March 25

“The Son of mail.” — John iii. 13.

NOW constantly our Master used the title, the “Son i’j of man “! If He had chosen, He might always have spoken of Himself as the Son of God, the Everlasting Father, the Wonderful, the Counsellor, the Prince of Peace; but behold the lowliness of Jesus! He prefers to call Himself the Son of man. Let us learn a lesson of humility from our Saviour; let us never court great titles nor proud degrees. There is here, however, a far sweeter thought. Jesus loved manhood so much, that He delighted to honor it; anl since it is a high honor, and, indeed, the greatest dignity of manhood, that Jesus is the Son of man, He is wont to display this name, that He may, as it were, hang royal stars upon the breast of manhood, and show forth the love of God to Abraham’s seed. Son of man — whenever He said that word. He shed a halo round the head of Adam’s children. Yet there is perhaps a more precious thought still. Jesus Christ called Himself the Son of man to express His oneness and sympathy with His people. He thus reminds us that He is one whom we may approach without fear. As a man, we may take to Him all our griefs and troubles, for He knows them by experience; in that He Himself hath suffered as the “Son of man,” He is able to suoenr and comfort us. All hail. Thou blessed Jesus! inasmuch as Thou art evermore using the sweet name which acknowledges that Thou art a brother and a near kinsman, it is to us a dear token of Thy grace. Thy humility. Thy love.

‘Oh, see how Jesus trusts Himself

Unto our childish love,
As thou<;Ii by Ilis free ways with a>,
Our earnestness to prove!

His sacred name a common word

On earth He loves to hear,
There is no miesty in Him

Which lure may not come Bear.”