John 13:1-19 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world to the Father… I. THE RELATION — "His own." This relation is formed by Himself. "To them gave He power to become the sons of God." It is not, therefore, from a mere profession of religion. "Ye are clean; but not all." There were persons endued with miraculous powers who nevertheless were not "His own," and to whom Christ will say, "I never knew you." II. THE POSITION "in the world." It is one of — 1. Trial. You are exposed to a position of sorrow, and struggling, and conflict. Here is something that will try you. What influence has the world had on your spirit and conduct? If you are called on to suffer, is there the language of Eli: "It is the Lord; let Him do what seemeth good unto Him"? or obstinacy and rebellion? 2. Danger. You are exposed — (1) To innumerable adversaries. "Your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about," etc. (2) To great temptations. How many run well for a time and afterwards fall short! III. THE AFFECTION — "having loved." If your position is to be a test of your affection for Christ, what a proof it will be of His affection for you! What evidence of love will you ask at His hands? What can He do more than He has done? "Greater love hath no man than this," etc. IV. THE ADHESION — "unto the end." Can you say this of any human affection? Can the child calculate on the affection of the parent, the most durable of all, to the end? "Can a woman forget her sucking child?...Yea, she may forget; yet will I not forget." There is no unchangeable love but His because there is no unchangeable being but God. "I have loved thee with an everlasting love," etc. (W. Bengo Collyer, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. |
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