Sep 12
15
“Jesus said unto them—If you seek Me, let these go their way.” — John 18:8
Mark, my soul, the care which Jesus manifested even in His hour of trial, towards the sheep of His hand! His love for His people is as strong in death. He resigns Himself to the enemy—but He interposes a word of power to set His disciples free. As to Himself, like a sheep before her shearers He is silent, and opened not His mouth. But for His disciples’ sake—He speaks with Almighty energy. Herein is love—constant, self-forgetting, faithful love!
But is there not far more here than is to be found upon the surface? Have we not the very soul and spirit of the atonement in these words? The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep—and pleads that they must therefore go free. The Surety is bound, and justice demands that those for whom He stands a substitute, should go their way. In the midst of Egypt’s bondage, that voice rings as a word of power, “Let these go their way!” Out of slavery of sin and Satan—the redeemed must come. In every cell of the dungeons of Despair, the sound is echoed, “Let these go their way!” and forth come Despondency and Much-afraid. Satan hears the well-known voice, and lifts his foot from the neck of the fallen; and Death hears it, and the grave opens her gates to let the dead arise.
Their way is one of progress, holiness, triumph, glory, and none shall dare to keep them in it. No lion shall be on their way, neither shall any ravenous beast go up thereon. “The deer of the morning” has drawn the cruel hunters upon Himself—and now the most timid roes and hinds of the field may graze at perfect peace among the lilies of his love. The thunder-cloud has burst over the Cross of Calvary—and the pilgrims of Zion shall never be smitten by the bolts of vengeance! Come, my heart, rejoice in the immunity which your Redeemer has secured you—and bless His name all the day, and every day!-Charles Spurgeon.