John 14:30–31

These verses contain a second branch of the conclusion of this part of his discourse; Wherein, he intimates that this was his farewel-Sermon, and that he was not to speak much after this with them, being to enter the lists with Satan at the Fathers commandment. And therefore it is to be inferred (for nothing of his scope, or the use they were to make of this, is expressed here) that they were to hearken better to this discourse of their Lord and Master in taking his leave, which could not but contain matter profitable to them, (as being his last words:) and not suffer themselves to be distracted with fear and trouble. In the words there is, 1. An intimation that he was shortly to break off discourse with them, being to engage in his sufferings, against Satan the prime instrumental cause therein. 2. To prevent any scandal that might arise upon his being exposed to Satans malice, and his dying in that conflict; He declareth that he went to dye, not because Satan had any power over him, or ground of challenge against him in himselfe, but meerly that he might testifie his love and obedience to the Father, who laid that duty upon him. 3. To testifie how willingly he obeyed this command, he declareth himselfe willing to go meet his enemie, and warnes them to make ready to go out with him, to see his obedience acted, and withall, that they might have better opportunity to shift for themselves. Now concerning this, that Christ bids them Arise, &c. it should seem that Christ at this word arose from the Communion Table, and that the rest of his Sermon, and the Prayer, in the three following Chapters, were spoken, either on their feet in the same roome, or in the way to the garden. But it is clear from Chap. 18. 1. that after all that, and not till then, he went forth; and with all, it is not very probable that this his solemne Sermon and Prayer were delivered in a confused posture, or that Christ continuing still in the same roome, would quit the grave and composed posture wherein he and they were sitting, and put them all to their feet to hear it out. And therefore it seems that by this exhortation, he only puts them in minde to make ready to go away when he had done; And so goeth on with his Sermon. Doctrine 1. When difficulties, to which we are called, draw near, we should make ready to go and meet them; Therefore, Christ is making ready to meet with his sufferings, & intimateth that he would close his preaching, for that end. 2. It should stir up beleevers to emprove opportunities of grace, and of Christs company, when they consider how soon they may be deprived thereof; Therefore he stirs them up to attention, by putting them in minde that they would not have opportunity to hear him much after this. Hereafter I will not talk much with you. 3. Christ will never be so throng, but he will take leisure to speak what is needful for his needy people; Therefore, albeit he knew the Jewes were making fast ready, yet he saith not, he will talk no more, but not much, and for all the hast, he goeth on to speak out his minde; So in the midst of his sufferings, he hath a look to reclaime sliding Peter, Luk. 22.61. and a word for his mother and John, when he is on the cross, Joh. 19.26, 27. 4. It is a point to be frequently studyed, that Satan, through Gods permission, exerciseth a tyranical dominion among the sinful children of men; that so it may be lamented that Christ wants so much of his due: for this cause is he so often pointed out to be the Prince of this world. 5. Christ in his sufferings for the Elects sin, had to do, not only with the malice and cruelty of men, but with Satan and the powers of hell, who also have chiefe hand in all the persecutions of the Saints; Therefore doth he describe his sufferings from this cause, The prince of this world cometh, to wit, in, and with his instruments, to use his utmost endeavours against him. 6. It may adde much to the comfort of Saints, that Satan and all his forces did bend and essay their strength against Christ their surety; So that if they prevailed not against him, Saints may, in him, look upon them as conquered enemies; Therefore hath he recorded for our comfort, that the prince of this world cometh against him. 7. Albeit the best of men have much within them, of corruption and naughtiness, upon which Satan may fasten his tentations and suggestions, and enflame them with his fiery darts; and much guilt, upon which he may accuse and foile them, if left to themselves: Yet Christ being without sinne, Satan had no power over him in any of these respects: for, he hath nothing in me, that is, his power over men came in only by sin in them, but Christ being free of sin, Satan had nothing of his own in him, either of guilt, for which to accuse him, or of corruptions, upon which to fasten his tentations, and make them prevaile. 8. It is beleevers great advantage, that what Christ did undergo was for nothing in himselfe, but all for them; Therefore doth he hold out, for their comfort, he hath nothing in me. 9. All the power, malice, and policy, of Satan cannot prevail over Christ, and his followers in him, save in so far as God permitteth; for, so much also is imported in this, he hath nothing in me, and consequently, could not prevail or have power over him, unlesse he voluntarily yeilded himselfe to suffer, as is after subjoyned. 10. Satan is so malicious a tempter and assaulter, that he will not spare even these in whom he hath no right, and against whom he knoweth he will not succeed; for, he cometh against Christ, though he hath nothing in him. And therefore they who take all his tentations for currant, do far mistake; for he durst offer to call in question unto Christ himselfe, if he was the Son of God, Matth. 4.6. 11. All that Christ suffered for the Redemption of sinners, was by the order, and at the command of the Father, who did Covenant with him concerning this work; for, as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. 12. In our going about duty, and enduring of hard lots, it is good to eye the will and appointment of God, not only that we propound not wrong ends, but that we may look more to God and his minde in these lots, then to mens malice and projects; Therefore doth Christ so much fasten his eye, not on Satan, but, on the Fathers commandment. 13. As love to God ought to be the rise of all our obedience; so true love to him will draw men to obedience, in hardest services; for, herein Christ hath cast a coppy, the motive of whose suffering was love to the Fathers glory, I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. 14. It is of singular importance and use, that men do study Christs love and obedience to the Father in his sufferings, both for admiration and delighting in it, and for imitation; for, he doth this, that the world may know that I love the Father, and that as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. 15. Christ alloweth not that men say much of their love and obedience, unlesse they prove it by practice; Therefore after he hath professed so much of his love and obedience, Arise, saith he, let us go hence, that I may give proofe thereof. 16. Christ did enter the lists, in his sufferings, with much willingnesse and alacrity, with much courage and resolution; That so he might commend his love to us, and encourage us to do the like through him. Therefore saith he, Arise, let us go hence, that I may grapple with the difficultie. 17. Christ was so real in his resolute undergoing of sufferings and death, that he did not decline any witnesses and triers thereof; Therefore, saith he to them, Arise, let us go hence, taking them out with him, not only that he being taken in the Garden, they might have better opportunity to flee, then if he were taken in that roome, but that being with him, they might, as much as they durst, be witnesses of his willingnesse and courage.