John 12:25–26

In the last place, Christ having acquainted them with what was his true glory, and the way to it, doth now point out the way how to come and have communion with him therein, to wit, by taking up the crosse, and following him. And for this end. 1. He sets forth the danger of irresolution, and the good of resolution, in this point, verse 25. A man that is sparing, if it were even of his life when Christ calls for it, doth take the ready way to lose it, and he who doth hazard it for him at his call, is sure to live eternally. 2. He points out their obligation to this duty, that if any will be his servants, it is reason they follow him in the paths he hath troden, verse 26. — 3. He subjoins, for the encouragement of such, that if they follow him as servants, they shall enjoy, his company, and if they honour him, the Father will honour them, verse—26.

From verse 25. Learn, 1. It is not enough that Christs followers leave off to stumble at his sufferings, or at the afflictions of others, unlesse they be content also to submit to the crosse, without stumbling, in their own persons; Therefore doth he subjoine this doctrine to the former concerning his death, to breed them with the crosse in their own persons. 2. Albeit Christ may let some easily slip through, and others get away with some small losse; yet he approves of no followers, who are not resolved on the losse of what is dearest to them, yea, even of life, for his sake: Therefore doth he mention our life to be hated, not secluding other things, as parents, wife, children, houses, lands, &c. but including them all in this, as being the most precious enjoyment. And since some are put to that, all must resolve on it. 3. Its not enough that men quit any thing for Christ, unlesse it be done with cheerfulnesse, zeal, and an holy indignation that any thing, how precious soever, should come in competition with obedience to him; Therefore is it required, that they hate their life; Which is not to be understood absolutely, as if it were a sin, to love life, as it is the gift of God, or that they should weary of it; But comparatively, that they should not love it more then Christ, Matth. 10.37. and should abhorre that it should come in competition with duty to him. 4. Whatever be our obligations to Christ, yet mens inordinate affection to their temporal life is a great impediment to our duty, when it comes to that push; for, it is supposed that too many will love their life, (to wit, in this world, or their temporal life;) so as to preferre the preservation of it to obedience and a good conscience. 5. Whoever are careful to preserve their temporal life upon any tearmes, they take the short cut to loose it, and eternal life also; for, he that loveth his life shall loose it. He both provokes Christ to plague that life, and cut it off, which he will not employ in a good cause, and however it fare with his temporal life, yet he looseth eternal life. 6. As the loose grip of things temporal is the surest and best grip; so when a man preferres service to Christ to his own life, it is the sure way to preserve both body and soul unto life eternal; for, he that hates his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal. Some time the Lord may continue and preserve a mans life, after he hath submitted to loose it for his sake: But however that succeed, yet the other incouragement stands firme. 7. They who have the lively hope of eternal life, will easily digest any temporal losse, especially when that hope cannot be attained without that losse; for, preservation unto eternal life, is sufficient to perswade a man, when he is called to it, to hate his life in this world. 8 Such as live by faith, must renounce the principles of carnal sense and reason, and be content to walk on grounds contrary to these, especially in times of trial; for, they must learn that love, and keeping of life is losse, and hatred, and losing of it is keeping of it.

From verse 26. Learn, 1. Christ will not be content of glorious-like outside acquaintance with men, unlesse they engage themselves in humble service to him; Therefore, in opposition to their desire of seeing him, verse 21. he desires that men should serve him. 2. Such as give up themselves to serve Christ, must not in their duties prescribe unto him, but must be content to follow his directions; And in their lots, they must not think it ill to be no better used then he was, but should account the worst condition sweet and easie, in that he essayed it, and paved the way before them; for, saith he, if any man serve me, let him follow me. 3. Such as serve Christ, by following him, shall be sure not only to see him, but to enjoy his company: He will be with them in trouble, and not let them be alone, and they shall be brought, at last, to partake of the sweet issue that followed on his suffering; for, where I am, there shall also my servant be. See Luke 22.28, 29. John 17.24. Rom. 8.17. 4. It is a sweet encouragement to sincere followers of Christ, that in glory they shall have constant and neer fellowship with him, which they are so much thirsting after in their pilgrimage; for, this is the encouragement of servants, where I am, there shall also my servant be. 5. Whatever disgrace Christs servants may meet with; yet to serve him is their true honour, and will be rewarded at last with visible honour; for, if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. See 1 Sam 2.30. 6. He saith here, my Father will honour him, not only to point out that it is true honour only which is conferred by God, Joh. 5.44. But to teach, That Christ as Mediatour is so accepted of the Father, that he will put marks of favour and honour upon all his servants.