John 17:2 As you have given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as you have given him. The early discourses of our Lord show us that he commenced his ministry with the conviction that he was anointed and consecrated by the Father for the greatest work of all ages. And as his ministry drew to its close, he retained the same assurance. Even although he was aware of the approach of the awful end of his earthly career, of the apparent victory of his foes, his faith did not falter. He still anticipated the complete fulfillment of the purpose of his advent. In his prayer to the Father, this consciousness of power accounts for the confidence with which the results of his ministry and sacrifice are anticipated. I. CHRIST'S AUTHORITY OVER ALL. We may consider: 1. Its origin in the appointment of the Father. 2. Its realization in the incarnation and sacrifice of the Redeemer. The authority was native to our Lord Jesus; but it made itself recognized and secured its exercise by his earthly ministry. 3. Its range over all humanity independently of the character of individual men. 4. The new view which, by the aid of this glorious truth, we are able to take of the providential and mediatorial government of the world. 5. The rebuke thus administered to our fear and faithlessness. II. CHRIST'S GIFT TO SOME. 1. The mystery of the limitation. This lies in the counsels of the Divine wisdom, and attempts to explain it are usually of little value. 2. The priceless and glorious nature of what is bestowed. Nothing higher than life - i.e. the life of the spirit - can possibly be conceived as coming into the possession of those otherwise dead in trespasses and sins. It is, however, of the very essence of this life that it is imperishable, and independent of all that is earthly and transitory. - T. Parallel Verses KJV: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. |
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