Christ's regard to his mother.

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part my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots." These things the soldiers did.

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife. 26 of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith to his 27 mother, “Woman, behold, thy son? Then saith he to the disciple, "Behold thy mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

28. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be 29 fulfilled, saith, "I thirst." Now a vessel was set full of vinegar: and some one filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and raised 30 it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished:" and he bowed his head, and yeilded up his spirit. 31 The Jews therefore, because it was the paration-day, that the bodies might not remain upon the cross on the sabbath, (for that sabbath was a great day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken 32 away. Then came the soldiers, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other that was cruci33 fied with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus,

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REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTer xix. 1. Let us set before the eye of our minds, the blessed Jesus, in his humiliation and sufferings. What indignities were offered to him. Truly he gave his back to the smiters, and his cheeks to those that plucked off the hair; and hid not his face from shame and spitting." See the man, wearing his purple robe and the crown of thorns, bearing the reed which smote him in his right hand, for a sceptre! See not only the man, but the Son of God, thus degraded and infamously abused! Shall we join his enemies by our unbelief, and crucify him afresh? Shall we treat him with neglect and contempt, and hide our faces from him, who for our sakes thus exposed his own! Let us rejoice that though he was mock

He is laid in a new sepulchre.

and saw that he was dead already, they broke not his legs; But one of the soldiers pierced 34 his side with a spear, and immediately there came out blood and water. And he that saw 35 these things beareth testimony, and his testimony is true: and he knoweth that he saith what is true, that ye may believe. For these things 36 were done, so that the scripture was fulfilled, "A bone of him shall not be broken." And 37 again another scripture saith, "They shall look on him whom they pierced."

Now after this Joseph of Arimathea, (being 38 a disciple of Jesus, but a concealed one for fear of the Jews,) besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came, therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And Nicodemus also came, 39 (who at first came to Jesus by night,) and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about the weight of a hundred pound. Then they 40 took the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to embalm. Now in the place where 41 he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, in which no man had ever been laid. There they laid Jesus because 42 of the preparation-day of the Jews; for the sepulchre was near.

ed, scourged, and tortured, yet his judge acquitted while he condemned him; spoke of him as a "righteous person," while he doomed him to the death of the vilest malefactor.

2. Amidst the agonies of the cross, Jesus displayed his filial affection. Well might he say, “Come see whether there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow; but forgetful of his own sorrow, he felt for the sorrow of her that bare him. Her affection to him as her Son, had induced her to witness the last scene of his wonderful life; and now it was that a sword pierced her own heart. Jesus seeing John, the disciple whom he loved, in some peculiar manner said, "Woman behold thy Son ;" and then to him, "Behold thy mother ;" and hence

ture, or robe, which Aaron wore. Josephus describes the tunic of Aaron as wove in this manner, Antiq. iii 7, 4.; and it is a probable conjecture of Doddridge, that this might have been wrought and presented by some of the pious women who believed in him.

Ps. xxii. 18. See notes there.

24. The scripture was, &c. 25-27. His mother, &c. Now a sword pierced her heart; but Jesus commended her to the care and affection of one who for his sake took care of her, and discharged the duty of a son.

28-30. Were now accomplished, &c. All things foretold, except the circumstance of his thirst. Ps.lxix. 21.

34-37. Blood and water, &c. It is easy to account for the blood; but I think it not probable that the small quantity of water in which the heart swims, would have been so much observed. It has been said, that the thorax of persons who die of torture, is always full of water or serum. Even admitting this, I cannot but think there was something unusual in the present instance. Ps. xxxiv. 20. Zech xii. 10, &c.

38.

Joseph of Arimathea, &c. He had now the courage to go to Pilate, and request the body of Jesus, which was granted to him.

40. To embalm. Spices in great quantity were heaped on the body, when it was intended to do honour to a person 2 Chron. xvi. 14.

The resurrection of Christ...

CHAPTER XX.

the resurrection ; Jesus appeareth to Mary, and then to the disciples; the unbelief of Thomas, &c.

1 On the first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away 2 from the sepulchre. She then runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have 3 laid him." Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other diseiple did outrun Peter, and came first to the 5 sepulchre. And he stooping down, to look in, saw the linen clothes lying; but he went not in. 6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him; and he went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen 7 clothes lying; And the napkin, which had been about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped up apart in another place.. 8 Then went in that other disciple also, who came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that 10 Jesus must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went again unto their own home.

forward John took her to his own home, and treated her as his mother. Let children learn to honour their parents; and let surviving friends show respect to those departed, by kindness to such as they may have left in afflicted circumstances behind them.

3. What wonders attended the crucifixion of Christ! The sun covered with darkness, the rocks torn asunder, the vail of the temple rent from the top to the bottom! With what dignity and emphasis With what dignity and emphasis did Jesus say, "It is finished!" From his pierced side issued blood and water, something of a miraculous nature, as it is attested in so peculiar a manner; nor is the common opinion improbable, that this occurred to teach those who saw and those who read and hear of it, that the crucified

CHAP. XX. 1-10. On the first day, &c. See note, Matt. xxviii. 5, &c. -Knew not the scripture, &c. With what artlessness do the evangelists speak of themselves. They neither hide nor paliate their own faults and mistakes. They state facts as they occurred.

14. But knew not, &c. He might appear in a dress different from what he had usually worn; and she neither knowing nor expecting to see him alive, would easily make such a mistake.

and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say to her, "Woman, 13 why weepest thou?" She saith to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they know not where they have laid him.” And 14 when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, but knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith to her, "Woman, why 15 weepest thou? whom seekest thou?" She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith to him, "Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus saith to her, "Mary." She turn- 16 ed, and saith to him, "Rabboni; " which is to say, Master. Jesus saith to her, “Embrace 17 me not; for I do not yet ascend to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say to them, I shall ascend to my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." Mary Magdalene 18 came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things to her.

Then in the evening of that day, being the 19 first day of the week, Jesus came where the disciples were assembled, the doors having been shut for fear of the Jews, and stood in the midst, and saith to them, "Peace be unto you." And 20 when he had so said, he showed them his hands

Jesus is both an atoning sacrifice and the purifier of his people. We may wonder at the boldness of Joseph and of Nicodemus. They were not ashamed of the infamy of the cross, but went to Pilate to beg the body of Jesus, and took it down, and showed the utmost respect to his remains. How must they have felt the anguish of disappointed hope! They, like others, had trusted that this was He who should have delivered Israel; but now they saw him laid in the sepulchre, whom they expected to see sitting on the throne of David. Soon however was their grief turned into joy, and their mourning into gladness, by his triumph over death and the grave-a triumph which neither the rage of men nor the powers of hell could prevent.

16. Mary, &c. There must have been something in the tone and manner of our Lord's address, which at once satisfied her that it was he.

17. Embrace me not. Some of the women held him by the feet and worshipped him. Matt. xxviii. 9. Kypke has produced many instances of the term having the sense which I have given. It is probable that Mary had cast herself at his feet, and was embracing them, when Jesus thus addressed her.I do not yet, &c. With Newcome, I consider the perfect used for the

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Thomas is convinced,

and his side. Then were the disciples glad, 21 when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, "Peace be unto you. As my Father 22 hath sent me, even so send I you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith 23 to them, "Receive ye the Holy Spirit: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted to them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained."

24

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 Then the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." 26 And eight days after his disciples were again within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors having been shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace be unto you." 27 Then he saith to Thomas, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and put it into my side: and be not

and confesseth him to be God. unbelieving, but believing." And Thomas an- 28 swered and said to him, "My Lord and my God." Jesus saith to him, "Because thou hast 29 seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed; happy are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the pre- 30 sence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye may 31 believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life through his name.

CHAPTER XXI.

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER XX. 1. The faith of what has been done with regard to the glorious head of the church, and shall be accomplished with respect to all his members, ought daily to glad den our hearts. Now we may sing to the Lord a new song, since he has not left his Son in the grave, nor suffered his Holy One to see corruption. Jesus is risen indeed as a proof that justice is satisfied; and the reproach of his cross hath ceased. Holy angels attended his triumph, and witnessed with joy the enemy conquered. In seasons of trouble, let us raise our thoughts to Jesus our risen, and now ascended Lord, who in the greatest love and condescension said to his disciples, "I ascend to my Father and your Father, and to my God and to your God." Through the death of our Lord, and his resurrection, his Father and his God, has become our God and our Father. And as such let us honour him, love him, and rejoice in him; and if we are risen with Christ, let us seek the things which are above, and rejoice in the hope of being for ever with him.

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2. We cannot but admire the love and condescension of our Lord to his followers, in pitying and forgiving their infirmities, hearing their prayers, and removing their scruples. He again appeared to them and said, "Peace be unto you "and then addressed Thomas "Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand and put it into my side; and be not unbelieving, but believ ing." By this address, our Lord clearly showed that when absent in body from his people, he knew all which they thought, said or did. What a proof was this of his divinity. Well might Thomas cry out, My Lord and my God." Let us cordially join in this ascription of divinity, thus " honouring the Son even as we honour the Father." What convincing evidence we have of the resurrection of Christ. What the apostles saw with their eyes and their hands handled of the word of life, that have they declared unto us, "that we may be strong in faith and hope, giving glory to God. Let us then most cheerfully praise him for this wondrous event.

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-19. The doors having, &c. The construction adopted is necessary to give the sense; for the Jews did not assemble, but shut the doors for fear, &c. It is not certain whether Jesus entered in a miraculous manner or not.

22. Breathed on them, &c. This was only a symbolical intimation, that they should be new men, as to knowledge, boldness, faith, and zeal, when they should receive the holy Spirit; and in this manner he sent them into the world to preach, as he had been sent; and under the influence of this Spirit, whose soever sins they should pronounce remitted, were remitted, &c.

25. Unless I shall see, &c. The fact appeared to Thomas of so unusual

a nature, that nothing but the most sensible proof would satisfy him. He was to blame in not receiving the testimony of those who had seen him.

28. My Lord and my God! Thomas was satisfied that it was Jesus; and he broke out in this language of admiration, owning that he was his Lord and his God. With Michaelis, I admit that these words are an exclamation ; but in the style of the Jews, they amount to a confession of his faith, and are equivalent to a direct assertion of his divinity. Our Lord commends this acknowledgment, while he blames the tardiness with which it was made. Now had Thomas made a mere irreverent ejaculation, Jesus would doubtless have reproved, and not commended him.

CHAP. XXI. 1. The lake of, &c. This was also called the lake of

them, "I am going a fishing." They say to him, "We also will go with thee." They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; 4 and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that 5 it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith to them, "My children, have ye any food?" They answered 6 him, "No." And he said to them, And he said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye will find." They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith to Peter, "It is the Lord." Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt on his upper garment, (for he was naked,) and cast 8 himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) 9 dragging the net with fishes. As soon then as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals 10 there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith to them, "Bring of the fish which ye have 11 now caught." Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty-three and although there were so there were so 12 many, yet was not the net broken. Jesus saith to them, "Come and eat." And none of the disciples ventured to ask him, "Who art thou?" 13 knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and 14 fish in like manner. This is the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after that he had risen from the dead.

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Peter interrogated.

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:

Peter, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?" He saith to him, "Yes, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.” He saith to him, "Feed my lambs." He saith to 16 him again the second time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" He saith to him, "Yes, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee." He saith to him, "Feed my sheep." He saith to him 17 the third time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Lovest thou me?" And he said to him, "Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee." Jesus saith to him, "Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say 18 to thee, When thou wast young, thou didst gird thyself, and walk whither thou wouldst but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldst not." Now 19 this he spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith to him, "Follow me." Then Peter, 20 turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; who also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, "Lord, who is he that delivereth thee up?" When Peter saw him he 21 saith to Jesus, "Lord, and what shall this man do?" Jesus saith to him, "If I will that he 22 tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me." This report therefore went abroad 23 among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not to him, “He shall not die;" but, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?" This is the dis- 24

Galilee. Ch. vi. 1. The disciples had quitted Jerusalem, and come here for the purpose mentioned, Matt. xxviii. 7, 16.

4. Jesus stood, &c. They were at no great distance from the shore, and saw some one standing, but did not at first know who it was.

6. Cast the net, &c. The familiar manner in which Jesus addressed them, and the direction which he gave, and their success, soon convinced them that it was their Lord. They must be sensible that this supply was miraculous. 7. Naked. So the Jews called those who had on only their under garment. Peter still showed his zeal by hastening to Jesus.

9-14. A fire of coals, &c. This miracle was wrought to impress the disciples more deeply with the power of Jesus, now that he was risen from the dead. This was the third, &c. The appearance on the mountain in Galilee was posterior to this. Matt. xxviii. 16.

15-17. Lovest thou me, &c. Our Lord refers indirectly to his former professions of zeal and affection. To this part of the question of loving him Bb 3

more than the other disciples, Peter makes no reply, sensible of his past presumption. Matt. xxvi. 33.-Lord, thou knowest all things, &c. Here Peter ascribes omniscience to Christ; for the assertion is without any qualifying terms, and implies that he was God as well as man.

19. Now this he spoke, &e. Jesus tells Peter what he had to suffer for his sake. They would gird or bind him to a cross; and raising him on it, bear him to a death at which nature revolts.Follow me. Our Lord now walked onward, and Peter followed to intimate his readiness to die for his sake.

20. Seeth the disciple, &c. John followed Jesus also, to show his readiness, zeal and love; but with great delicacy, makes no comment on his own action.

22. Till I come, c. Until the destruction of Jerusalem; and it is pretty certain that John lived to see that event. Peter and others seem to have thought, that our Lord meant his final coming to judgment; and hence sup

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REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER XXI. 1. Our Lord's disciples were originally fishermen, and occasionally followed their occupation during their attendance on his ministry. He called them at first when they were employed in the proper duties of their profession, and now manifests himself to them while so engaged. He probably did this to teach us how much he approves honest industry, and that the way to secure and enjoy his presence, is to be usefully and honourably employed. They had toiled all night, but had been unsuccessful. Now the Master was present, and gives them direction, they were surprised at the multitude of fishes inclosed in their nets. This might teach them that as fishers of men, they would owe their success to the power and grace of Christ, and it is possible that this miracle might be wrought to furnish them with support, while they waited at Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. Thus seasonably does the Lord Jesus interfere to aid and relieve his followers. Let them ever confide in him, and they will not be disappointed.

; 2. In our Lord's address to Peter, we see with what gentleness

posed that John should not die." John, however, does not seem ever to have had such an opinion, as he gives our Lord's words expressly to oppose it.

24. And we know, &c. Chrysostom has, I know;' but many think that this clause, and the concluding verse was added by those who had been eyewitnesses as a testimony to the truth of John's gospel.

25. The world itself, &c. If this verse be genuine, we have a very strong

he could administer reproof, and how he could excite all the emotions of grief and love. Should Jesus put the same question to us and repeat it again and again, are there not some of us who would be at a loss for an answer? Some to whom he might say, "I know that you have not the love of Christ in you?" Are there not many, called Christians, if pressed to give a reply, could only say, "Lord, thou that knowest all things, knowest that I cannot tell whether I love thee or not?" How should such be ashamed, to be uncertain whether or not they have any regard to him, who deserves the warmest esteem, and most ardent affection. There are happily others who through divine grace can say, "Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that, notwithstanding our many sins and great infirmities, we do love thee." If we are conscious of this sincere affection to Christ, may we derive comfort from the thought, that he who knoweth all things, knows this, however we may be suspected or misrepresented. Let ministers show their love by feeding his flock, and each believer by obeying his holy commandment.

hyperbole, intimating the number, variéty and greatness of the miracles of Jesus. The Jews often made use of this figure. Numb. xiii. 33. Deuter. i.§. Wetstein has quoted a saying of the Jews concerning the lessons of one Jochanan, "If all the seas were ink, and every reed a pen, and the whole heaven and earth parchment, and all the sons of men were writers, they would not be sufficient to write them all."