1In the next place let us consider, how Christ could pray, for being God it seemeth prayer is as incompatible to him as to God; The answer is in respect of his divine nature, so he could not pray, but in his humane nature and as he was in the state of humiliation, so he did not only pray, but he prayed with agonies and strong cries, as the Apostle saith, Heb. 5.7. for in this consideration he was capable of many mercies which God did bestow upon him, and also upon all the Elect, for he prayed for them also, yea, he did not only pray in the state of humiliation, but in his glorified estate; Now whilst he is exalted on his Throne, he makes intercession for us, Heb. 7.15. 1 Joh. 2.1. Though this Intercession in Heaven is not in that humble way of supplication, as while he was in the flesh, but a presenting of his sufferings and obedience to the Father, with an earnest will that all his Elect should partake the benefits thereof; But of this Point, how Christ could be said to pray, more in its due time. This prayer Christ poured forth, so far as it relateth to the Church of God and all believers, is part of his Priestly office, for the Priest was to do two things, first to pray, then to offer a sacrifice; Now Christ in this Chapter he prayeth and afterwards offereth up himself an holy and unspotted sacrifice for the sins of his people, and as the High-Priest was to carry the names of the twelve Tribes in his breast to present them to God, so doth Christ here, he presents all his children unto God the Father by this prayer; There is no godly man so mean, so weak, so inconsiderable but he is commended unto the Father, and may justly expect the fruit of this prayer.
1In the next place let us consider, how Christ could pray, for being God it seemeth praier is as incompatible to him as to God; The answer is in respect of his divine nature, so he could not pray, but in his humane nature and as he was in the state of humiliation, so he did not only pray, but he praied wirh agonies and strong cries, as the Apostle saith, Heb. 5.7. for in this consideration he was capable of many mercies which God did bestow upon him, and also upon all the Elect, for he praied for them also, yea, he did not only pray in the state of humiliation, but in his glorified estate; Now whilest he is exalted on his Throne, he makes intercession for us, Heb. 7.15. 1 Joh. 2.1. Though this Intercession in Heaven is not in that humble way of supplication, as while he was in the flesh, but a presenting of his sufferings and obedience to the Father, with an earnest will that all his Elect should partake the benefits thereof; But of this Point, how Christ could be said to pray, more in its due time. This praier Christ powred forth, so far as it relateth to the Church of God and all beleevers, is part of his Priestly office, for the Priest was to doe two things, first to pray, then to offer a sacrifice; Now Christ in this Chapter he praieth and afterwards offereth up himself an holy and unspotted sacrifice for the sins of his people, and as the High-Priest was to carry the names of the twelve Tribes in his breast to present them to God, so doth Christ here, he presents all his children unto God the Father by this praier; There is no godly man so mean, so weak, so inconsiderable but he is commended unto the Father, and may justly expect the fruit of this praier.
- 1How Christ being God could pray.
