John 18:1-14 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden… Why did the government of Judaea plot for Christ's destruction? 1. Was there anything in His genealogy to account for it? No! He was one of their own race, descended from the most illustrious Hebrews. 2. Was there anything in His appearance? Certainly there was nothing repulsive in the fairest of the children of men. 3. It was because He was the embodiment and Advocate of Right — right between man and man, and man and God. The government was wrong to its very core. The right flashed upon its corrupt heart as sunbeams on diseased eyes. Hence as with all corrupt government they would put an end to it. I. BY THE EMPLOYMENT OF HIRELINGS (ver. 12). There are under all governments multitudes so dead to the sense of justice and the instincts of manhood, that they are ready at any hour to sell themselves to services the most disreputable. These are the ready tools of despots. II. IS THE NAME OF LAW (ver. 13). The greatest crimes have been perpetrated under the sanction of justice, "We have a law, and by our law He ought to die." Despots say that "law and order" must be respected. But no; if your law and order are built on moral falsehood, tread them in the dust. The progress of the world requires this. The heroes of unperishable renown have given themselves to this work. What is wrong in morals can never be right in government. III. UNDER THE PRETEXT OF A MISERABLE EXPEDIENCY (ver. 14). In relation to that "counsel," note — 1. That it was apparently adapted to the end. Christ was alienating the people from the institutions of the country and shaking their faith in the authorities. The most effective plan for terminating the mischief seemed to be to put Him to death. 2. Though seemingly adapted to the end it was radically wrong in principle. The fitness of a measure to an end does not make it right. The only standard of right is God's will, and Christ had not contravened that. 3. Their policy being radically wrong, was ultimately ruinous. It hastened the flight of the Roman eagle. Eternal principle is the only pillar to guide short-sighted creatures. Let governments be warned by the policy of Caiaphas. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. |
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