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Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
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Matthew Henry |
M A T T H E W.
CHAP. IX.
We have in this chapter remarkable instances of the power and pity of
the Lord Jesus, sufficient to convince us that he is both able to save
to the uttermost all that come to God by him, and as willing as he is
able. His power and pity appear here in the good offices he did,
I. To the bodies of people, in curing the palsy
(ver. 2-8);
raising to life the ruler’s daughter, and healing the bloody issue
(ver. 18-26);
giving sight to two blind men
(ver. 27-31);
casting the devil out of one possessed
(ver. 32-34);
and healing all manner of sickness,
II. To the souls of people; in forgiving sins
(ver. 2);
calling Matthew, and conversing freely with publicans and sinners
(ver. 9-13);
considering the frame of his disciples, with reference to the duty of
fasting
(ver. 14-17);
preaching the gospel, and, in compassion to the multitude, providing
preachers for them,
Thus did he prove himself to be, as undoubtedly he is, the skilful,
faithful Physician, both of soul and body, who has sufficient remedies
for all the maladies of both: for which we must, therefore, apply
ourselves to him, and glorify him both with our bodies and with our
spirits, which are his, in return to him for his kindness to both.
| Christ Heals a Man Sick of the Palsy. |
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1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into
his own city.
2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy,
lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick
of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves,
This man blasphemeth.
4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye
evil in your hearts?
5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee;
or to say, Arise, and walk?
6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth
to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise,
take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
7 And he arose, and departed to his house.
8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and
glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
The first words of this chapter oblige us to look back to the close of
that which precedes it, where we find the Gadarenes so resenting the
loss of their swine, that they were disgusted with Christ’s company,
and besought him to depart out of their coasts. Now here it
follows, He entered into a ship, and passed over. They bid him
begone, and he took them at their word, and we never read that he came
into their coasts again. Now here observe,
1. His justice–that he left them. Note, Christ will not tarry long
where he is not welcome. In righteous judgment, he forsakes those
places and persons that are weary of him, but abides with those that
covet and court his stay. If the unbeliever will depart from
Christ, let him depart; it is at his peril,
2. His patience–that he did not leave some destroying judgment behind
him, to punish them, as they deserved, for their contempt and
contumacy. How easily, how justly, might he have sent them after their
swine, who were already so much under the devil’s power. The
provocation, indeed, was very great: but he put it up, and passed it
by; and, without any angry resentments or upbraidings, he entered
into a ship, and passed over. This was the day of his patience; he
came not to destroy men’s lives, but to save them; not to kill,
but to cure. Spiritual judgments agree more with the constitution of
gospel times; yet some observe, that in those bloody wars which the
Romans made upon the Jews, which began not many years after this, they
first besieged the town of Gadara, where these Gadarenes dwelt. Note,
Those that drive Christ from them, draw all miseries upon them. Woe
unto us, if God depart from us.
He came into his own city, Capernaum, the principal place of his
residence at present
(Mark ii. 1),
and therefore called his own city. He had himself testified,
that a prophet it least honoured in his own country and
city, yet thither he came; for he sought not his own
honour; but, being in a state of humiliation, he was content to be
despised of the people. At Capernaum all the circumstances recorded in
this chapter happened, and are, therefore, put together here, though,
in the harmony of the evangelists, other events intervened. When the
Gadarenes desired Christ to depart, they of Capernaum received him. If
Christ be affronted by some, there are others in whom he will be
glorious; if one will not, another will.
Now the first occurrence, after Christ’s return to Capernaum, as
recorded in
was the cure of the man sick of the palsy. In which we may observe,
I. The faith of his friends in bringing him to Christ. His
distemper was such, that he could not come to Christ himself, but as he
was carried. Note, Even the halt and the lame may be brought to Christ,
and they shall not be rejected by him. If we do as well as we can, he
will accept of us. Christ had an eye to their faith. Little children
cannot go to Christ themselves, but he will have an eye to the faith of
those that bring them, and it shall not be in vain. Jesus saw their
faith, the faith of the paralytic himself, as well as of them that
brought him; Jesus saw the habit of faith, though his distemper,
perhaps, impaired his intellect, and obstructed the actings of it. Now
their faith was,
1. A strong faith; they firmly believed that Jesus Christ both could
and would heal him; else they would not have brought the sick man to
him so publicly, and through so much difficulty.
2. A humble faith; though the sick man was unable to stir a step, they
would not ask Christ to make him a visit, but brought him to attend on
Christ. It is fitter than we should wait on Christ, than he on us.
3. An active faith: in the belief of Christ’s power and goodness, they
brought the sick man to him, lying on a bed, which could not be
done without a deal of pains. Note, A strong faith regards no obstacles
in pressing after Christ.
II. The favour of Christ, in what he said to him; Son, be of
good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee. This was a sovereign cordial
to a sick man, and was enough to make all his bed in his
sickness; and to make it easy to him. We read not of any thing said
to Christ; probably the poor sick man could not speak for himself, and
they that brought him chose rather to speak by actions than words; they
set him before Christ; that was enough. Note, It is not in vain to
present ourselves and our friends to Christ, as the objects of his
pity. Misery cries as well as sin, and mercy is no less quick of
hearing than justice. Here is, in what Christ said,
1. A kind compellation; Son. Note, Exhortations and consolations
to the afflicted speak to them as to sons, for afflictions are fatherly
discipline,
2. A gracious encouragement; “Be of good cheer. Have a good heart on
it; cheer up thy spirits.” Probably the poor man, when let down
among them all in his bed, was put out of countenance, was afraid of a
rebuke for being brought in so rudely: but Christ does not stand upon
ceremony; he bids him be of good cheer; all would be well, he
should not be laid before Christ in vain. Christ bids him be of good
cheer; and then cures him. He would have those to whom he deals his
gifts, to be cheerful in seeking him, and in trusting in him; to be of
good courage.
3. A good reason for that encouragement; Thy sins are forgiven
thee. Now this may be considered,
(1.) as an introduction to the cure of his bodily distemper; “Thy sins
are pardoned, and therefore thou shalt be healed.” Note, As sin
is the cause of sickness, so the remission of sin is the comfort of
recovery from sickness; not but that sin may be pardoned, and yet the
sickness not removed; not but that the sickness may be removed, and yet
the sin not pardoned: but if we have the comfort of our reconciliation
to God, with the comfort of our recovery from sickness, this makes it a
mercy indeed to us, as to Hezekiah,
Or,
(2.) As a reason of the command to be of good cheer, whether he
were cured of his disease or not; “Though I should not heal thee, wilt
thou not say thou hast not sought in vain, if I assure thee that thy
sins are pardoned; and wilt thou not look upon that as a sufficient
ground of comfort, though thou shouldst continue sick of the
palsy?” Note, They who, through grace, have some evidence of the
forgiveness of their sins, have reasons to be of good cheer, whatever
outward troubles or afflictions they are under; see
III. The cavil of the scribes at that which Christ said
(v. 3);
They said within themselves, in their hearts, among
themselves, in their secret whisperings, This man
blasphemeth. See how the greatest instance of heaven’s power and
grace is branded with the blackest note of hell’s enmity; Christ’s
pardoning sin is termed blasphemy; nor had it been less, if he had not
had commission from God for it. They, therefore, are guilty of
blasphemy, that have no such commission, and yet pretend to pardon
sin.
IV. The conviction which Christ gave them of the unreasonableness of
this cavil, before he proceeded.
1. He charged them with it. Though they did but say it within
themselves, he knew their thoughts. Note, Our Lord Jesus has the
perfect knowledge of all that we say within ourselves. Thoughts are
secret and sudden, yet naked and open before Christ, the eternal Word
and he understands them afar off,
Ps. cxxxix. 2.
He could say to them (which no mere man could), Wherefore think ye
evil in your hearts? Note, There is a great deal of evil in sinful
thoughts, which is very offensive to the Lord Jesus. He being the
Sovereign of the heart, sinful thoughts invade his right, and disturb
his possession; therefore he takes notice of them, and is much
displeased with them. In them lies the root of bitterness,
Gen. vi. 5.
The sins that begin and end in the heart, and go no further, are as
dangerous as any other.
2. He argued them out of it,
v. 5, 6.
Where observe,
(1.) How he asserts his authority in the kingdom of
grace. He undertakes to make out, that the Son of man, the
Mediator, has power on earth to forgive sins; for
therefore the Father has committed all judgment to the
Son, and has given him this authority, because he is the Son of
man,
John v. 22, 27.
If he has power to give eternal life, as he certainly has
(John xvii. 2),
he must have power to forgive sin; for guilt is a bar that must be
removed, or we can never get to heaven. What an encouragement is this
to poor sinners to repent, that the power of pardoning sin is put into
the hands of the Son of man, who is bone of our bone! And if he
had this power on earth, much more now that he is exalted to the
Father’s right hand, to give repentance and remission of sins,
and so to be both a Prince and a Saviour,
Acts v. 31.
(2.) How he proves it, by his power in the kingdom of nature;
his power to cure diseases. Is it not as easy to say, Thy sins are
forgiven thee, as to say, Arise and walk? He that can cure
the disease, whether declaratively as a Prophet, or
authoritatively as God, can, in like manner, forgive the sin.
Now,
[1.] This is a general argument to prove that Christ had a divine
mission. His miracles, especially his miraculous cures, confirm what he
said of himself, that he was the Son of God; the power that
appeared in his cures proved him sent of God; and the
pity that appeared in them proved him sent of God to heal and
save. The God of truth would not set his seal to a lie.
[2.] It had a particular cogency in this case. The palsy was but a
symptom of the disease of sin; now he made it to appear, that he could
effectually cure the original disease, by the immediate removal of that
symptom; so close a connection was there between the sin and the
sickness. He that had power to remove the punishment, no doubt, had
power to remit the sin. The scribes stood much upon a legal
righteousness, and placed their confidence in that, and made no great
matter of the forgiveness of sin, the doctrine upon which Christ
hereby designed to put honour, and to show that his great errand to the
world was to save his people from their sins.
V. The immediate cure of the sick man. Christ turned from disputing
with them, and spake healing to him. The most necessary arguings must
not divert us from doing the good that our hand finds to do. He
saith to the sick of the palsy, Arise, take up thy bed, and go to
thine house; and a healing, quickening, strengthening power
accompanied this word
(v. 7):
he arose and departed to his house. Now,
1. Christ bid him take up his bed, to show that he was
perfectly cured, and that not only he had no more occasion to be
carried upon his bed, but that he had strength to carry
it.
2. He sent him to his house, to be a blessing to his family,
where he had been so long a burden; and did not take him along with him
for a show, which those would do in such a case who seek the honour
that comes from men.
VI. The impression which this made upon the multitude
(v. 8);
they marvelled, and glorified God. Note, All our wonder
should help to enlarge our hearts in glorifying God, who alone
does marvellous things. They glorified God for what he had done for
this poor man. Note, Others’ mercies should be our praises, and we
should give him thanks for them, for we are members one of another.
Though few of this multitude were so convinced, as to be brought to
believe in Christ, and to follow him, yet they admired him, not as God,
or the Son of God, but as a man to whom God had given such
power. Note, God must be glorified in all the power that is
given to men to do good. For all power is originally his; it is
in him, as the Fountain, in men, as the cisterns.
| Matthew Called. |
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9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named
Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him,
Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house,
behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and
his disciples.
11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his
disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be
whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy,
and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but
sinners to repentance.
In these verses we have an account of the grace and favour of Christ to
poor publicans, particularly to Matthew. What he did to the bodies of
people was to make way for a kind design upon their souls. Now observe
here,
I. The call of Matthew, the penman of this gospel. Mark and Luke call
him Levi; it was ordinary for the same person to have two names:
perhaps Matthew was the name he was most known by as a publican, and,
therefore, in his humility, he called himself by that name, rather than
by the more honourable name of Levi. Some think Christ gave him the
name of Matthew when he called him to be an apostle; as Simon, he
surnamed Peter. Matthew signifies, the gift of God, Ministers
are God’s gifts to the church; their ministry, and their ability for
it, are God’s gifts to them. Now observe,
1. The posture that Christ’s call found Matthew in. He was sitting
at the receipt of custom, for he was a publican,
He was a custom-house officer at the port of Capernaum, or an
exciseman, or collector of the land-tax. Now,
(1.) He was in his calling, as the rest of them whom Christ called,
Note, As Satan chooses to come, with his temptations, to those that are
idle, so Christ chooses to come, with his calls, to those that are
employed. But,
(2.) It was a calling of ill fame among serious people; because it was
attended with so much corruption and temptation, and there were so few
in that business that were honest men. Matthew himself owns what he was
before his conversion, as does St. Paul
(1 Tim. i. 13),
that the grace of Christ in calling him might be the more magnified,
and to show, that God has his remnant among all sorts of people. None
can justify themselves in their unbelief, by their calling in the
world; for there is no sinful calling, but some have been saved
out of it, and no lawful calling, but some have been
saved in it.
2. The preventing power of this call. We find not that Matthew looked
after Christ, or had any inclination to follow him, though some of his
kindred were already disciples of Christ, but Christ prevented him with
the blessings of his goodness. He is found of those that seek him not.
Christ spoke first; we have not chosen him, but he hath chosen
us. He said, Follow me; and the same divine, almighty power
accompanied this word to convert Matthew, which attended that word
(v. 6),
Arise and walk, to cure the man sick of the palsy. Note, A
saving change is wrought in the soul by Christ as the Author,
and his word as the means. His gospel is the power of God
unto salvation,
Rom. i. 16.
The call was effectual, for he came at the call; he arose, and
followed him immediately; neither denied, nor deferred his obedience.
The power of divine grace soon answers and overcomes all objections.
Neither his commission for his place, nor his gains by it, could detain
him, when Christ called him. He conferred not with flesh and
blood,
Gal. i. 15, 16.
He quitted his post, and his hopes of preferment in that way; and,
though we find the disciples that were fishers occasionally fishing
again afterwards, we never find Matthew at the receipt of custom
again.
II. Christ’s converse with publicans and sinners upon this occasion;
Christ called Matthew, to introduce himself into an acquaintance with
the people of that profession. Jesus sat at meat in the house,
v. 10.
The other evangelists tell us, that Matthew made a great feast,
which the poor fishermen, when they were called, were not able to do.
But when he comes to speak of this himself, he neither tells us that it
was his own house, nor that it was a feast, but only that he sat at
meat in the house; preserving the remembrance of Christ’s favours
to the publicans, rather than of the respect he had paid to Christ.
Note, It well becomes us to speak sparingly of our own good deeds.
Now observe,
1. When Matthew invited Christ, he invited his disciples to come
along with him. Note, They that welcome Christ, must welcome all
that are his, for his sake, and let them have a room in their hearts.
2. He invited many publicans and sinners to meet him. This was
the chief thing Matthew aimed at in this treat, that he might have an
opportunity of bringing his old associates acquainted with Christ. He
knew by experience what the grace of Christ could do, and would not
despair concerning them. Note, They who are effectually brought to
Christ themselves, cannot but be desirous that others also may be
brought to him, and ambitious of contributing something towards it.
True grace will not contentedly eat its morsels alone, but will invite
others. When by the conversion of Matthew the fraternity was broken,
presently his house was filled with publicans, and surely some of them
will follow him, as he followed Christ. Thus did Andrew
and Philip,
See
III. The displeasure of the Pharisees at this,
They cavilled at it; why eateth your Master with publicans and
sinners? Here observe,
1. That Christ was quarrelled with. It was not the least of his
sufferings, that he endured the contradiction of sinners against
himself. None was more quarrelled with by men, than he that came to
take up the great quarrel between God and man. Thus he denied himself
the honour due to an incarnate Deity, which was to be justified in what
he spake, and to have all he said readily subscribed to: for though he
never spoke or did anything amiss, every thing he said and did was
found fault with. Thus he taught us to expect and prepare for reproach,
and to bear it patiently.
2. They that quarrelled with him were the Pharisees; a proud generation
of men, conceited of themselves, and censorious of others; of the same
temper with those in the prophet’s time, who said, Stand by thyself,
come not near me; I am holier than thou: they were very strict in
avoiding sinners, but not in avoiding sin; none greater
zealots than they for the form of godliness, nor greater enemies
to the power of it. They were for keeping up the traditions of
the elders to a nicety, and so propagating the same spirit that they
were themselves governed by.
3. They brought their cavil, not to Christ himself; they had not the
courage to face him with it, but to his disciples. The disciples were
in the same company, but the quarrel is with the Master: for they would
not have done it, if he had not; and they thought it worse in him who
was a prophet, than in them; his dignity, they thought, should set him
at a greater distance from such company than others. Being offended at
the Master, they quarrel with the disciples. Note, It concerns
Christians to be able to vindicate and justify Christ, and his
doctrines and laws, and to be ready always to give an answer to
those that ask them a reason of the hope that is in them,
1 Pet. iii. 15.
While he is an Advocate for us in heaven, let us be advocates for him
on earth, and make his reproach our own.
4. The complaint was his eating with publicans and sinners: to
be intimate with wicked people is against the law of God
and perhaps by accusing Christ of this to his disciples, they hoped to
tempt them from him, to put them out of conceit with him, and so to
bring them over to themselves to be their disciples, who kept better
company; for they compassed sea and land to make proselytes. To
be intimate with publicans was against the tradition of the
elders, and, therefore, they looked upon it as a heinous thing.
They were angry with Christ for this,
(1.) Because they wished ill to him, and sought occasion to
misrepresent him. Note, It is an easy and very common thing to put the
worst constructions upon the best words and actions.
(2.) Because they wished no good to publicans and sinners, but
envied Christ’s favour to them, and were grieved to see them brought to
repentance. Note, It may justly be suspected, that they have not the
grace of God themselves, who grudge others a share in that grace, who
are not pleased with it.
IV. The defence that Christ made for himself and his disciples, in
justification of their converse with publicans and sinners. The
disciples, it should seem, being yet weak, had to seek for an answer to
the Pharisees’ cavil, and, therefore, bring it to Christ, and he heard
it
(v. 12),
or perhaps overheard them whispering it to his disciples. Let him
alone to vindicate himself and to plead his own cause, to answer for
himself and for us too. Two things he urges in his defence,
1. The necessity and exigence of the case of the publicans, which
called aloud for his help, and therefore justified him in conversing
with them for their good. It was the extreme necessity of poor, lost
sinners, that brought Christ from the pure regions above, to these
impure ones; and the same was it, that brought him into this company
which was thought impure. Now,
(1.) He proves the necessity of the case of the publicans: they that
be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. The
publicans are sick, and they need one to help and heal them, which the
Pharisees think they do not. Note,
[1.] Sin is the sickness of the soul; sinners are spiritually sick.
Original corruptions are the diseases of the soul, actual
transgressions are its wounds, or the eruptions of the disease. It is
deforming, weakening, disquieting, wasting, killing, but, blessed be
God, not incurable.
[2.] Jesus Christ is the great Physician of souls. His curing of
bodily diseases signified this, that he arose with healing under his
wings. He is a skilful, faithful, compassionate Physician, and it
is his office and business to heal the sick. Wise and good men should
be as physicians to all about them; Christ was so. Hunc affectum
versus omnes habet sapiens, quem versus ægros suos medicus–A
wise man cherishes towards all around him the feelings of a physician
for his patient. Seneca De Const.
[3.] Sin-sick souls have need of this Physician, for their disease is
dangerous; nature will not help itself; no man can help us; such need
have we of Christ, that we are undone, eternally undone, without him.
Sensible sinners see their need, and apply themselves to him
accordingly.
[4.] There are multitudes who fancy themselves to be sound and whole,
who think they have no need of Christ, but that they can shift
for themselves well enough without him, as Laodicea,
Thus the Pharisees desired not the knowledge of Christ’s word and ways,
not because they had no need of him, but because they thought they had
none. See
(2.) He proves, that their necessity did sufficiently justify his
conduct, in conversing familiarly with them, and that he ought not to
be blamed for it; for that necessity made it an act of charity,
which ought always to be preferred before the formalities of a
religious profession, in which beneficence and
munificence are far better than magnificence, as much as
substance is better than shows or shadows. Those duties, which are of
moral and natural obligation, are to take place even of those divine
laws which are positive and ritual, much more of those impositions of
men, and traditions of the elders, which make God’s law stricter than
he has made it. This he proves
(v. 13)
by a passage quoted out of
I will have mercy and not sacrifice. That morose separation from
the society of publicans, which the Pharisees enjoined, was less
than sacrifice; but Christ’s conversing with them was more than an
act of common mercy, and therefore to be preferred before it. If to do
well ourselves is better than sacrifice, as Samuel shows
much more to do good to others. Christ’s conversing with sinners is
here called mercy: to promote the conversion of souls is the greatest
act of mercy imaginable; it is saving a soul from death,
Jam. v. 20.
Observe how Christ quotes this, Go ye and learn what that
meaneth. Note, It is not enough to be acquainted with the letter of
scripture, but we must learn to understand the meaning of it. And they
have best learned the meaning of the scriptures, that have learned how
to apply them as a reproof to their own faults, and a rule for their
own practice. This scripture which Christ quoted, served not only to
vindicate him, but,
[1.] To show wherein true religion consists; not in external
observances: not in meats and drinks and shows of sanctity, not
in little particular opinions and doubtful disputations, but in doing
all the good we can to the bodies and souls of others; in righteousness
and peace; in visiting the fatherless and widows.
[2.] To condemn the Pharisaical hypocrisy of those who place religion
in rituals, more than in morals,
They espouse those forms of godliness which may be made consistent
with, and perhaps subservient to, their pride, covetousness, ambition,
and malice, while they hate that power of it which is mortifying to
those lusts.
2. He urges the nature and end of his own commission. He must keep to
his orders, and prosecute that for which he was appointed to be the
great Teacher; now, says he, “I am not come to call the righteous,
but sinners to repentance, and therefore must converse with
publicans.” Observe,
(1.) What his errand was; it was to call to repentance. This was
his first text
(ch. iv. 17),
and it was the tendency of all his sermons. Note, The gospel call is a
call to repentance; a call to us to change our mind and to change our
way.
(2.) With whom his errand lay; not with the righteous, but with
sinners. That is,
[1.] If the children of men had not been sinners, there had been
no occasion for Christ’s coming among them. He is the Saviour, not of
man as man, but of man as fallen. Had the first Adam
continued in his original righteousness, we had not needed a
second Adam.
[2.] Therefore his greatest business lies with the greatest
sinners; the more dangerous the sick man’s case is, the more
occasion there is for the physician’s help. Christ came into the world
to save sinners, but especially the chief
(1 Tim. i. 15);
to call not those so much, who, though sinners, are comparatively
righteous, but the worst of sinners.
[3.] The more sensible any sinners are of their sinfulness, the more
welcome will Christ and his gospel be to them; and every one chooses to
go where his company is desired, not to those who would rather have his
room. Christ came not with an expectation of succeeding among the
righteous, those who conceit themselves so, and therefore will
sooner be sick of their Saviour, than sick of their sins, but among the
convinced humble sinners; to them Christ will come, for to them
he will be welcome.
| Christ’s Reply to the Disciples of John. |
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14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we
and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the
bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but
the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them,
and then shall they fast.
16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for
that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and
the rent is made worse.
17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the
bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish:
but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
The objections which were made against Christ and his disciples gave
occasion to some of the most profitable of his discourses; thus are the
interests of truth often served, even by the opposition it meets with
from gainsayers, and thus the wisdom of Christ brings good out of evil.
This is the third instance of it in this chapter; his discourse of his
power to forgive sin, and his readiness to receive sinners, was
occasioned by the cavils of the scribes and Pharisees; so here, from a
reflection upon the conduct of his family, arose a discourse concerning
his tenderness for it. Observe,
I. The objection which the disciples of John made against Christ’s
disciples, for not fasting so often as they did; which they are charged
with, as another instance of the looseness of their profession, besides
that of eating with publicans and sinners; and it is therefore
suggested to them, that they should change that profession for another
more strict. It appears by the other evangelists
that the disciples of the Pharisees joined with them, and we have
reason to suspect that they instigated them, making use of John’s
disciples as their spokesmen, because they, being more in favour with
Christ and his disciples, could do it more plausibly. Note, It is no
new thing for bad men to set good men together by the ears; if the
people of God differ in their sentiments, designing men will take that
occasion to sow discord, and to incense them one against another, and
alienate them one from another, and so make an easy prey of them. If
the disciples of John and of Jesus clash, we have reason to suspect the
Pharisees have been at work underhand, blowing the coals. Now the
complaint is, Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but thy
disciples fast not? It is pity the duties of religion, which ought
to be the confirmations of holy love, should be made the occasions of
strife and contention; but they often are so, as here; where we may
observe,
1. How they boasted of their own fasting. We and the Pharisees fast
often. Fasting has in all ages of the church been consecrated, upon
special occasions, to the service of religion; the Pharisees were much
in it; many of them kept two fast-days in a week, and yet the
generality of them were hypocrites and bad men. Note, False and formal
professors often excel others in outward acts of devotion, and even of
mortification. The disciples of John fasted often, partly in
compliance with their master’s practice, for he came neither eating
nor drinking
(ch. xi. 18);
and people are apt to imitate their leaders, though not always from the
same inward principle; partly in compliance with their master’s
doctrine of repentance. Note, The severer part of religion is often
most minded by those that are yet under the discipline of the
Spirit, as a Spirit of bondage, whereas, though these are good
in their place, we must pass through them to that life of delight in
God and dependence on him, to which these should lead. Now they come to
Christ to tell him that they fasted often, at least they thought
it often. Note, Most men will proclaim every one his own
goodness,
Prov. xx. 6.
There is a proneness in professors to brag of their own performance in
religion, especially if there by any thing extraordinary in them; nay,
and not only to boast of them before men, but to plead them before God,
and confide in them as a righteousness.
2. How they blamed Christ’s disciples for not fasting so often as they
did. Thy disciples fast not. They could not but know, that
Christ had instructed his disciples to keep their fasts private, and to
manage themselves so as that they might not appear unto men to
fast; and, therefore, it was very uncharitable in them to conclude
they did not fast, because they did not proclaim their fasts.
Note, We must not judge of people’s religion by that which falls under
the eye and observation of the world. But suppose it was so, that
Christ’s disciples did not fast so often or so long as they did,
why truly, they would therefore have it thought, that they had more
religion in them than Christ’s disciples had. Note, It is common for
vain professors to make themselves a standard in religion, by which to
try and measure persons and things, as if all who differed from them
were so far in the wrong; as if all that did less than they, did too
little, and all that did more than they, did too much, which is a plain
evidence of their want of humility and charity.
3. How they brought this complaint to Christ. Note, If Christ’s
disciples, either by omission or commission, give offence, Christ
himself will be sure to hear of it, and be reflected upon for it. O,
Jesus, are these thy Christians? Therefore, as we tender the honour
of Christ, we are concerned to conduct ourselves well. Observe, The
quarrel with Christ was brought to the disciples
(v. 11),
the quarrel with the disciples was brought to Christ
(v. 14),
this is the way of sowing discord and killing love, to set people
against ministers, ministers against people, and one friend against
another.
II. The apology which Christ made for his disciples in this matter.
Christ might have upbraided John’s disciples with the former part of
their question, Why do ye fast often? “Nay, you know best why
you do it; but the truth is, many abound in external instances of
devotion, that scarcely do themselves know why and wherefore.” But he
only vindicates the practice of his disciples; whey they had nothing to
say for themselves, he had something ready to say for them. Note, As it
is wisdom’s honour to be justified of all her children, so it is her
children’s happiness to be all justified of wisdom. What we do
according to the precept and pattern of Christ, he will be sure to bear
us out in, and we may with confidence leave it to him to clear up our
integrity.
| But thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.
|
| Herbert. |
Two things Christ pleads in defence of their not fasting.
1. That it was not a season proper for that duty
(v. 15):
Can the children of the bride-chamber mourn, as long as the
bridegroom is with them? Observe, Christ’s answer is so framed, as
that it might sufficiently justify the practice of his own disciples,
and yet not condemn the institution of John, or the practice of his
disciples. When the Pharisees fomented this dispute, they hoped Christ
would cast blame, either on his own disciples, or on John’s, but he did
neither. Note, When at any time we are unjustly censured, our care
must be only to clear ourselves, not to recriminate, or throw dirt upon
others; and such a variety may there be of circumstances, as may
justify us in our practice, without condemning those that practise
otherwise.
Now his argument is taken from the common usage of joy and rejoicing
during the continuance of marriage solemnities; when all instances of
melancholy and sorrow are looked upon as improper and absurd, as it was
at Samson’s wedding,
Now,
(1.) The disciples of Christ were the children of the
bride-chamber, invited to the wedding-feast, and welcome there; the
disciples of the Pharisees were not so, but children of the
bond-woman
continuing under a dispensation of darkness and terror. Note, The
faithful followers of Christ, who have the Spirit of adoption, have a
continual feast, while they who have the spirit of bondage and fear,
cannot rejoice for joy, as other people,
(2.) The disciples of Christ had the bridegroom with them, which
the disciples of John had not; their master was now cast into prison,
and lay there in continual danger of his life, and therefore it was
seasonable for them to fast often. Such a day would come upon
the disciples of Christ, when the bridegroom should be taken from them,
when they should be deprived of his bodily presence, and then should
they fast. The thoughts of parting grieved them when he was going,
Tribulation and affliction befel them when he was gone, and gave them
occasion of mourning and praying, that is, of religious
fasting. Note,
[1.] Jesus Christ is the Bridegroom of his Church, and his disciples
are the children of the bride-chamber. Christ speaks of himself
to John’s disciples under this similitude, because that John had used
it, when he called himself a friend of the bridegroom,
And if they would by this hint call to mind what their master then
said, they would answer themselves.
[2.] The condition of those who are the children of the bride-chamber
is liable to many changes and alterations in this world; they sing of
mercy and judgment.
[3.] It is merry or melancholy with the children of the bride-chamber,
according as they have more or less of the bridegroom’s presence. When
he is with them, the candle of God shines upon their head, and all is
well; but when he is withdrawn, though but for a small moment, they
are troubled, and walk heavily; the presence and nearness of the
sun makes day and summer, his absence and distance, night and winter.
Christ is all in all to the church’s joy.
[4.] Every duty is to be done in its proper season. See
There is a time to mourn and a time to laugh, to each of which we
should accommodate ourselves, and bring forth fruit in due season. In
fasts, regard is to be had to the methods of God’s grace towards us;
when he mourns to us, we must lament; and also to the
dispensations of his providence concerning us; there are times when
the Lord God calls to weeping and mourning; regard is likewise
to be had to any special work before us,
2. That they had not strength sufficient for that duty. This is set
forth in two similitudes, one of putting new cloth into an old
garment, which does but pull the old to pieces
(v. 16);
the other of putting new wine into old bottles, which does but
burst the bottles,
Christ’s disciples were not able to bear these severe exercises so well
as those of John and of the Pharisees, which the learned Dr. Whitby
gives this reason for: There were among the Jews not only sects of the
Pharisees and Essenes, who led an austere life, but also schools of
the prophets, who frequently lived in mountains and deserts, and
were many of them Nazarites; they had also private academies to train
men up in a strict discipline; and possibly from these many of John’s
disciples might come, and many of the Pharisees; whereas Christ’s
disciples, being taken immediately from their callings, had not been
used to such religious austerities, and were unfit for them, and would
by them be rather unfitted for their other work. Note,
(1.) Some duties of religion are harder and more difficult than others,
like new cloth and new wine, which require most
intenseness of mind, and are most displeasing to flesh and blood; such
are religious fasting and the duties that attend it.
(2.) The best of Christ’s disciples pass through a state of infancy;
all the trees in Christ’s garden are not of a growth, nor all his
scholars in the same form; there are babes in Christ and grown
men.
(3.) In the enjoining of religious exercises, the weakness and
infirmity of young Christians ought to be considered: as the food
provided for them must be such as is proper for their age
so must the work be that is cut out for them. Christ would not speak to
his disciples that which they could not then bear,
Young beginners in religion must not be put upon the hardest duties at
first, lest they be discouraged. Such as was God’s care of his Israel,
when he brought them out of Egypt, not to lead them by the way of the
Philistines
and such as was Jacob’s care of his children and cattle, not to
overdrive them
such is Christ’s care of the little ones of his family, and the lambs
of his flock: he gently leads them. For want of this care, many times,
the bottles break, and the wine is spilled; the
profession of many miscarries and comes to nothing, through
indiscretion at first. Note, There may be over–doing even in
well–doing, a being righteous over-much; and such an
over–doing as may prove an undoing through the subtlety
of Satan.
| The Ruler’s Daughter Raised. |
|
|
18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a
certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even
now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
19 And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his
disciples.
20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of
blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his
garment:
21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment,
I shall be whole.
22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said,
Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And
the woman was made whole from that hour.
23 And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the
minstrels and the people making a noise,
24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but
sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her
by the hand, and the maid arose.
26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.
We have here two passages of history put together; that of the raising
of Jairus’s daughter to life, and that of the curing of the woman that
had the bloody issue, as he was going to Jairus’s house, which
is introduced in a parenthesis, in the midst of the other; for Christ’s
miracles were thick sown, and interwoven; the work of him that
sent him was his daily work. He was called to do these good works
from speaking the things foregoing, in answer to the cavils of the
Pharisees,
While he spake these things; and we may suppose it is a pleasing
interruption given to that unpleasant work of disputation, which,
though sometimes needful, a good man will gladly leave, to go about a
work of devotion or charity. Here is,
I. The ruler’s address to Christ,
A certain ruler, a ruler of the synagogue, came and
worshipped him. Have any of the rulers believed on him? Yes, here
was one, a church ruler, whose faith condemned the unbelief of the rest
of the rulers. This ruler had a little daughter, of twelve years old,
just dead, and this breach made upon his family comforts was the
occasion of his coming to Christ. Note, In trouble we should visit
God: the death of our relations should drive us to Christ, who is our
life; it is well if any thing will do it. When affliction is in our
families, we must not sit down astonished, but, as Job, fall down
and worship. Now observe,
1. His humility in this address to Christ. He came with his errand to
Christ himself, and did not send his servant. Note, It is no
disparagement to the greatest rulers, personally to attend on the Lord
Jesus. He worshipped him, bowed the knee to him, and gave him
all imaginable respect. Note, They that would receive mercy from Christ
must give honour to Christ.
2. His faith in this address; “My daughter is even now dead,”
and though any other physician would now come too late (nothing more
absurd than post mortem medicina–medicine after death), yet
Christ comes not too late; he is a Physician after death, for he is
the resurrection and the life; “O come then, and lay
thy hand upon her, and she shall live.” This was quite above the
power of nature (a privatione ad habitum non datur regressus–life
once lost cannot be restored), yet within the power of Christ, who
has life in himself, and quickeneth whom he will. Now Christ
works in an ordinary, by nature and not against it, and,
therefore, we cannot in faith bring him such a request as this; while
there is life, there is hope, and room for prayer; but when our friends
are dead, the case is determined; we shall go to them, but they
shall not return to us. But while Christ was here upon earth
working miracles, such a confidence as this was not only allowable but
very commendable.
II. The readiness of Christ to comply with his address,
Jesus immediately arose, left his company, and
followed him; he was not only willing to grant him what he desired,
in raising his daughter to life, but to gratify him so far as to come
to his house to do it. Surely he never said to the seed of Jacob,
Seek ye me in vain. He denied to go along with the nobleman, who
said, Sir, come down, ere my child die
yet he went along with the ruler of the synagogue, who said, Sir,
come down, and my child shall live. The variety of methods which
Christ took in working his miracles is perhaps to be attributed to the
different frame and temper of mind which they were in who applied to
him, which he who searcheth the heart perfectly knew, and
accommodated himself to. He knows what is in man, and what course to
take with him. And observe, when Jesus followed him, so did his
disciples, whom he had chosen for his constant companions; it was
not for state, or that he might come with observation, that he took his
attendants with him, but that they might be the witnesses of his
miracles, who were hereafter to be the preachers of his doctrine.
III. The healing of the poor woman’s bloody issue. I call her a poor
woman, not only because her case was piteous, but because, she had
spent it all upon physicians, for the cure of her distemper, and
was never the better; which was a double aggravation of the misery of
her condition, that she had been full, but was now empty; and that she
had impoverished herself for the recovery of her health, and yet had
not her health neither. This woman was diseased with a constant
issue of blood twelve years
(v. 20);
a disease, which was not only weakening and wasting, and under which
the body must needs languish; but which also rendered her ceremonially
unclean, and shut her out from the courts of the Lord’s house;
but it did not cut her off from approaching to Christ. She applied
herself to Christ, and received mercy from him, by the way, as he
followed the ruler, whose daughter was dead, to whom it would be a
great encouragement, and a help to keep up his faith in the power of
Christ. So graciously does Christ consider the frame, and consult the
case, of weak believers. Observe,
1. The woman’s great faith in Christ, and in his power. Her disease was
of such a nature, that her modesty would not suffer her to speak openly
to Christ for a cure, as others did, but by a peculiar impulse of the
Spirit of faith, she believed him to have such an overflowing fulness
of healing virtue, that the very touch of his garment would be
her cure. This, perhaps, had something of fancy mixed with faith; for
she had no precedent for this way of application to Christ, unless, as
some think, she had an eye to the raising of the dead man by the touch
of Elisha’s bones,
But what weakness of understanding there was in it, Christ was
pleased to overlook, and to accept the sincerity and strength of her
faith; for he eateth the honey-comb with the honey,
Cant. iv. 11.
She believed she should be healed if she did but touch the very
hem of his garment, the very extremity of it. Note, There is
virtue in every thing that belongs to Christ. The holy oil with which
the high priest was anointed, ran down to the skirts of his
garments,
Ps. cxxxiii. 2.
Such a fulness of grace is there in Christ, that from it we may all
receive,
John i. 16.
2. Christ’s great favour to this woman. He did not suspend (as he might
have done) his healing influences, but suffered this bashful patient to
steal a cure unknown to any one else, though she could not think to do
it unknown to him. And now she was well content to be gone, for she had
what she came for, but Christ was not willing to let he to so; he will
not only have his power magnified in her cure, but his grace magnified
in her comfort and commendation: the triumphs of her faith must be to
her praise and honour. He turned about to see for her
(v. 22),
and soon discovered her. Note, It is great encouragement to humble
Christians, that they who hide themselves from men are known to Christ,
who sees in secret their applications to heaven when most private. Now
here,
(1.) He puts gladness into her heart, by that word, Daughter,
be of good comfort. She feared being chidden for coming
clandestinely, but she is encouraged.
[1.] He calls her daughter, for he spoke to her with the
tenderness of a father, as he did to the man sick of the palsy
(v. 2),
whom he called son. Note, Christ has comforts ready for the
daughters of Zion, that are of a sorrowful spirit, as Hannah was,
Believing women are Christ’s daughters, and he will own them as
such.
[2.] He bids her be of good comfort: she has reason to be so, if
Christ own her for a daughter. Note, The saints’ consolation is
founded in their adoption. His bidding her be comforted, brought
comfort with it, as his saying, Be ye whole, brought health with
it. Note, It is the will of Christ that his people should be comforted,
and it is his prerogative to command comfort to troubled spirits. He
creates the fruit of the lips, peace,
Isa. lvii. 19.
(2.) He puts honour upon her faith. That grace of all others gives most
honour to Christ, and therefore he puts most honour upon it; Thy
faith has made thee whole. Thus by faith she obtained a good
report. And as of all graces Christ puts the greatest honour upon
faith, so of all believers he puts the greatest honour upon those that
are most humble; as here on this woman, who had more faith than she
thought she had. She had reason to be of good comfort, not only
because she was made whole, but because her faith had made
her whole; that is,
[1.] She was spiritually healed; that cure was wrought in her which is
the proper fruit and effect of faith, the pardon of sin and the work of
grace. Note, We may then be abundantly comforted in our temporal
mercies when they are accompanied with those spiritual blessings that
resemble them; our food and raiment will be comfortable, when by faith
we are fed with the bread of life, and clothed with the
righteousness of Jesus Christ; our rest and sleep will be
comfortable, when by faith we repose in God, and dwell at ease in him;
our health and prosperity will be comfortable, when by faith our souls
prosper, and are in health. See
[2.] Her bodily cure was the fruit of faith, of her faith, and that
made it a happy, comfortable cure indeed. They out of whom the devils
were cast, were helped by Christ’s sovereign power; some by the faith
of others (as
v. 2);
but it is thy faith that has made thee whole. Note, Temporal
mercies are then comforts indeed to us, when they are received by
faith. If, when in pursuit of mercy, we prayed for it in faith, with an
eye to the promise, and in dependence upon that, if we desired it for
the sake of God’s glory, and with a resignation to God’s will, and have
our hearts enlarged by it in faith, love, and obedience, we may then
say, it was received by faith.
IV. The posture in which he found the ruler’s house,
–He saw the people and the minstrels, or musicians, making a
noise. The house was in a hurry: such work does death make, when it
comes into a family; and, perhaps, the necessary cares that arise at
such a time, when our dead is to be decently buried out of our sight,
give some useful diversion to that grief which is apt to prevail and
play the tyrant. The people in the neighbourhood came together to
condole on account of the loss, to comfort the parents, to prepare for,
and attend on, the funeral, which the Jews were not wont to defer long.
The musicians were among them, according to the custom of the Gentiles,
with their doleful, melancholy tunes, to increase the grief, and stir
up the lamentations of those that attended on this occasion; as (they
say) is usual among the Irish, with their Ahone, Ahone. Thus they
indulged a passion that is apt enough of itself to grow intemperate,
and affected to sorrow as those that had no hope. See how
religion provides cordials, where irreligion administers corrosives.
Heathenism aggravates that grief which Christianity studies to assuage.
Or perhaps these musicians endeavoured on the other hand to divert the
grief and exhilarate the family; but, as vinegar upon nitre, so is
he that sings songs to a heavy heart. Observe, The parents, who
were immediately touched with the affliction, were silent, while the
people and minstrels, whose lamentations were forced, made such a
noise. Note, The loudest grief is not always the greatest; rivers are
most noisy where they run shallow. Ille dolet vere, qui sine teste
dolet–That grief is most sincere, which shuns observation. But
notice is taken of this, to show that the girl was really dead, in the
undoubted apprehension of all about her.
V. The rebuke that Christ gave to this hurry and noise,
He said, Give place. Note, Sometimes, when the sorrow of the
world prevails, it is difficult for Christ and his comforts to
enter. They that harden themselves in sorrow, and, like Rachel,
refuse to be comforted, should think they hear Christ saying to
their disquieting thoughts, Give place: “Make room for him who
is the Consolation of Israel, and brings with him strong
consolations, strong enough to overcome the confusion and tyranny
of these worldly griefs, if he may but be admitted into the soul.” He
gives a good reason why they should not thus disquiet themselves and
one another; The maid is not dead but sleepeth.
1. This was eminently true of this maid, that was immediately to be
raised to life; she was really dead, but not so to Christ, who knew
within himself what he would do, and could do, and who had determined
to make her death but as a sleep. There is little more difference
between sleep and death, but in continuance; whatever other difference
there is, it is but a dream. This death must be but of short
continuance, and therefore is but a sleep, like one night’s rest. He
that quickens the dead, may well call the things which be not as though
they were,
2. It is in a sense true of all that die, chiefly of them that die
in the Lord. Note,
(1.) Death is a sleep. All nations and languages, for the softening of
that which is so dreadful, and withal so unavoidable, and the
reconciling of themselves to it, have agreed to call it so. It is said,
even of the wicked kings, that they slept with their fathers;
and of those that shall arise to everlasting contempt, that they
sleep in the dust,
Dan. xii. 2.
It is not the sleep of the soul; its activity ceases not; but the sleep
of the body, which lies down in the grave, still and silent, regardless
and disregarded, wrapt up in darkness and obscurity. Sleep is a short
death, and death a long sleep. But the death of the righteous
is in a special manner to be looked upon as a sleep,
They sleep in Jesus
they not only rest from the toils and labours of the day, but rest
in hope of a joyful waking again in the morning of the
resurrection, when they shall wake refreshed, wake to a new life, wake
to be richly dressed and crowned, and wake to sleep no more.
(2.) The consideration of this should moderate our grief at the death
of our dear relations: “say not, They are lost; no, they are but
gone before: say not, They are slain; no, they are but
fallen asleep; and the apostle speaks of it as an absurd thing
to imagine that they that are fallen asleep in Christ are
perished
give place, therefore, to those comforts which the covenant of
grace ministers, fetched from the future state, and the glory to be
revealed.“
Now could it be thought that such a comfortable word as this, from the
mouth of our Lord Jesus, should be ridiculed as it was? They laughed
him to scorn. These people lived in Capernaum, knew Christ’s
character, that he never spake a rash or foolish word; they knew how
many mighty works he had done; so that if they did not understand what
he meant by this, they might at least have been silent in expectation
of the issue. Note, The words and works of Christ which cannot be
understood, yet are not therefore to be despised. We must adore the
mystery of divine sayings, even when they seem to contradict what we
think ourselves most confident of. Yet even this tended to the
confirmation of the miracle: for it seems she was so apparently dead,
that it was thought a very ridiculous thing to say otherwise.
VI. The raising of the damsel to life by the power of Christ,
The people were put forth. Note, Scorners that laugh at what
they see and hear that is above their capacity, are not proper
witnesses of the wonderful works of Christ, the glory of which lies not
in pomp, but in power. The widow’s son at Nain, and Lazarus, were
raised from the dead openly, but this damsel privately; for Capernaum,
that had slighted the lesser miracles of restoring health, was unworthy
to see the greater, of restoring life; these pearls were not to
be cast before those that would trample them under their
feet.
Christ went in and took her by the hand, as it were to awake
her, and to help her up, prosecuting his own metaphor of her being
asleep. The high priest, that typified Christ, was not to come near the
dead
but Christ touched the dead. The Levitical priesthood leaves the
dead in their uncleanness, and therefore keeps at a distance from them,
because it cannot remedy them; but Christ, having power to raise the
dead, is above the infection, and therefore is not shy of touching
them. He took her by the hand, and the maid arose. So easily, so
effectually was the miracle wrought; not by prayer, as Elijah did
and Elisha
but by a touch. They did it as servants, he as a Son, as a God, to
whom belong the issues from death. Note, Jesus Christ is the Lord
of souls, he commands them forth, and commands them back, when and as
he pleases. Dead souls are not raised to spiritual life, unless Christ
take them by the hand: it is done in the day of his
power. He helps us up, or we lie still.
VII. The general notice that was taken of this miracle, though it was
wrought privately;
The fame thereof went abroad into all that land: it was the
common subject of discourse. Note, Christ’s works are more talked of
than considered and improved. And doubtless, they that heard only the
report of Christ’s miracles, were accountable for that as well as they
that were eye-witnesses of them. Though we at this distance have not
seen Christ’s miracles, yet having an authentic history of them, we are
bound, upon the credit of that, to receive his doctrine; and blessed
are they that have not seen, and yet have believed,
John xx. 29.
| Two Blind and a Dumb Man Healed. |
|
|
27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him,
crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to
him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do
this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith
be it unto you.
30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them,
saying, See that no man know it.
31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in
all that country.
32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man
possessed with a devil.
33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the
multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the
prince of the devils.
In these verses we have an account of two more miracles wrought
together by our Saviour.
I. The giving of sight to two blind men,
Christ is the Fountain of light as well as life; and as, by raising the
dead, he showed himself to be the same that at first breathed into
man the breath of life, so, by giving sight to the blind, he showed
himself to be the same that at first commanded the light to shine
out of darkness. Observe,
1. The importunate address of the blind men to Christ. He was returning
from the ruler’s house to his own lodgings, and these blind men
followed him, as beggars do, with their incessant cries,
He that cured diseases so easily, so effectually, and, withal, at so
cheap a rate, shall have patients enough. As for other things, so he is
famed for an Oculist. Observe,
(1.) The title which these blind men gave to Christ; Thou Son of
David, have mercy on us. The promise made to David, that of his
loins the Messiah should come, was well known, and the Messiah was
therefore commonly called the Son of David. At this time there
was a general expectation of his appearing; these blind men know, and
own, and proclaim it in the streets of Capernaum, that he is come, and
that this is he; which aggravates the folly and sin of the chief
priests and Pharisees who denied and opposed him. They could not see
him and his miracles, but faith comes by hearing. Note, They
who, by the providence of God, are deprived of bodily sight, may yet,
by the grace of God, have the eyes of their understanding so
enlightened, as to discern those great things of God, which are
hid from the wise and prudent.
(2.) Their petition, Have mercy on us. It was foretold that the
Son of David should be merciful
and in him shines the tender mercy of our God,
Luke i. 78.
Note, Whatever our necessities and burthens are, we need no more for
supply and support, than a share in the mercy of our Lord Jesus.
Whether he heal us or no, if he have mercy on us, we have
enough; as to the particular instances and methods of mercy, we may
safely and wisely refer ourselves to the wisdom of Christ. They did not
each of them say for himself, Have mercy on me, but both for one
another, Have mercy on us. Note, It becomes those that are under
the same affliction, to concur in the same prayers for relief.
Fellow-sufferers should be joint-petitioners. In Christ there is enough
for all.
(3.) Their importunity in this request; they followed him,
crying. It seems, he did not take notice of them at first, for he
would try their faith, which he knew to be strong; would quicken their
prayers, and make his cures the more valued, when they did not always
come at the first word; and would teach us to continue instant in
prayer, always to pray, and not to faint: and, though the answer do
not come presently, yet to wait for it, and to follow providence, even
in those steps and out goings of it which seem to neglect or contradict
our prayers. Christ would not heal them publicly in the streets, for
this was a cure he would have kept private
(v. 30),
but when he came into the house, they followed him
thither, and came to him. Note, Christ’s doors are always open
to believing and importunate petitioners; it seemed rude in them to
rush into the house after him, when he desired to retire; but, such is
the tenderness of our Lord Jesus, that they were not more bold than
welcome.
2. The confession of faith, which Christ drew from them upon this
occasion. When they came to him for mercy, he asked them, Believe ye
that I am able to do this? Note, Faith is the great condition of
Christ’s favours. They who would receive the mercy of Christ,
must firmly believe the power of Christ. What we would have him
do for us, we must be fully assured that he is able to do. They
followed Christ, and followed him crying, but the great question is,
Do ye believe? Nature may work fervency, but it is only grace
that can work faith; spiritual blessings are obtained only by faith.
They had intimated their faith in the office of Christ as Son of
David, and in his mercy; but Christ demands likewise a profession
of faith in his power. Believe ye that I am able to do this; to
bestow this favour; to give sight to the blind, as well as to cure the
palsy and raise the dead? Note, It is good to be particular in the
exercise of faith, to apply the general assurances of God’s power and
good will, and the general promises, to our particular exigencies.
All shall work for good, and if all, then this. “Believe ye
that I am able, not only to prevail with God for it, as a prophet,
but that I am able to do it by my own power?” This will amount
to their belief of his being not only the Son of David, but
the Son of God; for it is God’s prerogative to open the eyes
of the blind
(Ps. cxlvi. 8);
he makes the seeing eye,
Exod. iv. 11.
Job was eyes to the blind
(Job xxix. 15);
was to them instead of eyes, but he could not give eyes to the
blind. Still it is put to us, Believe we that Christ is able to do
for us, by the power of his merit and intercession in heaven, of
his Spirit and grace in the heart, and of his providence and dominion
in the world? To believe the power of Christ is not only to assure
ourselves of it, but to commit ourselves to it, and encourage ourselves
in it.
To this question they give an immediate answer, without hesitation:
they said, Yea, Lord. Though he had kept them in suspense
awhile, and had not helped them at first, they honestly imputed that to
his wisdom, not to his weakness, and were still confident of his
ability. Note, The treasures of mercy that are laid up in the power of
Christ, are laid out and wrought for those that trust in him,
Ps. xxxi. 19.
3. The cure that Christ wrought on them; he touched their eyes,
v. 29.
This he did to encourage their faith, which, by his delay, he had
tried, and to show that he gives sight to blind souls by the operations
of his grace accompanying the word, anointing the eyes with
eye-salve: and he put the cure upon their faith, According to
your faith be it unto you. When they begged for a cure, he enquired
into their faith
(v. 28),
Believe ye that I am able? He did not enquire into their wealth,
whether they were able to pay him for a cure; nor into their
reputation, should he get credit by curing them; but into their faith;
and now they had professed their faith he referred the matter to that:
“I know you do believe, and the power you believe in shall be exerted
for you; According to your faith be it unto you.” This speaks,
(1.) His knowledge of the sincerity of their faith, and his acceptance
and approbation of it. Note, It is a great comfort to true believers,
that Jesus Christ knows their faith, and is well pleased with it.
Though it be weak, though others do not discern it, though they
themselves are ready to question it, it is known to him.
(2.) His insisting upon their faith as necessary; “If you believe, take
what you come for.” Note, They who apply themselves to Jesus Christ,
shall be dealt with according to their faith; not according to
their fancies, nor according to their profession, but
according to their faith; that is, unbelievers cannot expect to
find any favour with God, but true believers may be sure to find all
that favour which is offered in the gospel; and our comforts ebb or
flow, according as our faith is stronger or weaker; we are not
straitened in Christ, let us not then be straitened in ourselves.
4. The charge he gave them to keep it private
(v. 30),
See that no man know it. He gave them this charge,
(1.) To set us an example of that humility and lowliness of mind, which
he would have us to learn of him. Note, In the good we do, we must not
seek our own praise, but only the glory of God. It must be more our
care and endeavour to be useful, than to be known and observed to be
so,
Thus Christ seconded the rule he had given, Let not thy left hand
know what thy right hand doeth.
(2.) Some think that Christ, in keeping it private, showed his
displeasure against the people of Capernaum, who had seen so many
miracles, and yet believed not. Note, The silencing of those who should
proclaim the works of Christ is a judgment to any place or people: and
it is just in Christ to deny the means of conviction to those that are
obstinate in their infidelity; and to shroud the light from those that
shut their eyes against it.
(3.) He did it in discretion, for his own preservation; because the
more he was proclaimed, the more jealous would the rulers of the Jews
be of his growing interest among the people.
(4.) Dr. Whitby gives another reason, which is very considerable, why
Christ sometimes concealed his miracles, and afterwards forbid the
publishing of his transfiguration; because he would not indulge that
pernicious conceit which obtained among the Jews, that their Messiah
should be a temporal prince, and so give occasion to the people to
attempt the setting up of his kingdom, by tumults and seditions, as
they offered to do,
But when, after his resurrection (which was the full proof of his
mission), his spiritual kingdom was set up, then that danger was over,
and they must be published to all nations. And he observes, that the
miracles which Christ wrought among the Gentiles and the Gadarenes,
were ordered to be published, because with them there was not that
danger.
But honour is like the shadow, which, as it flees from those that
follow it, so it follows those that flee from it
(v. 31);
They spread abroad his fame. This was more an act of zeal, than
of prudence; and though it may be excused as honestly meant for the
honour of Christ, yet it cannot be justified, being done against a
particular charge. Whenever we profess to direct our intention to the
glory of God, we must see to it that the action be according to the
will of God.
II. The healing of a dumb man, that was possessed with a
devil. And here observe,
1. His case, which was very sad. He was under the power of the devil in
this particular instance, that he was disabled from speaking,
See the calamitous state of this world, and how various the afflictions
of the afflicted are! We have no sooner dismissed two blind men,
but we meet with a dumb man. How thankful should we be to God
for our sight and speech! See the malice of Satan against mankind, and
in how many ways he shows it. This man’s dumbness was the effect of his
being possessed with a devil; but it was better he should be
unable to say any thing, than be forced to say, as those demoniacs did
(ch. viii. 29),
What have we to do with thee? Of the two, better a dumb devil
than a blaspheming one. When the devil gets possession of a soul, it is
made silent as to any thing that is good; dumb in prayers and praises,
which the devil is a sworn enemy to. This poor creature they brought
to Christ, who entertained not only those that came of themselves
in their own faith, but those that were brought to him by their
friends in the faith of others. Though the just shall live
eternally by his faith, yet temporal mercies may be bestowed on
us with an eye to their faith who are intercessors on our behalf. They
brought him in just as the blind man went out. See how unwearied
Christ was in doing good; how closely one good work followed another!
Treasures of mercy, wondrous mercy, are hid in him; which may be
continually communicated, but can never be exhausted.
2. His cure, which was very sudden
(v. 33),
When the devil was cast out, the dumb spake. Note, Christ’s
cures strike at the root, and remove the effect by taking away the
cause; they open the lips, by breaking Satan’s power in the soul. In
sanctification he heals the waters by casting salt into the spring.
When Christ, by his grace, casts the devil out of a soul,
presently the dumb speaks. When Paul was converted, behold,
he prays; then the dumb spake.
3. The consequences of this cure.
(1.) The multitudes marvelled; and well they might; though
few believed, many wondered. The admiration of the common people
is sooner raised than any other affection. It was foretold, that the
new song, the New-Testament song, should be sung for marvellous
works,
Ps. xcviii. 1.
They said, It was never so seen in Israel, and therefore never
so seen any where; for no people experienced such wonders of mercy as
Israel did. There had been those in Israel that were famous for working
miracles, but Christ excelled them all. The miracles Moses wrought had
reference to Israel as a people, but Christ’s were brought home to
particular persons.
(2.) The Pharisees blasphemed,
When they could not gainsay the convincing evidence of these miracles,
they fathered them upon the devil, as if they had been wrought by
compact and collusion: he casteth out devils (say they) by
the prince of the devils–a suggestion horrid beyond expression;
we shall hear more of it afterwards, and Christ’s answer to it
(ch. xii. 25);
only observe here, how evil men and seducers wax worse and worse
and it is both their sin and their punishment. Their quarrels with
Christ for taking upon him to forgive sin
(v. 3),
for conversing with publicans and sinners,
(v. 11),
for not fasting
(v. 14),
though spiteful enough, yet had some colour of piety, purity, and
devotion in them; but this (which they are left to, to punish them for
those) breathes nothing but malice and falsehood, and hellish enmity in
the highest degree; it is diabolism all over, and was therefore justly
pronounced unpardonable. Because the people marvelled, they must say
something to diminish the miracle, and this was all they could say.
| Jesus Preaching throughout the Country. |
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35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching
in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and
healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion
on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as
sheep having no shepherd.
37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is
plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send
forth labourers into his harvest.
Here is,
I. A conclusion of the foregoing account of Christ’s preaching and
miracles
(v. 35);
He went about all the cities teaching and healing. This is the
same we had before,
There it ushers in the more particular record of Christ’s preaching
and of his cures
and here it is elegantly repeated in the close of these instances, as
the quod erat demonstrandum–the point to be proved; as if the
evangelist should say, “Now I hope I have made it out, by an induction
of particulars, that Christ preached and healed; for you have had the
heads of his sermons, and some few instances of his cures, which were
wrought to confirm his doctrine: and these were written that you
might believe.” Some think that this was a second perambulation in
Galilee, like the former; he visited again those whom he had before
preached to. Though the Pharisees cavilled at him and opposed him, he
went on with his work; he preached the gospel of the kingdom. He
told them of a kingdom of grace and glory, now to be set up under the
government of a Mediator: this was gospel indeed, good news, glad
tidings of great joy.
Observe how Christ in his preaching had respect,
1. To the private towns. He visited not only the great and wealthy
cities, but the poor, obscure villages; there he preached, there he
healed. The souls of those that are meanest in the world are as
precious to Christ, and should be to us, as the souls of those that make
the greatest figure. Rich and poor meet together in him,
citizens and boors: his righteous acts towards the inhabitants of
his villages must be rehearsed,
Judg. v. 11.
2. To the public worship. He taught in their synagogues,
(1.) That he might bear a testimony to solemn assemblies, even then
when there were corruptions in them. We must not forsake the
assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.
(2.) That he might have an opportunity of preaching there, where people
were gathered together, with an expectation to hear. Thus, even where
the gospel church was founded, and Christian meetings erected, the
apostles often preached in the synagogues of the Jews. It is the
wisdom of the prudent, to make the best of that which is.
II. A preface, or introduction, to the account in the following
chapter, of his sending forth his apostles. He took notice of
the multitude
(v. 36);
not only of the crowds that followed him, but of the vast
numbers of people with whom (as he passed along) he observed the
country to be replenished; he noticed what nests of souls the towns and
cities were, and how thick of inhabitants; what abundance of people
there were in every synagogue, and what places of concourse the
openings of the gates were: so very populous was that nation now grown;
and it was the effect of God’s blessing on Abraham. Seeing this,
1. He pities them, and was concerned for them
(v. 36);
He was moved with compassion on them; not upon a temporal
account, as he pities the blind, and lame, and sick; but upon a
spiritual account; he was concerned to see them ignorant and careless,
and ready to perish for lack of vision. Note, Jesus Christ is a very
compassionate friend to precious souls; here his bowels do in a special
manner yearn. It was pity to souls that brought him from heaven to
earth, and there to the cross. Misery is the object of mercy; and the
miseries of sinful, self-destroying souls, are the greatest miseries:
Christ pities those most that pity themselves least; so should we. The
most Christian compassion is compassion to souls; it is most
Christ-like.
See what moved this pity.
(1.) They fainted; they were destitute, vexed, wearied. They
strayed, so some; were loosed one from another; The staff of
bands was broken,
Zech. xi. 14.
They wanted help for their souls, and had none at hand that was good
for any thing. The scribes and Pharisees filled them with vain notions,
burthened them with the traditions of the elders, deluded them into
many mistakes, while they were not instructed in their duty, nor
acquainted with the extent and spiritual nature of the divine law;
therefore they fainted; for what spiritual health, and life, and
vigour can there be in those souls, that are fed with husks and ashes,
instead of the bread of life? Precious souls faint when
duty is to be done, temptations to be resisted, afflictions to be
borne, being not nourished up with the word of truth.
(2.) They were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
That expression is borrowed from
and it sets forth the sad condition of those that are destitute of
faithful guides to go before them in the things of God. No creature is
more apt to go astray than a sheep, and when gone astray more helpless,
shiftless, and exposed, or more unapt to find the way home again:
sinful souls are as lost sheep; they need the care of shepherds
to bring them back. The teachers the Jews then had pretended to be
shepherds, yet Christ says they had not shepherds, for
they were worse than none; idle shepherds that led them away, instead
of leading them back, and fleeced the flock, instead of feeding it:
such shepherds as were described,
Jer. xxiii. 1, &c. Ezek. xxxiv. 2,
&c. Note, The case of those people is very pitiable, who either have no
ministers at all, or those that are as bad as none; that seek their own
things, not the things of Christ and souls.
2. He excited his disciples to pray for them. His pity put him upon
devising means for the good of these people. It appears
that upon this occasion, before he sent out his apostles, he did
himself spend a great deal of time in prayer. Note, Those we pity we
should pray for. Having spoken to God for them he turns to his
disciples, and tells them,
(1.) How the case stood; The harvest truly is plenteous, but the
labourers are few. People desired good preaching, but there were
few good preachers. There was a great deal of work to be done, and a
great deal of good likely to be done, but there wanted hands to do it.
[1.] It was an encouragement, that the harvest was so
plenteous. It was not strange, that there were multitudes that
needed instruction, but it was what does not often happen, that they
who needed it, desired it, and were forward to receive it. They that
were ill taught were desirous to be better taught; people’s
expectations were raised, and there was such a moving of affections, as
promised well. Note, It is a blessed thing, to see people in love with
good preaching. The valleys are then covered over with corn, and there
are hopes it may be well gathered in. That is a gale of opportunity,
that calls for a double care and diligence in the improvement of it; a
harvest-day should be a busy day.
[2.] It was a pity when it was so that the labourers should be
so few; that the corn should shed and spoil, and rot upon the
ground for want of reapers; loiterers many, but labourers very
few. Note, It is ill with the church, when good work stands
still, or goes slowly on, for want of good workmen; when it is so, the
labourers that there are have need to be very busy.
(2.) What was their duty in this case
(v. 38);
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest. Note, The melancholy
aspect of the times and the deplorable state of precious souls, should
much excite and quicken prayer. When things look discouraging, we
should pray more, and then we should complain and fear less. And we
should adapt our prayers to the present exigencies of the church; such
an understanding we ought to have of the times, as to know, not only
what Israel ought to do, but what Israel ought to pray for. Note,
[1.] God is the Lord of the harvest; my Father is the
Husbandman,
John xv. 1.
It is the vineyard of the Lord of hosts,
Isa. v. 7.
It is for him and to him, and to his service and honour, that the
harvest is gathered in. Ye are God’s husbandry
his threshing, and the corn of his floor,
Isa. xxi. 10.
He orders every thing concerning the harvest as he pleases; when
and where the labourers shall work, and how long; and it is very
comfortable to those who wish well to the harvest-work, that God
himself presides in it, who will be sure to order all for the best.
[2.] Ministers are and should be labourers in God’s
harvest; the ministry is a work and must be attended to
accordingly; it is harvest-work, which is needful work; work
that requires every thing to be done in its season, and diligence to do
it thoroughly; but it is pleasant work; they reap in joy, and
the joy of the preachers of the gospel is likened to the joy of
harvest
and he that reapeth receiveth wages; the hire of the labourers
that reap down God’s field, shall not be kept back, as theirs
was,
[3.] It is God’s work to send forth labourers; Christ makes
ministers
(Eph. iv. 11);
the office is of his appointing, the qualifications of his working, the
call of his giving. They will not be owned nor paid as
labourers, that run without their errand, unqualified, uncalled.
How shall they preach except they be sent?
[4.] All that love Christ and souls, should show it by their earnest
prayers to God, especially when the harvest is plenteous, that he
would send forth more skillful, faithful, wise, and industrious
labourers into his harvest; that he would raise up such as he
will own in the conversion of sinners and the edification of saints;
would give them a spirit for the work, call them to it, and succeed
them in it; that he would give them wisdom to win souls; that
he would thrust forth labourers, so some; intimating unwillingness
to go forth, because of their own weakness and the people’s badness,
and opposition from men, that endeavour to thrust them out of the
harvest; but we should pray that all contradiction from within and
from without, may be conquered and got over. Christ puts his friends
upon praying this, just before he sends apostles forth to labour in
the harvest. Note, It is a good sign God is about to bestow some
special mercy upon a people, when he stirs up those that have an
interest at the throne of grace, to pray for it,
Further observe, that Christ said this to his disciples, who were to be
employed as labourers. They must pray, First, That God
would send them forth. Here am I, send me,
Isa. vi. 8.
Note, Commissions, given in answer to prayer, are most likely to be
successful; Paul is a chosen vessel, for behold he prays,
Acts ix. 11, 15.
Secondly, That he would send others forth. Note, Not the people
only, but those who are themselves ministers, should pray for the
increase of ministers. Though self-interest makes those that seek their
own things desirous to be placed alone (the fewer ministers the more
preferments), yet those that seek the things of Christ, desire
more workmen, that more work may be done, though they be eclipsed by
it.
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