George Hutcheson
30 This is he, of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
John here applieth his former Doctrine concerning the Messiah (which he had preached both before Christs coming to him, and since he went to the Wildernesse, ver. 15, 27.) to Jesus Christ now present. Whence learn. 1. Ministers can never enough be careful in setting out Christs excellencie, notwithstanding any outward condition wherein he is; nor in putting away any honour due to Christ, when it seemeth to be given to them; nor in studying his eternal Godhead, and commending his excellency above all; because of that; for, this is the summe of that doctrine which here again he inculcates; after me cometh a man, which is preferred before me, for he was before me. 2. God doth approve in his servants, not fits and flashes, but fixednesse and constancie in their discerning Christ and his glory, in his lowest estate; And they will finde no cause to repent, or eat in any honourable thoughts they have had of him; Therefore, doth John as no reed shaken with the winde, adhere unto, and again publish his former doctrine. 3. The same things spoken over and over again of Christ, will not be tastlesse to such as know his excellencie; and truths often inculcate are the truths which we come oftenest short in taking up; and yet should study most; So much also doth Johns frequent repetition of this doctrine teach. 4. The dignity and excellencie of Christ as God, becometh comfortable to the Church, being found in our nature, by his becoming man and her kinsman, that he may do the duty of a kinsman and Redeemer to her. Therefore, doth John point him out under the name of a man; after me cometh a man, &c. 5. Faithful preaching and commending of Christ, is a meane making way for a more full sight of him, both to the Preachers and faithful receivers of what is taught; for, John at last, gets him now present to point out, whom he had so often commended unseen, This is he of whom I said, &c. And all faith full Preachers and receivers of their testimony, may expect the day when they shall see him whom they commended and beleeved in, face to face.
