Anticipation.
Before giving the signal for removing, Jesus in spirit glances forward. What does he see in the immediate future?
I. THE FUTURE SHALL VERIFY HIS WORDS, AND SO STRENGTHEN HIS DISCIPLES' FAITH. He had explicitly foretold his death, his resurrection and ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They did not disbelieve him, but they were slow to grasp the purport of his words. Fulfillment should render his predictions plain, and should confirm the feeble faith of those who through strong faith were to do their work as his witnesses to the world.
II. THE FUTURE SHALL BRING ON THE CONFLICT BETWEEN JESUS AND THE POWER OF EVIL—A CONFLICT WHICH MUST ISSUE IN VICTORY FOR CHRIST AND HIS PEOPLE. The prince of this world had before now assailed the Prince of Light, but had departed for a season. But the hour of the power of darkness was at hand. An absorbing conflict was about to take place, in which the adversary of God and men should find nothing in him on which to lay hold, and in which Christ should certainly overcome.
III. THE FUTURE SHALL UNFOLD TO THE WORLD CHRIST'S RELATION TO THE FATHER. It should be seen that what Jesus did and suffered was one long act of affectionate obedience to God. This deep significance of the facts which occurred at the close of the Redeemer's ministry was hidden from the world; but the eyes of men should be opened to discern it. And for the benefit of all time it should be seen that love and obedience are mightier than sin, than Satan, than death.—T.