ostle tells us that
Jesus Christ was "tempted in all points like as we are, yet without
sin." Innocence, freedom from all sin, is the orderly following of
obedience. In this happy consciousness he challenges the whole
Sanhedrim to convict him of sin. They could not do it; and Pilate
acknowledges before the infuriated mob: "I find no fault in this man."
From the part of the text, "yet learned he obedience by the things
which he suffered," we are rather to understand that he learned or
REALIZED _the blessedness of obedience_. In his own words: "He came
not to do his own will, but the will of him that sent him." In his
last great prayer with his disciples he says: "And now, Father, I come
to thee, having finished the work thou didst give me to do." These
words portray his immaculate righteousness.

But let us look at some of the glorious testifications borne by the
Father to the honor of the Son. Let us turn to the first public act of
his manhood. I guess your minds all turn at once to the scene of his
baptism. Here are the pellucid waters of the Jordan coursing their way
to the Dead Sea. "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John
to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be
baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus said, Suffer it to
be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." This
righteousness is the righteousness of obedience. And notice, a few
moments later, the glory and honor with which it is crowned. The
opened heavens, the dove-like descent of the Spirit, the Father's
recognition, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased," must
have thrilled his heart with joy unspeakable. In this instance he
realized the blessedness of obedience; and the hearts of many since
that time have been made to thrill as they have gone up out of the
waters of other Jordans, with kindred joy.

We now turn to his temptation in the wilderness. Here, our Lord,
during forty days and nights, suffered all the privations and all the
temptations arising therefrom, which man is capable of suffering. But
never for one moment did his heart or hand swerve a hair from the line
of perfect obedience to his Father's will, even in the darkest hour.
And how did it turn out? Why, he resisted the devil, and the devil
left him; and, behold! angels came and ministered unto him. Brethren,
have you ever thought of the precious food these angels brought to the
exhausted human nature of ou