John 7:16

Followeth Christs reply, wherein he vindicates his doctrine, and then justifieth his old practice; And first, he declareth that he had not his doctrine from Satan, nor by any humane art or industry, but from his father whose Ambassadour he was, and that he spake not his own minde only, but the Fathers. While he saith, it is not his, but the Fathers; the meaning is not to seclude him simply, but to shew that he devised it not of himselfe as man, (as they conceived only of him) and without the Father; But as he was God equal with the Father, and so naturally knew all his mysteries, and as man, had knowledge thereof, by communication from his Godhead; So all this was communicate to him from the Father, who sent him to the world to reveal his counsel; And this might appear in his divine furniture without all humane industry. Whence learn, 1. As Christ fully knowes the Fathers minde and counsel, so he is the faithful revealer thereof; for, his doctrine is the Fathers who sent him; It is from the Father, and he publisheth it. 2. It may commend the doctrine of the Gospel, that not only it is of God, but that he sent his Sonne into the world, to publish it; for, so doth Christ commend his doctrine here. 3. It is the duty of faithful Ministers, not only to wait for a calling from God, but to see that they bring nothing forth, but what they have from God; for, herein Christ is a patterne, who was sent, and whose doctrine was not his own, but his that sent him. 4. No doctrine or Preacher, how admirable and ravishing soever, are to be heard in the Church, but they who are sent and bring their message from God; Therefore, albeit they marvelled at him, ver. 15. yet he thinks not that enough, unlesse they be perswaded that he and his doctrine are of God. 5. It is the duty of faithful Ministers, to lead people from themselves to God, and to ascribe what is excellent in them, to him that he alone may have the glory; Therefore, Christ when he is marvelled at, draweth their eyes to God who sent and furnished him.