The treatment of the body of Christ.
The body of Christ is mystically taken to represent his Church (see 1 Corinthians 10:17; Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 1:18). In this figure the fact is strongly set forth, viz. that Christ takes home to himself whatever treatment his Church may receive (see Proverbs 19:1-29:31; Matthew 25:35-46; Acts 9:1, Acts 9:4, Acts 9:5). This also applies to individual members. And agreeably to this analogy, what was done to the literal body of Jesus is suggestive of the treatment he also receives as he is represented in his followers. The actors may be described as—
I. THOSE LOVINGLY SOLICITOUS FOR HIS HONOUR.
1. Christ has disciples, secretly so through fear.
2. They will show kindness to his body.
3. Thereby they advance the interests of his truth.
4. Christ has disciples who openly confess him.
II. THOSE MALICIOUSLY ANXIOUS TO DISCREDIT HIM.
1. Notice the villainy of the rulers.
(3) See it in their sycophancy. They were "gathered together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said." Pilate is "Sir," Jesus "That deceiver." What an outrageous inversion of propriety! "The malicious slanderers of good men are commonly the most sordid flatterers of great men." (Henry).
2. See how Providence rebuked it.
III. THOSE WHO AFFECT INDIFFERENCE TO HIS CLAIMS.
1. Pilate affected a haughty indifference.
2. The soldiers of the watch were mercenaries.