A Brief Exposition of Matthew, Biblical commentary · Part · Chapter 6
CHAP. VI.
Christ forewarneth his Disciples of the manner of his death, to be within three dayes, which accordingly was fulfilled: for his enemies resolve to kill him before the feast day, verse 5. And Christ giveth warning again of his death and buriall in Simons house, by occasion of oyntment poured on him, verse 13. Then Judas selleth him to the Priests, verse 16. But Christ before he was apprehended, celebrateth the Passeover, and instituteth the Sacrament of his Supper that night he was betrayed, and forewarneth his Disciples of his being betrayed that same night, verse 36. After which he goeth to the garden, and endureth horrible agonies in his soule, verse 46. Being apprehended, he endureth hard things of the Priests and Elders, and is condemned in Caiaphas hall, where Peter having denied him, is raised up again by repentance.
Ver. 1. ANd it came to passe, when Iesus ha… finished all these sayings, he said unto his Disciples,
2. Ye know that after two dayes is the feast of the Passeover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be cru…ified.
AFter Christ hath taught his Disciples, what was fit to be told them, in answer to their questions about the time of the day of judgment, he telleth them of the time of his passion, because that was most necessary. Doct. 1. The Lord hideth, and sheweth secrets to his people, as may best profit them. 2. His foretelling the time of his sufferings, which his enemies knew not, albeit they longed for it, sheweth his fore-knowledge of, and resolute willingnesse toward the work of redemption; for he saith, After two dayes the Son of man shall be betrayed.
Ver. 3. Then assembled together the chiefe Priests, and the Scribes; and the Elders of the people, unto the palace of the high Priest, who was called Caiphas.
4. And consulted that they might take Iesus by subtilty, and kill him.
5. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
In this wicked assembly decreeing to kill Christ, Lehrn▪ 1. That councels may erre, and such as have the title of rulers and elders in the Church, may prove enemies to Christ, for such is the assembly of the chiefe rulers here. 2. Satan laboureth to have, and often findeth men of most power in Church and State, to be against Christ; as here, Elders and Scribes. 3. The craft and malice and blood-thirstinesse of Christ's enemies is great; as here, They resolve to take him by subtilty, and kill him. 4. Wicked men are wise to foresee temporall inconveniences, but blinde to foresee the danger of sinning; as here, Not on the feast day, say they, lest there be an uproar among the people… ; but no fear of God is in their heart to kill the Innocent. 5. When the people are zealous for Christ, it muzleth the mouthes of bloody dogs; as here, Lest there be an uproar, say they, among the people, Therefore these wicked men preveened the feast day.
Ver. 6. Now when Iesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper.
7. There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious oyntment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
There is a remarkable passage of anointing of Christ unto his buriall observed here; In which history, learn, 1. That in little Bethany, as well as in great Jerusalem, God hath his own: as here, Simon, and this woman. 2. The man who is sensible of his cleansing by Christ, will love him all his life long after; as Simon the leper here receiveth, entertaineth Christ and his Disciples. 3. When our by-past infirmities may glorifie Christ, it is no shame to bear the memorials thereof; for here the Evangelist calleth him Simon the leper, though now whole. 4. Love spares no cost; where love is hot, there nothing is dear, as is to be seen in this woman, who breaks an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and pours it out upon Christ.
Ver. 8. But when his Disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
9. For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
10. When Iesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
11. For ye have the poor alwayes with you, but me ye have not alwayes.
Judas bearing the bag, was offended that this ointment was not sold and put in his custody, and moveth the rest to mislike the waste, as he calleth it. Doct. 1. One murmurer may infect a whole company, one Judas doth insnare in his fault other disciples; Therefore it is said, When his Disciples saw it, they had indignation. … 2. When men look after the manner of the world upon Christ, they account all to be losse that is bestowed on him; To what purpose is this waste? say they. 3. Avarice wants not faire pretences; as here, It might have been sold for much, and given to the poore, say they. 4. Good mens best actions may be misconstrued, even by Christs own disciples: as here may be seen. 5. It is no small trouble to the godly, to find their good works mis-interpreted, especially by the godly; Therfore saith Christ, Why trouble ye the woman? 6. Albeit men mis-interpret good works, yet Christ will judge aright of them, and take part with his owne, and defend them, as here is seen; She hath wrought a good work, saith he. 7. Such good works as offer themselves rarely, and will not readily occur again, should not be neglected, but instantly be followed, and preferred to other good works, whereof more frequent occasion is offered; as here, The poore you have alwaies with you, saith he.
Ver. 12. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my buriall.
13. Verily I say unto you, Whersoever this Gospel shal be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memoriall of her.
This holy woman foresaw his death, and doth the last duty unto him. Doct. 1. The Lord knoweth the intentions of his honest servants, and sets a price on their good deeds therby; therfore saith he, She did it for my buriall. 2. Our Lord knew that the gospell should be preached through the world, &c what was to be preached also; for, Where this gospel shal be preached, saith be, this shall be told, &c. 3. True faith seeth afar off, for this woman seeth life in death, believeth the Lord Jesus to be the true Saviour, worthy of all honour in his death, as well as in his life; believeth that he should not see corruption, believeth that his death should be a sweet smelling sacrifice to God, and the savour of life unto his people; for, She did it, saith Christ, for my buriall. 4. The memorial of the just shall not go to the grave with them, but their good deeds shal be had in everlasting remembrance: In this woman we have assurance of it; for, This shall be preached for a memorial of her, saith he. 5. Whosoever do any thing for Christ shall never have cause to rew, Christ accounts more of it then it is all worthy; for, She hath wrought a good work on me, saith Christ, before; and now, This shall be told of her for a memoriall.
Ver. 14. Then one of the twelve, called Iudas Iscariot, went unto the chief Priests,
15. And said unto them, What will you give me, and I wil deliver him unto you? and they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
16. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
Iudas minding to have gain some way, seeketh opportunity first to sel, then to betray Christ. Doct. 1. When a wicked man is ingaged to do an evill turne, he never taketh rest till he act it, as is here seen in Judas, from that time he sought opportunity to betray Christ. 2. When men have an evil turne in their heart, and want opportunity only, they shall not want occasion long: as Judas minding to sell Christ, doth seek and find fit Merchants, the chief Priests. 3. God will suffer wicked men to follow their designes, even against himselfe, when he seeth it fit for his own glory: as here he wil not hinder a Judas to go to the high priests. 4. He that is greedy of gain, will sel his Soul and Heaven, and Christ for money, as Judas here doth. 5. He that is not Christs friend in truth, will soon turn Traitour, as Iudas here doth. 6. Hypocrites wil be found in best societies: for here a Traitour is one of the twelve. 7. The wicked shall bear their own blame and the society shall be free: as here Judas is named alone. 8. Secret enemies and open will easily agree together, and own one another, as here Judas and the high Priests make a short bargain▪ 9. He tha… …ell…th Christ knoweth not his worth; for, Wh… wil… you gi…e me? saith the seller. 10. He that will sin and sell Christ, will do it upon a naughty condition, ere he want all, Thirty pieces of silver, or what may be had, will make the bargain …all.
Ver. 17. Now the first day of the Feast of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Iesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passeover?
The doctrine of the covenant of grace, being delivered by our Lord, and confirmed abundantly by miracles, the institution of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper followeth, for sealing up of this covenant unto the believer; and to this intent mention is made of Christs last eating of the Sacrament of the Passover, unto which was subjoyned the institution & celebration of the Sacramental Supper; for the clearing of some circumstances whereof, and of the duty of preparation for right receiving of it, that which is here spoken of the Passeover, doth give light, Doct. 1. It is commendable to remember Gods Ordinances in due time, and to prepare for them; as here, The first day of the Feast, the Disciples came, and make ready for it. 2. Our Lord made himself so poor, that he had not a house of his own, albeit he was Owner of all the earth; as, Where wilt thou that we prepare? doth import. 3. Our Lord subjected himself unto the Law, and did keep exactly both the Moral and ceremoniall Law, that he might deliver us from the yoke of the one, and from the cursefor breaking of the other, He kept the Passover. 4. The terms of Sacramental speech were wel understood by Christs disciples as to put the thing signified for the sign, namely by this phrase, To cat the Passeover, they mean, to …at the Lamb, the Sacramental memorial of the Angels passing over of the houses of the Israelites in Egypt.
Ver. 18. And be said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand, I will keep the Passoever at thy house with my Disciples.
19. And the Disciples did as Iesus had appointed them, and they made ready the Passeover.
Christ directeth them to a friends house, a worthy man for so holy a service. Doct. 1. The Lord wil not want friends whersoever he is, here in Jerusalem he hath friends, as he had also in Bethany, Go into the city to such a man, saith he. 1. He hath such commandement of the spirits of men, as he can bow their will to do what service he pleaseth, for he is sure to make such a man obey. 3. Christ hath taken on him to be our Teacher, and to him only the dignity of Master is due; therefore he calleth himself the Master. 4. It is of his own free choise that our Lord doth imploy any man more th…n another; for, Go to such a man, and say, importeth this. 5. The more near our time to depart this life doth draw, the more carefull should we be to have all things done by us which should be… done▪ therefore saith he, My time is at hand, I will keep the Passeover. 6. It is the part of true Disciples to follow Christs direction in all things, and being clear in the command, to go about the obedience of it; for, The Disciples did as Iesus appointed.
Ver. 20. Now when the even was come, he sate down with the twelve.
For clearing of the history of the Lords Supper, which was instituted at the close of the Passeover, we have here set down the circumstances of eating of the Passeover▪ as time, place, and persons; whereby we have ground to conceive that Iudas was present at the Sacrament of the Passeover, he being one of the twelve: for first, seeing there is no question made, that as Iudas was imployed in the Apostleship with the rest, so he was admitted also with the rest unto the fellowship of all Worship and Divine Ordinances, and was present at so many former feasts of the Passeover as Christ did keep with his Disciples; there can be no inconvenience to suppose him present at the Passeover at this time also. Secondly, seeing whatsoever is said by Historiographers, concerning a common Supper, before the sacrament to be observed by the Jews (a people too much given to their own inventions, and the traditions of Elders) it is safe…t for us to thinke that Christ did keep the Law of the Passeover, as was written, Exodus 12. wherein was appointed a whole Lambe, with unleavened bread (not prescribing how much) and soure or bitter herbes for a sauce-drink being presupposed and included, as naturally necessary, to make the Passover to be a Supper, and an holy Feast; all which making up sufficient store of meat, to be a meal to so many men, and to furnish a sop to Iudas ere he went forth, and Elements also unto the new Sacrament, after he was gone; there is no ground to make us conceive, that there was a common Supper preceding the Passover; but when we find Iudas to be eating with the rest, after their down-sitting to the Passover, we have good ground to think that Iudas was partaker of the Passeover Supper. Thirdly, seeing the Evangelist expresly saith, ver. 19. that they made ready the Passeover, and verse 20. that Christ when the even was come, sate down with the twelve, to wit, to eat the Passover, and ver. 21. That as they, that is, Christ with the twelve, were eating, he said to them, one of you shall betray me; we may without any scruple conclude, that Iudas was present at the Passover, and so much the more as we find, that the Evangelists hereafter do number only eleven Disciples, untill the time that Matthias, who used alwayes to be present with the Apostles was chosen to supply the room of Iudas, and to make up again the number of twelve, Act. 1.26. In regard of whom the Apostle Paul had just ground to say, 1 Cor. 15.6. that Christ was seen of the twelve, because Act. 1, 21.22. Matthias being present alwayes with the twelve, and so at this apparition, and reckoned with the eleven in Iudas room, doth make the number compleat. This being presupposed, we learn. 1. That neither is the Sacrament the worse, nor are the communicants polluted, albeit an undiscovered hypocrite be in company with them at the Lords Table; for Iudas was one of the twelve, with whom Christ sate down to eat the Passeover, and neither the ordinance, nor the rest of the Apostles were tainted with Iudas his fault, the pollution of the Sacrament was in Iudas only, and remained with him alone. 2. The Lord will not discover hypocritees, till they by their own deeds discover themselves, but wil suffer them to lurk among the Saints, till his own time come, as here he suffereth Iudas to lurk and to eat the Passeover. 3. Social sitting at table is a very sit posture for a religious Feast, for here Christ and his Disciples sit down at table together to eat the Passover.
Ver. 21. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22 And they were exceeding sorrowful: and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
Our Lord forwarneth the Disciples that he was to be betraed by one of them, and putteth each man to try themselves. Doct. 1. It is possible that a man may come to the Lords table the one day, and betray him shortly after; the like fell out in Christs own Apostles, One of you, saith he, shal betray me.. 2. The possibility that a communicant may become a Traitour, should put all men to search themselves, as here the Apostles are put to it, saying, Is it I? 3. Sincerety and charity wil make men search and suspect themselves rather than another, as here the Apostles say not, Is it Iudas? but, Is it I? 4. The sincere man dares not trust the deceitfulness of his own heart, but bringeth it to the Searcher therof, and relieth upon his testimony, as here the Apostles do, saying to Christ, Is it I?
Ver. 23, And he answered and said, he that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray …e.
24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him, but …o unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed: it had been good for that …, if he had not been born.
Christ answereth their question, and taketh away the stumbling block of his suffering himself to be betrayed, by application of the prediction of the scripture to the present date, to let them see that the betraying of him was for…old in the scripture. Doct. 1. A benummed conscience, and a shamelesse face are easily joyned with a resolute purpose to sin, as here the Traitour standeth not to dip his hand in the dish with Christ, when he was minded presently to betray him. 2. No kindness or good which the godly can bestow upon the wicked, will hinder the wicked to prove Enemies to the godly, when they are put to trial; as all Christs kind usage of Iudas, and admitting him to eat of the dish with him, stayed him not from going to betray him. 3. The known wil of God is the best remedy to save us from stumbling at the Crosse of Christs as here, It is written, saith Christ, that he may keep them from stumbling. 4. The prediction of Gods Word, and the foredetermination of a fact, doth not exempt the sinner, and the committer of the fact, from guilt or punishment, for not the lesse it is said, Wo to that man. 5. Sin turneth all the benefits of God into curses, and maketh them matter of misery; for, It had been better for the traitour he had never been born, saith Christ.
Ver. 25. Then Iudas, which betrayed him, answered, and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
Iudas seigneth himself a friend, and is loath to bewray himself, by not saying as the rest did. Doct. 1. Hypocrites for shame will professe sincerety, as the sincere do, so saith Iudas, Is it I? 2. A seated conscience will make an affronted face, as here Iudas dares say, Is it I? 3. The more the hypocrite will hide his sin, the more is it brought forth, as here, Thou hast said it, saith Christ.
Ver. 26. And as they were eating, Iesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat, this is my body.
27 And he took the Cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it.
28 For this is my bloud of the new Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Now followeth a more particular relation of the institution of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, the whole Doctrine whereof is not to be found in any of the Evangelists or Apostles, but to be collected out of all, each contributing their part to expresse the full meaning of the Lords Spirit in this matter. Here we take up onelyonly that which Matthew saith; and first we observe, that the celebration of the first Sacramental Supper of the Lord, was joyned in one continued supperly action with the Sacrament of the passeover; our Lord herein declaring the old church and new to be one in him, and the Sacraments of both, to have himself for their signification, for the Sacrament began, as They were eating, that is, sitting s…ill at table, and the Supper not closed. 2. For the nature of the action, it is required there be a Table prepared, and Elements ready to be made use of: For the first Supper which is our patern, was celebrated at the same Table whereat the Passeover was celebrated, wherupon there were yet remaining Elements for eating, for this much is imported in, As they were eating. 3. It is requisite also, that the Minister of the Gospel and his stock, so many of them as may communicate together at one Table at once, be assembled together, and joyntly set down together, for celebration of this holy Feast; for so was it in the patern, As they were eating, they, that is, Christ as minister, and his disciples as the flock. 4. The fittest posture of the Communicants in the action of this holy Feasting, is social sitting together at the Lords Table; for this was the behaviour of the first communicants, the Lord began to give the Sacrament As they were eating, that is, as they yet continued sitting together socially at the Table, materials fo… eating not being removed, da…ing which time men are said to be eating. 5. The Elements of this holy Feast are only bread and wine▪ for, Christ took bread, and … cup. 6. The part of the Minister is to take the Elements, and by the word of Institution and Prayer to sanctifie, separate and appoint them for this holy and sacramental use, so much of them and in so far as they, shall be imployed by the communicants; for, Christ blessed the bread, blessed the cup, and gave tha…s to the Father. 7. The part of the Minister also is to break the bread, and give it unto the community of the Communicants, with a command unto them in common, or in the plural number, to take the bread, and eat it; for Christ brake the bread, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take ye, eat ye. 8. It is the part of the Minister to expo…e and declare with authority in the Lords Name, what this Bread thus blessed, thus broken, thus given and taken, doth signifie, exhibit and seal up by Christs appointment, unto the beleeving communicant; to wit, that This bread is Christs body, which speech is not to be understood physically nor miraculously, but judicially; that is to say, in the sense that civil judgement maketh the instruments of security of any thing, to be called by the name of it, and holden in law for it; and therfore as the instrumental elements wherby men are infeoff'd in any house or land, or rent, being orderly given and taken, are by the appointment of mens law, the very house, or land, or rent, really, and truly in law made sure to the receiver, for all lawfull and profitable effects, before the Barre of civil Justice: so this bread thus given, and thus taken, is by the institution and appointment of divine Ordinance, in a judicial sense, the very body of Christ suffering, judicially and truly, or really in divine Law made sure to the receiver for all profitable effects before the Bar of divine Justice; and as the instrumental Elements of seising a man in a house, or land, or rent (such as are, for example cause, a piece of earth, or a stone, or a staffe, or a penny) orderly given and taken, do signifie, exhibit, and confirme in law a mans right and title unto such a house, or land, or rent more strongly, then if a man did take the house or land physically in his armes, if it were possible. So this bread by Divine Ordinance, doth signifie, exhibit, and and confirme the Beleevers right and title unto Christs body, as suffering for the beleevers redemption, more certainly and surely, then if Christs body suffering were physically imbraced by him in his armes, if it were possible: and therefore, as the instrumental elements of civill inseoffment, in the termes of humane ordinance, and institution, are rightly called by the name of the lands disponed, so the Sacramentall element of bread is rightly called Christs body, disponed in the termes of Divine Ordinance and institution, which appointeth hereby right to be given unto us unto Christs body, as suffering for our redemption. 9. To assure us of ful satisfaction and compleat furniture for eternall life, Christ our Lord hath not only taken bread in the Sacrament, but also hath instituted a cup, that is, both meat and drink, for certifying us, that we shall have compleat nourishment in him, commanding the community of the Beleevers, or communicants, in the plurall number, to drink therof; for, He also took the cup and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye al of it. 10. As it is necessary, that the people receive the sacramental bread with the exposition and declaration in the Lords Name, of what it giveth them right unto by Divine Institution, so it is also necessary, that the people receive all of them the Sacramentall Cup, with declaration of what it giveth them right unto by Christ's Ordinance; for this cup, or wine in the cup, is my blood, saith the Lord, to wit, Appointed of me judicially to make you truely or really sure of your right unto my death and the blood shed, and unto all benefits bought thereof. 11. There is a Covenant of Redemption past between the Father and Mediatour Christ, wherein Christ was bound to lay down his life, by the shedding of his blood to purchase to the Redeemed remission of sins: This is impo…ted in the words of, The blood of the Covenant for the remission of sins; shewing, that the Son had before promised to pour out his blood for purchasing remission, and the Father had granted remission upon this condition. 12. Christ did make his Testament before his death, and left remission of sins in legacy to his redeemed people, namely, to believing Communicants. This is imported in the words of a Testament, for remission of sins. 13. Christ did make his Testament two wayes, one in typicall promises under the Law, before he came in the flesh: and so also in types and figures he died, as it were, and was the Lamb slain from the beginning of the World: Again, He made his Testament after his Incarnation in plain and clear terms, after which he fulfilled the types of his death, and actually laid down his life for his Redeemed People: This is imported in the words, New Testament is my blood shed, Presupposing an Old Testament in the blood of typicall lambs, and other sacrifices. 14. Conforme to this two-fold manner of making of a Testament, there was also a two-fold manner of making of a Covenant of Grace, between God and the Church, in her head Christ; one called, An Old Covenant, before he came, of typicall promises, painfull and chargeable rites, and harder conditions to the externall Beholder; another after his Incarnation, called, A New Covenant of better promises, and more comfortable conditions, because now the dimnesse of the shadow is removed, the yoke of the ceremonies is broken, and the substance of the covenant is more clearly seen, and this is imported in the word of new Covenant; for the word in the original, which signifieth Testament, signifieth also Covenant, and is indifferently used for either; for the Testament and Covenant, is much of the same articles to, and with the same persons. 15. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper, is a seal of …he new covenant of Righteousnesse… and eternal life by faith in Jesus Christ the Redeemer; this is imported in the words, This cup is my bloud of the new covenant, that is, It is the seal of the new covenant wherby I make you sure …ight unto my bloud, shed for remission of sins. 16. By the new covenant of righteousness, and life through faith in Christ sealed in the Sacrament, the believe… getteth right unto the covenant of redemption made between God and Christ, to the behove of the redeemed; this is imported in the words of Testament or covenant of bloud shed, to satisfie the Father, for many, for the remis…ion of sins.
Ver. 29. But I say unto you, I wil not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Fathers kingdom.
That our Lord may put upon his disciples the impressio… of his death shortly to follow, and so both …ngraft the doctrine of the Sacrament more deeply in them, and prepare them the better for his death, he sheweth them, that this was the last draught of wine he was to take in a Sacramental way with them, and that the time was coming when he and his discipl…s should in Heaven together he partakers of the joy, and comfort signified by this Sacramental wine, which he calleth, The drinking of it new, or in the newnesse of the Spirit, and not in the oldnesse of the letter; for the extern…l Sacrament, and Sacramental Elements, are at the last to be abolished as old: But …he joy, and Life, and Honour signified by the Sacramental Participation of them shal never be abolished, shal never wax old, but shall be fresh and new for ever. Doc. 1. Our Lord, beside all other relations which he hath to the Sacrament, as the Institutor thereof, the End therof, the Thing signified therby, the Minister in the first celebration thereof, is also … Fellow-bangu… ter, and communi… with us in his own …ay; for he did drink of the Sacramental wine, as it signified communion of life, and joy with us in Heaven, I wil not drink henceforth of the fruit of the Vine, until I drink it new with you, &c. 2. Whatsoever change it put upon the wine in the Sacrament, by instituting that it should signifie and seal up spiritual life and joy, yet alter the sanctifying of it, and in the time of drinking of it by the communic…nts, it …emaineth Wine, in the own natural properties, without being … …tia…; for, I wil not, saith he, drink of the fruit of the Vine henceforth. 3. The drinking of the Sacramental wine is a sign and pledge of our spirituall and new communion in life and joy in the Kingdome of Heaven, for Christ expoundeth it, saying Untill the Day that I shal drink it new with you, in the Kingdom of my Father. 4. Christ will not be content to be without his disciples in Heaven; for, I wil drink it new with you in the kingdom of my Father, saith he.
Ver. 30. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
This is the close of the whole action. Doc. 1. It is fit that God be glorified in the Assembly of the church, by singing of Psalms; and in particular, when the Sacrament of the Lords Supper is celebrate; for, They did sing a hymn. 2. How sad hours soever the Lord send unto us, it is our part alwayes to sing his praises, for the disciples albeit they all knew that our Lord was presently to suffer, yet They did sing unto God an hymn.
Ver. 31. Then saith Iesus unto them, All ye shal be offended because of me this night, for it is written, I wil smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shal be scattered abroad.
32. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
Christ foretelleth his disciples of their stumbling at his sufferings, and denying of him that night, according as was foretold, Zach. 13.7. and that he would rise again from death, and would gather them unto him, and meet them in Galilee, whether they were to fly: yea, and that he should be there before them. Doc. 1. The afflictions for the Gospel may be such, as the stoutest disciples may stumble at them, and fall at a time; for, All ye shal be offended because of me, saith he. 2. The visibility of the church is not such, but that possibly open profession of the Gospel, and open communion of Saints may be interrupted by persecution; for it is written, I wil smite the Shepherd, and the Sheep of the flock shal be scattered abroad. 3. Christ shall be victorious over the power of persecuters, and after a scattering, he will gather unto himself again the upright in heart: He giveth ground to us for so much saying, After I am risen again, I wil go before you into Galilee.
Ver. 33. Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
34. Iesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that this night before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
35. Peter said unto him, Though I should dy with thee, yet wil I not deny thee: likewise also said all the disciples.
Honest Peter cannot believe such weakness (at least) in him self, and therfore albeit forwarned the second time, he speaketh stou…ly, and so do the rest of the disciples also. Doct. 1. Unexpert christians can hardly believe themselves to be so weak and sinful, as the Lordsword sheweth them to be▪ but so much the more as they have an honest purpose to stand, they have fleshly confidence in their own strength, and do assure themselves that they shal stand in all assays, howsoever others fal beside them; Therfore is it that Peter saith, Though all men should be offended, yet not I, although I should dy, I wil not deny thee; and so also do the rest say. 2. He that trusteth most to his own strength, is nearest unto the most fearful fal; Therfore it is said to Peter, Ere the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Ver. 36. Then cometh Iesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here while I go and pray yonder.
Our Lordslast sufferings may be for memories cause distinguished by the places wherin He suffered. First, In the Garden on moun… Olives, to ver. 57. and next in C…iphas hall, to the end of this chapter: Our Lord taketh his eleven trusty Disciples with him into the Garden:where he …new the traitour with the enemies should shortly come to apprehend him, and acquainteth his Disciples with his pu…pose of going apart to prepare himself by prayer, for suffering. Doc. 1. As the truth of the Gospel, so the right way of suffering for the truth must be learned from Christ; Therfore our Lord tak…th with him his disciples unto Gethsemane, a Garden and place where he is to begin his last sufferings, that they might see how voluntarily and holily he addressed himself unto that service. 2. As we should not make oftentation of going to private prayer, so neither need we scrupulously to conceal our purpose when it may edifie; for Christ saith here, Sit you here, till I go and pray yonder.
Ver. 37. And he took with him Peter, and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, evenn unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
Out of the eleven Disciples, He chooseth three to be witnesses of the hardest parts of his sufferings, even the same who were lately witnesses of his glorious transfiguration. Doc. 1. Albeit duplicate page duplicate page al the redeemed be alike dear to Christ, yet wil he acquaint some with more deep passages of his sufferings then others, and readily such as he hath acquainted before with clearer sight of his Glory; as here, He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. 2. Our Lord suffered for our sins, not only in his body, but also in his soul, dolour and heaviness in a measure unspeakable; My soul, saith he, is exceeding sorrowfull even unto death. 3. Our Lord kept back from his own humane nature the consolations of the personal union thereof with the Divine nature, so far, that he, as Man, did not despise the smallest mean of ease or relaxtion that could be, but calleth for the company of his slippery disciples; and hereby doth teach us in our sad perplexities to take the company of some of the Saints, to whom we may reveal our mind; for, Tarry ye here, and watch with me, saith he to them.
Ver. 39. And he went a little further, and fel on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup passe from me: nevertheless, not as I wil, but as thou wilt.
Albeit their company could be of some use, yet but of smal use to him, therfore he goeth on and prayeth. Doc. 1. There is no ease to a perplexed soul, under the sense of wrath, till it be alone with God, there it may sigh & groan, utter broken words, keep silence, or freely expresse it selfe as it pleaseth, without misconstruction; Therfore He goeth a little from them, and fell on his face, and prayed. 2. The sense of the wrath of God felt by Christ, and the weight of the curse due to our sins laid upon him, was so horrible, that his holy nature looking upon it, simply as it tendeth to the destruction of the creatures, could not but abhor it, and so wish to be rid of it, if it had been possible; therfore doth holy nature say, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup passe from me. 3. The love that our Lord hath to our redemption, and his special covenant made with the Father, for the paying of our ransome, made him to subject his holy nature and Wil to that which otherwise is abhorred: therfore looking to the Fathers will, thus to expiate the sinnes of the Redeemed, he saith, Neverthelesse, not as I will (in an holy naturall choise) but as thou wilt, let it be, I voluntarily do choose it; that is, according to the condition past between us, for redemption of the Elect, Let me drink this cup: and here the merit of sin, th… strictnesse of Divine Justice, the horrour of the wrath of God, with the weight of the curse, the mercy of God towards sinners, and the unspeakable love both of God and Christ toward the Elect, is to be seen lively set forth before us in our Lords passion.
Ver. 40. And he cometh unto his disciples and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Here is a short breathing time after his wrastling, wherein he cometh to his Disciples, whom no trouble could make him forget, because for them, and for the rest of his own people these sufferings were sustained; and finding them asleep, he gently reproveth them, and exhorteth them to watch and pray by three reasons: The first is joyned with a reproof, It is but an hour you have to watch, til you be yoked with a temptation, by occasion of my sufferings approaching; Therfore, why do you not watch this one hour with me? The second reason, Except you watch and pray, you may readily come under the power of temptation, Therfore watch and pray, lest you enter into, or begin to come under the power of temptation. The third reason is, Albeit the spirit or your renewed part be ready and willing to resist and oppose temptations, yet the flesh, your natural and unrenewed part is weak and ready to be overcome, Therefore watch and pray. Doc. 1. When we are in greatest danger, and matters most concerning us are in hand, when God calleth most for our service, and we have most need to watch, then are we readily most secure, as it fares with these disciples whom Christ called to watch with him, and now findeth them asleep. 2. Seeing we have no strength of our own to overcome temptations, the only way to prevail, is to watch, and pray to God for assistance; therefore Christ saith, Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. 3. Seeing the godly are in great part flesh and unrenewed, and so are easily insnared by temptations, the spirit and renewed part hath so much more need of the help of spiritual exercises; for therfore Christ bids them watch and pray upon this reason, that howsoever the spirit be willing, yet the flesh is weak.
Ver 42. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not passe away from me, except I drink it, thy wil be done.
43. And he came and found them asleep again, for their eys were heavy.
44. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words,
Our Lord's Agony, under the sense of wrath, and weight of the curse due to our sins, is renewed again and again, while he is coming and going between his Father and his slippery Disciples, pra…ing to the Father the second and third time, in the same wor…; for understanding whereof let us consider, that it standeth with the holinesse of humane Nature, so well to be naturally and necessarily sensible of pain and griefe, as to be voluntarily patient under it; so well to tremble, and be feared for the wrath of the Creatour, as to love to have his consolation, and to have joyfull communion with him; so well naturally and necessarily to abhor, and seek to be rid of every thing which is destructive of it selfe, and separate from felt-joy in God, as to submit it selfe to whatsoever trouble or crosse which it shall please God to lay upon it; and therefore it is alike agreeable to the holinesse of humane Nature in Christ to speak one word to the Father, in the language of pure holy Nature, simply looking to what is destructive of nature, and another word from holy voluntary resolution, subjecting the simple desires of nature to the furthering of the supream desires of the Creatour, and so it standeth well with his holinesse to say to the Father, as the truth was, to this sense, This cup of thy Wrath is so horrible, and unspeakably terrible, that looking simply on it, I cannot be a man and not abhor it, tremble at it, and be feared for it, and seek by all lawfull means to be rid of it, and to expresse so much of the simple desires of holy humane Nature in me, Let this cup depart from me; but seeing it is thy will, that by sufferings measured out to me, as in a cup, the price of Redemption of the Elect shall be paied, Let me have it, Thy will be done, I consent unto it, I will the same which thou willest, give it to me; I will drink it to the dregs. Doct. 1. Christ trod the Winepresse of the Lords Wrath alone, his own most intire Disciples could not so much as watch with him one hour, in his Agony: He cometh unto them thrice, and thrice findeth them asleep. 2. The measure of the felt Wrath of God, and curse due to our sins, poured forth on Christ, was such, as holy Nature could not but be astoni…d at it, and declare how much it was to be aborred and eschewed, if love to lost souls had not made it tolerable; for it behoved to be fearfull and horrible, above all that we can imagine, which made the Son of God thrice to pray, If it be possible, let this cup passe from me. 3. Such is the love our Lord had to the Redemption of the Elect, that rather then we should not be saved, he chose that the cup of Wrath due to our sins, should kill him; and therefore no other way of our salvation at this time being possible, love made him submit to the condition, and say, Thy will be done.
Ver. 45. Then cometh he to his Disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest; behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
46. Rise, let us be going, behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
The time of the Disciples preparation for the following temptation, being spent in sleeping, our Lord doth sharply rebuke them, for losing the time so, and goeth on with them to meet the Traitour, and the Souldiers with him, whom he knew to be approaching. In Christ's speeches we must look to his meaning, and not captiously misconstrue his words; for, Sleep on now, and take your rest, is a reproof, telling them they shall not be suffered any longer to sleep, or take rest, as that which followeth maketh plain. Doct. 1. When time granted to prepare us for triall, is mispent in sluggishnesse and carnall rest, the triall shall come upon us on a suddain, our carnall rest shall be taken from us, and we must rancounter with the trouble and triall unprepared as we are, as it fareth with the Disciples, to whom it is said, Sleep on now, take your rest: rise, let us be going. 2. Our Lord was not surprised in his sufferings, he is God, and knew perfectly whatsoever was to befall; therfore said he, Behold, he is at hand that betrayeth me.
Ver. 47. And while he yet spake, lo, Iudas one of the Twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves from the chiefe Priests and Elders of the People.
48. Now he that betrayed him, gave them a signe, saying, Whomsoever I shall kisse, that same is he, hold him fast.
49. And forthwith he came to Iesus, and said, Haile Master, and kissed him.
The Traitour cometh, and because it was night, and Christ was not known to the Souldiers by face; therefore he giveth them a signe, whereby they should know Christ. Doct. 1. A man unrenewed, of whatsoever gifts of learning, place in the Church, or relation to Christ, may become a mortall Enemy to Christ: for not only the chief Priests and Elders do send out Souldiers to take Christ, but also one of the twelve Apostles, Iudas turneth Traitour. 2. An Apostate from a good course, may readily become a Ring-leader to others in ill course; for, Iudas here one of the Twelve cometh, and with him a great multitude. 3. Dissemblers and hypocrites deale plainly among their followers, but among the godly they counterfeit; for, unto the Souldiers Iudas giveth a signe whereby they shall really know Christ, that they may take him; but when he came to Christ, he saith, Hail Master, and kisseth him, in dissimulation.
Ver. 50. And Iesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then they came and laid hands on Iesus, and took him.
Christ speaketh so much upon the Traitour, as might make him compare his pretence of friendship to his Master, with his intention of bringing Souldiers on him, and then he suffereth himselfe to be taken and bound. Doct. 1. Hypocrites may deceive others and themselves, but cannot deceive God; for here Christ putteth his finger to this Traitour's intention, saying, Wherefore came you hither? 2. To compare our profession with our practises, and our pretences with our intentions, is a mean to give us a right sight of our selves, therefore is it that Christ calleth Iudas, Friend, in respect of his profession; and asketh him why he came, to put him to look to his intention. 3. Christ being surety for the Redeemed, who cannot defray their own debt, he behoved to answer unto justice for them, and therefore must he be laid hands on, and taken.
Ver. 51. And behold one of them which were with Iesus, stretched out his hand, and dr…w his sword, and struck a servant of the high Priests, and …more off his ear.
52. Then said Iesus unto him, Put up again thy Sword into his place: for all they that take the Sword, shall perish with the Sword.
53. Thinkest thou, that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more then twelve legions of Angels?
54. But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
One of the Disciples goeth about by the sword to rescue Christ from suffering, and is …ep…oved, 1. For doing so without a calling. 2. Because Christ could have helped …h… matter another way, if he had pleased. 3. Because the Scripture behoved to be fulfilled, which foretold of his sufferings. Doct. 1. Rash zeal is dangerous in Christ's matters, and glosse miscarrieth men where it is followed, as here is to be seen, One of Christ's followers ingageth the rest to resist the Magistrate, with the present hazard of their life, and draweth on the blot of sedition upon Religion. 2. No man shall have thanks to fight for Christ without a warrant; for, to Peter Christ saith, Put up thy Sword. 3. They deserve to perish by the sword whosoever draws the sword, under whatsoever pretence, without Gods warrant; for it is said, They that take the sword, shall perish with the sword. 4. They do entertain wrong thoughts of God, whosoever go about to help their cause by unlawfull means, Thinkest thou that I cannot help my selfe? saith Christ. 5. When the Lord seeth it fit to glorifie himselfe, rather by the deliverance, than by the sufferings of his servants, he can finde means to save them, and hath Angels in abundance ready, if men should fail; for he saith, Cannot I pray for legions of Angels? 6. Our Lord suffered most willingly, with express… purpose to fulfill the Scriptures, which do speak of the way of our redemption; for, How, saith he, shall the Scripture be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
Ver. 55. In that same hour said Iesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the Temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
56. But all this was done, that the Scriptures of the Prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the Disciples forsook him, and fled.
Christ cleareth himselfe, and convicteth his Enemies of an evil conscience in their apprehending of him; because albeit openly they could not challenge him, yet did they now in the night time come with armed men against him, as if he had been guilty of crimes, and a fugitive from the Law. Then after he hath thus convicted them, he yeildeth himself to them, according to the Scriptures: whereupon the Disciples flee. Doct. 1. To clear our own innocency, and to convince the adversary of wrong done to us, may stand well with readinesse to suffer; for Christ in yeilding himselfe to suffering, giveth us example in both. 2. The conscience of a man's holy conversation by-past, is comfortable in the day of suffering, as Christ here comforteth himselfe, that they could lay nothing to his charge, save care and painfulnesse to save their souls, by daily teaching in the Temple. 3. The course which Christ's enemies do follow against him, bewrayeth them to have an ill cause and conscience; for they come now in the night, as against a Thief, and yet when he sate daily teaching in the temple, they laid no hold on him. 4. The Scripture is a fit mean to lead us by the stumbling block of the Cross; therfore saith Christ, All this was done that the scripture might be fulfilled. 5. Resolution to suffer, wil fail in the day of triall, except God give strength, as here is to be seen, The Disciples who promised to stand fast, do all for sake Christ, and flie.
Ver. 57. And they that had laid hold on Iesus, led him away to Caiphas the high Priest, where the Scribes and the Elders were assembled.
These are Christs sufferings in the Garden: now are set down his sufferings in Caiphas Hall, together with Peters deniall; and first, an Assembly of church men are gathered at Caiphas House to judg him. Doc. 1. God disposeth of the sufferings of his Martyrs as he seeth fittest for his glory; for these who are permitted to apprehend Christ, are not permitted to kil him in a tumultuous way, but must present him to judgment before Caiphas, and the Scribes and Elders assembled in Caiphas House. 2. It is now new thing that such as have begun to persecute Christ in any degree, go on from one degree to another, as these men who were his adversaries in affection, had spoken against him, and consulted how to take him, shall not now be rid of him, but he is taken and set before them in judgment, where his part and theirs also, his innocency and their cruelty may both be seen.
Ver. 58. But Peter followed him afar off, unto the high Priests Palace, and went in, and sate with the servants to see the end.
Peter followeth on, to wit what should befal Christ. Doc. Albeit the evidences of love to Christ, may be cut off for a time, yet love cannot be rooted out of the heart of a sincere disciple, for though Peter fled once, yet he followeth on again; and albeit he followeth afar off, yet he seeketh to be where Christ was, that he might see the end.
Ver. 59. Now the chief Priests and Elders, and all the councel, sought false witness against Iesus to put him to death,
60. But found none:yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At last came two false witnesses.
61. And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
This corrupt church-assembly is resolute to have his life, yet will they seek to keep a form of Justice, and to lead Witnesses. Doct. 1. Malice against the Innocent is so shameful …thing, that such as are most guilty of it, shun to seem guilty; … these men seek to have some appearance of Witnesses …gainst Christ; and when they have found disagreeing false Witnesses, they do reject them, till they find such false Witnesses … might agree in one, and seem true. 2. Christ his greatest E…emies could find no fault in him, but were forced to make that …lau…t which was none, to wit, His foretelling of his own death and resurrection, which was the matter of his glory and our comfort, Destroy this Temple, and I will build it in three dayes, saith Christ; that is, Do your worst against me, in destroying the Temple of this Body of mine, and I will raise it up again the third day; which words the Witnesses do alter, and repeat them, as if he had promised to destroy the Temple of Jerusalem, and build it again in three dayes; and therefore are these men justly called here False Witnesses.
Ver. 62. And the high Priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it, which these witnesse against thee?
Our Lord could have answered for himselfe, but because he stood in our room, he answered nothing, and was content to be condemned for our faults, though he was free of all sin in himselfe; as also, the matter witnessed was not worthy to be disputed; for presuppose he had said so, it was no matter of accusation, he had done greater miracles than to do this, yea the raising of his own Body promised by him, in case the Witnesses had faithfully reported his words, was a greater work than the building of the Temple alledged: always we learn, to his glory, and our comfort, that against our Redeemer no more than this could be alledged.
Ver. 63. But Iesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living Go…, that thou tell us, whether thou be the Christ the Son of God.
The High Priest finding all matters witnessed, to be but frivolous, adjureth our Lord to confesse, whether he were the Christ the Son of God. Doct. 1. The Messiah by the Jews own acknowledgement behoved to be the Son of God; for, Tell us, saith the High Priest, whether thou be the Christ the Son of God, importing that the promised Messiah, or Christ was to be no other than the Son of God. 2. The wicked labour to make the fear of God a trap to take the godly, when they cannot otherwayes overtake them; I adjure thee by God, to tell us, saith the High Priest. 3. Profane and crafty men stand not to take the Name of God in vain, when it may serve to their own ends; for, I adjure thee by the living God, saith the high priest, when he mindeth nothing but to make the answer a snare.
Vers. 64. Iesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: neverthelesse, I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Christ avoweth himself to be what the High Priest had said, and forewarneth them all, that though he was to them a despised man, yet should they see him to be the Son of God, and Judge over them at the day of judgement, and so in a manner summoneth them to answer at his tribunal that day. Doct. 1. That Christ is the Son of God, is a truth judicially deponed by himselfe, being adjured to answer upon his Oath, and being now ready to die: for, Thou hast said, saith he; or, I am the same whom thou inquirest for. 2. Such as will not receive Christs wo…d as divine, shall be forced to acknowledge his power to be divine; for thus saith he, Nevertheless (or though ye believe me no…) yet Ye shal see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power: and this in part came to passe, first, in his resurrection; next, in his Spirit poured forth on the Apostles; thirdly, in the conversion of multitudes of soules; and fourthly, in the overthrow of the Jewish church and Nation, in their own time, not long after. 3. Such as wil not acknowledg Jesus to be the Son of God, for their salvation, shal see him come to judge them at the last day; for, You shal see me coming in the clouds of heaven, saith Christ.
Ver. 65. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy:
66. What thinke ye? They answered and said, he is guilty of death.
67. Then did they spit it his face, and buffetted him, and others smote him with the palmes of their hands.
68. Saying, Prophesie unto us, thou Christ, who is he that smote thee?
This good confession of Christ is counted blasphemy, and he therefore condemned, buffetted, spitted upon, and mocked. Doct. 1. A man given over to unbelief, though he pretend to desire to know truth, yet wil he not beleeve when truth is told him, (no not when it is confirmed by the oath of him who cannot lie, and when it is proved by many miracles) but h… will affront his own conscience in all this; as here, He hath spoken blaspemy said the high priest, when Christ had told the truth which before was proved by his workes, and was undertaken to be proved yet more. 2. Profane and gracelesse hypocrites, when it may serve their turn, will put on the mask of marvelloos zeal to the glory of God; as here, The high priest doth rend his clothes, and saith, You have heard his blasphemy. 3. Partiality and malice in Christs came especially can hardly be hid; for the high priest even when he will seem to do justice, doth first condemne Christ of blasphemy, and then asketh the voice of his councel. 4. Assemblies and councels may erre so far, as to agree in one to condemne Christ to death; for here this councell answered and said, He is worthy of death. 5. Albeit Christ be most free of blasphemy, and of all sin; yet because they in whose room he did stand, are guilty of it, and of all sort of sin, therfore it is provided by Divine Justice, that Christ shall be condemned for our cause; and sentence given thus, He is guilty of death. 6. What must we be worthy of, when Christ is spitted upon, buffetted, blind-folded, and mocked for our cause?
Vers. 69. Now Peter sate without in the Palace: and a Damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also was… with Iesus of Galilee.
70. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
How Peter denied Christ thrice, and then repented, is set down in the end of the chapter: wherin we learn, 1. That it is dangerous to be in the place with, and company of Christ's enemies, wi… hour a speciall calling; for the occasion of Peters being tempted, was his sitting in the high priests hall. 2. A smal blast of temptation is sufficient to overturn a man who is puffed up with confidence of his own strength; as here, The voyce of a Damsel …ver …rneth Peter. 3. The shifting of a confession for Christ when it is requisite, is in effect a denyal of him; for Peters saying, He knew not what the damsel said, is called here, A denyall.
Ver. 71. And when he was gone into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Iesus of Nazareth.
72. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
The second denyall foll…weth: wherin learn, 1 That when temptation doth prevaill, change of place will n…t hinder the tempter to pursue the victory, he will follow on and pr…s…e his point, so long as the sicknesse and sin do…h adhere; for, Another Damsell is set on work by Satan to tempt Peter, when he goeth out into the porch. 2. Sin groweth by degrees, from the time that a man falleth therein, til he repent, he stil groweth worse; for, Now Peter denieth expresly, and with an oath, that he did not know Christ.
Ver. 73. And after a while came unto him them that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them, for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
74. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
This is the third denyall, Wherein learn; the horrible tyranny of Satan, and unspeakeable weaknesse of a sinner left to himselfe, still Satan draweth men unto deeper and further sinning, and the sinner, as he is more tempted, sinneth more; for now standers by do fall on Peter, and presse him yet more, and he at last denyeth with oathes, and cursing of himselfe if be knew Christ: This was a pittifull spectacle.
Ver. 75. And Peter remembred the words of Iesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out and wept bitterly.
After this fearfull fall, the Lord raiseth Peter up again, by bringing to his remembrance the words which he did not beleeve till now; and by this meanes he worketh repentance in him. Doct. 1. The Elect may fearfully fall but cannot fall away utterly; for, Peter by temptation is driven to deny the Lord, but doth not lye still in the sin. 2. As the forgetting of the Lords word, openeth the door to temptation, so the calling of it to remembrance, mixed with faith, is a meanes of repentance: for ere Peters repentance be mentioned, it is said, Peter remembred the words of the Lord. 3. Sincere repentance weepeth seriously, and in secret: as here, Peter went out when he repented and wept bitterly.