"Jesus said unto them, If ye seek me, let these go their way" (John 18: 8).
Mark, my soul, the care Jesus manifested, even in His hour of trial, toward the sheep of His hand! The ruling passion is strong in death. He resigns Himself to the enemy, but He interposes a word of power to set His disciples free. As to Himself, like a sheep before her shearers, He is dumb and opens not His mouth. Yet, for His disciples' sake, He speaks with Almighty energy. This is love--constant, unselfish, faithful love. But is there more here than is to be found on the surface? Have we not the very soul and spirit of the atonement in these words? The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep and pleads that they must therefore go free. The Surety is bound, and justice demands that those for whom He stands a substitute should go their way. In the midst of Egypt's bondage, that voice rings as a word of power, "Let these go their way." The redeemed must come out of the slavery of sin and Satan. In every cell of the dungeons of despair the sound is echoed, "Let these go their way." Satan hears the well-known voice and lifts his foot from the neck of the fallen. Death hears it, and the grave opens her gates to let the dead arise. Their way is one of progress, holiness, triumph, and glory, and none will dare to stop them in it. "The hind of the morning" has drawn the cruel hunters on himself, and now the most timid roes and hinds of the field may graze at perfect peace among the lilies of his loves. The thundercloud has burst over the Cross of Calvery, and the pilgrims of Zion will never be smitten by the bolts of vengeance. Come, rejoice in the immunity your Redeemer has secured for you, and bless His name all the day and every day.