Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from The Works of the Rev. William Bridge, M.A, Vol. 3 of 5: Formerly Fellow of Emanuel College, Cambridge, and Pastor of the Church of Christ in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
"If ye loved me ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father, for my Father is greater than I." - John XIV. 28.
These words are part of the last sweet sermon which our Saviour preached unto his disciples before his death and departure from them; wherein he labours to allay their sorrow and grief upon the occasion of his departure: therefore he tells them at the 2nd verse, "In my Father's house are many mansions;" and at the 3rd verse, "I go to prepare a place for you."
Then he tells them at the 16th, 17th and 18th verses, that "he would send them another Comforter;" and "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come unto you."
Then he labours to persuade them unto comfort by their protestation of their own love unto him. "Ye say you love me (saith he), if ye loved me ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father, for my Father is greater than I."
"If ye loved me" that is, if you loved me so much as you should. It is usual with Scripture to speak of things absolutely when they are meant comparatively. If you loved me so much as you profess, and so much as you should; for they did love him.
"If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I go unto my Father."
Joy is the top of comfort as comfort is the top of peace. Joy is the cream of comfort. If ye loved me, ye would be so far from being troubled at my going, that you would be very much comforted, for I go unto my Father who "is greater than I;" than I am as Mediator: who upon my coming to him will exalt me: and therefore if ye loved me ye would rather rejoice, "because I go unto my Father who is greater than I."
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