to behave to one another in his absence, and leaves them the law of love as one of his last words.

John 13:36

Peter would one day die a martyrs death, but not. just then. This ought to have satisfied and silenced him, but his loving heart outran his judgment.

 

John 14:1-14

After the supper was over our Lord addressed his disciples in language full of loving concern for them. He knew that his absence would greatly distress them, and therefore he poured forth a stream of consolations. How many thousands of tried believers have been comforted by these gracious words? All Scripture is as a garden of sweet flowers, but this passage may be compared to the rose, for its marvelous beauty and sweetness.

John 14:1

Though I die do not doubt me, rest in your Savior as you do in your God.

John 14:2

His absence would not grieve them if they remembered the errand on which he was gone. We may well spare the bodily presence of Jesus from this world now that we know he has gone to prepare our eternal resting place.

John 14:5

Probably his notion was that our Lord would go to Nazareth or Galilee or some remote place to be anointed king, and prepare places for his followers, and therefore in his cool, thoughtful, practical way he sought for information. He did not know that the Lord referred to his return to glory.

John 14:6-8

Here another good disciple betrayed his ignorance, he had not yet grasped the idea of the essential union of the Father and the Son.

John 14:9

Until the Spirit of God illuminates the mind we learn little even from the best of teachers. God was in Christ most evidently, and yet Philip did not perceive it.

John 14:10, 11

What meaning can there be in these words if Jesus be not Divine, and one with the Father? No clearer statement of his Godhead could be given.

John 14:12

As God, the Lord Jesus not only had infinite power in himself but he was able to delegate it to others. His apostles wrought great miracles, and his believing disciples worked mighty spiritual works, so that more converts were brought to the faith by their testimony, than were called by the personal ministry of the Lord himself; and this, because through the Lord's ascension into glory the Spirit of God was more fully given.

John 14:13, 14

"Good prayers," says Bishop Hall, "never come weeping home. I am sure that I shall receive either what I ask or what I should ask." If the best of blessings are to be had for the asking, he who will not ask deserves to go without.

John 14:15-31

We were obliged to pause in the middle of that delightful chapter, the fourteenth of John; let us now read the concluding portion of it:—John 14:15-31.

John 14:15

It becomes us to take note of this short text. True love to Jesus always shows itself by obedience, all other love is only a thing of the lips, and betrays a hypocritical heart. Are we daily giving proof of our love to Jesus by doing as he has bidden us?

John 14:18

comfortless or orphans

John 14:22

The Holy Spirit is careful to preserve the name of the gracious Jude from being confused with that of the traitor. Our characters are safe in his keeping. Jude asked a very proper question. How is it that the Lord reveals himself to us and not to others? Often when overwhelmed with a sense of the Lord's love to us, we have been ready to ask the same question, and say "Why me, Lord? why me?"

John 14:23

Here is the reason for special manifestation, namely, special and mutual love. The Father and the Son love to abide where they are welcomed by humble and affectionate hearts, for these are habitations which they have themselves prepared for their own indwelling.

John 14:25, 26

Value the Holy Spirit therefore, and give ear to his teaching at all times.

John 14:27

He was close upon his own sufferings, yet his main anxiety was to cheer the hearts of the dear ones he was about to leave; he had not one selfish thought.

John 14:31

With unfaltering footsteps he advanced to his agony: he did not wait to be seized, he was a willing victim and went forward to take up his cross.

 

John 15:1

See how the question is solved as to which is the true Church, and who has care of it. In Jesus, and all who are vitally joined to him, we find the only true Church, and in our heavenly Father, the great overseer and purifier of it.

John 15:2

Fruitless branches must come away, for the very mark of a living branch is fruit. The dead wood of mere profession, being worthless and pernicious, must be pruned out.

John 15:4

Do what we may, we can bring forth no truly good thing except in union with our Lord: our strength, our fruitfulness, yes, and our very life, all lie in Him.

John 15:5

Nothing! mark the word. He does not say "only a little," but nothing.

John 15:6

There is the end of the man who is fruitless; because not vitally united to Jesus, he utterly perishes. What a change,—numbered one day with the branches of the true vine, and the next, burning in the fire.

John 15:7

Power in prayer depends upon union with Jesus, and obedience to his will.

John 15:8, 9

One of the most sublime verses in Holy Scripture. The Father loves the Son without beginning, without change, without measure, and without end—and even thus does Jesus love us.

John 15:11

Christ's own joy in us! Think of that. Here is enough to fill us with joy to running over.

John 15:12

Here is love's law—her diamond rule.

John 15:13

Here is love's fairest model. Note it well.

John 15:14

Here is love's life, and love's reward. Obedience to Jesus leads to a sense of the love of Jesus. If we walk after his rule he will walk with us.

John 15:15

We are made his table-companions, for we sit at the Communion feast, and there are no secrets between us, for he tells us all that is in his heart. This is love indeed, which lifts poor worms of the dust into friendship with "the Prince of the kings of the earth."

John 15:16

The great first cause of our salvation is not our choice of the Lord Jesus, but his choice of us. The election of his people is with him. He takes the first step towards us. He has, however, chosen us not to be idlers, but fruit-bearers, not to be occasional workers, but persevering laborers. He has also chosen us to be men of prayer; and he would not have us formal worshipers but prevalent pleaders. Have the objects of the Lord's choice been realized in us? How can we know our election except by fruits of holiness, and answers to prayer?

John 15:17

This command comes often, but never too often. We need to hear it again and again.

John 15:18

Therefore there is nothing to wonder at when men slander and abuse us; it is their ordinary manner of saluting every vessel which bears our great Captains flag.

John 15:19

Election secures us human hatred as well as divine love, but for the sake of the sweet, we joyfully accept the bitter. What we have most to dread is the smile of the world, for many have been fascinated by it and fallen into destruction.

John 15:21

Let us not reckon upon easy times. We are servants of a Master who lived amid reproach and died upon a cross. How can we expect those who crowned Him with thorns to crown us with roses?

John 15:22

Light when rejected in- creases sin. No apology remains for a man when his ignorance is removed. He who has had Jesus for his teacher and yet refuses to learn, is guilty of willful ignorance, and deserves the severest judgment.

John 15:23

An opponent of Christianity cannot, therefore, be a sincere worshiper of God. A pure Theist in a country where the Gospel is preached, is an impossibility.

John 15:24

Our Lord's miracles proved his mission, and rendered Israel's rejection of him a most wanton rebellion against the light. So greatly did their sinning against the light add to their sin, that comparatively speaking, their sins were nothing until their conscience being enlightened, they were able to sin with an emphasis.

John 15:26

This is the Holy Spirit's great work. What sweet witness does he bear in his people's hearts! Do we know the power of that inward testimony? Let us examine ourselves upon this matter, as in the sight of God.

John 15:27

Yes, and we too, when the Holy Spirit has witnessed in us, may become witnesses to others concerning the Lord Jesus. But we must be with him to know him, and we must know him before we can witness concerning him.

 

John 16:1-15

Our reading is taken from our Lord's parting discourse, which is full of every precious thing, a mine of wealth, a treasure-house of gems.

John 16:3

Fully has this warning been verified: the blood of martyrs has flowed in rivers, yet the Church has not been offended with her Lord. He is so glorious that she follows him even to prison and to death.

John 16:4

And therefore they were safe at his side; now he was about to leave them and they would need to be doubly on their guard.

John 16:6

They were too bowed down with grief at what he had told them to be able to make any more inquiries. It is an evil connected with excessive sorrow that it often closes the eyes to facts which are full of consolation.

John 16:7

If Jesus were here in one place we could not all reach him, and for this reason the presence of the Holy Spirit is more valuable than the bodily presence of the Redeemer would be. The Comforter can be in all the assemblies of the saints at the same time, and can teach at one moment all the disciples of the Lord; he can prompt prayers and inspire praises in myriads of souls at once, and apply the word with power to millions of hearts at the same instant. The glory of the church is the abiding power of the Holy Spirit, comforting the church and convincing the world.

John 16:8, 9

The most heinous of all sins, for it reveals the deep enmity of the heart to God. Men are enemies to God indeed, since they will sooner perish than be saved in God's way.

John 16:10

By God's raising him from the dead and receiving him into glory the perfection and acceptance of the righteousness of Jesus were proved.

John 16:11

The life, death, and teachings of Jesus pronounce the clearest judgment upon the powers of evil and their unfruitful works.

John 16:12

You are not yet baptized with the Spirit, and are not able to grasp the higher mysteries.

John 16:15

May the Holy Spirit reveal to us the person, work, and love of Jesus. He can teach the dullest scholar. His teachings all tend to glorify Jesus; they are no novelties, but the doctrines of Jesus laid home to the heart. Most blessed Spirit, teach you each one of us!

John 16:16-33

Our Lord continued to cheer and warn the little band around him, telling them of the sorrows they might expect, and of the consolations which would be given them.

John 16:16

Because the Holy Spirit would enlighten them, they would see him in the truest sense, and would be prepared in a little while to see him forever in glory.

John 16:20

When the Lord was gone they were full of grief, but as soon as his great representative, the Comforter, had come to them, they were filled with holy joy, triumphing greatly because the Lord had ascended and had bestowed gifts upon men.

John 16:21, 22

No longer do the saints sorrow over the departure of their Lord, for they see the joyful result of his death, resurrection, and ascension, and are filled with a sacred delight which cannot be damped by persecution.

John 16:23

They would be so well instructed that they would put no more childish questions to him, being led by the Spirit into the mysteries of the kingdom.

John 16:23

Blessed assurance, sealed with a double Truly! Who will dare to doubt the efficacy of prayer?

John 16:24

They had not yet learned the power of the name of Jesus, but when taught of the Spirit they would plead the name of Jesus with great prevalence.

John 16:25-31

He reminded them by this question that their faith was not so strong as they imagined. When we are not under immediate trial we fancy our faith to be far greater than it really is.

John 16:33

We have found our Lord's words to be true, for tribulation has been our portion; let us be confident that the rest of his words are true also.

 

John 17:1-12

We have listened to our Lord's farewell sermon, let us now attend to his farewell prayer. Melancthon says of it, "There is no voice which has ever been heard either in Heaven or on earth, more exalted, more holy, more fruitful, more sublime than this prayer offered by the Son of God himself" Beyond all other forms of supplication it deserves to be known as "the Lord's Prayer." Our time will only permit us to read one half of it on this occasion, but we will meditate upon the remainder when next we gather at the family altar.

John 17:1

Our Lord, with holy calmness, looked into the face of the Father, and John, who seldom records the gestures of his beloved Lord, saw the upward glancing of his eye, and never forgot that impressive look. As Jesus looked up he prayed

John 17:1

This the Father knew, but Jesus loved to have fellowship with his Father in that knowledge. Prayer is not only the asking for favors, it is the fellowship of the soul with God, the drawing near of the heart to the Lord. Our Lord went on to cry

John 17:2

All men are in the hands of the Mediator—here is the universality of his redemption; he will, however, save only his own people—here is the speciality of it.

John 17:3

Do we know by experience what this eternal life is? Do we know the only true God and Jesus Christ the sent one? Let conscience answer. It is worthy of note that this is the only place in which our Lord applies to himself the compound name of Jesus Christ the Anointed Savior.

John 17:9

The special blessings sought for by our Lord would not be prized by the ungodly world even could they obtain them, hence our Lord does Hot ask his Father to give such boons to any but his own disciples. He specially pleads that his beloved ones may be kept from the evil of the world, a prayer which evidently could not be offered for those who are themselves the cause of the evil and are living in it.

John 17:11

This is, as it were, a prayer from within the veil. The Savior pleads as if he were already entered into the heavens.

John 17:12

The Redeemer's petition is, that his people may be kept from sin. How carefully ought we to behave ourselves lest we go astray into that which would grieve his heart. If he pleaded with God that we might be kept from sin, God forbid that we should take pleasure in it.

John 17:13-26

At this time we shall read the remainder of our Lord's departing prayer. May the Holy Spirit lead each one of us into its meaning.

Our Lord had already said to his Father, "I come to you," but such was the yearning of his soul after the Father, that once again he said

John 17:13

And now come I to you and then he added words full of anticipated triumph, from which it is clear that the joy which was set before him was not hidden from his eyes, for he desired his beloved ones to be sharers in it

John 17:17

The teaching of Jesus is the word of the Father, and that teaching is the great means of making believers to be "Holiness unto the Lord."

John 17:18

He has commissioned us to glorify the Father by the salvation of men. The pierced hands of Jesus have ordained each one of us to minister for the good of those around us.

John 17:19

Our Lord consecrated himself, and set himself apart for the sake of his own elect, that they also might be consecrated to the glory of God.

John 17:20, 21

Where there is real grace in the heart, true unity is manifested. All the truly spiritual are one, and no party names can divide them; one touch of grace has made all the saints more than kin, for they are one body in Christ.

John 17:22, 23

What a wonderful sentence is this last one. The Father loves his chosen even as he loves Jesus. Wonder of wonders! Unspeakable grace!

John 17:24

Jesus here pleads with authority, "Father, I will," and we may be sure that his petition will succeed. All who are resting in him shall before long be with him in glory.

John 17:26

Dwelling thus upon his union with his church, our dear Redeemer entered upon that awful agony which preceded his passion. Was ever such a prayer heard before or since, either in Heaven or in earth?

 

John 18:28-40

We shall now attend our dear Redeemer to the judgment seat of the Roman ruler.

John 18:28

For the Passover had not yet been celebrated. Our Lord observed a kind of paschal feast one day before the usual time, but the real Passover he kept in a higher manner, being then made to be the Lamb of God, whose blood procures the salvation of the chosen. The Jewish counselors little knew that they were already far too defiled to have any real fellowship with God's Passover, and were unconsciously slaughtering the true Lamb, whose flesh they were not privileged to eat.

John 18:30

They would hurry Pilate to pronounce sentence without a trial, as if the mere fact of their bringing a charge was quite enough. In what a hurry man is to do despite to his God!

John 18:31-35

Well might he ask this. What, indeed, had you done, O blessed Master, that men should clamor for your blood?

John 18:36

Thus our Lord witnessed a good confession, and showed Pilate that his claims were spiritual, and that he was no rival of Caesar.

John 18:38

Poor Pilate! he was interested and favorably impressed, and went out to try and clear his prisoner, towards whom he had a mingled feeling of wonder, pity, and awe.

John 18:39

By this he hoped to succeed in delivering Jesus, but vain was the attempt. His enemies meant to put him to death, and would not be turned from their purpose.

John 18:40

Thus having valued the Lord Jesus at the price of a slave, they now prefer a robber to him, and are anxious to see him die a felons death.

 

John 19:1-3

Even as Isaiah had prophesied: "I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; I hid not my face from shame and spitting." An old writer says, concerning this shameful spitting, "What could you have found on earth more vile and loathsome in order to your abasement than that man should spit on you? and this, moreover, with such railing and insult, as though you were the pest of mankind, a blasphemer and an outcast unworthy of the merest decencies of life! What, Lord, was there in you to be loathed? Why, then, do they thus despise and spit upon you? Oh, my God, it is my due, not your! Truly do I, Lord, deserve to be spitted on by every creature, as a vile and harmful thing, a wretched sinner, unworthy to live; but you, Infinite Mercy, do promote me to honor, do spare me, and, for my sake, do yield up the majesty of your person and your divine countenance to be humbled by such loathsome affronts and insults!"

John 19:4, 5

A spectacle which ought to have broken their hearts, and melted them to pity. Can we look on our suffering Lord and not love him? If so, we are as base as they.

John 19:6, 7

They first charged him with a civil, and then with an ecclesiastical offence. They cared not how they compassed his death so that they could be rid of him.

John 19:8

The mention of so august a claim as that of being Son of God cooperated with his wife's dream to arouse his fears.

John 19:12

Now they come back to the old charge. When men hate Jesus and his religion they will say anything; a wicked tongue is never short of arguments.

John 19:13-15

What a sarcasm was that! "Shall I crucify your King?" It was clear as noonday that he was no dangerous rival of Caesar, for how could he be really a temporal king of the Jews when the Jews themselves were clamoring for his execution?

Are any of us; like these Jews, rejecting the kingship of Jesus? We may be doing so practically, and that will be as fatal to our souls as if we did so in words. Lord Jesus, you are our King, reign over us and in us, that we may one day reign with you.

John 19:22

He could be firm when he liked, and his sin was, therefore, all the greater.

John 19:23, 24

Gambling hardens the heart, none but gamblers could have been brutish enough to rattle dice where the blood of Jesus was falling. The very sound of dice and the sight of cards should be loathed by a follower of the Crucified.

John 19:26, 27

To whose care should he commit his mother, but to that of the beloved John? He has handed over the widow and the orphan to the care of his people; let us not forget them.

John 19:28-30

What a grand utterance! Now are we safe, for salvation is complete.

John 19:31

The men who could commit this murder without shame were, nevertheless, great sticklers for every point of ceremony, whatever cruelty it might involve. This proves that riles and ceremonies leave men as dad as they find them. Romanists, with a thousand pompous performances, yet rejoiced in the burning of pious men and women, and invented racks and tortures for them. Let this teach us to mind most the spiritual requirements of the gospel, and remember that the religion which does not change the heart and teach us to be merciful is good for nothing.

John 19:32

This was done to hasten death. Truly, the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

John 19:35

And he who saw it bare record that is to say, John himself

John 19:35

He was sure of what he saw, he was under no delusion, he asserts it with the utmost confidence.

John 19:39

The two secret but true followers of our Lord now came out in their true colors. The cross is the great revealer of the thoughts of men's hearts. Blessed are they who are not ashamed of Christ Crucified.

 

John 20:1

She and her companions had inquired, "Who shall roll us away the stone?" and lo, they found it gone. God often removes our difficulties out of the way long before we come to them.

John 20:7

If any had stolen the body by night, they certainly would not have left the grave-clothes, much less have folded them up. Our Lord came forth at his leisure, not as one who breaks his prison, but as a captive lawfully delivered. Jesus has made the grave a furnished chamber for our repose, and the napkin by itself may serve to dry the mourner's tears.

John 20:8, 9

Though repeated to them so often, they had not seen the real meaning. What need there is of the Holy Spirit's teaching!

John 20:13

Heaven was rejoicing over the risen Lord, the glad fact was an assurance of joy to earth, why then did this holy woman weep? It was ignorance which kept her in sorrow. If we would learn more of the truth concerning Jesus, we should soon find consolation.

John 20:14, 15

Her love made her feel equal to anything; however ghastly and heavy the burden she would bear it, love would make it light.

John 20:17

There will be time enough for another interview. Do not attempt to detain me, for I am not yet ascended. Go, tell those whom I still love, that I have called them brethren, and desire to see them before I rise into my Father's glory. Observe the tender love of Jesus, and remember that he has carried the same loving heart to Heaven.

John 20:19-31

Our Lord showed himself to an assembly of his disciples after his resurrection.

John 20:19

His presence among them when the doors were closed must have astonished and delighted them. While they were trembling he came to re-assure them both by his words and his smiles.

John 20:20

And well might they be, for his presence is ever a wellspring of joy. Mark the loving familiarity which thus unveiled his scars, and note the full proofs of his identity which those wounds afforded them. Even now the Lord reveals himself unto his chosen as he does not unto the world. Oh, for a view of him by faith.

John 20:23

He gave them a commission and added the power to carry it out by the gift of the Holy Spirit. Moreover he promised to put force into the sentences which they pronounced in his name, so that when they preached remission to penitents, the Lord granted that remission, and when in the name of Jesus they declared that the sins of unbelievers remained upon them, it was so. The gospel is not our word, but the word of Jesus who has sent us.

John 20:24

He neglected the week-night service and lost a blessing, as many have done since.

John 20:25

He had no right to claim such a proof; unbelief is unreasonable in its demands.

John 20:27

Infinite was the Redeemer's condescension. Knowing the doubts of Thomas he stooped to meet them, for he knew him to be sincere and willing to be convinced.

John 20:28

Thus in a moment reading the Deity of Jesus in wounds. A sweet lesson. Oh, to learn it every day afresh.

John 20:29

The richest blessing falls to the share of those simple minds who believe the word of God, even when surrounded with difficulty and unsupported by signs and evidences. The more childlike the faith the happier the heart.

John 20:30, 31

Have we so believed? If not, the Bible has been read by us in vain.

 

John 21:2

It was well to keep together and enjoy the communion of saints. Good society makes good men better.

John 21:3

As they had as yet no directions to go upon their spiritual business, they acted commendably in following their daily callings, for nothing is more dangerous than indolence.

John 21:9

Everything tended to remind them of their old times with their Lord. Fishing in the old place, the old failures, the old miracles, and the old repast, would all help them to identify their Master. But what a new light was over all!

John 21:11

"Be of use! Forward! To Christ!" These were the watchwords of Peter, and should be ours.

John 21:13

Jesus here showed himself to be what he still is. the Provider, the Host, the Husband of his Church.

John 21:17

The Greek word means in this third question more than before, and might be rendered, "Love you me dearly?"

John 21:17

He had three times denied, and he must three times avow his Lord.

John 21:18, 19

This spoke he, signifying by what death he should glorify God namely, by crucifixion

John 21:18, 19

Thus was erring Peter fully restored. How mightily would that word "follow me" ring in his ears and influence his whole future. Follow me in doctrine, follow me in practice, follow me in sufferings, follow me in death, follow me to glory. May the Lord say to each one of us with power, Follow Me.