John 18:22-23 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying… It is marvellous that any man could smite Jesus. Invested as He was with all power and authority, the daring audacity of the miscreant in smiting Jesus is most astounding. 1. It might have been thought that fear would have withheld man from smiting Him. He who had quelled the fierce tempest with the word of His mouth was not one to be smitten. He who had spoken to the very devils, causing them to rush terror-striken out of those whom they had possessed, exclaiming, "What have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art Thou come to destroy us?" The worm fortifying himself against the Almighty! With one breath He could have hurled him into eternity. 2. It were reasonable to suppose that respect would have restrained him. This One received the obedience and homage of every creature. Was it not reasonable to expect that they should "respect the Son," though they had beaten some of the servants and cast stones at others, while they had killed some and shamefully handled others: disrespecting all? Verily, we would expect the Son should be respected. He was the meekest and gentlest that ever trod our earth. He could have gone amongst the young unicorns, not one would have butted Him; the most furious dogs would not have moved their tongues against Him. There was not a bear that would have put its paw on Him; nor a lion that would have put its claw on Him. He was the Second Adam with no more enmity in any creature against Him than there was against Adam before his fall. And no creature would have smitten Him except man. 3. It might have been expected that gratitude would have stayed the man from committing such an act. Here stood the greatest Benefactor the world ever beheld. He came here loaded with gifts. Are there not sufficient about to strike to-day? The Powers of Darkness will smite with all their force to-day. The Powers of Darkness will come out against Me this day; but that is not surprising. I also came out against them. Hell is going to strike the blow in its own defence. Its arm is raised against an enemy. But why dost thou smite Me? I am come forth in thy favour, defence, interest. I am thy Friend. The law is going to strike to-day. But I am about to stand in a position in which it cannot avoid smiting Me. Justice unsheaths (whets) its sword to strike to-day. But Justice is armed with authority to strike. Who gave to thee this authority. My Father is going to strike. It pleaseth the Lord to bruise Me. I am to be smitten of God and afflicted. But there are eternal benefits to result from this. I am to be stricken for the transgressions of men, and to be bruised for their iniquities. But myriads shall be healed with these stripes, and this chastisement will prove the peace of many. But why dost thou smite Me? Whilst many stand amazed at the cruelty of this man in smiting Christ in the court, there are thousands amongst us who treat Him in precisely the same manner.That doeth the backslider daily. 1. It was the rashness of the high priest's servant, fired by his zeal for his master, which incited him to strike the blow. But the backslider smites Christ in cool blood, taking care to find the most tender spot; he smites Him "in the apple of His eye." 2. The high priest's servant smote Him but once. But many a man persists in striking blow after blow. The moment He is up he strikes again, keeping Him down continually: He is at this moment trampled under his feet! 3. This official struck the Lord in his ignorance. Had he known Him he would not have thus treated Him. The backslider can have no doubt respecting Him. Wilfully does he strike Him after receiving a knowledge of the truth.Being once enlightened he puts the Son of God to an open shame "Why dost thou smite Him?" 1. Has He not been sufficiently smitten? Dost thou wish to add to His wounds? 2. Do not smite Him more. Forbear, lest He be angry, lest His wrath be kindled but a little; for should He strike thou shalt perish from the way. No blow destroys a man until He smites. 3. Extend thy hand to Him. Tell Him thou art sorry, and that thou wilt never smite Him again. Do this, and He will forgive all thy former blows. (David Roberts, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? |
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