Verse 1-2

CONTENTS.

We enter here upon the History of CHRIST's Passion. The Chief Priests conspire against him. A woman anoints the LORD. Judas selleth CHRIST, and betrayeth him. Peter denieth him.

AFTER two days was the feast of the passover and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death, (2) But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there he an uproar of the people.

In addition to the observations made on the subject of the Passover, Matthew 26:2-20. etc. to which I refer the Reader, I beg to remark that Mark takes notice also, of the feast of unleavened bread. It may be not amiss to consider, that those feasts were always together; in fact they were one and the same. See Exodus 12:8, etc. The Passover was finished in the first evening's solemnity, but the feast of unleavened bread continued seven days. But what an awful picture is here given of the Chief Priests and Scribes! That at a season so holy and sanctified for celebrating that great mercy of GOD to the Church, in delivering the people from Egyptian bondage; those men should then, of all other seasons, contrive the death of JESUS. They indeed postponed their intentions for the moment, in carrying them into execution, not out of tenderness to JESUS, not lest their solemn services should be interrupted, but from the great affection the common people had to the person of JESUS, lest the LORD should be rescued from them. Reader! pause over this part of the subject, and behold in those men, the awful depravity of the human heart! True, indeed, it was necessary that CHRIST our passover should be then sacrificed; and they literally did that, and no more in the crucifying the LORD of life and glory, which GOD had before determined to be done. Acts 4:27-28. But though the LORD's ordination was in all, yet the deed itself, and the malice of the deed, was all their own; and the chapter in the opening of it, gives us an awful representation of the heart of man.

Verses 3-9

(3) And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. (4) And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste, of the ointment made? (5) For it might have been, sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. (6) And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. (7) For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good but me ye have not always. (8) She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. (9) Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

There is somewhat uncommonly interesting in this transaction, and as our LORD himself declared, that it was significant of his burial, our chiefest improvement of it should be with an eye to JESUS.

Spikenard was in itself, we are told by naturalists, a small shrub not lovely to the view, but very grateful to the smell, (see my Poor Man's Concordance, Spikenard,) but when it was prepared into an ointment, it was very costly. This poor woman is supposed, and perhaps rightly so, to have been either Mary, the sister of Lazarus, (for this transaction was at Bethany,) or Mary Magdalene. But the LORD saith the act was symbolical. And what could be more striking, in allusion to his person and sacrifice, than this act of affection, ex cited, and altogether accomplished by the work of grace in her heart. Spikenard was very expressive of the person, and offices of CHRIST. Lowly and humble in himself, there was no beauty to desire him, yet the sweet savour of his name is as ointment poured forth. Song of Solomon 1:3-12. Precious LORD JESUS! though thy people of the pre sent day have not the privilege which this woman had, to anoint thine bead at thy table, yet while they sit before thee, and by faith behold thee, we would say with the Church, cause my Spikenard to send forth the smell thereof. Everything in thee, and from thee, is more precious than the mountains of frankincense. Thy person, thy blood, thy righteousness, are all lovely and refreshing.

Verse 10-11

(10) And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. (11) And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

If we compare what is here said, with what is related, John 13:27, of the devil's entering into Judas, we shall discover somewhat of the deliberate act of this son of perdition. No doubt the woman's pouring the ointment on CHRIST's head, acted as an incentive upon the mind of Judas, as we know the grace the LORD gives his people, calls forth the greater malice of their enemies. Acts 7:54. Judas must have gone away from Bethany into Jerusalem, immediately after this transaction of the ointment, for the Chief Priests were at this time in council, (see verse 1,) and the traitor now joined the party; though to cover his diabolical purpose, he soon after returned and joined the disciples, and sat with them at the supper. Reader! pause over the view! Oh! who shall calculate the enormity of sin! Oh! who shall calculate the preciousness of distinguishing grace! See John 13:18.

Verses 12-16

(12) And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and pre pare that thou mayest eat the passover (13) And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a. pitcher of water: follow him. (14) And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the good man of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guest-chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? (15) And he will shew you a large, upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us. (16) And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

It should not be forgotten, that the LORD with his disciples were still at Bethany, two miles from Jerusalem, and as the time was now arrived for the Passover, it became necessary for the disciples to return into the city, to make provision for it. For, according to the law in Jerusalem, the feast must be, and the Paschal Lamb slain, between the two evenings, and eaten at night. Hence the question the disciples put to CHRIST, and the LORD's answer as related in those verses. The Reader, I hope, will not fail to take notice how the, LORD JESUS here again manifested his divine nature in foretelling his disciples who they should meet, and how they should be received JESUS over ruling this man's mind to accommodate the LORD and his disciples. By the disciples making ready the Passover, I should apprehend they bought a lamb, for such no doubt were sold upon this, solemn festival at Jerusalem, both to the inhabitants, and to the Jews, which came to Jerusalem, to celebrate this feast; and as the law en joined, they must have carried it to the court of the temple for slaughter, and there burnt the fat upon the altar, sprinkling the blood upon it, before they brought it home to the house where it was to be eaten. And I should apprehend also, that the roasting it whole, and the bitter herbs, and bread and wine, were all included in what is said of the disciples making ready before that JESUS came in the evening to sit down with the twelve. See Exo 12. throughout. Deuteronomy 16:1-8.

Verses 17-26

(17) And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. (18) And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me. (19) And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? (20) And he answered, and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish. (21) The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed? good were it for that man if he had never been born. (22) And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. (23) And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to their; and they all drank of it. (24) And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. (25) Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. (26) And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives,

Some have thought that Judas did not partake of this Passover, but to me, I confess, there doth not seem the shadow of a doubt but that he did. This first verse is decidedly in confirmation. And in the evening JESUS cometh with the twelve; consequently Judas included: and as they sat and did eat JESUS said, etc. But having very largely dwelt upon this subject, in my Poor Man's Concordance, under the article Judas, I rather refer to what is there said, than enlarge upon it here.

Though I shall reserve the more striking circumstances concerning the traitor Judas, for one collected point of view, in what is said of him, John 13:18, etc. yet I cannot help remarking to the Reader in this place, the hardened state of this man's mind, which could so coolly and deliberately return and take his place among the disciples, as though equally loving of his LORD, when he had then entered into an engagement with the Chief Priests to betray him. And when, one by one, the disciples put the question to what JESUS had said, that one of them would betray him, though conscious of his infamy, he should dare to brave the question also, and say, is it I? Oh! the obduracy which sin occasions! Matthew, in his relation of this solemn scene hath observed, that while the other disciples every one of them, in putting the question to JESUS, called him LORD Judas called him Rabbi. And certain it is, that in the original the words are different: the one is LORD, and the other Rabbi or Master. See Matthew 26:22; Mat_26:25. And as Rabbi or Master implies a nearness and affection which the more distant name of LORD doth not convey, to what an unequalled degree of infamy was the traitor by this time arrived?

I refer to Matthew 26:26, etc. for observations there offered on the interesting view of the LORD JESUS and his disciples at this last supper. But in addition to those, I would just remark, that the institution of the holy supper seems to have been immediately made, as soon as the paschal feast was finished; as if to intimate the superseding of the one, in the establishment of the other. And it should be particularly remembered, that in the LORD's appointment of this ordinance, in the breaking of the bread, and administering of the wine, the LORD most expressly designed to convey the spiritual signification that his body being broken and his blood shed, the emblems shewed forth the twofold blessings intended, of pardon, mercy, and peace, in and through the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once for all.; and also all the blessings of the covenant set forth and sealed in his blood, and hence called the New Testament in his blood.

There is somewhat truly interesting in the hymn the LORD and his disciples sung at the table. JESUS knew what the events of that night would be. He had in contemplation Gethsemane, and all his sorrows. But these things stopped not the Hallel the Jews always used at the Passover. Some have thought that this Hallel was the 114th Psalm, which celebrates the night of the Passover, and the going forth from Egypt. Reader! Ought not our celebration of the LORD's Supper, in the contemplation of the LORD's love, be always accompanied with our Hallel; our song of Moses and the LAMB?

Verses 27-42

(27) And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. (28) But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. (29) But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. (30) And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that this day, even in this night, before the dock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. (31) But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise: likewise also said they all. (32) And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. (33) And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; (34) And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. (35) And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. (36) And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee: take away this cup from me: nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt. (37) And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? (38) Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation, the spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. (39) And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. (40) And when he returned he found them asleep again; for their eyes were heavy: neither wist they what to answer him. (41) And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come: behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. (42) Rise up, let us go: lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

We have in some measure noticed what is here related by Mark, in the parallel passage by Matthew. But the contemplation is indeed in itself endless. Never was there a subject of equal importance proposed to the mind of men, or angels, as is brought before the Church in those concluding scenes of the life and ministry of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Who is competent to describe the wonderful, and mysterious subject? What faculty, either of men or angels, equal to enter into the full apprehension of it? It should seem very evident that as soon as JESUS arose to go from the table towards the Mount of Olives, Judas withdrew to hasten the business of delivering CHRIST into the hands of the Chief Priests: for soon after our LORD's agony in the garden, we find the traitor coming with a band of men to seize JESUS. It is impossible to convey by any form of words, what were the feelings of the disciples on this memorable occasion. The LORD's forewarning them of their taking offence at him that night, quoting a passage well known to them from the Prophets; and making application of it to himself, and them; his taking Peter, James, and John with him, while leaving the other disciples at some little distance from him, his being withdrawn from them (as Luke describes it,) about a stone's cast, kneeling down and praying, and charging them repeatedly to do the same; the agony they beheld CHRIST in, with numberless other circumstances of his being sore amazed, in exceeding sorrow even unto death. The renewed soul in CHRIST, under the teaching of GOD the HOLY GHOST, may indeed contemplate in humble wonder and adoration, and the most profound silence, the awful subject; but eternity itself will not be too long to unfold all the sublime circumstances involved in it, and connected with it. I would refer the Reader to that part of this solemn scene which relates to the temptations of Satan, in Luke 22:40, etc. for in that scripture the subject is somewhat more largely dwelt upon.

Verses 43-52

(43) And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. (44) And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. (45) And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. (46) And they laid their hands on him, and took him. (47) And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. (48) And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? (49) I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled. (50) And they all forsook him and fled. (51) And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: (52) And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

I beg the Reader to observe, and to observe with the awakened attention so infinitely an interesting subject merits, the order in which the LORD JESUS proceeded in this business. The agonies in the garden were finished, the temptations to be endured there from the powers of darkness gone through; and now the LORD JESUS as one hastening with holy zeal to the close of his sufferings, calls upon his disciples to arise, and go to meet the traitor and his party for the execution. Reader do not overlook this! Remember it is one of the great features in the merits of CHRIST's death the freeness and voluntary offer of the LORD. See John 10:17; Psalms 40:6-8. He had said before to Judas at the table, that thou doest do quickly. But no man at the table knew for what intent JESUS said this unto him. John 13:27-28. But we may learn from it, that it shewed the promptness of CHRIST's heart to the work. And though he knew the sorrows which it must induce, yet, for the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross, despised the shame. Yea, JESUS called the time, the hour of his glory. And as soon as the traitor had left the company, Jesus declared that he was now glorified. See John 13:31-32. Reader! do not over look these precious traits of character in the person of thy Redeemer!

I request you never to lose sight of those two grand points, in the sufferings and death of the LORD JESUS. The one is, the infinite dignity of his person, GOD and Man in one. The other is the free-will offering of the LORD. Behold him under these views coming forth from the garden to meet the traitor, and crying out, Rise up! let us go! lo! he that betrayeth me is at hand.

It is a matter worth attention also, to observe how the traitor came, with a band of armed men. To take whom? The meek and lowly JESUS, in whose mouth was found no guile, and who when he was reviled, he reviled not again. But we must not overlook in this the LORD 's hand. Here was JEHOVAH's purpose in all this. The HOLY GHOST, by the Psalmist had prophesied, that both the heathen should rage, and the kings of the earth with the rulers take counsel together against the LORD, and against his CHRIST, his anointed. Psalms 2:1-2. And here it is: Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Roman soldiers, all Gentiles, or as they are called, the Heathen, shall have their hand in the death of CHRIST, as well as the rulers of the Jews. And where fore? Surely, because CHRIST died, both for Jew and Gentile; and therefore both shall be involved in the guilt, as CHRIST is JEHOVAH's salvation for both to the ends of the earth. Isaiah 49:6.

As the season of the Passover was nearly, if not at the time of the full moon, unless it was a cloudy night, it should seem that they could not have needed lantherns; but yet the Evangelist John, in his relation of this circumstance, of Judas and the band, saith, that they came with lantherns and torches and weapons. John 18:3. And it is further remarkable, that not only the Roman soldiers, but the party which came with them, should be so ignorant of CHRIST's person, that Judas should think it necessary to give them a token, by way of discovering the LORD JESUS. But I rather think, that the horrible state of the traitor's mind was such, that though he had sold himself to this most detestable deed, yet his sense of CHRIST's GOD HEAD was such, that as he knew what JESUS had before, wrought in moments of danger, so he might accomplish the same and escape out of their hands. I pray the Reader, in confirmation of this, to turn to Luke 4:28-30; John 8:59; John 10:39. In short, the man was desperate, and acted desperately. He went before the band, (Luke saith,) and he repeated Rabbi twice, when he kissed CHRIST, as if to imply, how much he loved him. But what a heart-cutting answer the LORD JESUS's must have been to him, had he not been wholly graceless: Judas! (calling him by his name, as if to shew him that he not only knew him, but knew his whole heart,) betrayest thou the SON of Man with a kiss ? Reader! ponder over the awful subject! Surely the HOLY GHOST hath designed in the history of this man, to shew to what a depth of iniquity the mind of man is capable of falling, See John 13:18, etc.

The one of them that stood by, John saith, was Peter. John 18:10, which drew his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus. It was a zeal to their Master which prompted all the disciples to declare their re solution to die with CHRIST. And here was a proof of it in Peter. The deed gave occasion for a new miracle to be wrought by CHRIST, in healing the wound, and restoring the ear; but no miracle could affect the heart of those which were given up to a reprobate mind. See that awful scripture. Jude 1:4.

If we gather into one point of view, all that the LORD JESUS said, after this action of Peter's, in cutting of the ear of Malchus, we shall find large room for improvement. According to Matthew's account of this scene, Jesus first addressed Peter: Put up again thy sword into his place, etc. See Matthew 26:52, etc. JESUS next addressed the multitude, according to chap. Luke 22:51; Suffer ye thus far; and he touched his ear and healed him. He then remonstrated with the Chief Priests, and Captains of the temple, and Elders, in that they were come out as against a thief, to take him, and then asserted his supreme power in common with his Father, for deliverance, had he pleased; but declared the absolute necessity of the measure, for the accomplishment of the scriptures. And which by the way, I beg the Reader not to overlook, in relation to those numerous scriptures, which so largely dwell upon it. Psalms 69:22; Isaiah 53; Zechariah 13:7, etc.

Mark is the only Evangelist which relates the circumstance of this young man following CHRIST, and he doth not give us the least traces to form any opinion who he was. But all the historians of this awful scene agree in describing the desertion of the whole body of disciples. Did Peter flee? did John and James? those who were in the Mount with CHRIST? they who were just before in the garden with him? Alas! what is man, even the highest of men, if grace be suspended but for a moment? And how was it, the band of armed men, who seized upon the person of Jesus, and laid hold of this young man who fled from them naked, suffered the Apostles to escape? Read what John hath recorded of the words of die LORD JESUS at this time, and learn the cause.

If therefore ye seek me, (said JESUS,) let these go their way, that the saying might be fulfilled which he spake of them which thou gayest me, have lost none. John 18:7-9. I shall have occasion, when we come to this passage, in the Gospel according to John, to speak more largely upon it; but, in the mean time, I would have the Reader ob serve, that from the miracle JESUS then wrought, of causing those who came to apprehend him to fall backward to the ground, (which take it altogether, is perhaps as great a miracle as the LORD JESUS ever wrought upon earth,) and the authority with which he pronounced these words: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way. From both these concurring causes, the LORD JESUS secured the flight of his disciples. A certain authority accompanied what JESUS said: let these go their way; that is, they shall go their way, touch not mine anointed, and do my Prophets no harm. Psalms 105:15. Reader! think how safe, how eternally safe and secure the LORD's people are, when the LORD gives command concerning them. Isaiah 27:2-3.

Verses 53-65

(53) And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. (54) And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest; and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. (55) And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. (56) For many bare false witness against him, but. their witness agreed not together. (57) And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, (58) We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. (59) But neither so did their witness agree together. (60) And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? (61) But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? (62) And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. (63) Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? (64) Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? and they all condemned him to be guilty of death. (65) And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy. And the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

We now enter upon the more immediate scene of this solemn process leading to CHRIST's death. Every minute circumstance merits our closest regard. Perhaps there is not the smallest indignity offered to the person of the LORD JESUS, but had a mystical meaning. May GOD the HOLY GHOST go before, accompany, and follow, both the Writer of this Poor Man's Commentary, and the Reader of it, with his Almighty teaching! Amen.

And first: Mark relates, that no sooner had the soldiers apprehended JESUS, than they led him away to the High Priest. Now here, if I mistake not, there was much signification intended by GOD the HOLY GHOST. For this was according to the law; in which the sacrifice was first to be brought unto the Priest, before it was offered. Leviticus 17:5.

The next point to be noticed according to Mark's relation, is, that at the High Priest's palace where JESUS was led, the whole Sanhedrim were then assembled. John indeed, in his account states, that the band which led JESUS away, took him to Annas first, and that they had previously bound him. See Mark 15:1. But let us here attend to Mark's relation of those transactions. We shall be better prepared hereafter for making suitable observations also on the account by John. It must have been late, and after the celebration of the Pass over, when the Sanhedrim was thus assembled, so desperately bent were they to CHRIST's death. And although after that holy solemnity of the Passover, the Jews were prohibited from going abroad for the night, yet to crucify JESUS, this breach may be in their view passed over.

The process of trial which followed, was done with a view to cover over their proceedings, as if done most justly and legally; and as it became necessary to obtain the Roman Governor's sanction to CHRIST's death, without which, the sentence could not be carried into execution, they proceeded in a regular order, and, sought for witnesses to condemn CHRIST.

The destruction of the temple, the refusing to give tribute to Caesar, and the supposed blasphemy against GOD all these charge were brought forward, but no witnesses could be found to substantiate or prove. But when to the adjuration of the High Priest, the LORD JESUS gave testimony to the GODHEAD of his person, and to the authority of his office; the whole assembly present decided, that he was guilty of death! And the consequence as is here related of the utmost in dignities and cruelties manifested to his divine person immediately followed! Some began to spit upon him, some to buffet and mock him, and some to smite him with the palms of their hands. I beg the Reader not to overlook the LORD JESUS giving testimony to his GODHEAD. It was for this supposed blasphemy he was sentenced to die. John 10:33. Reader! let us pause over the solemn view, and looking unto the LORD JESUS encompassed with dogs, as he is described by the Prophet, as the Hind of the morning, hunting for his blood; let us as another Prophet saith, figure to ourselves JESUS himself speaking and saying to us: behold and see! if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger! Lamentations 1:12; Psa 22 . throughout, and title.

Verses 66-72

(66) And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest (67) And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. (68) But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. (69) And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. (70) And he denied it again: and a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. (71) But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. (72) And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice, And when he thought thereon, he wept.

For the history and effect of Peter's denial, I refer to Luke 22:54, etc.

Verse 72

REFLECTIONS.

READER! let us look up for the teachings of GOD the HOLY GHOST, while in the perusal of this sacred chapter, that all the blessed contents of it may be engrafted in our hearts. Who can read of the Jewish Passover, and here contemplate CHRIST our Passover sacrificed for us, and not earnestly desire to keep the feast. LORD JESUS! give to all thy redeemed which attend thy table, a portion of the same grace as filled the heart of this woman. Oh! for the Spikenard of the HOLY SPIRIT, to anoint the feet of JESUS at his table!

LORD! let thy sweet teaching be upon us, while reading the denial of Peter, and the desertion of all the Apostles, still to mark the essential difference between backsliding, and the total want of grace, as in the instance of the traitor Judas. LORD! give us grace to praise the great Author of his discriminating mercy! Dearest JESUS! let Gethsemane be ever dear to the remembrance of thy people. Here in faith would the souls of thy redeemed delight to roam and meditate thy soul-agony and conflicts and temptations. And LORD when we see thee, taken from thence, to prison and to judgment! oh! for grace to behold thee; as wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace as upon thee, and by thy stripes we are healed. Oh! the wonders of redemption, that He who knew no sin, should be made sin for us; that we, who knew no righteousness, should be made the righteousness of GOD in Him