John 6:14-21 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.… 1. Some men have greatness thrust upon them. From all such Christ separates Himself, knowing that what is done by compulsion may by compulsion be undone. So He would not have a kingdom forced upon Him, nor would He be forced on a kingdom. Wonderful words are written on His royal banner: "Put up thy sword," "My kingdom is not of this world." 2. This is the second time that He declined a crown. It is not every man who has two such chances. Everything depends on how you get hold of your kingdom. If you have offered false worship for it, it will rot in your grip; if you have been forced on reluctant hearts, they will east you off in the spring tide of returning power. 3. There is something in this Man more than in any other man. The more His character is studied, the more independent we shall be of theological evidences. The grand claim of Christ to supremacy goes right up to the centre and necessity of things. I. NOTHING HAS TO BE DONE IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BY VIOLENCE, by mere force. Did not Christ come to be a King? Yes. What matter then the way of becoming one? Everything. A man must prove his title to his seat, or he may be unseated. 1. It is not right to do right in a wrong way. It is right that you should come to church: it would be wrong to force you to come. The end does not sanctify the means. 2. Force is powerless in all high matters. (1) You can force a man to kneel, to repeat devotional words while you stand over him sword in hand; but he defies you to make him pray. (2) You can force a man to pay his debts, but you cannot make him honest. Honesty cannot be created by force, nor dishonesty be punished by it. (3) You can compel a nation to build a church, but you cannot compel it to be religious. The very attempt to force a man to be religious destroys the temper which alone makes religion possible. I. While all this is true on the human side, the real point to be considered is that JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF WOULD NEVER REIGN BY MERE FORCE. If you could force men to Christ, you could never force Christ to men. It is the Infinite that declines. Jesus reigns by the distinct consent of the human mind. "If any man will open to Me, I will come in." "Come unto Me all ye," etc. III. If He will not be a King by force, BY WHAT MEANS WILL HE BECOME KING? 1, Preach Me, is one of His injunctions. Show My doctrine, purpose, spirit, throughout the world. That is a roundabout way, but the swing of the Divine astronomy is in it. It is not the thought of a common man. 2. Live Me: "Let your light so shine," etc.; "I have given you an example;" "Follow Me." 3. Lift Me up. "If I be lifted up," etc. (1) On the Cross of Atonement. (2) By us when we love His law, submit to His bidding, reproduce His temper, receive with unquestioning heart all the gospel of His love. IV. Now for the philosophical explanation of all this. "WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US." This Man lays hold of our entire love, and thereby secures an everlasting reign. The man who proceeded to capture human nature as this Man proceeded is presumably a true king. No adventurer could have acted as Jesus Christ. 1. Little child, Jesus would not have you forced to be good. He says, "I am knocking at the door of your heart; let Me in." 2. He makes no proposition about going out. 3. The Church, like the Master, should not rule by force, but by love. (J. Parker, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. |
    |