March 21, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone." — John 16:32 · KJV

Few had fellowship with the sorrows of Gethsemane. Most of the disciples were not far enough advanced in grace to be admitted to behold the mysteries of the agony. Occupied with the Passover feast at their own homes, they represent the many who live on the letter, but are mere babes as to the spirit of the gospel. To twelve — no, to eleven only — was the privilege given to enter Gethsemane and see this great sight. Of the eleven, eight were left at a distance; they had fellowship, but not the intimate sort to which men greatly beloved are admitted. Only three highly favored ones could approach the veil of our Lord's mysterious sorrow; within that veil even these must not intrude — a stone's throw of distance must be left between. He must tread the winepress alone, and of the people there must be none with Him. Peter and the two sons of Zebedee represent the few eminent, experienced saints who may be written down as "fathers"; these, having done business on great waters, can in some degree measure the huge Atlantic waves of their Redeemer's passion. To some chosen spirits it is given, for the good of others and to strengthen them for future, special, and tremendous conflict, to enter the inner circle and hear the pleadings of the suffering High Priest; they have fellowship with Him in His sufferings, and are made conformable to His death. Yet even these cannot penetrate the secret places of the Savior's woe. "Your unknown sufferings" is the striking expression of the Greek liturgy: there was an inner chamber in our Master's grief, shut out from human knowledge and fellowship. There Jesus is "left alone." Here Jesus was more than ever an unspeakable gift! Is not Watts right when he sings that all the unknown joys He gives were bought with agonies unknown?