John 12:29–30

In these verses, upon occasion of the several conjectures of the people concerning this audible voice, v. 29. Christ doth expound Gods purpose in this publick way of comforting him; That he did it, not so much because Christ needed it, as to testifie unto them that he was accepted of God, owned of him in his sufferings, and would be victorious over them through him. Whence learn. 1. God is very glorious and full of Majesty, and appeares so when he reveals himself; His voice even in consolations, is glorious; for his voice here was such as the people said, that it thundered, when they heard it. 2. As natural men are ignorant of spiritual soul-trouble, so do they as little understand the consolations which God alloweth on these who are so exercised; for, they understand nothing of this matter, but some (it seems) who were more remote, said, it thundered, others more neare, said, an Angel spake to him. 3. It is the great fault of men that they delight rather to talk curiously of the extraordinary manifestations of God, then study to know the use to be made of them; Therefore they are curiously debating what this should meane, when Christ tells them they should study for whose sake it came. 4. Consolations are then double consolations, when men are not only refreshed thereby, but are led to know how they ought to be improven. Thus Christ is led to look on this voice, for whose sake it comes, and knows what use should be made thereof. 5. All the glorious testimonies given unto Christ from heaven, tended to point him out unto sinners; as the true Messiah approven of God; And that for the conviction of the malicious and for the encouragement and confirmation of their faith who flee to him; Therefore, saith he, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. He needed indeed the consolation, and it might have been imparted to him in a private way; But this publick way of declaring the consolation, was for their behoof.