SOME years ago a book was published entitled “Last words of five hundred remarkable persons.” They were collected by one who has since gone to be “with the Lord.” The last words of the great of this world, and also of many others in humbler stations, who had distinguished themselves, more or less, by acts of heroism.
But if we turn from man and what he has said, to the contemplation of the Lord’s own parting words to His disciples, what can be more sublime.
There are the solemn utterances on the cross, and the closing words, “It is finished,” but let us now turn for a moment to the scene recorded in John 14, 15, and 16. Let us listen to the words that fell from those divine lips. They were not uninterrupted, for three of the disciples broke in upon what the Lord was saying (John 14), Thomas and Judas each asking a question which savoured very much of doubt, while Philip’s remark seems to imply caviling or questioning. In chapter 15 there is no voice heard but the Lord’s; but further on the disciples began to whisper and reason among themselves (John 16:17,1817Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? 18They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. (John 16:17‑18)). It is tenderly said, “Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him,” and He Who read their inmost thoughts graciously gave an explanation. Therefore His disciples said unto Him, “Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb, now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee; by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do ye now believe?” How searching!
He knew all that was before them—that Peter would deny Him three times, and that all the disciples would forsake Him (Matt. 26:5656But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. (Matthew 26:56)); and yet throughout these three chapters there is scarcely an allusion to the depth of suffering that was before Himself.
We are struck with the love that says, “Let not your heart be troubled.” Although He knew that their ambition would be disappointed, and that they would grieve in consequence of it, yet He touchingly tells them that as they had believed in God they were also to believe in Him. Hundreds of years have passed, but still to the believer’s heart these words come down to us with a sublime pathos that is unequaled. Never has anything been spoken or written more tenderly pathetic.
Let us read these chapters over and over again, and even if we can repeat them as a lesson, let us still weigh and ponder their words. They will never lose their power to our souls if the Lord is before us as the one object of our affections, but will always contain a freshness that will link our hearts with Him.
The following chapter has a place that is unique. We are there permitted, as it were, to listen to our Lord’s own last words to His Father, the last words given in detailed length. There are the ejaculatory words that He uttered to God on the cross, but in this chapter (17) we cannot fail to notice the burning love for His people that filled His heart, His earnest prayer for their blessing, and the love that led Him on to die for their sins. Who can read these chapters unmoved? Who can do so without exclaiming, “We love him, because he first loved us?” H.L.R.