Homiletic Magazine John 18:1-14 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden… The interest of our Saviour's life increases as we advance. With most men the reverse is the case. Interest is usually centred on the earlier period of a man's career when the greatest exploits are achieved and the highest fame reached. Afterwards they live on the reputation acquired. But as the sun looks greatest at its setting, so Christ is most majestic as He approaches death. Consider the spirit in which our Lord entered on His last sufferings. I. IN A SPIRIT OF PRAYER. "When Jesus had spoken these words." If the words of a dying man are impressive how much more those of a dying Saviour. But as His agony was preceded by prayer, so He would encounter it in a place set apart for it (ver. 2). It becomes a soldier to die fighting, and a Christian to die praying. The garden of humiliation was at the foot of the Olivet of Ascension. II. IN A SPIRIT OF VOLUNTARY SELF-DEVOTION TO THE INTERESTS OF THE CHURCH. "He went forth." It was reckoned an ill-omen when the victim struggled at the Altar, and a good omen when it came without reluctance. "Lo, I come," &c. To give the fullest proof that His sacrifice was voluntary, He put forth the energy of His power. This might have reminded them of the destruction of the captains of Ahaziah. But a greater than Elisha was here. Here we may learn that the word of Christ, however weak it may seem, is full o! terror to His adversaries. If it could do such things then, what will it accomplish at the Day of Judgment? III. IN A SPIRIT OF TENDER LOVE TO HIS TERROR-STRICKEN DISCIPLES (ver. 8). He makes no stipulation for Himself, but only for them. This was not a request but a command. He submits as a Conqueror, dictating His own terms, and obtaining them. It was like Him to think of others even while enduring the most intense mental agony. Let us imitate Him. Conclusion: We must all cross Cedron: it will be well then for us to remember Him, and to imbibe His Spirit. (Homiletic Magazine.) 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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