January 11

Full of grace. - John 1:14.

THAT is, the Lord Jesus Christ was full of divine influence, which in the Scriptures is so often called grace, because it flows from the mere favour of God. As he himself said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” “Most gladly, therefore,” said the Apostle, “will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me, for when I am weak then am I strong.” Now of this grace all his disciples are partakers.

If we lived with the holiest of his people, we should not find them full of grace; we should discover many sad deficiencies in their principles, their affections, and their actions. But he was filled with the Holy Ghost. He had every excellence, and every excellence in its perfection; grace was poured into his lips, into his ears, into his eyes, into his life, into all he said, into all he did and suffered, and into all that he enjoyed. And he had this grace which filled him, not only as a man for himself, but as a Mediator for us, that from his fulness we might all “receive, and grace for grace.” But grace often signifies kindness, benevolence, and generosity; and was he not full of this? Hence we read that he had compassion on the multitude, and fed them. Did he not, with a voice breathing the softness and gentleness of his own loving heart, say, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest;” and “Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out;” and to the woman that was a sinner.

“Thy sins are forgiven thee;” and to the poor suffering thief, who said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom,” he instantly said, “This day thou shalt be with me in paradise.” Yes, blessings on his dear name! he is full or grace.”