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It became Christ to suffer (Hebrews 2:10). His sufferings were many varied and severe, and His external sufferings, though of no common kind, were the least part of them, as may be judged by the fact that they never extorted a complaint, whereas His inward anguish wrung from Him "strong crying and tears."

I. THE SAVIOUR'S INTERNAL SUFFERINGS. When the mind is free from uneasiness it is said to be calm like the bosom of the lake when no breath of wind ruffles its glassy surface. When sorrow and terror takes possession of it, it is said to be agitated, like the ocean in a storm. The latter was the case with Christ here, and John 13:21, and Matthew 26:36-46.

1. Its cause(1) not external circumstances. There was no scourge or cross here, or at Gethsemane. On the contrary, there was much to please. The people had just shouted their Hosannahs to His Messiahship; the Greeks had fulfilled the promise of Isaiah 49:6.

(2) Not remorse. In no case could He wish that He had thought, or felt, or acted differently from what He had done.

(3) Not fear of impending bodily sufferings (though no doubt they did give rise to uneasy feelings), for He knew that these would be momentary and would be abundantly compensated.

(4) There is but one way of accounting for it. The invisible arm of Omnipotence smites Him. On the head of the spotless, perfect man, Jehovah made to meet, as the victim for human transgression, the iniquities of us all, in all their odiousness and malignity. The more He loved those in whose room He stood, the more would His trouble be increased, just as we are affected more by the crimes of a friend than by those of a stranger. And in addition He was exposed to the attack of malignant spiritual beings whose was that hour and power of darkness.

2. Its purpose.

(1) To "make Him perfect," i.e., fully to accomplish Him as Saviour. It formed one important part of His expiation. Mere bodily sufferings could not expiate "spiritual wickedness."(2) To complete His example. This had been incomplete had He not showed His people how to conduct themselves under inward troubles which often form the severest part of their trials.

(3) To render Him sympathetic with His people under those trials which most need His sympathy.

II. THE EXERCISE OF OUR LORD'S MIND UNDER THESE SUFFERINGS.

1. "What shall I say?" has been regarded as a further expression of suffering — "My sorrows are too great to be uttered in words. Father, save me from my impending sufferings." Christ's sorrows were indeed unspeakable, but He could hardly have asked to be saved from death when He rebuked His disciples for attempting to dissuade Him, and when He was straitened till the baptism of blood was accomplished.

2. The words express the deliberating of our Lord's mind as to what course He should follow — "to what quarter shall I turn for relief. Men are not disposed to pity Me, and cannot relieve Me. I turn to God: what shall I say to Him? He can sustain and deliver Me. Shall I ask Him to release Me from My covenant engagements? No: for this cause I came to this hour. I will not ask it. I will say, Glorify Thy name; finish Thy work in righteousness. Let the end be gained: I quarrel not with the means."

3. What a display of —

(1) Love to God in entire devotedness to His glory!

(2) Love to man in becoming obedient to death.

4. What a call for gratitude, love and devotion from us!

III. THE FATHER'S APPROBATION OF THE SAVIOUR'S EXERCISE OF MIND UNDER THESE SUFFERINGS. "I have both glorified it," etc. The whole universe glorifies God's name, the whole history of the past and future. But this refers to the glorification of God's name —

1. In Christ Jesus. His faithfulness in fulfilling His great promise to His Church; His power in bringing into personal union, the Divine and human natures; His mercy in not withholding His only Son. God's glory was seen in Christ's life, teaching, miracles.

2. In the awful events of that "hour."

3. In the glorious results of Christ's death (Psalm 16:10, 11; Exodus 1:1; Exodus 2:8; Isaiah 53:12; Isaiah 49:6; Isaiah 40:5). The Resurrection and Ascension of Christ; the effusion of the Spirit; the salvation of an innumerable company.The subject —

1. Tells the impenitent sinner what he must endure if he refuses to avail himself of the "redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

2. Bids the Christian rejoice that the cup of wrath he deserved has been drunk by Christ.

3. Urges us often to show forth the Lord's death in His own ordinance.

(J. Brown, D. D.)

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KJV: Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

WEB: "Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? 'Father, save me from this time?' But for this cause I came to this time.