CHRIST GOES OUT TO MEET JUDAS AND HIS

COMPANY.

Read S. Matt. xxvi. 46-48 (and the other three

Gospels).

I. Rise, let us be going; behold, he is at hand that doth betray Me. Ib. 46.

But a little while before, Christ was sorrowful and very heavy: then He prayed, and that thrice. Now He is ready, and forward to go to danger and to death. Here is the secret of fearlessness-meditation, prayer, submission. Have I learnt this? Rev. ii. 10.

II. While He yet spake, lo, Judas, &c. Ib. 47. Unhappy man! Victim of one passioncovetousness! One is enough for eternal ruin. Notwithstanding my Christian calling (for Judas was an apostle), if I indulge one sin, where may it not lead me? To many-to ruin. S. Luke xi. 26.

III. He that betrayed Him gave them a sign. Ib.

48.

Oh, the caution of this wicked man! How may the children of light be ashamed of the industry of the evil in their ways. Judas was fearful of his Master's escape. Am I fearful lest I should lose Him, not from wicked hands, but from a devoted heart? Ps. ii. 12.

Text.

Perfect love casteth out fear. 1 John iv. 18.

OF THE KISS OF JUDAS.

Read S. Matt. xxvi. 47-50. (S. Mark, S. Luke.) I. He said, Hail, Master, and kissed Him. Ib. 49.

What awful hypocrisy ! "Hail!"-the salutation of friendship. "Master!"-the profession of obedience. A "kiss!"-the token of love. O my soul! have I the outward signs of discipleship of Jesus without its inward spirit? S. Matt. xxiii. 27.

II. Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Ib. 50.

How did our Lord, even at the last, try to bring this wicked man to himself-by soft words, by giving him time for thought, and leading him to consider within himself, "How often has God dealt so with me, and I have heeded Him not! Oh, His mercy!" S. Luke xiii. 8.

III. Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? S. Luke xxii. 48.

Once more He expostulates with him: even in the commission of the sin, that voice of warning spake. Does it not so speak to me often and often, yet I hear not. Help, Lord! that I do so no more. Gen. xxxix. 9.

Text.

Stand in awe, and sin not. Ps. iv. 4.

CHRIST MAKES HIMSELF KNOWN TO THE MULTITUDE

AND OFFICERS.

Read S. John xviii. 4-9.

I. Jesus, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth. Ib. 4.

Without His going forth they could do nothing. Their power was only of God. He could avoid them, yet He would not. To bear sufferings which I cannot avoid is not a full proof of my spirit being like His, unless I am also willing. S. Matt. xxvi. 53.

II. Whom seek ye?... Jesus of Nazareth ... I am He. Ib. 5.

He knew who they sought; but He would make them consider their guilt once more in the repeating that holy name. More than this, He would have them-yea, and me too, seek Him ere He reveals Himself in judgment the great "I AM." Is. lv. 6.

III. If ye seek Me, let these go their way. Ib. 8. What kind care for His own! If of that little band, surely also of the thousands of His faithful ones. He would not have us fall into the hands of His enemy; He would have us saved. Let me trust in Him. S. Matt. vi. 25-30.

Text.

The Lord is not willing that any rish. 2 Pet. iii. 9.

should pe

PETER DEFENDING CHRIST.

Read S. John xviii. 10, 11 (and the others).

I. Peter having a sword, drew it, and smote the high priest's servant. Ib. 10.

Such was the zeal of the apostle, yet without discretion-without command. Zeal must be tempered with charity, and seek God's glory, not our own. If I know myself, which do I seek? S. Luke ix. 55.

II. Put up thy sword into the sheath. The cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?

Ib. 11.

When others injure us, the cup is from God. We must not resist it, but accept it as from Him. He layeth low; He lifteth up. 1 Sam. ii. 6.

III. He touched his ear and healed him. S. Luke xxii. 51.

What injury another has done, the Lord, when He will, can repair. Moreover, He teaches (Rom. xii. 17-21) to return good for evil; and now heals the ear through which His truth may be received. O Lord, open mine ears, that I may hear Thy voice.

Let your

Phil. iv. 5.

Text.

moderation be known unto all men.

For thoughts on the Gospel of the day, see pp. 317, 318.

CHRIST IS TAKEN, THE APOSTLES FLEE.

Read S. Matt. xxvi. 50-56. (S. Mark, S. John.)

I. Are ye come out as against a thief?

... I sat daily with you teaching in the temple. Ib. 55. He had only snatched souls from Satannow they would take Him. They too had heard Him. Where were the fruits of their hearing? Where is the fruit of mine? But this was their (S. Luke xxii. 53) hour. When mine comes, may it be my committal into His hands.

II. Then came they and laid hands on Jesus. Ib. 50.

The breath of our nostrils, the Anointed, is taken-taken for our sins. But the day of avenging will come-Oh, that it be not on us! Now let me lay hands on myself, that I sin not against Him. Of me—yea, of me, may He complain. Ps. cxix. 61.

III. Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled. Ib. 56.

Where are those words, "Let us go that we may die with Him."-"Though I die with Thee, yet will I not deny Thee." (S. John xi. 16; S. Matt. xxvi. 35.) The love of ourselves is the first step to deserting Christ. Trust not thyself, thy words, thy resolutions. What are thy actions?

Text.

Shew me thy faith without thy works, and 1 will shew thee my faith by my works. S. James ii. 18.