Some of us have, possibly, passed through trials, in a small way, somewhat akin to those endured by the Lord.  We all know our own individual experiences best.  For one, I can say right here that I am no stranger to temptation.  The adversary of God’s people has never yet counted me out of the number he seeks to seduce.  I confess he does not try me at all times alike; but he does seem to come every time when I am the least prepared effectually and instantly to repel his assaults.  If in preaching I happen to get off a fine thought or good sentiment dressed out in a becoming attire of words, he tries to flatter my vanity by making me believe that I am a great somebody.  Brethren in the ministry, how is it with you?  I see from the nods you give, that you have had similar experiences.  At such times Herod’s awful doom flashes over me—­how that in the midst of a beautiful oration he fell dead, and right away was alive with worms consuming his body, and all because he gave not God the glory.  This generally gets me rid of him on such occasions.  At other times he comes with promises of worldly honors, saying to me that if I will enter the arena of politics I may count it as sure that I will be lifted to offices of honor and rich emoluments, for, says he, “the whole scheme with all its workings is in my hands, and to whomsoever I will, I give it.”  At such times I baffle him with this Scripture:  “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God; and him ONLY shalt thou serve.”

Jesus is now glorified.  He is exalted higher than the heavens, far above all principality and power.  He is invested with all power in heaven and earth; so that in him all things hold together, and the integrity of the universe is preserved.  He is the head over all things to the church and has become the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.  All things are now in his name and unto his glory, so that now he that honoreth the Son, honoreth the Father.

Can it be that this is the same Jesus who but a few years ago humbled himself to be baptized in the Jordan, suffered the temptation in the wilderness, wept at the grave of Lazarus, went about doing good, being homeless, with no place where to lay his head, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief?  Only a little while ago, and the midnight stillness of Gethsemane is gently broken by the words:  “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me:  nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.”  The spirit of obedience abides with him in full measure even in this trying hour; and if not uttered in words, it is declared in act:  “Thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.”