---

I. When our Lord knew that the Pharisees were plotting His destruction, it is saw THAT HE WITHDREW HIMSELF: FROM THAT PLACE. He did not avenge their malice. He allowed it space to dissipate. Give no place to anger, He continued His works of mercy when He withdrew from the Pharisees .... Great multitudes followed Him," de. By His practical benevolence He would refute their falsehood, not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good. Our Lord did net wish His fame spread abroad. An absence of ambition. We should be satisfied with approval of God.

II. THE CONDUCT OF OUR LORD ON THIS OCCASION WAS A FULFILMENT OF A PREDICTION BY ISAIAH.

1. He is termed the "servant " of Jehovah.

2. He was chosen for His work.

3. Beloved by the Father.

4. He will put His Spirit upon Him.

5. He shall not strive.

6. In His name shall the Gentiles trust.

(B. W. Noel. M. A.)

I. The PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS of this "Servant of God."

II. His MISSION.

III. THE MANNER IN WHICH HE WOULD ACCOMPLISH IT.

IV. THE GUARANTEE THAT IN THIS MISSION HE WOULD SUCCEED.

(M. N.)

I. THE PERSON HERE REFERRED TO.

II. THE DESCRIPTION HERE GIVEN OF HIM.

III. THE COMMISSION HERE GIVEN HIM. Lessons:

1. If Christ needed the Spirit of the Lord upon Him, how much more do we?

2. If Christ does not manifest ostentation, why should we:'

3. If Christ, who is all purity, could be gentle with the erring, why should not we?

(W. M. Taylor, D. D.)

I. His Divine appointment.

II. His special endowment.

III. His expansive work.

(J. Rawlinson.)

I. THE LOVE OF THE FATHER. The mission of the Son had its origin in the Father's pitying love for us (1 John 4:9, 10; John 3:16).

II. THE CONDESCENSION OF THE SON. Became a servant.

III. THE CO-OPERATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

1. It was by the Holy Spirit that the Son was qualified for the accomplishment of the work He had undertaken (John 1:16; John 3:34)

2. It is by the Holy Spirit that the work of Christ is now carried on in the hearts of men (John 16:7, 8). (C. Kemble.)

I. The progress of Christianity shall continue until the principles of Christ's kingdom pervade the entire globe.

II. There is a modern tendency to speak of the failure of Christianity.

III. In what direction do indications around us point? It is thought that Christianity attempts too much. It is thought that the agency is wholly inadequate to accomplish the work proposed.

IV. The sure future of Christianity.

(Bishop Simpson.)

---

---

KJV: Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

WEB: But the Pharisees went out, and conspired against him, how they might destroy him.