Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/191



I. "  And  when  He  had  said  these  things,  one  of  the officers  standing  by  gave  Jesus  a  blow/'  (John  xviii.  22.) Ponder  here  the  general  circumstances,  who,  to  whom, and  what.  1.  Consider  how  severe  was  the  blow,  for  it was  given  by  an  armed  soldier.  2.  How  ignominious, since  it  was  given  before  so  large  an  assembly,  and  inflicted on  the  person  of  Him  whose  sanctity  of  life  and miracles  rendered  Him  an  object  of  admiration  and veneration  to  all  mankind.  3.  How  unjust  and  injurious, for  so  just  and  prudent  an  answer.  O  amiable  countenance of  my  Jesus,  which  the  angels  desire  so  much  to behold,  how  hast  Thou  been  insulted  for  me!  How  have I  insulted  Thee  myself  by  my  repeated  sins!  From  this time  I  will  insult  Thee  no  more.

II. Consider the  mildness  and  patience  of  our  Lord. He is  not  moved  to  indignation;  He  does  not  revenge Himself, although  He  had  it  perfectly  in  His  power,  for He could  in  a  moment  have  annihilated  the  wretch. He modestly, however,  justifies  Himself,-that  He  might  not seem to  have  spoken  lightly  to  the  high-priest,  whose authority and  dignity  He  respected. " If  I  have  spoken ill,"  He  says,  "give  testimony  of  the  evil;  but  if  well, why  strikest  thou  Me?" (John xviii.  28.)  How  different are your  justifications  of  yourself,  when  you  are  supposed to have  acted  incorrectly? Endeavor to  imitate  your Lord, "  and  in  your  patience  possess  your  soul." (Luke xxi. 19.)

III. "And Annas  sent  Him  bound  to  Caiphas  the  highpriest." Imagine what  a  painful  and  ignominious  journey this  was  to  our  Saviour. He was  dragged  through