1493. The Father's Gift to the Son
The Father's Gift to the Son
"Thou hast given Me."
Let us at once place down before us these gifts as they occur in the 17th of John in the record of our Lord's prayer.
1. "Thou hast given Him power over all flesh" (Joh_17:2).
2. "The work which Thou gavest Me" (Joh_17:4).
3. "All things whatsoever Thou hast given Me" (Joh_17:7).
4. "The words which Thou gavest Me" (Joh_17:8).
5. "The glory which Thou gavest Me" (Joh_17:22).
6. "My glory which Thou hast given Me" (Joh_17:24).
7. "They also, whom Thou hast given Me" (Joh_17:24).
The gift we have marked above as 7, also occurs seven times, as follows:
1. "To as many as Thou hast given Him" (Joh_17:2)–I have given them.
2. "The men Thou gavest Me" (Joh_17:6)–I have manifested to them.
3. "Thou gavest them Me" (Joh_17:6).
4. "Them which Thou hast given Me" (Joh_17:9)–I pray for them.
5. "Those whom Thou hast given Me" (Joh_17:11)–Keep through Thy name.
6. "Those that Thou gavest Me" (Joh_17:12)–None of them are lost.
7. "They also, whom Thou hast given Me" (Joh_17:24)–That they may be with Me.
There are a few things we desire to notice:
1. In the first list, the things which the Father gave Christ, whether the power or the work, or the all things, or the words, or the glory–all of them Christ in turn has given us.
Let us rejoice for we are greatly enriched.
2. There is no vain repetition in the second group. Seven times we read of those whom the Father gave to Christ, but each time under a distinct setting. Six things are promised to these given ones.
"I have given them eternal life"–
"I have manifested Thy name unto them"–
"I pray for them"–
"Keep them"–
"None of them are lost"–
"That they may be with Me"–
Surely with this before us we have abundant room for blessed reflection.
3. The Lord distinctly encloses the ones whom God gave Him in a fellowship and favor which the world does not and cannot enjoy. It is for us He prays, but not for the world. Christ, as He approached the Cross, spoke some words concerning the world which reveal His deep love and desire toward the lost; but He just gathered His own up in His arms and hugged them to His heart.
4. The doctrine of Divine election and fore-ordination was most precious to Christ as He neared the Cross. When were believers given to Christ? Far back before the foundation of the world. Jesus Christ did not come to die 'mid uncertainties as to the results of His sufferings. He knew just who and how many were given Him. He prayed for those who were already His, and He prayed just as tenderly for those who should yet believe on Him.
No one should draw back in dread, because God gave to Christ those–all of those who have been and who are to be saved. This has nothing to do with man's own free will agency; it is in no sense against "Whosoever will may come;" but it is most preciously strengthening to the souls of those who are saved, and who are conscious that their names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
It was also an abounding glory to Christ. As He faced His hour, He looked beyond it and saw the fruitage of His passion–the ones the Father had given Him.
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR