John 18:26 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, said, Did not I see you in the garden with him? I. THE CHRISTIAN'S PRIVILEGE. The disciples were little aware of the greatness of the occasion when Christ went into the garden for the last time. He made that place henceforth sacred to sorrow, devotion and love. 1. Some opportunities come to us but once in life; if not improved they pass for ever. Noah was in the ark only once. The three Hebrews were in the furnace only once. Paul was but once caught up into the third heaven. So the disciples were called only once to witness such sorrow in Gethsemane. 2. Theirs was a very enviable distinction. It is delightful to be made the sharer of the joys of a friend, to partake with him in the bright honours of a triumph; but the truest proof of friendship is when you are selected to possess his confidence in the hour of adversity. Your ear alone receives the secret; your arm alone is sought for a support. Christ showed His disciples His need of them. Surely this was an enviable portion. 3. They showed themselves miserably unworthy. Christ had to rebuke those who were so highly favoured. Christians have now privileges which they fail to appreciate — the Word, the Spirit, Divine dealings. There are seasons which it requires grace to improve, as seasons of affliction. It is sad to lose a mercy, but worse to allow trial to pass unsanctified. II. THE CHRISTIAN'S OBSERVERS. 1. The worldly. The kinsman of Malchus had good reason for remembering Peter, and Peter had reason to dread the recognition. This accounts for Peter's efforts to clear himself. Worldly men are sometimes malicious observers, glad to see Christians go wrong; but often they like to see something better than they realise, and are disappointed when Christians go wrong. All society has a real interest in the elevation of the standard of morals. The world generally only despises what is despicable in character. It dislikes pretence, sanctimoniousness, narrowness, readiness to lengthen the creed and shorten the decalogue. 2. Fellow Christians. Other disciples knew what Peter did, and had to sorrow. The Church has a property in every member, and is always pained when any walk inconsistently.Conclusion: 1. We are answerable for the effect of our character and example upon those who walk around. We are to walk in wisdom towards them that are without. The spies discouraged others. Often Christians do the same now. 2. We should so live as to lead others to admire the results of being in the garden with Jesus. The Jews took knowledge of the disciples that they had been with Jesus. 3. Let us beware lest we bring upon us the rebuke of the world. Why should it say in scorn, "Did I not see thee," &c. (R. Tuck, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? |
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