THE EPIPHANIES OF THE MINISTRY
‘He could not be hid.’
The Divine in Christ was revealed by the holiness of His character, by His mighty works (John 2:11), by the authority and originality of His utterances, by the influence He exerted. Ultimately He could not go anywhere, even when seeking to conceal Himself, but some recognised Him. Christ was not hid—
I. From His disciples.—‘These beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father’ (John 1:14). They confessed Him to be God’s Son. It was not before but after this confession (Matthew 16:16) that they were admitted to see His glory in the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1).
II. From the multitude.—The extraordinary effect produced on the multitude by Christ’s miracles and teachings is frequently recorded. They were amazed, they marvelled, they praised God; they said it had never been so seen in Israel.
III. From His enemies.—Those sent to take Him testified, ‘Never man spake like this man’ (John 7:46). The council owned to His miracles (John 12:47). His would-be captors fell back before Him in Gethsemane (John 18:6).
IV. Even from devils.—On the contrary, evil spirits were the first to recognise Him, and to bear testimony to Him as the One Who came for their overthrow (Mark 1:24).
Illustration
‘The Sun of Righteousness has arisen with healing in His wings, and therefore the Lord Jesus is not hid. He is plainly seen by those who have eyes to see, and plainly heard by those who have ears to hear, although He is in the highest heavens. Who shall declare how wicked is the attempt to hide the Lord Jesus, Who said, “I am the Light of the World”? Do any attempt it? Yes, many have done so, and still do so.’