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- The Man Who Lent Christ The Upper Room.
Andrew Bonar
Andrew Alexander Bonar (1810–1892). Born on May 29, 1810, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Andrew Bonar was the youngest of seven brothers, including hymn-writer Horatius, in a devout Presbyterian family. Orphaned by his father at seven, he struggled with faith until finding assurance at 20 through William Guthrie’s Saving Interest of Christ. He studied divinity at Edinburgh University, was licensed to preach in 1835, and ordained in 1838 at Collace, Perthshire, serving 18 years. A friend of Robert Murray M’Cheyne, he co-wrote a mission report on Palestine’s Jews in 1839 and authored M’Cheyne’s memoir, a lasting Christian work. Joining the Free Church of Scotland after the 1843 Disruption, he preached in a tent until a church was built, fostering revival during the 1839–1840 Kilsyth movement. In 1856, he became minister at Finnieston Free Church, Glasgow, until his death on December 30, 1892. Married to Isabella Dickson in 1848, he was widowed in 1864 after having six children. Known for expository preaching and fervent prayer, Bonar’s ministry bore a guiding principle from Proverbs 11:30, as he wrote in his diary, “He that winneth souls is wise.”
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Sermon Summary
Andrew Bonar emphasizes the importance of seeking Christ's guidance in all actions, as demonstrated by the disciples who consulted Him before finding the upper room. He reflects on the honor of being able to serve Christ, comparing the man who lent the upper room to others who offered their possessions for His use. Bonar highlights the man's reverence for worship and love for Christ, noting that even a hint from the Master was enough for him to act. The sermon concludes with the idea that those who open their hearts to Christ will experience His presence and transformative power, making their lives memorable in His service.
Scriptures
The Man Who Lent Christ the Upper Room.
Matth. 26: 17-19 THE disciples did not go to look for a room till they had consulted with their Lord. Never do anything without asking counsel of your Master. But why did they need to do this? It was Christ's way to wait till He was asked, and you know it is His way still. 'I will for this be inquired of.' Do you not feel a sort of envy of those who were permitted to do anything for Christ? Do you not envy Peter who lent Christ his boat? And do you not envy this man who was able to lend Him his upper room? There are many things we can lend Christ now though He is not with us. Here comes to light a secret friend, as if to counter balance the secret foe, Judas. This man loved Christ, for the name 'Master' ('didaskalos') works on him like a talisman. Notice— I. This man's reverence for ordinances.—He had got ready a fine, large airy room to lend to worshippers who came up at this Feast. He had set couches ready for the guests— 'furnished'—for they were not as those in old time coming out of bondage, staff in hand. They are sons in freedom. The Lord chose the room for its airiness and comfort, for He never wants us needlessly to do penance. It was large—for He knew what was to be transacted in that upper room another day. II. This man's love for Christ.—There was no more needed than to say, 'The Master saith.' Scribes and Pharisees would not speak of Him thus, but friends did. A hint was enough—as when John whispered to Peter, 'It is the Lord.' You may say there is no express command for certain things. But do you need an express command? Is a hint not enough? III. The honour put on the man.—Did not Peter get a reward in the draught of fishes for lending his boat? and the boy who lent his basket? This room is to be known for ever as a 'Peniel'—a 'Bethel' — 'Jehovah Shammah'—greater than the temple. If men proudly say, 'Queen Mary stayed here a night'—what would this man ever after say? 'Here He, the King of Glory, washed His disciples feet. Here He ate the Passover, and instituted the Supper. Here he said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you." ' That upper room is fragrant with the myrrh and aloes and cassia of Christ's words of grace. But more; He came back to that upper room, and breathed the Holy Ghost on His disciples. This man was no doubt one of the hundred and twenty disciples who afterwards waited in that upper room in prayer. Are you like him? Will you say of your heart, 'Be lifted up and let the King of Glory come in' ? He will sit down there and make that heart of yours memorable. He will wash you in His blood from every stain. He will fill you with His own Spirit. He will discourse over again to you these words of His. He will keep the Supper with you!
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Andrew Alexander Bonar (1810–1892). Born on May 29, 1810, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Andrew Bonar was the youngest of seven brothers, including hymn-writer Horatius, in a devout Presbyterian family. Orphaned by his father at seven, he struggled with faith until finding assurance at 20 through William Guthrie’s Saving Interest of Christ. He studied divinity at Edinburgh University, was licensed to preach in 1835, and ordained in 1838 at Collace, Perthshire, serving 18 years. A friend of Robert Murray M’Cheyne, he co-wrote a mission report on Palestine’s Jews in 1839 and authored M’Cheyne’s memoir, a lasting Christian work. Joining the Free Church of Scotland after the 1843 Disruption, he preached in a tent until a church was built, fostering revival during the 1839–1840 Kilsyth movement. In 1856, he became minister at Finnieston Free Church, Glasgow, until his death on December 30, 1892. Married to Isabella Dickson in 1848, he was widowed in 1864 after having six children. Known for expository preaching and fervent prayer, Bonar’s ministry bore a guiding principle from Proverbs 11:30, as he wrote in his diary, “He that winneth souls is wise.”