And gave Him to drink.
The relenting crucifier
No ill motive could have prompted this relief of thirst.
I. The relenting crucifier may have wished to conceal his interest in Christ. It is not uncommon for those who are really convinced upon the subject of religion to use arts to conceal their feelings. Or the man may only have acted a prudent part: He concealed his interest for safety, while he gave Him a proof of his compassion.
II. The relenting crucifier may have been A sincere inquirer Learn:
1. Christ on the cross for our sins is reduced to such extremity that the most common act of humanity is grateful to Him.
2. Christ will one day behold each of us in the same need of compassion and help in which we have now contemplated Him. (N. Adams, D. D.)
Mistaken teachers
The cavelling Jewish teachers aptly illustrate the attitude of many modern critics of Christ and Christianity.
1. They are alike mistaken in the nature and meaning of the supernatural in connection with revelation, as, in their views of prophecy, miracles and providence.
2. They are alike mistaken as to the methods of securing truth. “Let be, let us see,” etc.
3. They are alike mistaken in waiting for other signs, when the most stupendous sign of the centuries is hanging before them.
4. They alike make their greatest mistake in substituting eye for heart, experiment for faith, the intellectual for the spiritual.
Lessons: These mistakes, in all ages, lead to the same results, viz.:
1. To increased blindness of spiritual vision.
2. To an increased opposition to Christ in feeling and desire.
3. To an increased difficulty in coming to the truth as revealed in the gospel.
4. To an increased guilt. Inference: If men would avoid these unhappy outcomes, they must avoid the mistakes leading thereto. (J. M. Allis.)