John 8:49–51

In these verses, we have Christs answer to this blasphemous calumnie. And, 1. He declareth, that he had no devil, but was honouring his Father in what he did and said, and therefore it was their great sinne thus to reproach him, ver. 49. 2 Lost they should think he took to is ill, as an indignity done to him; he declareth, that he was no selfe-seeker, nor hunter after vain-glory, nor needed he avenge himselfe on them, since the Father will honour him, and take course with them who rub upon his glory, ver 50. 3. To shew what his true glory is, and what their losse is who despise his Word, he sheweth what blessed effects shall follow upon observing of his doctrine, ver. 51.

From ver. 49 Learn, Bitterest calumnies should be answered meekly by Christs servants; And however men faile in duty to them, yet they should still cleave to duty; Therefore doth Christ meekly deny the calumny, I have not a devil, and refutes it with reason. 2. As it is the duty of all Gods people to seek the honour of God, as their chiefe end; so Christ did eminently honour his Father, both in his doctrine and obedience; for, so saith he, I honour my Father. See Joh. 17.4. 3. They who sincerely seek Gods honour, do prove that they are not guided and acted by Satan, whatever the world think or say of them; for, so doth Christ prove his point, I have not a devil, but I honour my Father. 4. Mens innocent lives and carriage is the best mean to refute unjust calumnies and reproaches; for, so doth Christ refute their blasphemy, by his honouring of God in his carriage. 5. It is a commendable zeal for God, honour, when his faithfull servants will not suffer wicked men, who carry the devils stamp and image to father themselves on God, as his beloved and dear people; for, in this, particularly, did he honour his Father here, in telling them plainly what they were. 6. As mens honouring of God will not stop the mouths of malicious slanderers; So their sinne is very great who reproach them who do honour God; And particularly, this holds true of Christ, who cannot be dishonoured, but it rubs upon the Father also; Therefore, saith he by way of sad chalenge, I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. See Joh. 5.22, 23.

From ver. 50. Learn, 1. Such as unfeignedly seek Gods honour, will not hunt after vain-glory, nor seek their own glory, save in so far as Gods honour is stricken at by the reproaches cast on them; Therefore doth Christ subjoyn, I seek not mine own glory. 2. Such as unfeignedly seek Gods glory, need not be anxious about the reproaches they meet with, seeing God undertakes to see to that: Therefore also, lest they should think the want of honour from them grieved him, he saith, I seek not mine own honour, there is one that seeketh and judgeth. 3. As Christ did honour the Father in going about the works of his calling; so the Father did undertake, and hath now honoured him, and will avenge all the blasphemies, and reproaches that wicked men belch out against him; for, saith he, there is one that seeketh and judgeth.

From ver. 51. Learn, 1. Christ is never so angry with his foes, as to forget his friends; Yea, he delights to conveigh his threatnings against enemies, in promises to his children, if so be they will consider their losse, and yet take hold of his offer; Therefore, instead of threatning, he makes a gracious promise, and that not only for the confirmation of any weak ones who were then hearing, but to try what such an offer might yet work upon these wicked men. 2. Albeit most part of men make but little account of the matter of their salvation, and these who have any thoughts about it, are very averse from crediting Christs naked Word, about the way to it: Yet Christ would have it looked upon as a weighty businesse, and would have it out of all contraversie that he will make good the Word which he speaks concerning it; Therefore doth he premit his ordinary asseveration to this doctrine, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that he may teach them, that it is no light or trivial matter he is speaking of, and that he may remove all hesitation concerning the truth of his Word. 3. Such as would receive any benefit by Christs doctrine, should not only hear it, but lay it up in their heart, and keep it in some measure of sincerity in their life; for, it is required, that they keep my saying. 4. Albeit such as cleave to Christ, and make conscience of obedience to his Word, may meet with very many troubles, and may oft-times have very great fears about death, and their eternal happinesse; Yet they shall be secured from eternal death, and all their other troubles, and bodily death it selfe, shall be swallowed up into victory; for, if a man keep my saying, he shall never see death, to wit, eternal death, and consequently, shall get a good account of all the steps betwixt him and eternal happinesse.