The Sorrow and Resignation of Christ
T. Kidd. John 12:27-29 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I to this hour.… I. THE HOUR WHICH THE SAVIOUR MET. He names it twice in a very emphatic manner: and there is repeated notice of the fact that "it had not yet come." There have been many important hours, but none like this. It was the hour — 1. For which time was made. 2. To which all the dispensations referred — Adamic, Abrahamic, Mosaic. 3. Which all the prophets foretold (1 Peter 1:11). 4. In which the grandest work was accomplished, and the grandest victory achieved. 5. In which all intelligent creation was concerned. (1) Angels were not indifferent spectators, for they were confirmed in their bliss. (2) Devils, for they were deprived of their last expiring hope. (3) Man, for a full atonement for his sin was made. II. THE AFFLICTION HE FELT. He hardly knew how to express Himself in the prospect; what then must have been the agony itself? No one had ever such reason to meet death with calmness. He had no guilt, was assured of immortality, and saw the blessed issue. Martyrs — mere men — have suffered with magnanimity and joy. Yet He was troubled. Why? Because He was the surety for sinners and suffered for sin. Learn, then — 1. The extreme evil of sin. 2. The greatness of the love of Christ. 3. The indispensable necessity of faith in His atonement. III. THE RESIGNATION HE EXEMPLIFIED. "Father, save Me," etc., is not a petition, but an interrogation. Note that — 1. Christ's undertaking for sinners was voluntary. He "came to this hour," which teaches His inviolable faithfulness, and should encourage our trust. 2. He saw this hour in every period of His existence. It was not unexpected — "For this cause." 3. The motives which had influenced Him to suffer were still the same; and as the hour approached they gathered weight. 4. It was but an hour. The conflict was severe but transient. Such considerations contributed to work this resignation. IV. THE PRAYER HE OFFERED. "Father, glorify Thy name" is more than resignation; it is a consecration of His sufferings to God's glory. How is the Father glorified thus? 1. In His perfections. Already His wisdom, power, and mercy were displayed in the Saviour's mission and miracles: but now He was to display His holiness and justice. 2. As regards His dispensations. (T. Kidd.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. WEB: "Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? 'Father, save me from this time?' But for this cause I came to this time.