Exposition of John, Chapter 8 · Verse 1
Ver. 1. JEſus went unto the mount of Olives:
2. And early in the morning he came againe into the Temple, and all the people came unto him, and he ſate down and taught them.
Unto this hiſtory of the adulterous woman, ſomewhat is premitted (in theſe verſes) by way of introduction, which alſo points out the connexion of this purpoſe with the former. And, 1. Whereas his perſecutors, had houſes of their own to go to, Chap. 7. 53. he, after his preaching and debates retires to the Mount of Olives without the City, that night, ver. 1. We finde elſewhere that he went out and lodged by night in Bethany, (which was upon the ſide of that Mount,) belike with Lazarus and his Siſters, that ſo he might prevent any deſigne they might have againſt him, to be acted in night uproares. See, Matth. 21.17. But his early returne, ver. 2. makes it probable that he rather went out to the Mount it ſelfe, that he might pray in ſecret; and ſo it ſeems to be underſtood, Luke 21.37. with Chap. 22. 39, 40. And this ſeems to have been his conſtant cuſtome after this time, to leave the City by night. 2. Having ſpent the night there, he returnes to the Temple, and finding the people ſtock about him, he teaches them, Who theſe hearers were, whether the people that were now ready to depart on this day after the feaſt, (for whoſe cauſe Chriſt returns ſo early) or, the multitude of the in habitants of Jeruſalem, is not much material. Only it ſeems that they were of the common ſort, and few or none of the Rulers. And as for his geſture in teaching, that he ſate down, it was their cuſtome in theſe times, and a teſtimony of the reſpect that is due to them that carry the minde of God; and we finde Chriſt ſometime preach ſitting, Luke 4.20, 21. ſometime ſtanding, Joh. 7.37 and at this time his wearineſſe with night watching might call for it. Nor is it much to be ſtood upon, which of theſe geſtures men uſe in preaching; But Preachers ought in theſe things accommodate themſelves to ſeek the benefit of hearers, and that they be heard and ſeen by them. Doctrine, 1. It is no ſtrange thing to ſee Chriſt and his followers, for all their faithful ſervices in an ingrate world, yet wanting any comfortable accommodations in it: for, after Chriſt hath ſpent the day time in teaching, he wants a ſafe and convenient place to retire unto, within the Citie, and muſt go out to the Mount of Olive. See Luke 9.58. 2. It is the duty of Chriſts Servants and people, not to reſt ſatisfied with any publike and open performances in Gods ſervice; But they ſhould alſo joyne therewith a conſcientious obſervance of the duty of ſecret prayer: which is not only needful in Miniſters, that they may draw down bleſſings upon their endeavours, but in all the godly alſo; that it may be a witneſſe of their ſincerity, and a mean of keeping up communion with Chriſt, and of preventing much anxietie: Therefore Chriſt, after his preaching all day, goes to prayer in the Mount of Olives. 3. As the ſinnes of the Elect deprived Chriſt of many a nights ſleep, that ſo he might ſanctifie reſt and ſleep to his beloved, (whereof this paſſage is one inſtance) So they who are ſervent in following after communion with God, will rather take their ſleeping time, then they ſhould want an opportunitie of ſecret prayer; As here Chriſts practice doth teach. 4. As the general calling of Chriſtianity is a very throng task, wherein a man needs never want an opportunity of doing ſervice to God, Yet without prejudice to his outward calling and occupation; So in particular, a Miniſters task is very great, and preaching and prayer, and the duties of his calling following thereupon, may take up his whole time, if he be faithful: As here Chriſts practice doth teach, who having ſpent the night in prayer, early in the morning came againe into the Temple and taught. See Act. 6.4. 5. As Chriſt can get hearers to himſelfe, when he pleaſeth, and purpoſeth to do good, even in deſpight of all his enemies; So affection to Chriſt, and his doctrine, will ſtand upon no impediment that would ſtop the way: Therefore, albeit it was yet early, and the Rulers were raging againſt Chriſt; yet all the people came unto him. 6. Where affection is kindled, and drawes men to frequent Chriſts company, they will be ſure of a meeting, and to be taught by him: Therefore, albeit he might juſtly have a great quarrel againſt that Citie; Yet ſince affection drew the people, he could not refuſe them, but ſat down, and taught them.