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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [John II].</TITLE>
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"This site is for those friends and family members who may or may not know Our Lord Jesus Christ, and if not, they may come to know Our Lord through His Prophets."> <meta name="author" content="Brian Duncalfe">
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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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<h3><a href="http://www.biblesnet.com" target="_blank">Back to Biblesnet.com Home Page</a>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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[<A HREF="MHC43001.HTM">Previous</A>]
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<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>J O H N.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. II.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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In the close of the foregoing chapter we had an account of the first
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disciples whom Jesus called, Andrew and Peter, Philip and Nathanael.
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These were the first-fruits to God and to the Lamb,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+14:4">Rev. xiv. 4</A>.
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Now, in this chapter, we have,
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I. The account of the first miracle which Jesus wrought-turning water
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into wine, at Cana of Galilee
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:1-11">ver. 1-11</A>),
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and his appearing at Capernaum,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:12">ver. 12</A>.
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II. The account of the first passover he kept at Jerusalem after he
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began his public ministry; his driving the buyers and sellers out of
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the temple
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:13-17">ver. 13-17</A>);
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and the sign he gave to those who quarrelled with him for it
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:18-22">ver. 18-22</A>),
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with an account of some almost believers, that followed him, thereupon,
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for some time
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:23-25">ver. 23-25</A>),
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but he knew them too well to put any confidence in them.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Joh2_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh2_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh2_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh2_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh2_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh2_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh2_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh2_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh2_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh2_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh2_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Water Turned into Wine.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee;
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and the mother of Jesus was there:
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2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the
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marriage.
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3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto
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him, They have no wine.
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4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee?
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mine hour is not yet come.
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5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto
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you, do <I>it.</I>
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6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the
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manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three
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firkins apiece.
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7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And
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they filled them up to the brim.
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8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the
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governor of the feast. And they bare <I>it.</I>
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9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was
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made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which
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drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the
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bridegroom,
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10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set
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forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is
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worse: <I>but</I> thou hast kept the good wine until now.
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11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and
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manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We have here the story of Christ's miraculous conversion of water into
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wine at a marriage in Cana of Galilee. There were some few so well
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disposed as to believe in Christ, and to follow him, when he <I>did no
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miracle;</I> yet it was not likely that many should be wrought upon
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till he had something wherewith to answer those that asked, <I>What
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sign showest thou?</I> He could have wrought miracles before, could
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have made them the common actions of his life and the common
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entertainments of his friends; but, miracles being designed for the
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sacred and solemn seals of his doctrine, he began not to work any till
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he began to preach his doctrine. Now observe,</P>
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<P>
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I. The occasion of this miracle. Maimonides observes it to be to the
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honour of Moses that all the signs he did in the wilderness he did
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<I>upon necessity;</I> we needed food, he brought us manna, and so did
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Christ. Observe,</P>
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<P>
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1. The time: the <I>third day</I> after he came into Galilee. The
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evangelist keeps a journal of occurrences, for no day passed without
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something extraordinary done or said. Our Master filled up his time
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better than his servants do, and never lay down at night complaining,
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as the Roman emperor did, that he had <I>lost a day.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. The place: it was at Cana in Galilee, in the tribe of Asher
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+19:28">Josh. xix. 28</A>),
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of which, before, it was said that <I>he shall yield royal
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dainties,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+49:20">Gen. xlix. 20.</A>
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Christ began to work miracles in an obscure corner of the country,
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remote from Jerusalem, which was the public scene of action, to show
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that he <I>sought not honour from men</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+5:41"><I>ch.</I> v. 41</A>),
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but would put honour <I>upon the lowly.</I> His doctrine and miracles
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would not be so much opposed by the plain and honest Galileans as they
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would be by the proud and prejudiced rabbies, politicians, and
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grandees, at Jerusalem.</P>
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<P>
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3. The occasion itself was a <I>marriage;</I> probably one or both of
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the parties were akin to our Lord Jesus. The <I>mother of Jesus</I> is
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said to be <I>there,</I> and not to be <I>called,</I> as Jesus and his
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disciples were, which intimates that she was there as one at home.
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Observe the honour which Christ hereby put upon the ordinance of
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marriage, that he graced the solemnity of it, not only with his
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presence, but with his first miracle; because it was instituted and
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blessed in innocency, because by it he would still <I>seek a godly
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seed,</I> because it resembles the mystical union between him and his
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church, and because he foresaw that in the papal kingdom, while the
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marriage ceremony would be unduly <I>dignified</I> and advanced into a
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<I>sacrament,</I> the <I>married state</I> would be unduly
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<I>vilified,</I> as inconsistent with any sacred function. There was a
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<I>marriage</I>--<B><I>gamos</I></B>, a <I>marriage-feast,</I> to grace
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the solemnity. Marriages were usually celebrated with festivals
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+29:22,Jdg+14:10">Gen. xxix. 22; Judg. xiv. 10</A>),
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in token of joy and friendly respect, and for the confirming of
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love.</P>
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<P>
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4. Christ and his mother and disciples were principal guests at this
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entertainment. <I>The mother of Jesus</I> (that was her most honourable
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title) <I>was there;</I> no mention being made of Joseph, we conclude
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him dead before this. Jesus was <I>called,</I> and he came, accepted
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the invitation, and feasted with them, to teach us to be
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<I>respectful</I> to our relations, and <I>sociable</I> with them,
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though they be mean. Christ was to come in a way different from that of
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John Baptist, who came <I>neither eating nor drinking,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:18,19">Matt. xi. 18, 19</A>.
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It is the wisdom of the prudent to study how to <I>improve</I>
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conversation rather than how to <I>decline</I> it.</P>
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<P>
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(1.) <I>There was a marriage, and Jesus was called.</I> Note,
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[1.] It is very desirable, when there is a <I>marriage,</I> to have
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Jesus Christ <I>present</I> at it; to have his spiritual gracious
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presence, to have the marriage owned and blessed by him: the
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<I>marriage</I> is then <I>honourable</I> indeed; and they that
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<I>marry in</I> the Lord
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+7:39">1 Cor. vii. 39</A>)
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do not marry <I>without him.</I>
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[2.] They that would have Christ with them at their marriage must
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invite him by prayer; that is the messenger that must be sent to heaven
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for him; and he will come: <I>Thou shalt call, and I will answer.</I>
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And he will turn the water into wine.</P>
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<P>
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(2.) The disciples also were invited, those five whom he had called
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:35-51">
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<I>ch.</I> 1</A>),
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for as yet he had no more; they were his family, and were invited with
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him. They had thrown themselves upon his care, and they soon found
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that, though he had no wealth, he had good friends. Note,
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[1.] Those that <I>follow</I> Christ shall <I>feast</I> with him, they
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shall <I>fare</I> as he <I>fares,</I> so he has <I>bespoken</I> for
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them
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+12:26"><I>ch.</I> xii. 26</A>):
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<I>Where I am, there shall my servant be also.</I>
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[2.] Love to Christ is testified by a love to those that are his, for
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his sake; <I>our goodness extendeth not to him,</I> but <I>to the
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saints.</I> Calvin observes how <I>generous</I> the maker of the feast
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was, though he seems to have been but of small substance, to invite
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four or five strangers more than he thought of, because they were
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followers of Christ, which shows, saith he, that there is more of
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freedom, and liberality, and true friendship, in the conversation of
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some meaner persons than among many of higher rank.</P>
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<P>
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II. The miracle itself. In which observe,</P>
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<P>
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1. They <I>wanted wine,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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(1.) There was <I>want</I> at a <I>feast;</I> though much was provided,
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yet all was spent. While we are in this world we sometimes find
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ourselves <I>in straits,</I> even then when we think ourselves in the
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<I>fulness of our sufficiency.</I> If always <I>spending,</I> perhaps
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all is spent ere we are aware.
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(2.) There was want at a <I>marriage feast.</I> Note, They who, being
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<I>married,</I> are come to <I>care for the things of the world</I>
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must expect <I>trouble in the flesh,</I> and count upon disappointment.
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(3.) It should seem, Christ and his disciples were the occasion of this
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want, because there was more company than was expected when the
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provision was made; but they who straiten themselves for Christ shall
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not lose by him.</P>
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<P>
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2. The <I>mother of Jesus</I> solicited him to assist her friends in
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this strait. We are told
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:3-5"><I>v.</I> 3-5</A>)
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what passed between Christ and his mother upon this occasion.</P>
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<P>
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(1.) She acquaints him with the difficulty they were in
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>):
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<I>She saith unto him, They have no wine.</I> Some think that she did
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not expect from him any miraculous supply (he having as yet wrought no
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miracle), but that she would have him make some <I>decent</I> excuse to
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the company, and make the best of it, to save the bridegroom's
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reputation, and keep him in countenance; or (as Calvin suggests) would
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have him make up the want of wine with some holy profitable discourse.
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But, most probably, she looked for a miracle; for she knew he was now
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appearing as the great prophet, like unto Moses, who so often
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seasonably supplied the wants of Israel; and, though this was his first
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public miracle, perhaps he had sometimes relieved her and her husband
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in their low estate. The bridegroom might have sent out for more wine,
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but she was for going to the fountain-head. Note,
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[1.] We ought to be concerned for the wants and straits of our friends,
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and not <I>seek our own things</I> only.
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[2.] In our own and our friends' straits it is our wisdom and duty to
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apply ourselves to Christ by prayer.
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[3.] In our addresses to Christ, we must not prescribe to him, but
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humbly spread our case before him, and then <I>refer ourselves</I> to
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him to do as he pleases.</P>
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<P>
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(2.) He gave her a reprimand for it, for he saw more amiss in it than
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we do, else he had not treated it thus.--Here is,</P>
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<P>
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[1.] The rebuke itself: <I>Woman, what have I to do with thee?</I> As
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many as Christ loves, he rebukes and chastens. He calls her
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<I>woman,</I> not <I>mother.</I> When we begin to be assuming, we
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should be reminded what we are, <I>men</I> and <I>women,</I> frail,
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foolish, and corrupt. The question, <B><I>ti emoi kai soi</I></B>,
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might be read, <I>What is that to me and thee?</I> What is it to us if
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they do want? But it is always as we render it, <I>What have I to do
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with thee?</I> as
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jdg+11:12,2Sa+16:10,Ezr+4:3,Mt+8:29">Judges xi. 12;
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2 Sam. xvi. 10; Ezra iv. 3; Matt. viii. 29</A>.
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It therefore bespeaks a resentment, yet not at all inconsistent with
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the reverence and subjection which he paid to his mother, according to
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the fifth commandment
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+2:51">Luke ii. 51</A>);
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for there was a time when it was Levi's praise that he <I>said to his
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father, I have not known him,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+33:9">Deut. xxxiii. 9</A>.
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Now this was intended to be, <I>First,</I> A check to his mother for
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interposing in a matter which was the act of his Godhead, which had no
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dependence on her, and which she was not the mother of. Though, as man,
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||
|
he was David's Son and hers; yet, as God, he was David's Lord and hers,
|
||
|
and he would have her know it. The greatest advancements must not make
|
||
|
us forget ourselves and our place, nor the familiarity to which the
|
||
|
covenant of grace admits us breed contempt, irreverence, or any kind or
|
||
|
degree of presumption. <I>Secondly,</I> It was an instruction to others
|
||
|
of his relations (many of whom were present here) that they must never
|
||
|
expect him to have any regard to his kindred according to the flesh, in
|
||
|
his working miracles, or that therein he should gratify them, who in
|
||
|
this matter were no more to him than other people. In the things of God
|
||
|
we must not <I>know faces. Thirdly,</I> It is a standing testimony
|
||
|
against that idolatry which he foresaw his church would in after-ages
|
||
|
sink into, in giving undue honours to the virgin Mary, a crime which
|
||
|
the Roman catholics, as they call themselves, are notoriously guilty
|
||
|
of, when they call her the <I>queen of heaven,</I> the <I>salvation of
|
||
|
the world,</I> their <I>mediatrix,</I> their <I>life</I> and
|
||
|
<I>hope;</I> not only depending upon her merit and intercession, but
|
||
|
beseeching her to <I>command her Son</I> to do them good: <I>Monstra te
|
||
|
esse matrem--Show that thou art his mother. Jussu matris impera
|
||
|
salvatori--Lay thy maternal commands on the Saviour.</I> Does he not
|
||
|
here expressly say, when a miracle was to be wrought, even in the days
|
||
|
of his humiliation, and his mother did but tacitly hint an
|
||
|
intercession, <I>Woman, what have I to do with thee?</I> This was
|
||
|
plainly designed either to <I>prevent</I> or <I>aggravate</I> such
|
||
|
gross idolatry, such horrid blasphemy. The Son of God is appointed our
|
||
|
Advocate with the Father; but the mother of our Lord was never designed
|
||
|
to be our advocate with the Son.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[2.] The reason of this rebuke: <I>Mine hour is not yet come.</I> For
|
||
|
every thing Christ did, and that was done to him, he had <I>his
|
||
|
hour,</I> the <I>fixed</I> time and the <I>fittest</I> time, which was
|
||
|
punctually observed. <I>First,</I> "Mine hour for <I>working
|
||
|
miracles</I> is not yet come." Yet afterwards he wrought this, before
|
||
|
the hour, because he foresaw it would confirm the faith of his infant
|
||
|
disciples
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
which was the end of all his miracles: so that this was an earnest of
|
||
|
the many miracles he would work when his <I>hour was come.
|
||
|
Secondly,</I> "Mine hour of working miracles <I>openly</I> is <I>not
|
||
|
yet come;</I> therefore do not talk of it thus <I>publicly."
|
||
|
Thirdly,</I> "It <I>not the hour</I> of my exemption from thy authority
|
||
|
<I>yet come,</I> now that I have begun to act as a prophet?" So Gregory
|
||
|
Nyssen. <I>Fourthly,</I> "Mine hour for working <I>this miracle</I> is
|
||
|
not yet come." His mother moved him to help them <I>when the wine began
|
||
|
to fail</I> (so it may be read,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
but his hour was not yet come till it was quite spent, and there was a
|
||
|
<I>total want;</I> not only to prevent any suspicion of mixing some of
|
||
|
the wine that was left with the water, but to teach us that man's
|
||
|
extremity is God's opportunity to appear for the help and relief of his
|
||
|
people. Then <I>his hour is come</I> when we are reduced to the utmost
|
||
|
strait, and know not what to do. This encouraged those that waited for
|
||
|
him to believe that though his hour was not <I>yet come</I> it would
|
||
|
come. Note, The delays of mercy are not to be construed the denials of
|
||
|
prayer. <I>At the end it shall speak.</I></P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(3.) Notwithstanding this, she encouraged herself with expectations
|
||
|
that he would help her friends in this strait, for she bade the
|
||
|
servants <I>observe his orders,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
[1.] She took the reproof very submissively, and did not reply to it.
|
||
|
It is best not to deserve reproof from Christ, but next best to be meek
|
||
|
and quiet under it, and to count it a kindness,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+141:5">Ps. cxli. 5</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
[2.] She kept her hope in Christ's mercy, that he would yet grant her
|
||
|
desire. When we come to God in Christ for any mercy, two things
|
||
|
discourage us:--<I>First,</I> Sense of <I>our own follies</I> and
|
||
|
infirmities "Surely such imperfect prayers as ours cannot speed."
|
||
|
<I>Secondly,</I> Sense of <I>our Lord's frowns and rebukes.</I>
|
||
|
Afflictions are continued, deliverances delayed, and God seems angry at
|
||
|
our prayers. This was the case of the mother of our Lord here, and yet
|
||
|
she encourages herself with hope that he will at length give in an
|
||
|
answer of peace, to teach us to wrestle with God by faith and fervency
|
||
|
in prayer, even when he seems in his providence to walk contrary to us.
|
||
|
We must <I>against hope believe in hope,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+4:18">Rom. iv. 18</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
[3.] She directed the servants to have an eye <I>to him</I>
|
||
|
immediately, and not to make their applications to her, as it is
|
||
|
probable <I>they had done.</I> She quits all pretensions to an
|
||
|
<I>influence</I> upon him, or <I>intercession</I> with him; let their
|
||
|
souls <I>wait only</I> on him,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+62:5">Ps. lxii. 5</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
[4.] She directed them punctually to observe his orders, without
|
||
|
disputing, or asking questions. Being conscious to herself of a fault
|
||
|
in <I>prescribing</I> to him, she cautions the servants to take heed of
|
||
|
the same fault, and to attend both his time and his way for supply:
|
||
|
"<I>Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it,</I> though you may think it
|
||
|
ever so improper. If he saith, Give the guests water, when they call
|
||
|
for wine, do it. If he saith, Pour out from the bottoms of the vessels
|
||
|
that are spent, do it. He can make a few drops of wine multiply to so
|
||
|
many draughts." Note, Those that expect Christ's <I>favours</I> must
|
||
|
with an implicit obedience observe his <I>orders.</I> The way of duty
|
||
|
is the way to mercy; and Christ's methods must not be objected
|
||
|
against.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(4.) Christ did at length miraculously supply them; for he is often
|
||
|
better than his word, but never worse.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[1.] The miracle itself was <I>turning water into wine;</I> the
|
||
|
substance of water acquiring a new form, and having all the accidents
|
||
|
and qualities of wine. Such a <I>transformation</I> is a
|
||
|
<I>miracle;</I> but the popish <I>transubstantiation,</I> the substance
|
||
|
changed, the accidents remaining the same, is a monster. By this Christ
|
||
|
showed himself to be the God of nature, who maketh the earth to bring
|
||
|
forth wine,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+109:14,15">Ps. cix. 14, 15</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
The extracting of the blood of the grape every year from the moisture
|
||
|
of the earth is no less a work of power, though, being according to the
|
||
|
common law of nature, it is not such a work of wonder, as this. The
|
||
|
beginning of Moses's miracles was turning water into blood
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+4:9,7:20">Exod. iv. 9; vii. 20</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
the beginning of Christ's miracles was turning water into wine; which
|
||
|
intimates the difference between the law of Moses and the gospel of
|
||
|
Christ. The curse of the law turns water into blood, common comforts
|
||
|
into bitterness and terror; the blessing of the gospel turns water into
|
||
|
wine. Christ hereby showed that his errand into the world was to
|
||
|
heighten and improve creature-comforts to all believers, and make them
|
||
|
comforts indeed. Shiloh is said to <I>wash his garments in wine</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+49:11">Gen. xlix. 11</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
the water for washing being <I>turned into wine.</I> And the gospel
|
||
|
call is, <I>Come ye to the waters, and buy wine,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+55:1">Isa. lv. 1</A>.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[2.] The circumstances of it magnified it and freed it from all
|
||
|
suspicion of cheat or collusion; for,</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>First,</I> It was done in water-pots
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>):
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>There were set there six water-pots of stone.</I> Observe,
|
||
|
|
||
|
1. For what use these water-pots were intended: for the legal
|
||
|
purifications from ceremonial pollutions enjoined by the law of God,
|
||
|
and many more by the tradition of the elders. The <I>Jews eat not,
|
||
|
except they wash often</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+7:3">Mark vii. 3</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
and they used much water in their washing, for which reason here were
|
||
|
six large water-pots provided. It was a saying among them, <I>Qui
|
||
|
multâ utitur aquâ in lavando, multas consequetur in hoc
|
||
|
mundo divitias--He who uses much water in washing will gain much wealth
|
||
|
in this world.</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
2. To what use Christ put them, quite different from what they were
|
||
|
intended for; to be the receptacles of the miraculous wine. Thus Christ
|
||
|
came to bring in the grace of the gospel, which is as <I>wine,</I> that
|
||
|
cheereth God and man
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jdg+9:13">Judg. ix. 13</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
instead of the shadows of the law, which were as water, <I>weak and
|
||
|
beggarly elements.</I> These were <I>water-pots,</I> that had never
|
||
|
been used to have wine in them; and of <I>stone,</I> which is not apt
|
||
|
to retain the scent of former liquors, if ever they had had wine in
|
||
|
them. They contained <I>two or three firkins apiece;</I> two or three
|
||
|
<I>measures, baths,</I> or <I>ephahs;</I> the quantity is uncertain,
|
||
|
but very considerable. We may be sure that it was not intended to be
|
||
|
all drank at this feast, but for a further kindness to the new-married
|
||
|
couple, as the multiplied oil was to the poor widow, out of which she
|
||
|
might <I>pay her debt,</I> and <I>live of the rest,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+4:7">2 Kings iv. 7</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
Christ gives like himself, gives abundantly, according to his riches in
|
||
|
glory. It is the penman's language to say, <I>They contained two or
|
||
|
three firkins,</I> for the Holy Spirit could have ascertained just how
|
||
|
much; thus (as
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:19"><I>ch.</I> vi. 19</A>)
|
||
|
|
||
|
teaching us to speak cautiously, and not confidently, of those things
|
||
|
of which we have not good assurance.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>Secondly,</I> The water-pots were filled <I>up to the brim</I> by
|
||
|
the servants at Christ's word,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
As Moses, the servant of the Lord, when God bade him, went to the rock,
|
||
|
to draw water; so these servants, when Christ bade them, went to the
|
||
|
water, to fetch wine. Note, Since no difficulties can be opposed to the
|
||
|
arm of God's power, no improbabilities are to be objected against the
|
||
|
word of his command.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>Thirdly,</I> The miracle was wrought suddenly, and in such a manner
|
||
|
as greatly magnified it.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>a.</I> As soon as they had filled the water-pots, presently he said,
|
||
|
<I>Draw out now</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
and it was done,
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<I>a.</I>) Without any ceremony, in the eye of the spectators. One
|
||
|
would have thought, as Naaman, he should have come out, and
|
||
|
<I>stood,</I> and <I>called on the name of God,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+5:11">2 Kings v. 11</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
No, he sits still in his place, says not a word, but <I>wills</I> the
|
||
|
thing, and so works it. Note, Christ does great things and marvellous
|
||
|
<I>without noise,</I> works manifest changes in a hidden way. Sometimes
|
||
|
Christ, in working miracles, used words and signs, but it was <I>for
|
||
|
their sakes that stood by,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+11:42"><I>ch.</I> xi. 42</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<I>b.</I>) Without any hesitation or uncertainty in his own breast. He
|
||
|
did not say, <I>Draw out now,</I> and let me <I>taste it,</I>
|
||
|
questioning whether the thing were done as he willed it or no; but with
|
||
|
the greatest assurance imaginable, though it was his <I>first
|
||
|
miracle,</I> he recommends it to the master of the feast <I>first.</I>
|
||
|
As he knew what he <I>would</I> do, so he knew what he <I>could</I> do,
|
||
|
and made no essay in his work; but all was good, very good, even in the
|
||
|
beginning.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>b.</I> Our Lord Jesus directed the servants,
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<I>a.</I>) To <I>draw it out;</I> not to let it alone in the vessel,
|
||
|
to be admired, but to <I>draw it out,</I> to be drank. Note,
|
||
|
|
||
|
[<I>a.</I>] Christ's works are all <I>for use;</I> he gives no man a
|
||
|
talent to be <I>buried,</I> but to be <I>traded with.</I> Has he turned
|
||
|
thy water into wine, given thee knowledge and grace? It is to <I>profit
|
||
|
withal;</I> and therefore <I>draw out now.</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[<I>b.</I>] Those that would know Christ must make trial of him, must
|
||
|
attend upon him in the use of ordinary means, and then may expect
|
||
|
extraordinary influence. That which is <I>laid up</I> for all that
|
||
|
<I>fear God</I> is <I>wrought for those that trust in him</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+31:19">Ps. xxxi. 19</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
that by the exercise of faith <I>draw out</I> what is <I>laid up.</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<I>b.</I>) To present it to <I>the governor of the feast.</I> Some
|
||
|
think that this <I>governor of the feast</I> was only the chief guest,
|
||
|
that sat at the upper end of the table; but, if so, surely our Lord
|
||
|
Jesus should have had that place, for he was, upon all accounts, the
|
||
|
principal guest; but it seems another had the uppermost room, probably
|
||
|
one that <I>loved</I> it
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+23:6">Matt. xxiii. 6</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
and <I>chose</I> it,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+14:7">Luke xiv. 7</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
And Christ, according to his own rule, <I>sat down in the lowest
|
||
|
room;</I> but, though he was not treated as the Master of the feast, he
|
||
|
kindly approved himself a friend to the feast, and, if not its founder,
|
||
|
yet its best benefactor. Others think that this <I>governor</I> was the
|
||
|
inspector and monitor of the feast: the same with Plutarch's
|
||
|
<I>symposiarcha,</I> whose office it was to see that each had enough,
|
||
|
and none did exceed, and that there were no indecencies or disorders.
|
||
|
Note, Feasts have need of governors, because too many, when they are at
|
||
|
feasts, have not the government of themselves. Some think that this
|
||
|
<I>governor</I> was the <I>chaplain,</I> some priest or Levite that
|
||
|
craved a blessing and gave thanks, and Christ would have the cup
|
||
|
brought to him, that he might bless it, and bless God for it; for the
|
||
|
extraordinary tokens of Christ's presence and power were not to
|
||
|
supersede, or jostle out, the ordinary rules and methods of piety and
|
||
|
devotion.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>Fourthly,</I> The wine which was thus miraculously provided was of
|
||
|
the best and richest kind, which was acknowledged by the governor of
|
||
|
the feast; and that it was really so, and not his fancy, is certain,
|
||
|
because he knew not whence it was,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:9,10"><I>v.</I> 9, 10.</A>
|
||
|
|
||
|
1. It was certain that this was <I>wine.</I> The governor knew this
|
||
|
when he drank it, though he knew not <I>whence it was;</I> the servants
|
||
|
knew whence it was, but had not yet tasted it. If the taster had seen
|
||
|
the drawing of it, or the drawers had had the tasting of it, something
|
||
|
might have been imputed to fancy; but now no room is left for
|
||
|
suspicion.
|
||
|
|
||
|
2. That it was the best wine. Note, Christ's works commend themselves
|
||
|
even to those that know not their author. The products of miracles were
|
||
|
always the best in their kind. This wine had a <I>stronger body,</I>
|
||
|
and <I>better flavour,</I> than ordinary. This the governor of the
|
||
|
feast takes notice of to the bridegroom, with an air of pleasantness,
|
||
|
as <I>uncommon.</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(1.) The common method was otherwise. Good wine is brought out to the
|
||
|
best advantage at the beginning of a feast, when the guests have their
|
||
|
heads clear and their appetites fresh, and can relish it, and will
|
||
|
commend it; but <I>when they have well drank,</I> when their heads are
|
||
|
confused, and their appetites palled, good wine is but thrown away upon
|
||
|
them, worse will serve then. See the vanity of all the pleasures of
|
||
|
sense; they soon surfeit, but never satisfy; the longer they are
|
||
|
enjoyed, the less pleasant they grow.
|
||
|
|
||
|
(2.) This bridegroom obliged his friends with a reserve of the best
|
||
|
wine for the grace-cup: <I>Thou hast kept the good wine until now;</I>
|
||
|
not knowing to whom they were indebted for this good wine, he returns
|
||
|
the thanks of the table to the bridegroom. <I>She did not know that I
|
||
|
gave her corn and wine,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+2:8">Hos. ii. 8</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
Now,
|
||
|
|
||
|
[1.] Christ, in providing thus plentifully for the guests, though he
|
||
|
hereby allows a sober cheerful use of wine, especially in times of
|
||
|
rejoicing
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ne+8:10">Neh. viii. 10</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
yet he does not invalidate his own caution, nor invade it, in the
|
||
|
least, which is, that our hearts be not <I>at any time,</I> no not at a
|
||
|
marriage feast, <I>overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+21:34">Luke xxi. 34</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
When Christ provided so much <I>good wine</I> for them that had <I>well
|
||
|
drunk,</I> he intended to try their sobriety, and to teach them <I>how
|
||
|
to abound,</I> as well as <I>how to want.</I> Temperance <I>per
|
||
|
force</I> is a thankless virtue; but if divine providence gives us
|
||
|
abundance of the delights of sense, and divine grace enables us to use
|
||
|
them moderately, this is self-denial that is praiseworthy. He also
|
||
|
intended that some should be left for the confirmation of the truth of
|
||
|
the miracle to the faith of others. And we have reason to think that
|
||
|
the guests at this table were so well <I>taught,</I> or at least were
|
||
|
now so well awed by the presence of Christ, that none of them abused
|
||
|
this wine to excess. Theses two considerations, drawn from this story,
|
||
|
may be sufficient at any time to fortify us against temptations to
|
||
|
intemperance: <I>First,</I> That our meat and drink are the <I>gifts of
|
||
|
God's bounty</I> to us, and we owe our liberty to use them, and our
|
||
|
comfort in the use of them, to the mediation of Christ; it is therefore
|
||
|
ungrateful and impious to abuse them. <I>Secondly,</I> That, wherever
|
||
|
we are, Christ has his eye upon us; we should <I>eat bread before
|
||
|
God</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+18:12">Exod. xviii. 12</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
and then we should not <I>feed ourselves without fear.</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[2.] He has given us a specimen of the method he takes in dealing with
|
||
|
those that deal with him, which is, to reserve the <I>best</I> for the
|
||
|
<I>last,</I> and therefore they must <I>deal upon trust.</I> The
|
||
|
recompence of their services and sufferings is reserved for the other
|
||
|
world; it is a glory <I>to be revealed.</I> The pleasures of sin give
|
||
|
their colour in the cup, but <I>at the last bite;</I> but the pleasures
|
||
|
of religion will be <I>pleasures for evermore.</I></P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
III. In the conclusion of this story
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>)
|
||
|
|
||
|
we are told,
|
||
|
|
||
|
1. That this was <I>the beginning of miracles</I> which Jesus did. Many
|
||
|
miracles had been wrought <I>concerning</I> him at his birth and
|
||
|
baptism, and he himself was the greatest miracle of all; but this was
|
||
|
the first that was wrought <I>by</I> him. He could have wrought
|
||
|
miracles when he disputed with the doctors, but his hour was not come.
|
||
|
He had power, but there was a <I>time of the hiding of his power.</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
2. That herein he <I>manifested his glory;</I> hereby he proved himself
|
||
|
to be the Son of God, and his glory to be that of the only-begotten of
|
||
|
the Father. He also discovered the nature and end of his office; the
|
||
|
power of a God, and the grace of a Saviour, appearing in all his
|
||
|
miracles, and particularly in this, manifested the glory of the
|
||
|
long-expected Messiah.
|
||
|
|
||
|
3. That <I>his disciples believed on him.</I> Those whom he had called
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:35-51"><I>ch.</I> i.</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
who had seen no miracle, and yet followed him, now saw this, shared in
|
||
|
it, and had their faith strengthened by it. Note,
|
||
|
|
||
|
(1.) Even the faith that is true is at first but weak. The strongest
|
||
|
men were once babes, so were the strongest Christians.
|
||
|
|
||
|
(2.) The manifesting of the glory of Christ is the great confirmation
|
||
|
of the faith of Christians.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_12"> </A>
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_13"> </A>
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_14"> </A>
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_15"> </A>
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_16"> </A>
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_17"> </A>
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_18"> </A>
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_19"> </A>
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_20"> </A>
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_21"> </A>
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_22"> </A>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
|
||
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
||
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Temple-Merchandise Punished; Christ's Death and Resurrection Foretold.</I></FONT></TD>
|
||
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
||
|
</TABLE>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother,
|
||
|
and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not
|
||
|
many days.
|
||
|
13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to
|
||
|
Jerusalem,
|
||
|
14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and
|
||
|
doves, and the changers of money sitting:
|
||
|
15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them
|
||
|
all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured
|
||
|
out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
|
||
|
16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence;
|
||
|
make not my Father's house a house of merchandise.
|
||
|
17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal
|
||
|
of thine house hath eaten me up.
|
||
|
18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign showest
|
||
|
thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
|
||
|
19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and
|
||
|
in three days I will raise it up.
|
||
|
20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in
|
||
|
building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
|
||
|
21 But he spake of the temple of his body.
|
||
|
22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples
|
||
|
remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the
|
||
|
scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
|
||
|
</FONT></P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
Here we have,</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
I. The short visit Christ made to Capernaum,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
It was a large and populous city, about a day's journey from Cana; it
|
||
|
is called <I>his own city</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+9:1">Matt. ix. 1</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
because he made it his head-quarters in Galilee, and what little rest
|
||
|
he had was there. It was a place of concourse, and <I>therefore</I>
|
||
|
Christ chose it, that the fame of his doctrine and miracles might
|
||
|
thence spread the further. Observe,</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
1. The company that attended him thither: <I>his mother, his brethren,
|
||
|
and his disciples.</I> Wherever Christ went,
|
||
|
|
||
|
(1.) He <I>would not</I> go alone, but would take those with him who
|
||
|
had put themselves under his guidance, that he might instruct them, and
|
||
|
that they might attest his miracles.
|
||
|
|
||
|
(2.) He <I>could not</I> go alone, but they would follow him, because
|
||
|
they liked the sweetness either of his doctrine or of his wine,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:26"><I>ch.</I> vi. 26</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
His mother, though he had lately given her to understand that in the
|
||
|
works of his ministry he should pay no more respect to her than to any
|
||
|
other person, yet followed him; not to intercede with him, but to learn
|
||
|
of him. His <I>brethren</I> also and relations, who were at the
|
||
|
marriage and were wrought upon by the miracle there, and <I>his
|
||
|
disciples,</I> who attended him wherever he went. It should seem,
|
||
|
people were more affected with Christ's miracles at first than they
|
||
|
were afterwards, when custom made them seem less strange.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
2. His continuance there, which was at this time <I>not many days,</I>
|
||
|
designing now only to <I>begin</I> the acquaintance he would afterwards
|
||
|
<I>improve</I> there. Christ was still upon the remove, would not
|
||
|
confine his usefulness to <I>one</I> place, because <I>many</I> needed
|
||
|
him. And he would teach his followers to look upon themselves but as
|
||
|
<I>sojourners</I> in this world, and his ministers to follow their
|
||
|
opportunities, and go where their work led them. We do not now find
|
||
|
Christ in the synagogues, but he privately instructed his friends, and
|
||
|
thus entered upon his work <I>by degrees.</I> It is good for young
|
||
|
ministers to accustom themselves to pious and edifying discourse in
|
||
|
private, that they may with the better preparation, and greater awe,
|
||
|
approach their public work. He did not stay long at Capernaum, because
|
||
|
the passover was at hand, and he must attend it at Jerusalem; for every
|
||
|
thing is beautiful in its season. The less good must give way to the
|
||
|
greater, and all the dwellings of Jacob must give place to the gates of
|
||
|
Zion.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
II. The passover he kept at Jerusalem; it is the <I>first</I> after his
|
||
|
baptism, and the evangelist takes notice of all the passovers he kept
|
||
|
henceforward, which were four in all, the <I>fourth</I> that at which
|
||
|
he suffered (three years after this), and half a year was now past
|
||
|
since his baptism. Christ, being <I>made under the law,</I> observed
|
||
|
the passover at Jerusalem; see
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+23:17">Exod. xxiii. 17</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
Thus he taught us by his example a strict observance of divine
|
||
|
institutions, and a diligent attendance on religious assemblies. He
|
||
|
went up to Jerusalem when <I>the passover was at hand,</I> that he
|
||
|
might be there <I>with the first.</I> It is called <I>the Jews'
|
||
|
passover,</I> because it was peculiar to them (Christ is <I>our</I>
|
||
|
Passover); now shortly God will no longer own it for his. Christ kept
|
||
|
the passover at Jerusalem yearly, ever since he was twelve years old,
|
||
|
in obedience to the law; but now that he has entered upon his public
|
||
|
ministry we may expect something more from him than before; and two
|
||
|
things we are here told he did there:--</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
1. He <I>purged the temple,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:14-17"><I>v.</I> 14-17</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
Observe here,</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(1.) The first place we find him in at Jerusalem was the <I>temple,</I>
|
||
|
and, it should seem, he did not make any public appearance till he came
|
||
|
thither; for his presence and preaching there were that glory of the
|
||
|
latter house which was to <I>exceed the glory of the former,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Hag+2:9">Hag. ii. 9</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
It was foretold
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+3:1">Mal. iii. 1</A>):
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>I will send my messenger,</I> John Baptist; he never preached in the
|
||
|
temple, but <I>the Lord, whom ye seek,</I> he shall <I>suddenly come to
|
||
|
his temple,</I> suddenly after the appearing of John Baptist; so that
|
||
|
this was the time, and the temple the place, when, and where, the
|
||
|
Messiah was to be expected.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(2.) The first work we find him at in the temple was the <I>purging</I>
|
||
|
of it; for so it was foretold there
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+3:2,3">Mal. iii. 2, 3</A>):
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>He shall sit as a refiner and purify the sons of Levi.</I> Now was
|
||
|
come the <I>time of reformation.</I> Christ came to be the great
|
||
|
reformer; and, according to the method of the reforming kings of Judah,
|
||
|
he first <I>purged out</I> what was amiss (and that used to be
|
||
|
passover-work too, as in Hezekiah's time,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ch+30:14,15">2 Chron. xxx. 14, 15</A>,
|
||
|
|
||
|
and Josiah's,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+23:4">2 Kings xxiii. 4</A>,
|
||
|
|
||
|
&c.), and
|
||
|
then taught them to do well. First <I>purge out the old leaven,</I> and
|
||
|
then <I>keep the feast.</I> Christ's design in coming into the world
|
||
|
was to reform the world; and he expects that all who come to him should
|
||
|
reform their hearts and lives,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+35:2">Gen. xxxv. 2</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
And this he has taught us by purging the temple. See here,</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[1.] What were the corruptions that were to be purged out. He found a
|
||
|
market in one of the courts of the temple, that which was called the
|
||
|
<I>court of the Gentiles,</I> within the <I>mountain of that house.</I>
|
||
|
There, <I>First,</I> They sold <I>oxen, and sheep, and doves,</I> for
|
||
|
sacrifice; we will suppose, not for common use, but for the convenience
|
||
|
of those who came out of the country, and could not bring their
|
||
|
sacrifices <I>in kind</I> along with them; see
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+14:24-26">Deut. xiv. 24-26</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
This <I>market</I> perhaps had been kept by the pool of Bethesda
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+5:2"><I>ch.</I> v. 2</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
but was admitted into the temple by the chief priests, for filthy
|
||
|
lucre; for, no doubt, the rents for standing there, and fees for
|
||
|
searching the beasts sold there, and certifying that they were
|
||
|
<I>without blemish,</I> would be a considerable revenue to them. Great
|
||
|
corruptions in the church owe their rise to the love of money,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+6:5,10">1 Tim. vi. 5, 10.</A>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>Secondly,</I> They <I>changed money,</I> for the convenience of
|
||
|
those that were to pay a half-shekel <I>in specie</I> every year, by
|
||
|
way of poll, for the service of the tabernacle
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+30:12">Exod. xxx. 12</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
and no doubt they got by it.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[2.] What course our Lord took to purge out those corruptions. He had
|
||
|
seen these in the temple formerly, when he was in a private station;
|
||
|
but never went about to drive them out till now, when he had taken upon
|
||
|
him the public character of a prophet. He did not complain to the
|
||
|
chief priests, for he knew they countenanced those corruptions. But he
|
||
|
himself,</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>First, Drove out the sheep and oxen,</I> and those that <I>sold
|
||
|
them,</I> out of the temple. He never used <I>force</I> to drive any
|
||
|
<I>into</I> the temple, but only to drive those out that profaned it.
|
||
|
He did not seize the sheep and oxen for himself, did not
|
||
|
<I>distrain</I> and impound them, though he found them <I>damage
|
||
|
faissant-actual trespassers</I> upon his Father's ground; he only drove
|
||
|
them out, and their owners with them. He made a scourge of <I>small
|
||
|
cords,</I> which probably they had led their sheep and oxen with, and
|
||
|
thrown them away upon the ground, whence Christ gathered them. Sinners
|
||
|
prepare the scourges with which they themselves will be driven out from
|
||
|
the temple of the Lord. He did not make a scourge to chastise the
|
||
|
offenders (his punishments are of another nature), but only to drive
|
||
|
out the cattle; he aimed no further than at reformation. See
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+13:3,4,2Co+10:8">Rom. xiii. 3, 4; 2 Cor. x. 8</A>.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>Secondly,</I> He <I>poured out the changers' money,</I> <B><I>to
|
||
|
kerma</I></B>--<I>the small money</I>--the <I>Nummorum Famulus.</I> In
|
||
|
<I>pouring out</I> the money, he showed his contempt of it; he threw it
|
||
|
to the ground, to the earth as it <I>was.</I> In <I>overthrowing</I> the
|
||
|
tables, he showed his displeasure against those that make religion a
|
||
|
matter of worldly gain. Money-changers in the temple are the scandal of
|
||
|
it. Note, In reformation, it is good to make thorough work; he <I>drove
|
||
|
them all out;</I> and not only threw out the money, but, in overturning
|
||
|
the tables, threw out the trade too.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>Thirdly, He said to them that sold doves</I> (sacrifices for the
|
||
|
poor), <I>Take these things hence.</I> The doves, though they took up
|
||
|
less room, and were a less nuisance than the oxen and sheep, yet must
|
||
|
not be allowed there. The sparrows and swallows were welcome, that were
|
||
|
left to God's providence
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+84:3">Ps. lxxxiv. 3</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
but not the doves, that were appropriated to man's profit. God's temple
|
||
|
must not be made a pigeon-house. But see Christ's prudence in his zeal.
|
||
|
When he drove out the sheep and oxen, the owners might follow them;
|
||
|
when he poured out the money, they might gather it up again; but, if he
|
||
|
had turned the doves flying, perhaps they could not have been
|
||
|
retrieved; therefore to them that sold doves he said, <I>Take these
|
||
|
things hence.</I> Note, Discretion must always guide and govern our
|
||
|
zeal, that we do nothing unbecoming ourselves, or mischievous to
|
||
|
others.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>Fourthly,</I> He gave them a good reason for what he did: <I>Make
|
||
|
not my Father's house a house of merchandise.</I> Reason for conviction
|
||
|
should accompany force for correction.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>a.</I> Here is a reason why they should not profane the temple,
|
||
|
because it was the <I>house of God,</I> and not to be made a house of
|
||
|
merchandise. Merchandise is a good thing in the exchange, but not in
|
||
|
the temple. This was,
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<I>a.</I>) to <I>alienate</I> that which was dedicated to the honour
|
||
|
of God; it was <I>sacrilege;</I> it was robbing God.
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<I>b.</I>) It was to debase that which was solemn and awful, and to
|
||
|
make it mean.
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<I>c.</I>) It was to disturb and distract those services in which men
|
||
|
ought to be most solemn, serious, and intent. It was particularly an
|
||
|
affront to the <I>sons of the stranger</I> in their worship to be
|
||
|
forced to herd themselves with the sheep and oxen, and to be distracted
|
||
|
in their worship by the noise of a market, for this market was kept in
|
||
|
the court of the Gentiles.
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<I>d.</I>) It was to make the business of religion subservient to a
|
||
|
secular interest; for the holiness of the place must advance the
|
||
|
market, and promote the sale of their commodities. Those make God's
|
||
|
house a house of merchandise,
|
||
|
|
||
|
[<I>a.</I>] Whose minds are filled with cares about worldly business
|
||
|
when they are attending on religious exercises, as those,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Am+8:5,Eze+33:31">Amos viii. 5; Ezek. xxxiii. 31</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
[<I>b.</I>] Who perform divine offices for filthy lucre, and sell the
|
||
|
gifts of the Holy Ghost,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+8:18">Acts viii. 18</A>.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>b.</I> Here is a reason why he was concerned to purge it, because it
|
||
|
<I>was his Father's house.</I> And,
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<I>a.</I>) Therefore he had authority to purge it, for he was
|
||
|
faithful, as a Son <I>over his own house.</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+3:5,6">Heb. iii. 5, 6</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
In calling God his Father, he intimates that he was the Messiah, of
|
||
|
whom it was said, <I>He shall build a house for my name, and I will be
|
||
|
his Father,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+7:13,14">2 Sam. vii. 13, 14</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<I>b.</I>) Therefore he had a zeal for the purging of it: "It is <I>my
|
||
|
Father's house,</I> and therefore I cannot bear to see it profaned, and
|
||
|
<I>him</I> dishonoured." Note, If God be our Father in heaven, and it
|
||
|
be therefore our desire that his name may be sanctified, it cannot but
|
||
|
be our grief to see it polluted. Christ's purging the temple thus may
|
||
|
justly be reckoned among his <I>wonderful works. Inter omnia signa
|
||
|
quæ fecit Dominus, hoc mihi videtur esse mirabilius--Of all
|
||
|
Christ's wonderful works this appears to me the most
|
||
|
wonderful.</I>--Hieron. Considering,
|
||
|
|
||
|
[<I>a.</I>] That he did it without the <I>assistance</I> of any of his
|
||
|
<I>friends;</I> probably it had been no hard matter to have raised the
|
||
|
<I>mob,</I> who had a great veneration for the temple, against these
|
||
|
profaners of it; but Christ never countenanced any thing that was
|
||
|
tumultuous or disorderly. There was one to <I>uphold,</I> but his own
|
||
|
arm did it.
|
||
|
|
||
|
[<I>b.</I>] That he did it without the <I>resistance</I> of any of his
|
||
|
<I>enemies,</I> either the market-people themselves, or the chief
|
||
|
priests that gave them their licences, and had the <I>posse
|
||
|
templi--temple force,</I> at their command. But the corruption was too
|
||
|
plain to be justified; sinners' own consciences are reformers' best
|
||
|
friends; yet that was not all, there was a divine power put forth
|
||
|
herein, a power over the spirits of men; and in this non-resistance of
|
||
|
theirs that scripture was fulfilled
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+3:2,3">Mal. iii. 2, 3</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>Who shall stand when he appeareth?</I></P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>Fifthly,</I> Here is the remark which his disciples made upon it
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>):
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>They remembered that it was written, The Zeal of thine house hath
|
||
|
eaten me up.</I> They were somewhat surprised at first to see him to
|
||
|
whom they were directed as the <I>Lamb of God</I> in such a heat, and
|
||
|
him whom they believed to be the <I>King of Israel</I> take so little
|
||
|
state upon him as to do this himself; but one scripture came to their
|
||
|
thoughts, which taught them to reconcile this action both with the
|
||
|
meekness of the <I>Lamb of God</I> and with the majesty of the <I>King
|
||
|
of Israel;</I> for David, speaking of the Messiah, takes notice of his
|
||
|
<I>zeal for God's house,</I> as so great that it even <I>ate him
|
||
|
up,</I> it made him forget himself,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+69:9">Ps. lxix. 9</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
Observe,
|
||
|
|
||
|
1. The disciples came to understand the meaning of what Christ did, by
|
||
|
remembering the scriptures: <I>They remembered</I> now <I>that it was
|
||
|
written.</I> Note, The word of God and the works of God do mutually
|
||
|
explain and illustrate each other. Dark scriptures are expounded by
|
||
|
their accomplishment in providence, and difficult providences are made
|
||
|
easy by comparing them with the scriptures. See of what great use it is
|
||
|
to the disciples of Christ to be <I>ready</I> and <I>mighty</I> in the
|
||
|
scriptures, and to have their memories well stored with scripture
|
||
|
truths, by which they will be <I>furnished for every good work,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
2. The scripture they remembered was very apposite: <I>The zeal of
|
||
|
thine house hath eaten me up.</I> David was in this a type of Christ
|
||
|
that he was <I>zealous for God's house,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+132:2,3">Ps. cxxxii. 2, 3</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
What he did for it was <I>with all his might;</I> see
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+29:2">1 Chron. xxix. 2</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
The latter part of that verse
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+69:9">Ps. lxix. 9</A>)
|
||
|
|
||
|
is applied to Christ
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+15:3">Rom. xv. 3</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
as the former part of it here. All the graces that were to be found
|
||
|
among the Old-Testament saints were eminently in Christ, and
|
||
|
particularly this of zeal for the house of God, and in them, as they
|
||
|
were patterns to us, so they were types of him. Observe,
|
||
|
|
||
|
(1.) Jesus Christ was zealously affected to the house of God, his
|
||
|
church: he loved it, and was always jealous for its honour and welfare.
|
||
|
|
||
|
(2.) This zeal did even <I>eat him up;</I> it made him <I>humble</I>
|
||
|
himself, and <I>spend</I> himself, and <I>expose</I> himself. <I>My
|
||
|
zeal has consumed me,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+119:139">Ps. cxix. 139</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
Zeal for the house of God forbids us to consult our own credit, ease,
|
||
|
and safety, when they come in competition with our duty and Christ's
|
||
|
service, and sometimes carries on our souls in our duty so far and so
|
||
|
fast that our bodies cannot keep pace with them, and makes us as deaf
|
||
|
as our Master was to those who suggested, <I>Spare thyself.</I> The
|
||
|
grievances here redressed might seem but small, and such as should have
|
||
|
been connived at; but such was Christ's zeal that he could not bear
|
||
|
even <I>those</I> that <I>sold and bought in the temple. Si ibi ebrios
|
||
|
inveniret quid faceret Dominus!</I> (saith St. Austin.) <I>If he had
|
||
|
found drunkards in the temple, how much more would he have been
|
||
|
displeased!</I></P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
2. Christ, having thus purged the temple, gave a sign to those who
|
||
|
demanded it to prove his authority for so doing. Observe here,</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(1.) Their demand of a sign: <I>Then answered the Jews,</I> that is the
|
||
|
multitude of the people, with their leaders. Being Jews, they should
|
||
|
rather have stood by him, and assisted him to vindicate the honour of
|
||
|
their temple; but, instead of this, they objected against it. Note,
|
||
|
Those who apply themselves in good earnest to the work of reformation
|
||
|
must expect to meet with opposition. When they could object nothing
|
||
|
against the thing itself, they questioned his authority to do it:
|
||
|
"<I>What sign showest thou unto us,</I> to prove thyself authorized and
|
||
|
commissioned to do these things?" It was indeed a good work to purge
|
||
|
the temple; but what had he to do to undertake it, who was in no office
|
||
|
there? They looked upon it as an act of jurisdiction, and that he must
|
||
|
prove himself <I>a prophet, yea, more than a prophet.</I> But was not
|
||
|
the thing itself sign enough? His ability to drive so many from their
|
||
|
posts, without opposition, was a proof of his authority; he that was
|
||
|
armed with such a divine power was surely armed with a divine
|
||
|
commission. <I>What ailed these</I> buyers and sellers, <I>that they
|
||
|
fled, that they were driven back?</I> Surely it was <I>at the presence
|
||
|
of the Lord</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+114:5,7">Ps. cxiv. 5, 7</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
no less a presence.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(2.) Christ's answer to this demand,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
He did not immediately work a miracle to convince them, but gave them a
|
||
|
sign in something <I>to come,</I> the truth of which must appear by the
|
||
|
event, according to
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+18:21,22">Deut. xviii. 21, 22</A>.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
Now,
|
||
|
|
||
|
[1.] The sign that he gives them is his own <I>death</I> and
|
||
|
<I>resurrection.</I> He refers them to that which would be,
|
||
|
<I>First,</I> His <I>last</I> sign. If they would not be convinced by
|
||
|
what they saw and heard, let them <I>wait. Secondly,</I> The <I>great
|
||
|
sign</I> to prove him to be the Messiah; for concerning him it was
|
||
|
foretold that he should be bruised
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+53:5">Isa. liii. 5</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>cut off</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+9:26">Dan. ix. 26</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
and yet that he should not see corruption,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+16:10">Ps. xvi. 10.</A>
|
||
|
|
||
|
These things were fulfilled in the blessed Jesus, and therefore
|
||
|
<I>truly he was the Son of God,</I> and had authority in the temple,
|
||
|
his Father's house.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[2.] He foretels his death and resurrection, not in plain terms, as he
|
||
|
often did to his disciples, but in figurative expressions; as
|
||
|
afterwards, when he gave this for a sign, he called it the <I>sign of
|
||
|
the prophet Jonas,</I> so here, <I>Destroy this temple, and in three
|
||
|
days I will raise it up.</I> Thus he spoke in parables to those who
|
||
|
were willingly ignorant, that <I>they might not perceive,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+13:13,14">Matt. xiii. 13, 14</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
Those that will not see shall not see. Nay, this figurative speech used
|
||
|
here proved such a <I>stumbling-block</I> to them that it was produced
|
||
|
in evidence against him at his trial to prove him a blasphemer.
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:60,61">Matt. xxvi. 60, 61</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
Had they humbly asked him the meaning of what he said, he would have
|
||
|
told them, and it had been a savour of life unto life to them, but they
|
||
|
were resolved to cavil, and it proved a savour of death unto death.
|
||
|
They that would not be convinced were hardened, and the manner of
|
||
|
expressing this prediction occasioned the accomplishment of the
|
||
|
prediction itself. <I>First,</I> He foretels his death by the Jews'
|
||
|
malice, in these words, <I>Destroy you this temple;</I> that is, "You
|
||
|
will destroy it, I know you will. I will permit you to destroy it."
|
||
|
Note, Christ, even at the beginning of his ministry, had a clear
|
||
|
foresight of all his sufferings at the end of it, and yet went on
|
||
|
cheerfully in it. It is good, at <I>setting out,</I> to expect the
|
||
|
<I>worst. Secondly,</I> He foretels his resurrection by his own power:
|
||
|
In <I>three days I will raise it up.</I> There were others that <I>were
|
||
|
raised,</I> but Christ raised himself, resumed his own life.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[3.] He chose to express this by <I>destroying</I> and
|
||
|
<I>re-edifying</I> the temple, <I>First,</I> Because he was now to
|
||
|
justify himself in purging the temple, which they had profaned; as if
|
||
|
he had said, "You that defile one temple will destroy another; and I
|
||
|
will prove my authority to <I>purge</I> what you have <I>defiled</I> by
|
||
|
<I>raising</I> what you will <I>destroy.</I>" The profaning of the
|
||
|
temple is the <I>destroying</I> of it, and its reformation its
|
||
|
<I>resurrection. Secondly,</I> Because the death of Christ was indeed
|
||
|
the destruction of the Jewish temple, the procuring cause of it; and
|
||
|
his resurrection was the raising up of another temple, the gospel
|
||
|
church,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+6:12">Zech. vi. 12</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
The ruins of their place and <I>nation</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+11:48"><I>ch.</I> xi. 48</A>)
|
||
|
|
||
|
were the riches of the world. See
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Am+9:11,Ac+15:16">Amos ix. 11; Acts xv. 16</A>.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(3.) Their cavil at this answer: "<I>Forty and six years was this
|
||
|
temple in building,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:20"><I>v.</I> 20.</A>
|
||
|
|
||
|
Temple work was always slow work, and canst thou make such quick work
|
||
|
of it?" Now here,
|
||
|
|
||
|
[1.] They show <I>some knowledge;</I> they could tell how long the
|
||
|
temple was in building. Dr. Lightfoot computes that it was just
|
||
|
forty-six years from the founding of Zerubbabel's temple, in the second
|
||
|
year of Cyrus, to the complete settlement of the temple service, in the
|
||
|
32nd year of Artaxerxes; and the same from Herod's beginning to build
|
||
|
this temple, in the 18th year of his reign, to this very time, when the
|
||
|
Jews said that this as just forty-six years:
|
||
|
<B><I>okodomethe</I></B>--<I>hath this temple been built.</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[2.] They show <I>more ignorance, First,</I> Of the <I>meaning of
|
||
|
Christ's words.</I> Note, Men often run into gross mistakes by
|
||
|
understanding that literally which the scripture speaks figuratively.
|
||
|
What abundance of mischief has been done by interpreting, <I>This is my
|
||
|
body,</I> after a corporal and carnal manner! <I>Secondly,</I> Of
|
||
|
<I>the almighty power of Christ,</I> as if he could do no more than
|
||
|
another man. Had they known that this was he who <I>built all
|
||
|
things</I> in six days they would not have made it such an absurdity
|
||
|
that he should build a temple in three days.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(4.) A vindication of Christ's answer from their cavil. The difficulty
|
||
|
is soon solved by explaining the terms: <I>He spoke of the temple of
|
||
|
his body,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
Though Christ had discovered a great respect for the temple, in
|
||
|
<I>purging</I> it, yet he will have us know that the holiness of it,
|
||
|
which he was so jealous for, was but <I>typical,</I> and leads us to
|
||
|
the consideration of another temple of which that was but a shadow, the
|
||
|
substance being Christ,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+9:9,Col+2:17">Heb. ix. 9; Col. ii. 17</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
Some think that when he said, Destroy <I>this</I> temple, he pointed to
|
||
|
his own body, or laid his hand upon it; however, it is certain that he
|
||
|
<I>spoke of the temple of his body.</I> Note, The body of Christ is the
|
||
|
true temple, of which that at Jerusalem was a type.
|
||
|
|
||
|
[1.] Like the temple, it was built by immediate divine direction: "<I>A
|
||
|
body hast thou prepared me,</I>"
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+28:19">1 Chron. xxviii. 19</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
[2.] Like the temple, it was a <I>holy house;</I> it is called <I>that
|
||
|
holy thing.</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[3.] It was, like the temple, the habitation of God's glory; there the
|
||
|
eternal Word dwelt, the true shechinah. He is <I>Emmanuel--God with
|
||
|
us.</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[4.] The temple was the place and <I>medium</I> of intercourse between
|
||
|
God and Israel: there God revealed himself to them; there they
|
||
|
presented themselves and their services to him. Thus by Christ God
|
||
|
speaks to us, and we speak to him. Worshippers looked <I>towards</I>
|
||
|
that house,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+8:30,35">1 Kings viii. 30, 35</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
So we must worship God with an eye to Christ.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(5.) A reflection which the disciples made upon this, long after,
|
||
|
inserted here, to illustrate the story
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>):
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>When he was risen from the dead,</I> some years after, <I>his
|
||
|
disciples remembered that he had said this.</I> We found them,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>,
|
||
|
|
||
|
remembering what had been <I>written before of him,</I> and here we
|
||
|
find them remembering what they had <I>heard from him.</I> Note, The
|
||
|
memories of Christ's disciples should be like the treasure of the good
|
||
|
house-holder, furnished with things both <I>new</I> and <I>old,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+13:52">Matt. xiii. 52</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
Now observe,</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[1.] <I>When they remembered</I> that saying: <I>When he was risen from
|
||
|
the dead.</I> It seems, they did not at this time fully understand
|
||
|
Christ's meaning, for they were as yet but babes in knowledge; but they
|
||
|
laid up the saying in their hearts, and afterwards it became both
|
||
|
intelligible and useful. Note, It is good to <I>hear for the time to
|
||
|
come,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+42:23">Isa. xlii. 23</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
The juniors in years and profession should treasure up those truths of
|
||
|
which at present they do not well understand either the meaning or the
|
||
|
use, for they will be serviceable to them hereafter, when they come to
|
||
|
greater proficiency. It was said of the scholars of Pythagoras that his
|
||
|
precepts seemed to freeze in them till they were forty years old, and
|
||
|
then they began to thaw; so this saying of Christ revived in the
|
||
|
memories of his disciples <I>when he was risen from the dead;</I> and
|
||
|
why the? <I>First,</I> Because <I>then</I> the Spirit was poured out to
|
||
|
bring things to their remembrance which Christ had said to them, and to
|
||
|
make them both <I>easy</I> and <I>ready</I> to them,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:26"><I>ch.</I> xiv. 26</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
That very day that Christ rose form the dead he <I>opened their
|
||
|
understandings,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+24:45">Luke xxiv. 45</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
<I>Secondly,</I> Because then this saying of Christ was fulfilled. When
|
||
|
the temple of his body had been <I>destroyed</I> and was <I>raised
|
||
|
again,</I> and that upon the <I>third day,</I> then they remembered
|
||
|
this among other words which Christ had said to this purport. Note, It
|
||
|
contributes much to the understanding of the scripture to observe the
|
||
|
fulfilling of the scripture. The event will expound the prophecy.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
[2.] What use they made of it: <I>They believed the scripture, and the
|
||
|
word that Jesus had said;</I> their belief of these was confirmed and
|
||
|
received fresh support and vigour. They were slow of heart to believe
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+24:25">Luke xxiv. 25</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
but they were <I>sure.</I> The <I>scripture</I> and the <I>word of
|
||
|
Christ</I> are here put together, not because they concur and exactly
|
||
|
agree together, but because they mutually illustrate and strengthen
|
||
|
each other. When the disciples saw both what they had read in the Old
|
||
|
Testament, and what they had heard from Christ's own mouth, fulfilled
|
||
|
in his death and resurrection, they were the more confirmed in their
|
||
|
belief of both.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_23"> </A>
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_24"> </A>
|
||
|
<A NAME="Joh2_25"> </A>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
||
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
||
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Success of Christ's Ministry.</I></FONT></TD>
|
||
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
||
|
</TABLE>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast
|
||
|
<I>day,</I> many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles
|
||
|
which he did.
|
||
|
24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew
|
||
|
all <I>men,</I>
|
||
|
25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew
|
||
|
what was in man.
|
||
|
</FONT></P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
We have here an account of the success, the poor success, of Christ's
|
||
|
preaching and miracles at Jerusalem, while he kept the passover there.
|
||
|
Observe,</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
I. That our Lord Jesus, when he was at Jerusalem at the passover, did
|
||
|
preach and work miracles. People's <I>believing on him</I> implied that
|
||
|
he preached; and it is expressly said, <I>They saw the miracles he
|
||
|
did.</I> He was now in Jerusalem, the holy city, whence the <I>word of
|
||
|
the Lord</I> was to go <I>froth.</I> His residence was mostly in
|
||
|
Galilee, and therefore when he was <I>in Jerusalem</I> he was very
|
||
|
busy. The time was holy time, <I>the feast-day,</I> time appointed for
|
||
|
the service of God; at the passover the <I>Levites taught the good
|
||
|
knowledge of the Lord</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ch+30:22">2 Chron. xxx. 22</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
and Christ took that opportunity of preaching, when the concourse of
|
||
|
people was great, and thus he would own and honour the divine
|
||
|
institution of the passover.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
II. That hereby many were brought to <I>believe in his name,</I> to
|
||
|
acknowledge him a <I>teacher come from God,</I> as Nicodemus did
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+3:2"><I>ch.</I> iii. 2</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
a great prophet; and, probably, some of those who <I>looked for
|
||
|
redemption in Jerusalem</I> believed him to be the Messiah promised, so
|
||
|
ready were they to welcome the first appearance of that <I>bright and
|
||
|
morning star.</I></P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
III. That yet <I>Jesus did not commit himself unto them</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>):
|
||
|
|
||
|
<B><I>ouk episteuen heauton autois</I></B>--<I>He did not trust himself
|
||
|
with them.</I> It is the same word that is used for <I>believing</I> in
|
||
|
him. So that to believe in Christ is to <I>commit ourselves</I> to him
|
||
|
and to his guidance. Christ did not see cause to repose any confidence
|
||
|
in these new converts at Jerusalem, where he had many enemies that
|
||
|
sought to destroy him, either,
|
||
|
|
||
|
1. Because they were <I>false,</I> at least some of them, and would
|
||
|
betray him if they had an opportunity, or were strongly tempted to do
|
||
|
so. He had more disciples that he could trust among the Galileans than
|
||
|
among the dwellers at Jerusalem. In dangerous times and places, it is
|
||
|
wisdom to take heed in whom you confide; <B><I>memneso
|
||
|
apistein</I></B>--<I>learn to distrust.</I> Or,
|
||
|
|
||
|
2. Because they were <I>weak,</I> and I would hope that this was the
|
||
|
worst of it; not that they were <I>treacherous</I> and designed him a
|
||
|
mischief, but,
|
||
|
|
||
|
(1.) They were <I>timorous,</I> and wanted zeal and courage, and might
|
||
|
perhaps be frightened to do a wrong thing. In times of difficulty and
|
||
|
danger, cowards are not fit to be trusted. Or,
|
||
|
|
||
|
(2.) They were <I>tumultuous,</I> and wanted discretion and management.
|
||
|
These in Jerusalem perhaps had their expectations of the
|
||
|
<I>temporal</I> reign of the Messiah more raised than others, and, in
|
||
|
that expectation, would be ready to give some bold strokes at the
|
||
|
government if Christ would have <I>committed himself to them</I> and
|
||
|
put himself at the head of them; but he would not, for his kingdom is
|
||
|
not of this world. We should be shy of turbulent unquiet people, as our
|
||
|
Master here was, though they profess to <I>believe in Christ,</I> as
|
||
|
these did.</P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
IV. That the reason why he did not <I>commit himself</I> to them was
|
||
|
because he <I>knew</I> them
|
||
|
|
||
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>),
|
||
|
|
||
|
knew the wickedness of some and the weakness of others. The evangelist
|
||
|
takes this occasion to assert Christ's omniscience.
|
||
|
|
||
|
1. He <I>knew all men,</I> not only their names and faces, as it is
|
||
|
possible for us to know many, but their nature, dispositions,
|
||
|
affections, designs, as we do not know <I>any man,</I> scarcely
|
||
|
<I>ourselves.</I> He knows <I>all men,</I> for his powerful hand made
|
||
|
them all, his piercing eye sees them all, sees into them. He knows his
|
||
|
<I>subtle enemies,</I> and all their secret projects; his <I>false
|
||
|
friends,</I> and their true characters; what they really are, whatever
|
||
|
they pretend to be. He knows them that are truly his, knows their
|
||
|
integrity, and knows their infirmity too. He <I>knows their frame.</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
2. He <I>needed not that any should testify of man.</I> His knowledge
|
||
|
was not by information from others, but by his own infallible
|
||
|
intuition. It is the infelicity of earthly princes that they must see
|
||
|
with other men's eyes, and hear with other men's ears, and take things
|
||
|
as they are represented to them; but Christ goes purely upon his own
|
||
|
knowledge. Angels are his messengers, but not his spies, for <I>his own
|
||
|
eyes run to and fro through the earth,</I>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ch+16:9">2 Chron. xvi. 9</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
This may comfort us in reference to Satan's accusations, that Christ
|
||
|
will not take men's characters from him.
|
||
|
|
||
|
3. He <I>knew what was in man;</I> in particular persons, in the nature
|
||
|
and race of man. We know what is done <I>by men;</I> Christ knows what
|
||
|
is <I>in them, tries the heart and the reins.</I> This is the
|
||
|
prerogative of that essential eternal Word,
|
||
|
|
||
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+4:12,13">Heb. iv. 12, 13</A>.
|
||
|
|
||
|
We invade his prerogative if we presume to judge men's hearts. How fit
|
||
|
is Christ to be the <I>Saviour of men,</I> very fit to be the
|
||
|
physician, who has such a perfect knowledge of the patient's state and
|
||
|
case, temper and distemper; knows what is in him! How fit also to be
|
||
|
the <I>Judge of all!</I> For the judgment of him who knows <I>all
|
||
|
men,</I> all <I>in</I> men, must needs be <I>according to
|
||
|
truth.</I></P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
Now this is all the success of Christ's preaching and miracles at
|
||
|
Jerusalem, in this journey. The Lord comes to his temple, and none come
|
||
|
to him but a parcel of weak simple people, that he can neither have
|
||
|
<I>credit</I> from nor put <I>confidence</I> in; yet he shall at length
|
||
|
<I>see of the travail of his soul.</I></P>
|
||
|
|
||
|
<!-- (End Body) -->
|
||
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<TR>
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<TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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[<A HREF="MHC43001.HTM">Previous</A>]
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[<A HREF="MHC43003.HTM">Next</A>]<BR>
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<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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