Messiah the Prince.
"Behold."
I. THE COMING MAN OF THE AGES. "Branch." Lowliness, and yet dignity. The heathens fabled that the Titans were sons of heaven and earth. Here is what they vainly imagined. "Grew up." Natural development. Perfection of humanity. Long the cry was, "He cometh." We see his shadow in every sacrifice. Find his presence in every prophecy. Hear his footfall in every promise. He was the Hope of Israel, and the Desire of all nations.
II. CHARGED WITH THE NOBLEST MISSION. "Build"—personally and instrumentally. Many whom he honours as "fellow workers." Temple slowly rising. Grandeur and beauty gradually unfolding. Implies the union and fellowship of men as "living stones" in the great temple of humanity.
III. DESTINED FOR THE GRANDEST EMPIRE. "The glory."
1. Priest. Power with God. "Forever, after the order of Melchizedek."
2. King. Power with men. The rule of righteousness and love.
3. The recompose of his sufferings. "Sit and rule." First the cross, then the crown (cf. Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 10:13; 1 Peter 1:11).
IV. DESIGNATED FOR IMMORTAL HONOUR. Heaven is the perfect state. What do we see there? Let St. John declare (Revelation 5:6). Even on earth, what honour to Christ! Every day, and especially on the Lord's day, what prayers in his Name! what offerings to his praise and glory! In how many lands, by what various voices, with what measureless love, is his name breathed forth! "Behold the Man!" Let each heart answer, with adoring gratitude and joy, "My Lord and my God!"—F.
HOMILIES BY D. THOMAS