§ 43. Of Gods hearing Christ.
THe issue of Christs Intercession as a Priest, is thus expressed, And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heard. If we well observe the whole sentence in this verse, we shall finde th•…•… copulative AND to be a redundancy: or else the sentence must be extended 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the next verse.
The issue here set down, sheweth, That the prayers Christ offered up to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Father, were accepted of him. They were not made in vain, but effectual 〈◊〉〈◊〉 available.
The Greek word translated a 1.1 heard, is a compound, and signifieth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 onely hearing, but also granting the request that is heard, Luke 1. 13. Acts 10. 31.
Gods sending of an Angel to strengthen him when he was in his prayer, is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 evidence of Gods hearing him, Luke 22. 42, 43. When Christ at his Baptism pray∣ed, The heavens was opened, and the holy Ghost descended, and a voice from 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which said, Thou art my beloved Sonne, in thee I am well-pleased, Luk. 3. 21, 22. When Christ in his Agony thus prayed, Father, glorifie thy Name, there 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorifie it 〈◊〉〈◊〉, John 12. 28. When Christ raised Lazarus, he thus said, Father, I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thee, that thou hast heard me, and I know that thou hearest me alwayes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 11. 41, 42.
Such like grounds as these may be produced for Gods hearing Christ.
- 1. The Dignity of Christs Person, and near relation betwixt him and the Father, Heb. 1. 5.
- 2. The affection which the Father bare him, He was his beloved Sonne in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he was well pleased, Mat. 3. 17.
- 3. The matter of his prayer, which was according to the will of his Father, Not as I will, but as thou wilt, •…•…aith Christ to his Father, Mat. 26. 39. If we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thing according to his will, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 us, 1 Joh. 5. 14.
- 4. The end of Christs prayer, which was Gods glory, Father, glorifie thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Joh. 12. 28.
- 1. This respect of God to his Son in hearing his prayer, is a strong prop to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 faith in the Intercession of Christ. Whom can we better use to present our prayers to God, then he who is alwayes heard?
- 2. This ratifieth Gods approbation of Christs Priesthood: For the praye•…•… which he offered up were a part of his Priestly function. If Gods hearing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prayer of Elijah did assure the people, that he was a Prophet sent of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, (1 Kings 18. 36.) much more doth Gods hearing Christ shew, that Christ is a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ordained of God.
- 3. This may be an incitation unto us, when we are in any distresse, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cause to fear, in faith to offer up prayers unto God. As Christs patern is a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to pray: So Gods hearing him is a ground of faith: especially if our prayers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made thorow the mediation of Christ. He that heard Christs prayer will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 those that pray in Christs name.