7. Because for thy sake I have borne reproach. Because he undertook to do the Father’s will, and teach his truth, the
people were angry; because he declared himself to be the Son of God, the
priesthood raved. They could find no real fault in him, but were forced to
hatch up a lying accusation before they could commence their sham trial of him.
The bottom of the quarrel was that God was with him, and he with God, while the
Scribes and Pharisees sought only their own honor. Reproach is at all times
very cutting to a man of integrity, and it must have come with acute force upon
one of so unsullied a character as our Lord: yet see how he turns to his God,
and finds his consolation in the fact that he is enduring all for his Father’s
sake. The like comfort belongs to all misrepresented and persecuted saints. Shame hath covered my face. Men condemned to die frequently had their faces
covered as they were dragged away from the judge’s seat; after this fashion
they first covered our Lord with a veil of opprobrious accusation, and then
hurried him away to be crucified. Moreover, they passed him through the trial
of cruel mockings. Blessed Lord, it was our shame which thou wast made to bear!
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