John 15:15

A second evidence of Christs love, (and a reason why he changeth their stile from that of servants usual to him before, Matth. 10.24. Joh. 13.16. into that of friends) is, his communication of secrets and of his counsel with them, unto which no meere servant is admitted by his Master. For understanding of this, Consider, 1. While he refuseth to call them servants any more, but friends, it is not to be understood, as if they were henceforth to be exempted from obedience, or from being servants indeed; For in the former verse, and v. 20. we have both name and thing of servants continued. But the meaning is, they were not to be meere servants, but friends also, and used like friends. 2. This also cleareth what is said, that a servant knoweth not what his Lord doth, Namely, that common and ordinary servants in the world, though they know so far of their Lords minde, as to understand their duty, yet they are not admitted on their Masters secrets, Nor to know his purposes in what he employes them about. But the Disciples were priviledged servants, who were admitted to know the counsel of God revealed to Christ. 3. While it is said, that henceforth he changeth their title, it is not to be understood, as if they were not friends before; yea, he calls them so with an eye to their after sufferings, Luk. 12.4. But that now being to remove, he lets out his heart and good-will more fully. 4. As for Christs revealing to them all that he had heard of the Father, compare what is said, Chap. 14.25, 26. Only, it is not to be understood of that infinite treasure of knowledge communicate from the Father to the Son, as God; But he speaks here as the Prophet of the Church, sent out to reveal all things necessary to salvation, whereof he kept nothing back. Doct. 1. Albeit Christs followers ought to be his servants, as being created, and espeeially, as being redeemed by him, and because of the many benefits conferred on them daily; yet by being servants, they are friends also, in regard of intimate communion and tender usage; for, I call you not servants, but I have called you friends. 2. The dignity of beleevers is a growing dignity; so that the longer they follow Christ, they will know more of the high priviledges allowed by him upon them; for, this cause, saith he, Henceforth I call you not servants, but I have called you friends; and so after his resurrection he goeth higher, and calleth them brethren, John 20.17. 3. Christ hath many sweet encouragements and proofs of his love abiding his people in a time of trial, which they will not get at another time; Therefore he reserveth this sweet stile till the time of their sad trial by reason of his departure. And therefore it is given them before, when he speaks of their sufferings, Luke 12.4. 4. Christs love to his people is not diminished by his bodily departure from them, but rather he thereby takes occasion to let out more of it; Therefore also doth he choose to call them friends, now when he is to remove. 5. In so farre as beleevers list themselves to be servants to Christ, they must stoop to be ignorant of what he pleaseth not to reveal; and must blesse him that they know their duty, and should go about it, not enquiring into the reasons of it; for, this is the lot of servants, (though disciples be advanced to get more, when their Master pleaseth, (A servant knoweth not what his Lord doth. 6. All the Fathers counsel, and what is needful for us to know, is faithfully revealed by Christ to his Apostles, and by them to the Church; for, All things that I have heard of my Father, I have made known unto you. 7 As the Apostles were admitted into great friendship, in being taught the minde of Christ; so it is an evidence of Christs friendship to his people, that they understand the counsel of God in his Word, and that the secret of the Lord is with them, to clear their Election unto them; to make them know and esteem the mysteries of the Kingdome of God; to make them discerne the secret of his favour and good-will, notwithstanding their unworthinesse, and many thick clouds; to clear his purposes in his strange working in the world; and, to clear their way in dark steps and cases: And all this by his Word, made clear and lively to them by the Spirit; for, this is the reason why he calls them friends, which is true of all believers in their measure, as of the Apostles in theirs; for, all things that I have heard of the Father, I have made known to you.