John 18:1-14 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden… In Peter's temerity, notice the difference between military valour and Christian fortitude. He that faltered and was blown down by the weak blast of a damsel's question has now the courage with a single sword to venture on a whole band of men. Military valour is boisterous, and depends upon the heat of blood and spirits, and is better for a sudden onset than a deliberate trial; but Christian fortitude depends on the strength of faith, and lies in a meek subjection to God, and will enable us to endure the greatest torments rather than encroach on the consciences of our duty to God. In the words note — I. THE NOTION BY WHICH AFFLICTION IS EXPRESSED. In Scripture we read oral. A cup of consolation (Jeremiah 16:7), taken from the Jewish custom of sending it to mourners or condemned prisoners (Proverbs 31:6, 7; Amos 2:8). 2. The cup of salvation (Psalm 116:13) or of deliverance, used more solemnly in the Temple by the priests, or more privately in the family. Sometimes called the drink offering of praise, and to which the cup of blessing (1 Corinthians 10:16) has great respect. 3. The cup of tribulation (Psalm 11:6; Jeremiah 25:15; Psalm 75:8). It was to this that Christ referred here and in His agony. II. GOD'S ORDERING OF IT. "Which My Father hath given Me." Christ mentioned not the malice of His enemies, but the will of God. His hand in Christ's sufferings is often asserted in Scripture (Isaiah 53:10; Acts 2:23; Acts 4:28) God did not instigate those wicked wretches, yet it was predetermined by God for the salvation of mankind. III. CHRIST'S SUBMISSION. "Shall I not drink it." If God puts a bitter cup into our hand, we must not refuse it; for we have here Christ's example. The meaning is: The bitter passion which the Father hath laid upon Me, shall I not suffer it patiently? IV. LESSONS: 1. In all calamities we should look to God (Psalm 39:9; Isaiah 38:15). (1) Nothing falls out without God's particular providence (Lamentations 3:37, 38). (2) All cross issues and punishment, as well as benefits, come from God (Isaiah 45:7). 2. It is a great advantage to patience when we consider God, not as an angry Judge, but as a gracious Father (Hebrews 12:7, 8; 2 Corinthians 6:18). 3. It well becomes His people to endure willingly whatever God calls them to. (T. Manton, 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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