Note on Luke 23:27-45
It is lovely to see how the Lord does not merely show a resignation under trial, produced by an effort which makes Him bow,—and yet be absorbed by it, as we often are,—but a perfect obedience and acceptance of His Father's will, such that He rises altogether above it, so as to be quite free, to be in the fullness of, and to express just what grace would do; or, if needed, truth also, in that which was presented to Him.
Thus, when led to the cross, to the women He says, " Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children; for the days come," &c. Then, when speaking on the cross for Israel He says, " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." This was the one and only ground which could be good for Israel. The Holy Ghost answered to it in Peter's sermon; and Paul refers to the principle. Then to the thief on the cross He says, " Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." There was the full present effect of His work and salvation.
Now how perfectly calm—as if He had only to teach in grace from heaven—is all this; and in the perfect appropriateness in each case which divine clearness could give. And how wide the scope of instruction! The judgment of Jerusalem,—the ground on which the Jews might be forgiven in virtue of the cross,—and the full present blessing in virtue of the cross, short of resurrection, not yet accomplished. The whole scope of truth was here.
Thus, if we quietly do that which is given, and trust God in the peaceful answer to what is brought before us, what wide-spread power of truth comes in.