John 16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. I. CHRIST HAS BEEN HERE AND GONE. 1. This is one of the best attested facts in the world's history. It is attested by contemporaries and by the accumulating moral and social influences of eighteen centuries. 2. It is the most glorious fact in the world's history. Nothing has so blessed the world. It was the creation of a sun in man's moral heaven, the opening of a fountain in man's moral desert. All that is wholesome in the governments, pure in the morals, benevolent in the institutions, holy in the spirit and manners of the world owes its existence to this fact. Insignificant as this planet is compared with other orbs, the fact that Christ has trod its soil has given it a lustre that pales the brightness of them all. II. CHRIST HAS BEEN HERE AND GONE BY HIS OWN CHOICE. Who else could have said this! All others have been sent, Christ came. He fixed His own time, birthplace, country, parentage, circumstances. In the same way He departed — "I leave" — when I please; now or in the future; how I please; by a natural or violent death — "I have power to lay down My life," &c. We are sent away, often by means most revolting, and at a time most dreaded. III. CHRIST IN VISITING THIS EARTH AND DEPARTING FROM IT WAS THE CONSCIOUS MESSENGER OF THE FATHER. The language suggests — 1. The life of true souls. Coming from the Father with our motives, inspirations, and directions from His service, and returning with the results of our labours. As rivers have their existence by rolling from ocean to ocean, so the true life of souls is unconsciously moving from God to God — the cause and end of all activities. 2. The interference of the world with this life. Christ speaks as if, when in the world, He was away from the Father. At times the Father's face seemed eclipsed, "Why hast Thou forsaken Me?" So with us the power of the senses, physical suffering, secular enjoyments, and social trials often interrupt Divine communion. But when we leave the world we shall be for ever with Him.Conclusion: 1. With what holy gratitude should we celebrate Christ's advent and departure! 2. Alas! how many who come into this world depart not to the Father, but to the devil. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. |
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