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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [Matthew XX].</TITLE>
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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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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>M A T T H E W.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XX.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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We have four things in this chapter.
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I. The parable of the labourers in the vineyard,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:1-16">ver. 1-16</A>.
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II. A prediction of Christ's approaching sufferings,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:17-19">ver. 17-19</A>.
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III. The petition of two of the disciples, by their mother, reproved,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:20-28">ver. 20-28</A>.
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IV. The petition of the two blind men granted, and their eyes opened,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:29-34">ver. 29-34</A>.</P>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Labourers in the Vineyard.</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 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man <I>that is</I> an
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householder, which went out early in the morning to hire
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labourers into his vineyard.
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2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day,
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he sent them into his vineyard.
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3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing
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idle in the marketplace,
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4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and
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whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
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5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did
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likewise.
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6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others
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standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day
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idle?
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7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith
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unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right,
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<I>that</I> shall ye receive.
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8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto
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his steward, Call the labourers, and give them <I>their</I> hire,
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beginning from the last unto the first.
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9 And when they came that <I>were hired</I> about the eleventh hour,
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they received every man a penny.
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10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have
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received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
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11 And when they had received <I>it,</I> they murmured against the
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goodman of the house,
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12 Saying, These last have wrought <I>but</I> one hour, and thou
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hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and
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heat of the day.
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13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no
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wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
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14 Take <I>that</I> thine <I>is,</I> and go thy way: I will give unto
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this last, even as unto thee.
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15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is
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thine eye evil, because I am good?
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16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be
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called, but few chosen.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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This parable of the labourers in the vineyard is intended,</P>
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<P>
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I. To represent to us <I>the kingdom of heaven</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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that is, the way and method of the gospel dispensation. The laws of
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that kingdom are not wrapt up in parables, but plainly set down, as in
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the sermon upon the mount; but the mysteries of that kingdom are
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delivered in parables, in sacraments, as here and
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+13:1-58"><I>ch.</I> xiii.</A>
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The duties of Christianity are more necessary to be known than the
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notions of it; and yet the notions of it are more necessary to be
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illustrated than the duties of it; which is that which parables are
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designed for.</P>
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<P>
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II. In particular, to represent to us that concerning the kingdom of
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heaven, which he had said in the close of the foregoing chapter, that
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<I>many that are first shall be last, and the last, first;</I> with
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which this parable is connected; that truth, having in it a seeming
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contradiction, needed further explication.</P>
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<P>
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Nothing was more a mystery in the gospel dispensation than the
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rejection of the Jews and the calling in of the Gentiles; so the
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apostle speaks of it
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+3:3-6">Eph. iii. 3-6</A>);
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that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs: nor was any thing more
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provoking to the Jews than the intimation of it. Now this seems to be
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the principal scope of this parable, to show that the Jews should be
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first called into the vineyard, and many of them should come at the
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call; but, at length, the gospel should be preached to the Gentiles,
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and they should receive it, and be admitted to equal privileges and
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advantages with the Jews; should be <I>fellow-citizens with the
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saints,</I> which the Jews, even those of them that believed, would be
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very much disgusted at, but without reason.</P>
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<P>
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But the parable may be applied more generally, and shows us,
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1. That God is debtor to no man; a great truth, which the contents in
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our Bible give as the scope of this parable.
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2. That many who begin last, and promise little in religion, sometimes,
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by the blessing of God, arrive at greater attainments in knowledge,
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grace, and usefulness, than others whose entrance was more early, and
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who promised fairer. Though Cushi gets the start of Ahimaaz, yet
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Ahimaaz, choosing <I>the way of the plain,</I> outruns Cushi. John is
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swifter of foot, and comes <I>first to the sepulchre:</I> but Peter has
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more courage, and goes <I>first into it.</I> Thus <I>many that are last
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shall be first.</I> Some make it a caution to the disciples, who had
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boasted of their timely and zealous embracing of Christ; they had left
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all, to follow him; but let them look to it, that they keep up their
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zeal; let them press forward and persevere; else their good beginnings
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will avail them little; they that seemed to be <I>first,</I> would be
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<I>last.</I> Sometimes those that are converted later in their lives,
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outstrip those that are converted earlier. Paul was <I>as one born out
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of due time, yet came not behind the chiefest of the apostles,</I> and
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outdid those that were in Christ before him. Something of affinity
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there is between this parable and that of the prodigal son, where he
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that returned from his wandering, was as dear to his father as he was,
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that never went astray; <I>first and last alike.</I>
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3. That <I>the recompence of reward</I> will be given to the saints,
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not according to the time of their conversion, but according to the
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preparations for it by grace in this world; not according to the
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seniority
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+43:33">Gen. xliii. 33</A>),
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but <I>according to the measure of the stature of the fulness of
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Christ.</I> Christ had promised the apostles, who followed him <I>in
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the regeneration,</I> at the beginning of the gospel dispensation,
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great glory
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+19:28"><I>ch.</I> xix. 28</A>);
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but he now tells them that those who are in like manner faithful to
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him, even in the latter end of the world, shall have the same reward,
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shall <I>sit with Christ on his throne,</I> as well as the apostles,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+2:26-3:21">Rev. ii. 26-iii. 21</A>.
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Sufferers for Christ in the latter days, shall have the same reward
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with the martyrs and confessors of the primitive times, though they are
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more celebrated; and faithful ministers now, the same with the first
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fathers.</P>
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<P>
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We have two things in the parable; the <I>agreement</I> with the
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labourers, and the <I>account</I> with them.</P>
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<P>
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(1.) Here is the agreement made with the labourers
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:1-7"><I>v.</I> 1-7</A>);
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and here it will be asked, as usual,</P>
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<P>
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[1.] Who hires them? <I>A man that is a householder.</I> God is the
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great Householder, <I>whose we are, and whom we serve;</I> as a
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householder, he has work that he will have to be done, and servants
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that he will have to be doing; he has a great family in heaven and
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earth, which is named from Jesus Christ
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+3:15">Eph. iii. 15</A>),
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which he is Owner and Ruler of. God hires labourers, not because he
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needs them or their services (for, <I>if we be righteous, what do we
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unto him?</I>), but as some charitable generous householders keep poor
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men to work, in kindness to them, to save them from idleness and
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poverty, and pay them for working for themselves.</P>
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<P>
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[2.] Whence they are hired? Out of <I>the market-place,</I> where, till
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they are hired into God's service, they <I>stand idle</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
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<I>all the day idle</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>).
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Note, <I>First,</I> The soul of man stands ready to be hired into some
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service or other; it was (as all the creatures were) created to work,
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and is either a <I>servant to iniquity,</I> or a <I>servant to
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righteousness,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+6:19">Rom. vi. 19</A>.
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The devil, by his temptations, is <I>hiring labourers</I> into his
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field, to <I>feed swine.</I> God, by his gospel, is <I>hiring labourers
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into his vineyard, to dress it, and keep it,</I> paradise-work. We are
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put to our choice; for hired we must be
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+24:15">Josh. xxiv. 15</A>);
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<I>Choose ye this day whom ye will serve. Secondly,</I> Till we are
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hired into the service of God, we are standing all the day idle; a
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sinful state, though a state of drudgery to Satan, may really be called
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<I>a state of idleness;</I> sinners are doing nothing, nothing to the
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purpose, nothing of the great work they were sent into the world about,
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nothing that will pass well in the account. <I>Thirdly,</I> The gospel
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call is given to those that <I>stand idle in the market-place.</I> The
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market-place is <I>a place of concourse,</I> and there <I>Wisdom
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cries</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+1:20,21">Prov. i. 20, 21</A>);
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it is a place of sport, there the <I>children are playing</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:16"><I>ch.</I> xi. 16</A>);
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and the gospel calls us from vanity to seriousness; it is a place of
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business, of noise and hurry; and from that we are called to retire.
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"Come, come from this market-place."</P>
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<P>
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[3.] What are they hired to do? To labour in his vineyard. Note,
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<I>First,</I> The church is God's vineyard; it is of his planting,
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watering, and fencing; and the fruits of it must be to his honour and
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praise. <I>Secondly,</I> We are all called upon to be labourers in this
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vineyard. The work of religion is vineyard-work, pruning, dressing,
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digging, watering, fencing, weeding. We have each of us our own
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vineyard to keep, our own soul; and it is God's and to be kept and
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dressed for him. In this work we must not be slothful, not loiterers,
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but <I>labourers,</I> working, and <I>working out our own
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salvation.</I> Work for God will not admit of trifling. A man may go
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idle to hell; but he that will go to heaven, must be busy.</P>
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<P>
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[4.] What shall be their wages? He promises, <I>First, A penny,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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The Roman penny was, in our money, of the value of a sevenpence
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half-penny, a day's wages for a day's work, and the wages sufficient
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for a day's maintenance. This doth not prove that the reward of our
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obedience to God is <I>of works,</I> or <I>of debt</I> (no, it is <I>of
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grace, free grace,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+4:4">Rom. iv. 4</A>),
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or that there is any proportion between our services and heaven's
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glories; no, when we have done all, <I>we are unprofitable
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servants;</I> but it is to signify that there is a reward set before
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us, and a sufficient one. <I>Secondly, Whatsoever is right,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:4-7"><I>v.</I> 4-7</A>.
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Note, God will be sure not to be behind-hand with any for the service
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they do him: never any lost by working for God. The crown set before us
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is <I>a crown of righteousness, which the righteous Judge shall
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give.</I></P>
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<P>
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[5.] For what term are they hired? For <I>a day.</I> It is but a day's
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work that is here done. The time of life is the day, in which <I>we
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must work the works of him that sent us</I> into the world. It is a
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short time; the reward is for eternity, the work is but for <I>a
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day;</I> man is said <I>to accomplish, as a hireling, his day,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+14:6">Job xiv. 6</A>.
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This should quicken us to expedition and diligence in our work, that we
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have but a little time to work in, and <I>the night</I> is hastening
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on, <I>when no man can work;</I> and if our great work be undone when
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our day is done, we are undone for ever. It should also encourage us in
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reference to the hardships and difficulties of our work, that it is but
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<I>for a day;</I> the approaching <I>shadow, which the servant
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earnestly desireth,</I> will bring with it both rest, and <I>the reward
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of our work,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+7:2">Job vii. 2</A>.
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Hold out, faith, and patience, yet a little while.</P>
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<P>
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[6.] Notice is taken of the several hours of the day, at which the
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labourers were hired. The apostles were sent forth at <I>the first and
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third hour</I> of the gospel day; they had a first and a second
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mission, while Christ was on earth, and their business was to call in
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the Jews; after Christ's ascension, about <I>the sixth and ninth
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hour,</I> they went out again on the same errand, <I>preaching the
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gospel to the Jews only, to them in Judea first,</I> and afterward to
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them of the dispersion; but, at length, as it were <I>about the
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eleventh hour,</I> they called the Gentiles to the same work and
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privilege with the Jews, and told them that in Christ Jesus there
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should be <I>no difference</I> made <I>between Jew and Greek.</I></P>
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<P>
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But this may be, and commonly is, applied to the several ages of life,
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in which souls are converted to Christ. The common call is promiscuous,
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to come and work in the vineyard; but the effectual call is particular,
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and it is <I>then</I> effectual when we come at the call.</P>
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<P>
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<I>First,</I> Some are effectually called, and begin to work in the
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vineyard when they are very young; are sent in early in the morning,
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whose tender years are seasoned with grace, and the remembrance of
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their Creator. John the Baptist was <I>sanctified from the womb,</I>
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and therefore <I>great</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:15">Luke i. 15</A>);
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Timothy <I>from a child</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+3:15">2 Tim. iii. 15</A>);
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Obadiah <I>feared the Lord from his youth.</I> Those that have such a
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|
journey to go, had need set out betimes, the sooner the better.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> Others are savingly wrought upon in middle age; <I>Go
|
|
work in the vineyard, at the third, sixth, or ninth hour.</I> The power
|
|
of divine grace is magnified in the conversion of some, when they are
|
|
in the midst of their pleasures and worldly pursuits, as Paul. God has
|
|
work for all ages; no time amiss to turn to God; none can say, "It is
|
|
all in good time;" for, whatever hour of the day it is with us, the
|
|
time past of our life may suffice that we have served sin; <I>Go ye
|
|
also into the vineyard.</I> God turns away none that are willing to be
|
|
hired, for <I>yet there is room.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Thirdly,</I> Others are hired into the vineyard in old age, at
|
|
<I>the eleventh hour,</I> when <I>the day of life is far spent,</I> and
|
|
there is but <I>one hour</I> of the twelve remaining. None are hired at
|
|
the twelfth hour; when life is done, opportunity is done; but "while
|
|
there is life, there is hope."
|
|
|
|
1. There is hope <I>for</I> old sinners; for if, in sincerity, they
|
|
turn to God, they shall doubtless be accepted; true repentance is never
|
|
too late. And,
|
|
|
|
2. There is hope <I>of</I> old sinners, that they may be brought to
|
|
true repentance; nothing is too hard for Almighty grace to do, it
|
|
<I>can change the Ethiopian's skin, and the leopard's spots;</I> can
|
|
set those to work, who have contracted a habit of idleness. Nicodemus
|
|
may <I>be born again when he is old,</I> and <I>the old man may be put
|
|
off, which is corrupt.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Yet let none, upon this presumption, put off their repentance till they
|
|
are old. These were <I>sent into the vineyard,</I> it is true, <I>at
|
|
the eleventh hour;</I> but nobody had hired them, or offered to hire
|
|
them, before. The Gentiles came in <I>at the eleventh hour,</I> but it
|
|
was because the gospel had not been before preached to them. Those that
|
|
have had gospel offers made them <I>at the third, or sixth hour,</I>
|
|
and have resisted and refused them, will not have that to say for
|
|
themselves at the eleventh hour, that these had; <I>No man has hired
|
|
us;</I> nor can they be sure that any man will hire them at the ninth
|
|
or eleventh hour; and therefore not to discourage any, but to awaken
|
|
all, be it remembered, that <I>now is the accepted time; if we will
|
|
hear his voice,</I> it must be <I>to-day.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Here is the account with the labourers. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] When the account was taken; <I>when the evening was come,</I>
|
|
then, as usual, the day-labourers were called and paid. Note, Evening
|
|
time is the reckoning time; the particular account must be given up in
|
|
the evening of our life; for after death cometh the judgment. Faithful
|
|
labourers shall receive their reward when they die; it is deferred till
|
|
then, that they may wait with patience for it, but no longer; for God
|
|
will observe his own rule, <I>The hire of the labourers shall not abide
|
|
with thee all night, until the morning.</I> See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+24:15">Deut. xxiv. 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
When Paul, that faithful labourer, departs, he is with Christ
|
|
presently. The payment shall not be wholly deferred till <I>the morning
|
|
of the resurrection;</I> but then, in the evening of the world, will be
|
|
the general account, when <I>every one shall receive according to the
|
|
things done in the body.</I> When time ends, and with it the world of
|
|
work and opportunity, then the state of retribution commences; then
|
|
call the labourers, and give them their hire. Ministers call them into
|
|
the vineyard, to do their work; death calls them out of the vineyard,
|
|
to receive their penny: and those to whom the call into the vineyard is
|
|
effectual, the call out of it will be joyful. Observe, They did not
|
|
come for their pay till they were called; we must with patience wait
|
|
God's time for our rest and recompence; go by our master's clock.
|
|
<I>The last trumpet, at the great day, shall call the labourers,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+4:16">1 Thess. iv. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Then shalt thou call,</I> saith the good and faithful servant,
|
|
<I>and I will answer.</I> In calling the labourers, they must begin
|
|
from the last, and so to the first. Let not those that come in at the
|
|
eleventh hour, be put behind the rest, but, lest they should be
|
|
discouraged, call them first. <I>At the great day,</I> though <I>the
|
|
dead in Christ shall rise first,</I> yet <I>they which are alive and
|
|
remain, on whom the ends of the world</I> (the eleventh hour of its
|
|
day) <I>comes, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds;</I>
|
|
no preference shall be given to seniority, but every man <I>shall stand
|
|
in his own lot at the end of the days.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] What the account was; and in that observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> The general pay
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:9,10"><I>v.</I> 9, 10</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>They received every man a penny.</I> Note, <I>All that by patient
|
|
continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, honour, and immortality,</I>
|
|
shall undoubtedly <I>obtain eternal life</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+2:7">Rom. ii. 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
not as <I>wages</I> for the value of their work, but as the <I>gift</I>
|
|
of God. Though there be degrees of glory in heaven, yet it will be to
|
|
all a complete happiness. They that come from the east and west, and so
|
|
come in late, that are picked up out of <I>the highways and the hedges,
|
|
shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,</I> at the same feast,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+7:11"><I>ch.</I> vii. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
In heaven, every vessel will be full, brimful, though every vessel is
|
|
not alike large and capacious. In the distribution of future joys, as
|
|
it was in the gathering of the manna, he that shall gather much, will
|
|
have nothing over, and he that shall gather little, will have no lack,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+16:18">Exod. xvi. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
Those whom Christ fed miraculously, though of different sizes, <I>men,
|
|
women, and children, did all eat, and were filled.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
The giving of a whole day's wages to those that had not done the tenth
|
|
part of a day's work, is designed to show that God distributes his
|
|
rewards by <I>grace</I> and <I>sovereignty,</I> and not of <I>debt.</I>
|
|
The best of the labourers, and those that begin soonest, having so many
|
|
empty spaces in their time, and their works not being filled up before
|
|
God, may truly be said to labour in the vineyard scarcely one hour of
|
|
their twelve; but because <I>we are under grace,</I> and <I>not under
|
|
the law,</I> even such defective services, done in sincerity, shall not
|
|
only be accepted, but by free grace richly rewarded. Compare
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+17:7,8,12:37">Luke xvii. 7, 8, with Luke xii. 37</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> The particular pleading with those that were offended
|
|
with this distribution in gavel-kind. The circumstances of this serve
|
|
to adorn the parable; but the general scope is plain, that <I>the last
|
|
shall be first.</I> We have here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The offence taken
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:11,12"><I>v.</I> 11, 12</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>They murmured at the good man of the house;</I> not that there is,
|
|
or can be, any discontent or murmuring in heaven, for that is both
|
|
guilt and grief, and in heaven there is neither; but there may be, and
|
|
often are, discontent and murmuring concerning heaven and heavenly
|
|
things, while they are in prospect and promise in this world. This
|
|
signifies the jealousy which the Jews were provoked to by the admission
|
|
of the Gentiles into the kingdom of heaven. As the elder brother, in
|
|
the parable of the prodigal, repined at the reception of his younger
|
|
brother, and complained of his father's generosity to him; so these
|
|
labourers quarrelled with their master, and found fault, not because
|
|
they had not enough, so much as because others were made <I>equal</I>
|
|
with them. They boast, as the prodigal's elder brother did, of their
|
|
good services; <I>We have borne the burthen and heat of the day;</I>
|
|
that was the most they could make of it. Sinners are said to <I>labour
|
|
in the very fire</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Hab+2:13">Hab. ii. 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
whereas God's servants, at the worst, do but labour in the sun; not in
|
|
the heat of the iron furnace, but only in the heat of the day. Now
|
|
<I>these last have worked but one hour,</I> and that too in the cool of
|
|
the day; and yet <I>thou hast made them equal with us.</I> The
|
|
Gentiles, who are newly called in, have as much of the privileges of
|
|
the kingdom of the Messiah as the Jews have, who have so long been
|
|
labouring in the vineyard of the Old-Testament church, under the yoke
|
|
of the ceremonial law, in expectation of that kingdom. Note, There is a
|
|
great proneness in us to think that we have too little, and other too
|
|
much, of the tokens of God's favour; and that we do too much, and
|
|
others too little, in the work of God. Very apt we all are to
|
|
undervalue the deserts of others, and to overvalue our own. Perhaps,
|
|
Christ here gives an intimation to Peter, not to boast too much, as he
|
|
seemed to do, of his having <I>left all to follow Christ;</I> as if,
|
|
because he and the rest of them had borne the burthen and heat of the
|
|
day thus, they must have a heaven by themselves. It is hard for those
|
|
that do or suffer more than ordinary for God, not to be elevated too
|
|
much with the thought of it, and to expect to merit by it. Blessed Paul
|
|
guarded against this, when, though <I>the chief of the apostles,</I> he
|
|
owned himself to be <I>nothing,</I> to be <I>less than the least of all
|
|
saints.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The offence removed. Three things the master of the house urges, in
|
|
answer to this ill-natured surmise.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) That the complainant had no reason at all to say he had any wrong
|
|
done to him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:13,14"><I>v.</I> 13, 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here he asserts his own justice; <I>Friend, I do thee no wrong.</I> He
|
|
calls him <I>friend,</I> for in reasoning with others we should use
|
|
soft words and hard arguments; if our inferiors are peevish and
|
|
provoking, yet we should not thereby be put into a passion, but speak
|
|
calmly to them.
|
|
|
|
[1.] It is incontestably true, that God can do no wrong. This is the
|
|
prerogative of the King of kings. <I>Is there unrighteousness with
|
|
God?</I> The apostle startles at the thought of it; <I>God forbid!</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+3:5,6">Rom. iii. 5, 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
His word should silence all our murmurings, that, whatever God does to
|
|
us, or withholds from us, he does us no wrong.
|
|
|
|
[2.] If God gives that grace to others, which he denies to us, it is
|
|
kindness to them, but no injustice to us; and bounty to another, while
|
|
it is no injustice to us, we ought not to find fault with. Because it
|
|
is free grace, that is given to those that have it, boasting is for
|
|
ever excluded; and because it is free grace, that is withheld from
|
|
those that have it not, murmuring is for ever excluded. Thus <I>shall
|
|
every mouth be stopped, and all flesh be silent before God.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
To convince the murmurer that he did no wrong, he refers him to the
|
|
bargain: "<I>Didst not thou agree with me for a penny?</I> And if thou
|
|
hast what thou didst agree for, thou hast no reason to cry out of
|
|
wrong; thou shalt have what we agreed for." Though God is a debtor to
|
|
none, yet he is graciously pleased to make himself a debtor by his own
|
|
promise, for the benefit of which, through Christ, believers agree with
|
|
him, and he will stand to his part of the agreement. Note, It is good
|
|
for us often to consider what it was that we agreed with God for.
|
|
<I>First,</I> Carnal worldlings agree with God for their penny in this
|
|
world; they choose <I>their portion in this life</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+17:14">Ps. xvii. 14</A>);
|
|
|
|
in these things they are willing to <I>have their reward</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+6:2,5"><I>ch.</I> vi. 2, 5</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>their consolation</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+6:24">Luke vi. 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>their good things</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+16:25">Luke xvi. 25</A>);
|
|
|
|
and with these they shall be put off, shall be cut off from spiritual
|
|
and eternal blessings; and herein God does them no wrong; they have
|
|
what they chose, the penny they agreed for; <I>so shall their doom be,
|
|
themselves have decided it;</I> it is conclusive against them.
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> Obedient believers agree with God for their penny in
|
|
the other world, and they must remember that they have so agreed. Didst
|
|
not thou agree to take God's word for it? Thou didst; and wilt thou go
|
|
and agree with the world? Didst not thou agree to take up with heaven
|
|
as thy portion, thy all, and to take up with nothing short of it? And
|
|
wilt thou seek for a happiness in the creature, or think from thence to
|
|
make up the deficiencies of thy happiness in God?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
He therefore,
|
|
|
|
1. Ties him to his bargain
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Take that thine is, and go thy way.</I> If we understand it of that
|
|
which is ours by debt or absolute propriety, it would be a dreadful
|
|
word; we are all undone, if we be put off with that only which we can
|
|
call our <I>own.</I> The highest creature must go away into nothing, if
|
|
he must go away with that only which is his own: but if we understand
|
|
it of that which is ours by <I>gift,</I> the free gift of God, it
|
|
teaches us <I>to be content with such things as we have.</I> Instead of
|
|
repining that we have no more, let us take what we have, and be
|
|
thankful. If God be better in any respect to others than to us, yet we
|
|
have no reason to complain while he is so much better to us than we
|
|
deserve, in giving us our penny, though we are unprofitable servants.
|
|
|
|
2. He tells him that those he envied should fare as well as he did;
|
|
"<I>I will give unto this last, even as unto thee;</I> I am resolved I
|
|
will." Note, The unchangeableness of God's purposes in dispensing his
|
|
gifts should silence our murmurings. If he will do it, it is not for us
|
|
to gainsay; for <I>he is in one mind, and who can turn him? Neither
|
|
giveth he an account of any of his matters;</I> nor is it fit he
|
|
should.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He had no reason to quarrel with the master; for what he gave was
|
|
absolutely his own,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
As before he asserted his justice, so here his sovereignty; <I>Is it
|
|
not lawful for me to do what I will with my own?</I> Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] God is the Owner of all good; his propriety in it is absolute,
|
|
sovereign, and unlimited.
|
|
|
|
[2.] He may therefore give or withhold his blessings, as he pleases.
|
|
What we have, is not our <I>own,</I> and therefore <I>it is not lawful
|
|
for us to do what we will with</I> it; but what God has, is his own;
|
|
and this will justify him, <I>First,</I> In all the disposals of his
|
|
providence; when God takes from us that which was dear to us, and which
|
|
we could ill spare, we must silence our discontents with this; <I>May
|
|
he not do what he will with his own? Abstulit, sed et dedit--He hath
|
|
taken away; but he originally gave.</I> It is not for such depending
|
|
creatures as we are to quarrel with our Sovereign. <I>Secondly,</I> In
|
|
all the dispensations of his grace, God gives or withholds the means of
|
|
grace, and the Spirit of grace, as he pleases. Not but that there is a
|
|
counsel in every will of God, and what seems to us to be done
|
|
arbitrarily, will appear at length to have been done wisely, and for
|
|
holy ends. But this is enough to silence all murmurs and objectors,
|
|
that God is sovereign Lord of all, and <I>may do what he will with his
|
|
own.</I> We are in his hand, as clay in the hands of a potter; and it
|
|
is not for us to prescribe to him, or strive with him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) He had no reason to envy his fellow servant, or to grudge at him;
|
|
or to be angry that he came into the vineyard no sooner; for he was not
|
|
sooner called; he had no reason to be angry that the master had given
|
|
him wages for the whole day, when he had idled away the greatest part
|
|
of it; for <I>Is thine eye evil, because I am good?</I> See here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] The nature of envy; It is an evil eye. The eye is often both the
|
|
inlet and the outlet of this sin. <I>Saul saw that David prospered, and
|
|
he eyed him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+18:9,15">1 Sam. xviii. 9, 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is an evil eye, which is displeased at the good of others, and
|
|
desires their hurt. What can have more evil in it? It is grief to
|
|
ourselves, anger to God, and ill-will to our neighbour; and it is a sin
|
|
that has neither pleasure, profit, nor honour, in it; <I>it is an evil,
|
|
an only evil.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] The aggravation of it; "It is because I am good." Envy is
|
|
unlikeness to God, who is good, and doeth good, and delighteth in doing
|
|
good; nay, it is an opposition and contradiction to God; it is a
|
|
dislike of his proceedings, and a displeasure at what he does, and is
|
|
pleased with. It is a direct violation of both the two great
|
|
commandments at once; both that of love to God, in whose will we should
|
|
acquiesce, and love to our neighbour, in whose welfare we should
|
|
rejoice. Thus man's badness takes occasion from God's goodness to be
|
|
more exceedingly sinful.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Lastly,</I> Here is the application of the parable
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
in that observation which occasioned it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+19:30"><I>ch.</I> xix. 30</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>So the first shall be last, and the last first.</I> There were many
|
|
that followed Christ now in the regeneration, when the gospel kingdom
|
|
was first set up, and these Jewish converts seemed to have got the
|
|
start of others; but Christ, to obviate and silence their boasting,
|
|
here tells them,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. That they might possibly be outstripped by their successors in
|
|
profession, and, though they were before others in profession, might be
|
|
found inferior to them in knowledge, grace, and holiness. The Gentile
|
|
church, which was as yet unborn, the Gentile world, which as yet stood
|
|
<I>idle in the market-place,</I> would produce greater numbers of
|
|
eminent, useful Christians, than were found among the Jews. More and
|
|
more excellent shall be <I>the children of the desolate than those of
|
|
the married wife,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+54:1">Isa. liv. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
Who knows but that the church, in its old age, may be more fat and
|
|
flourishing than ever, to show that the Lord is upright? Though
|
|
primitive Christianity had more of the purity and power of that holy
|
|
religion than is to be found in the degenerate age wherein we live, yet
|
|
what <I>labourers</I> may be <I>sent into the vineyard in the eleventh
|
|
hour of the church's day,</I> in the Philadelphian period, and what
|
|
plentiful effusions of the Spirit may then be, above what has been yet,
|
|
who can tell?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. That they had reason to fear, lest they themselves should be found
|
|
hypocrites at last; for <I>many are called but few chosen.</I> This is
|
|
applied to the Jews
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+22:14"><I>ch.</I> xxii. 14</A>);
|
|
|
|
it was so then, it is too true still; many are called with a common
|
|
call, that are not chosen with a saving choice. All that are chosen
|
|
from eternity, are effectually called, <I>in the fulness of time</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:30">Rom. viii. 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
so that in making our effectual calling sure we <I>make sure our
|
|
election</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+1:10">2 Pet. i. 10</A>);
|
|
|
|
but it is not so as to the outward call; <I>many are called,</I> and
|
|
yet refuse
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+1:24">Prov. i. 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
nay, as they are called <I>to</I> God, so they go <I>from</I> him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+11:2,7">Hos. xi. 2, 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
by which it appears that they were not chosen, for <I>the election will
|
|
obtain,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+11:7">Rom. xi. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, There are but few <I>chosen</I> Christians, in comparison with
|
|
the many that are only <I>called</I> Christians; it therefore highly
|
|
concerns us to build our hope for heaven upon the rock of an eternal
|
|
choice, and not upon the sand of an external call; and we should fear
|
|
lest we be found but seeming Christians, and so should really come
|
|
short; nay, lest we be found blemished Christians, and so should
|
|
<I>seem to come short,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+4:1">Heb. iv. 1</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_19"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Sufferings of Christ Predicted.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>17 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples
|
|
apart in the way, and said unto them,
|
|
18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be
|
|
betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they
|
|
shall condemn him to death,
|
|
19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to
|
|
scourge, and to crucify <I>him:</I> and the third day he shall rise
|
|
again.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
This is the third time that Christ gave his disciples notice of his
|
|
approaching sufferings; he was not going up to Jerusalem to celebrate
|
|
the passover, and to offer up himself the great Passover; both must be
|
|
done at Jerusalem: there <I>the passover must be kept</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+12:5">Deut. xii. 5</A>),
|
|
|
|
and there a prophet must perish, because there the great Sanhedrim sat,
|
|
who were judges in that case,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+13:33">Luke xiii. 33</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The privacy of this prediction; <I>He took the twelve disciples
|
|
apart in the way.</I> This was one of those things which were told to
|
|
them in <I>darkness,</I> but which they were afterward to <I>speak in
|
|
the light,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:27"><I>ch.</I> x. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
His secret was with them, as his friends, and this particularly. It was
|
|
a hard saying, and, if any could bear it, they could. They would be
|
|
more immediately exposed to peril with him, and therefore it was
|
|
requisite that they should know of it, that, being fore-warned, they
|
|
might be fore-armed. It was not fit to be spoken publicly as yet, 1.
|
|
Because many that were cool toward him, would hereby have been driven
|
|
to turn their backs upon him; the scandal of the cross would have
|
|
frightened them from following him any longer.
|
|
|
|
2. Because many that were hot for him, would hereby be driven to take
|
|
up arms in his defense, and it might have occasioned <I>an uproar among
|
|
the people</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+26:5"><I>ch.</I> xxvi. 5</A>),
|
|
|
|
which would have been laid to his charge, if he had told them of it
|
|
publicly before: and, besides that such methods are utterly
|
|
disagreeable to the genius of his kingdom, which is not of this world,
|
|
he never countenanced any thing which had a tendency to prevent his
|
|
sufferings. This discourse was not in the synagogue, or in the house,
|
|
but <I>in the way,</I> as they travelled along; which teaches us, in
|
|
our walks or travels with our friends, to keep up such discourse as
|
|
<I>is good, and to the use of edifying.</I> See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+16:7">Deut. xvi. 7</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The prediction itself,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:18,19"><I>v.</I> 18, 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. It is but a repetition of what he had once and again said before,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+16:21,17:22,23"><I>ch.</I> xvi. 21; xvii. 22, 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
This intimates that he not only saw clearly what troubles lay before
|
|
him, but that his heart was upon his suffering-work; it filled him, not
|
|
with fear, then he would have studied to avoid it, and could have done
|
|
it, but with desire and expectation; he spoke thus frequently of his
|
|
sufferings, because through them he was to enter into his glory. Note,
|
|
It is good for us to be often thinking and speaking of our death, and
|
|
of the sufferings which, it is likely, we may meet with betwixt this
|
|
and the grave; and thus, by making them more familiar, they would
|
|
become less formidable. This is one way of dying daily, and of taking
|
|
up our cross daily, to be daily speaking of the cross, and of dying;
|
|
which would come neither the sooner nor the surer, but much the better,
|
|
for our thoughts and discourses of them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He is more particular here in foretelling his sufferings than any
|
|
time before. He had said
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+16:21"><I>ch.</I> xvi. 21</A>),
|
|
|
|
that he <I>should suffer many things, and be killed;</I> and
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+17:22"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 22</A>),
|
|
|
|
that he should <I>be betrayed into the hands of men, and they should
|
|
kill him;</I> but here he adds; that he shall be <I>condemned, and
|
|
delivered to the Gentiles,</I> that <I>they shall mock him, and scourge
|
|
him, and crucify him.</I> These are frightful things, and the certain
|
|
foresight of them was enough to damp an ordinary resolution, yet (as
|
|
was foretold concerning him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+42:4">Isa. xlii. 4</A>)
|
|
|
|
<I>he did not fail, nor was discouraged;</I> but the more clearly he
|
|
foresaw his sufferings, the more cheerfully he went forth to meet them.
|
|
He foretels by whom he should suffer, by <I>the chief priests and the
|
|
scribes;</I> so he had said before, but here he adds, <I>They shall
|
|
deliver him to the Gentiles,</I> that he might be the better
|
|
understood; for the chief priests and scribes had no power to put him
|
|
to death, nor was crucifying a manner of death in use among the Jews.
|
|
Christ suffered from the malice both of Jews and Gentiles, because he
|
|
was to suffer for the salvation both of Jews and Gentiles; both had a
|
|
hand in his death, because he was to reconcile both by his cross,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+2:16">Eph. ii. 16</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. Here, as before, he annexes the mention of his resurrection and his
|
|
glory to that of his death and sufferings; <I>The third day he shall
|
|
rise again.</I> He still brings this in,
|
|
|
|
(1.) To encourage himself in his sufferings, and to carry him
|
|
cheerfully through them. <I>He endured the cross for the joy set before
|
|
him;</I> he foresaw he should rise again, and rise quickly, the third
|
|
day. He shall be straightway glorified,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+13:32">John xiii. 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
The reward is not only sure, but very near.
|
|
|
|
(2.) To encourage his disciples, and comfort them, who would be
|
|
overwhelmed and greatly terrified by his sufferings.
|
|
|
|
(3.) To direct us, under all <I>the sufferings of this present
|
|
time,</I> to keep up a believing prospect of <I>the glory to be
|
|
revealed,</I> to look at <I>the things that are not seen, that are
|
|
eternal,</I> which will enable us to call the present afflictions
|
|
light, and but for a moment.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_28"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Ambition Corrected.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her
|
|
sons, worshipping <I>him,</I> and desiring a certain thing of him.
|
|
21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him,
|
|
Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand,
|
|
and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
|
|
22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye
|
|
able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be
|
|
baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto
|
|
him, We are able.
|
|
23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and
|
|
be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit
|
|
on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but <I>it
|
|
shall be given to them</I> for whom it is prepared of my Father.
|
|
24 And when the ten heard <I>it,</I> they were moved with
|
|
indignation against the two brethren.
|
|
25 But Jesus called them <I>unto him,</I> and said, Ye know that the
|
|
princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they
|
|
that are great exercise authority upon them.
|
|
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be
|
|
great among you, let him be your minister;
|
|
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your
|
|
servant:
|
|
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but
|
|
to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here, is first, the request of the two disciples to Christ, and the
|
|
rectifying of the mistake upon which that was grounded,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:20-23"><I>v.</I> 20-23</A>.
|
|
|
|
The sons of Zebedee were James and John, two of the first three of
|
|
Christ's disciples; Peter and they were his favourites; John was the
|
|
disciple whom Jesus loved; yet none were so often reproved as they;
|
|
whom Christ loves best he reproves most,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+3:19">Rev. iii. 19</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Here is the ambitious address they made to Christ--that they might
|
|
sit, the one on his right hand, and the other on his left, in his
|
|
kingdom,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:20,21"><I>v.</I> 20, 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
It was a great degree of faith, that they were confident of his
|
|
kingdom, though now he appeared in meanness; but a great degree of
|
|
ignorance, that they still expected a temporal kingdom, with worldly
|
|
pomp and power, when Christ had so often told them of sufferings and
|
|
self-denial. In this they expected to be grandees. They ask not for
|
|
employment in this kingdom, but for honour only; and no place would
|
|
serve them in this imaginary kingdom, but the highest, next to Christ,
|
|
and above every body else. It is probable that the last word in
|
|
Christ's foregoing discourse gave occasion to this request, that <I>the
|
|
third day he should rise again.</I> They concluded that his
|
|
resurrection would be his entrance upon his kingdom, and therefore were
|
|
resolved to put in betimes for the best place; nor would they lose it
|
|
for want of speaking early. What Christ said to comfort them, they thus
|
|
abused, and were puffed up with. Some cannot bear comforts, but they
|
|
turn them to a wrong purpose; as sweetmeats in a foul stomach produce
|
|
bile. Now observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. There was policy in the management of this address, that they put
|
|
their mother on to present it, that it might be looked upon as her
|
|
request, and not theirs. Though proud people think well of themselves,
|
|
they would not be thought to do so, and therefore affect nothing more
|
|
than <I>a show of humility</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+2:18">Col. ii. 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
and others must be put on to court that honour for them, which they are
|
|
ashamed to court for themselves. The mother of James and John was
|
|
Salome, as appears by comparing
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+27:61,Mk+15:40"><I>ch.</I> xxvii. 61, with Mark xv. 40</A>.
|
|
|
|
Some think she was daughter of Cleophas or Alpheus, and sister or
|
|
cousin german to Mary the mother of our Lord. She was one of those
|
|
women that attended Christ, and ministered to him; and they thought she
|
|
had such an interest in him, that he could deny her nothing, and
|
|
therefore they made her their advocate. Thus when Adonijah had
|
|
reasonable request to make to Solomon, he put Bathsheba on to speak for
|
|
him. It was their mother's weakness thus to become that tool of their
|
|
ambition, which she should have given a check to. Those that are wise
|
|
and good, would not be seen in an ill-favoured thing. In gracious
|
|
requests, we should learn this wisdom, to desire the prayers of those
|
|
that have an interest at the throne of grace; we should beg of our
|
|
praying friends to pray for us, and reckon it a real kindness.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
It was likewise policy to ask first for a general grant, that he would
|
|
do a <I>certain</I> thing for them, not in faith, but in presumption,
|
|
upon that general promise; <I>Ask, and it shall be given you;</I> in
|
|
which is implied this qualification of our request, that it be
|
|
according to the revealed will of God, otherwise we <I>ask and have
|
|
not,</I> if we ask to <I>consume it upon our lusts,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+4:3">Jam. iv. 3</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. There was pride at the bottom of it, a proud conceit of their own
|
|
merit, a proud contempt of their brethren, and a proud desire of honour
|
|
and preferment; pride is a sin that most easily besets us, and which it
|
|
is hard to get clear of. It is a holy ambition to strive to excel
|
|
others in grace and holiness; but it is a sinful ambition to covet to
|
|
exceed others in pomp and grandeur. <I>Seekest thou great things for
|
|
thyself,</I> when thou hast just now heard of thy Master's being
|
|
mocked, and scourged, and crucified? For shame! <I>Seek them not,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+45:5">Jer. xlv. 5</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Christ's answer to this address
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:22,23"><I>v.</I> 22, 23</A>),
|
|
|
|
directed not to the mother, but to the sons that set her on. Though
|
|
others be our mouth in prayer, the answer will be given to us according
|
|
as we stand effected. Christ's answer is very mild; they were
|
|
overtaken in the fault of ambition, but Christ <I>restored them with
|
|
the spirit of meekness.</I> Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. How he reproved the ignorance and error of their petition; <I>Ye
|
|
know not what ye ask.</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) They were much in the dark concerning the kingdom they had their
|
|
eye upon; they dreamed of a temporal kingdom, whereas Christ's kingdom
|
|
is not of this world. They knew not what it was to sit on his right
|
|
hand, and on his left; they talked of it as blind men do of colours.
|
|
Our apprehensions of that glory which is yet to be revealed, are like
|
|
the apprehensions which a child has of the preferments of grown men. If
|
|
at length, through grace, we arrive at perfection, we shall then put
|
|
away such childish fancies: when we come to see face to face, we shall
|
|
know what we enjoy; but now, alas, we know not what we ask; we can but
|
|
ask for the good as it lies in the promise,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Tit+1:2">Tit. i. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
What it will be in the performance, eye has not seen, nor ear heard.
|
|
|
|
(2.) They were much in the dark concerning the way to that kingdom.
|
|
<I>They</I> know not what they ask, who ask for the end, but overlook
|
|
the means, and so put asunder what God has joined together. The
|
|
disciples thought, when they had left what little <I>all</I> they had
|
|
for Christ, and had gone about the country awhile preaching the gospel
|
|
of the kingdom, all their service and sufferings were over, and it was
|
|
now time to ask, <I>What shall we have?</I> As if nothing were now to
|
|
be looked for but crowns and garlands; whereas there were far greater
|
|
hardships and difficulties before them than they had yet met with. They
|
|
imagined their warfare was accomplished when it was scarcely begun, and
|
|
they had yet but run with the footmen. They dream of being in Canaan
|
|
presently, and consider not what they shall do in the swellings of
|
|
Jordan. Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] We are all apt, when we are but <I>girding on the harness, to
|
|
boast</I> as though we <I>had put it off.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] We know not what we ask, when we ask for the glory of wearing the
|
|
crown, and ask not for grace to bear the cross in our way to it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. How he repressed the vanity and ambition of their request. They were
|
|
pleasing themselves with the fancy of sitting on his right hand, and on
|
|
his left, in great state; now, to check this, he leads them to the
|
|
thoughts of their sufferings, and leaves them in the dark about their
|
|
glory.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) He leads them to the thoughts of their sufferings, which they were
|
|
not so mindful of as they ought to have been. They looked so earnestly
|
|
upon the crown, the prize, that they were ready to plunge headlong and
|
|
unprepared into the foul way that led to it; and therefore he thinks it
|
|
necessary to put them in mind of the hardships that were before them,
|
|
that they might be no surprise or terror to them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] How fairly he puts the matter to them, concerning these
|
|
difficulties
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>);
|
|
|
|
"You would stand candidates for the first post of honour in the
|
|
kingdom; but <I>are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink
|
|
of?</I> You talk of what great things you must have when you have done
|
|
your work; but are you able to hold out to the end of it?" Put the
|
|
matter seriously to yourselves. These same two disciples once knew not
|
|
what manner of spirit they were of, when they were disturbed with
|
|
anger,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+9:55">Luke ix. 55</A>;
|
|
|
|
and now they were not aware what was amiss in their spirits when they
|
|
were lifted up with ambition. Christ sees that pride in us which we
|
|
discern not in ourselves.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Note, <I>First,</I> That to suffer for Christ is <I>to drink of a
|
|
cup,</I> and <I>to be baptized with a baptism.</I> In this description
|
|
of sufferings,
|
|
|
|
1. It is true, that affliction doth abound. It is supposed to be a
|
|
bitter cup, that is drunk of, wormwood and gall, those waters of a full
|
|
cup, that are wrung out to God's people
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+43:10">Ps. xliii. 10</A>);
|
|
|
|
a cup of trembling indeed, but not of fire and brimstone, the portion
|
|
of the cup of wicked men,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+11:6">Ps. xi. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is supposed to be a baptism, a washing with the waters of
|
|
affliction; some are dipped in them; the waters compass them about even
|
|
to the soul
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jon+2:5">Jonah ii. 5</A>);
|
|
|
|
others have but a sprinkling of them; both are baptism, some are
|
|
overwhelmed in them, as in a deluge, others ill wet, as in a sharp
|
|
shower. But,
|
|
|
|
2. Even in this, <I>consolation doth more abound.</I> It is but a cup,
|
|
not an ocean; it is but a draught, bitter perhaps, but we shall see the
|
|
bottom of it; it is a cup in the hand of a Father
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+18:11">John xviii. 11</A>);
|
|
|
|
and it is full of mixture,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+75:8">Ps. lxxv. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is but a baptism; if dipped, that is the worst of it, not drowned;
|
|
perplexed, but not in despair. Baptism is an ordinance by which we join
|
|
ourselves to the Lord in covenant and communion; and so is suffering
|
|
for Christ,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+20:37,Isa+48:10">Ezek. xx. 37; Isa. xlviii. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
Baptism is "an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual
|
|
grace;" and so is suffering for Christ, for <I>unto us it is given,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+1:29">Phil. i. 29</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> It is to drink of the same cup that Christ drank of,
|
|
and to be baptized with the same baptism that he was baptized with.
|
|
Christ is beforehand with us in suffering, and in that as in other
|
|
things left us an example.
|
|
|
|
1. It bespeaks the condescension of a suffering Christ, that he would
|
|
drink of such a cup
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+18:11">John xviii. 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
nay, and such a brook
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+110:7">Ps. cx. 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
and drink so deep, and yet so cheerfully; that he would be baptized
|
|
with such a baptism, and was so forward to it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+12:50">Luke xii. 50</A>.
|
|
|
|
It was much that he would be baptized with water as a common sinner,
|
|
much more with blood as an uncommon malefactor. But in all this he was
|
|
made <I>in the likeness of sinful flesh,</I> and <I>was made sin for
|
|
us.</I>
|
|
|
|
2. It bespeaks the consolation of suffering Christians, that they do
|
|
but pledge Christ in the bitter cup, are <I>partakers of his
|
|
sufferings,</I> and <I>fill up that which is behind</I> of them; we
|
|
must therefore arm ourselves with the same mind, and <I>go to him
|
|
without the camp.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Thirdly,</I> It is good for us to be often putting it to ourselves,
|
|
whether we are able to drink of this cup, and to be baptized with this
|
|
baptism. We must expect suffering, and not look upon it as a hard
|
|
thing to suffer well and as becomes us. Are we able to suffer
|
|
cheerfully, and in the worst of times still to hold fast our integrity?
|
|
What can we afford to part with for Christ? How far will we give him
|
|
credit? Could I find in my heart to drink of a bitter cup, and to be
|
|
baptized with a bloody baptism, rather than let go my hold of Christ?
|
|
The truth is, Religion, if it be worth any thing, is worth every thing;
|
|
but it is worth little, if it be not worth suffering for. Now let us
|
|
sit down, and count the cost of dying for Christ rather than denying
|
|
him, and ask, Can we take him upon these terms?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] See how boldly they engage for themselves; they said, <I>We are
|
|
able,</I> in hopes of sitting on his right hand, and on his left; but
|
|
at the same time they fondly hoped that they should never be tried. As
|
|
before they knew not what they asked, so now they knew not what they
|
|
answered. <I>We are able;</I> they would have done well to put in,
|
|
"<I>Lord, by thy strength,</I> and <I>in thy grace, we are able,</I>
|
|
otherwise we are not." But the same that was Peter's temptation, to be
|
|
confident of his own sufficiency, and presume upon his own strength,
|
|
was here the temptation of James and John; and it is a sin we are all
|
|
prone to. They knew not what Christ's cup was, nor what his baptism,
|
|
and therefore they were thus bold in promising for themselves. But
|
|
those are commonly most confident, that are least acquainted with the
|
|
cross.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] See how plainly and positively their sufferings are here foretold
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Ye shall drink of my cup.</I> Sufferings foreseen will be the more
|
|
easily borne, especially if looked upon under a right notion, as
|
|
drinking of his cup, and being baptized with his baptism. Christ began
|
|
in suffering for us, and expects we should pledge him in suffering for
|
|
him. Christ will have us know the worst, that we may make the best of
|
|
our way to heaven; <I>Ye shall drink;</I> that is, ye shall suffer.
|
|
James drank the bloody cup first of all the apostles,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+12:2">Acts xii. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
John, though at last he died in his bed, if we may credit the
|
|
ecclesiastical historians, yet often drank of this bitter cup, as when
|
|
he was banished into the isle of Patmos
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+1:9">Rev. i. 9</A>),
|
|
|
|
and when (as they say) at Ephesus he was put into a caldron of boiling
|
|
oil, but was miraculously preserved. He was, as the rest of the
|
|
apostles, in deaths often. He took the cup, offered himself to the
|
|
baptism, and it was accepted.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He leaves them in the dark about the degrees of their glory. To
|
|
carry them cheerfully through their sufferings, it was enough to be
|
|
assured that they should have <I>a place in his kingdom.</I> The lowest
|
|
seat in heaven is an abundant recompence for the greatest sufferings on
|
|
earth. But as to the preferments there, it was not fit there should be
|
|
any intimation given for whom they were intended; for the infirmity of
|
|
their present state could not bear such a discovery with any evenness;
|
|
"<I>To sit on my right hand and on my left is not mine to give,</I> and
|
|
therefore it is not for you to ask it or to know it; <I>but it shall be
|
|
given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.</I>" Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] It is very probable that there are degrees of glory in heaven; for
|
|
our Saviour seems to allow that there are some that shall sit on his
|
|
right hand and on his left, in the highest places.
|
|
|
|
[2.] As the future glory itself, so the degrees of it, are purposed and
|
|
prepared in the eternal counsel of God; as the common salvation, so the
|
|
more peculiar honours, are appointed, the whole affair is long since
|
|
settled, and there is a certain measure of the stature, both in grace
|
|
and glory,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:13">Eph. iv. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
[3.] Christ, in dispensing the fruits of his own purchase, goes exactly
|
|
by the measures of his Father's purpose; <I>It is not mine to give,
|
|
save to them</I> (so it may be read) <I>for whom it is prepared.</I>
|
|
Christ has the sole power of giving eternal life, but then it is <I>to
|
|
as many as were given him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:2">John xvii. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>It is not mine to give,</I> that is, to <I>promise</I> now; that
|
|
matter is already settled and concerted, and the Father and Son
|
|
understand one another perfectly well in this matter. "It is not mine
|
|
to give to those that seek and are ambitious of it, but to those that
|
|
by great humility and self-denial are prepared for it."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. Here are the reproof and instruction which Christ gave to the
|
|
other ten disciples for their displeasure at the request of James and
|
|
John. He had much to bear with in them all, they were so weak in
|
|
knowledge and grace, yet he bore their manners.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The fret that the ten disciples were in
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>).
|
|
|
|
<I>They were moved with indignation against the two brethren;</I> not
|
|
because they were desirous to be preferred, which was their sin, and
|
|
for which Christ was displeased with them, but because they were
|
|
desirous to be preferred <I>before them,</I> which was a reflection
|
|
upon them. Many seem to have indignation at sin; but it is not because
|
|
it is sin, but because it touches them. They will inform against a man
|
|
that swears; but it is only if he swear at them, and affront them, not
|
|
because he dishonours God. These disciples were angry at their
|
|
brethren's ambition, though they themselves, bay <I>because</I> they
|
|
themselves, were as ambitious. Note, It is common for people to be
|
|
angry at those sins in others which they allow of and indulge in
|
|
themselves. Those that are proud and covetous themselves do not care to
|
|
see others so. Nothing makes more mischief among brethren, or is the
|
|
cause of more indignation and contention, than ambition, and desire of
|
|
greatness. We never find Christ's disciples quarreling, but something
|
|
of this was at the bottom of it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The check that Christ gave them, which was very gentle, rather by
|
|
way of instruction what they should be, than by way of reprehension for
|
|
what they were. He had reproved this very sin before
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:3"><I>ch.</I> xviii. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
and told them they must be humble as little children; yet they relapsed
|
|
into it, and yet he reproved them for it thus mildly.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>He called them unto him,</I> which intimates great tenderness and
|
|
familiarity. He did not, in anger, bid them get out of his presence,
|
|
but called them, in love, to come into his presence: for
|
|
<I>therefore</I> he is fit to teach, and we are invited to learn of
|
|
him, because <I>he is meek and lowly in heart.</I> What he had to say
|
|
concerned both the two disciples and the ten, and therefore he will
|
|
have them all together. And he tells them, that, whereas they were
|
|
asking which of them should have dominion a temporal kingdom, there was
|
|
really no such dominion reserved for any of them. For,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) They must not be <I>like the princes of the Gentiles.</I> Christ's
|
|
disciples must not be like Gentiles, no not like princes of the
|
|
Gentiles. Principality doth no more become ministers than Gentilism
|
|
doth Christians.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] What is the way of the princes of the Gentiles
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>);
|
|
|
|
to <I>exercise dominion and authority</I> over their subjects, and (if
|
|
they can but win the upper hand with a strong hand) over one another
|
|
too. That which bears them up in it is, that they are great, and great
|
|
men think they may do any thing. Dominion and authority are the great
|
|
things which the princes of the Gentiles pursue, and pride themselves
|
|
in; they would bear sway, would carry all before them, have every body
|
|
truckle to them, and every sheaf bow to theirs. They would have it
|
|
cried before them, <I>Bow the knee;</I> like Nebuchadnezzar, who slew,
|
|
and kept alive, at pleasure.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] What is the will of Christ concerning his apostles and ministers,
|
|
in this matter.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First, "It shall not be so among you.</I> The constitution of the
|
|
spiritual kingdom is quite different from this. You are to teach the
|
|
subjects of this kingdom, to instruct and beseech them, to counsel and
|
|
comfort them, to take pains with them, and suffer with them, not to
|
|
exercise dominion or authority over them; you are not to <I>lord it
|
|
over God's heritage</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+5:3">1 Pet. v. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
but to labour in it." This forbids not only tyranny, and abuse of
|
|
power, but the claim or use of any such secular authority as the
|
|
princes of the Gentiles lawfully exercise. So hard is it for vain men,
|
|
even good men, to have such authority, and not to be puffed up with it,
|
|
and do more hurt than good with it, that our Lord Jesus saw fit wholly
|
|
to banish it out of his church. Paul himself disowns dominion over the
|
|
faith of any,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+1:24">2 Cor. i. 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
The pomp and grandeur of the princes of the Gentiles ill become
|
|
Christ's disciples. Now, if there were no such power and honour
|
|
intended to be in the church, it was nonsense for them to be striving
|
|
who should have it. <I>They knew not what they asked.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> How then shall it be among the disciples of Christ?
|
|
Something of greatness among them Christ himself had intimated, and
|
|
here he explains it; "<I>He that will be great among you,</I> that
|
|
<I>will be chief,</I> that would really be so, and would be found to be
|
|
so at last, <I>let him be your minister, your servant,</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:26,27"><I>v.</I> 26, 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here observe,
|
|
|
|
1. That it is the duty of Christ's disciples to serve one another, for
|
|
mutual edification. This includes both humility and usefulness. The
|
|
followers of Christ must be ready to stoop to the meanest offices of
|
|
love for the good one of another, must <I>submit one to another</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+5:5,Eph+5:21">1 Pet. v. 5; Eph. v. 21</A>),
|
|
|
|
and <I>edify one another</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+14:19">Rom. xiv. 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>please one another</I> for good,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+15:2">Rom. xv. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
The great apostle made himself every one's servant; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+9:19">1 Cor. ix. 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. It is the dignity of Christ's disciples faithfully to discharge
|
|
this duty. The way to be great and chief is to be humble and
|
|
serviceable. Those are to be best accounted of, and most respected, in
|
|
the church, and will be so by all that understand things aright; not
|
|
those that are dignified with high and mighty names, like the names of
|
|
the great ones of the earth, that appear in pomp, and assume to
|
|
themselves a power proportionable, but those that are most humble and
|
|
self-denying, and lay out themselves most to do good, though to the
|
|
diminishing of themselves. These honour God most, and those he will
|
|
honour. As he must become a fool that would be wise, so he must become
|
|
a servant that would be chief. St. Paul was a great example of this;
|
|
he <I>laboured more abundantly than they all,</I> made himself (as some
|
|
would call it) a drudge to his work; and is not he chief? Do we not by
|
|
consent call him the <I>great</I> apostle, though he called himself
|
|
<I>less than the least?</I> And perhaps our Lord Jesus had an eye to
|
|
him, when he said, There were <I>last</I> that should be <I>first;</I>
|
|
for Paul was <I>one born out of due time</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+15:8">1 Cor. xv. 8</A>);
|
|
|
|
not only the youngest child of the family of the apostles, but a
|
|
posthumous one, yet he became greatest. And perhaps he it was for whom
|
|
the first post of honour in Christ's kingdom was reserved and prepared
|
|
of his Father, not for James who sought it; and therefore just before
|
|
Paul began to be famous as an apostle, Providence ordered it so that
|
|
James was cut off
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+12:2">Acts xii. 2</A>),
|
|
|
|
that in the college of the twelve Paul might be substituted in his
|
|
room.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) They must be like the Master himself; and it is very fit that they
|
|
should, that, while they were in the world, they should be as he was
|
|
when he was in the world; for to both the present state is a state of
|
|
humiliation, the crown and glory were reserved for both in the future
|
|
state. Let them consider that the <I>Son of Man came not to be
|
|
ministered to, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for
|
|
many,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
Our Lord Jesus here sets himself before his disciples as a pattern of
|
|
those two things before recommended, humility, and usefulness.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] Never was there such an example of humility and condescension as
|
|
there was in the life of Christ, who came not to be <I>ministered unto,
|
|
but to minister.</I> When the Son of God came into the world, his
|
|
Ambassador to the children of men, one would think he should have been
|
|
ministered to, should have appeared in an equipage agreeable to his
|
|
person and character; but he did not so; he made no figure, had no
|
|
pompous train of state-servants to attend him, nor was he clad in robes
|
|
of honour, for he took upon him the <I>form of a servant.</I> He was
|
|
indeed ministered to as a poor man, which was a part of his
|
|
humiliation; there were those that <I>ministered to him of their
|
|
substance</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+8:2,3">Luke viii. 2, 3</A>);
|
|
|
|
but he was never ministered to as a great man; he never took state upon
|
|
him, was not waited on at table; he once washed his disciples' feet,
|
|
but we never read that they washed his feet. He came to minister help
|
|
to all that were in distress; he made himself a servant to the sick and
|
|
diseased; was as ready to their requests as ever any servant was at the
|
|
beck of his master, and took as much pains to serve them; he attended
|
|
continually to this very thing, and denied himself both food and rest
|
|
to attend to it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] Never was there such an example of beneficence and usefulness as
|
|
there was in the death of Christ, who <I>gave his life a ransom for
|
|
many.</I> He lived as a servant, and went about doing good; but he died
|
|
as a sacrifice, and in that he did the greatest good of all. He came
|
|
into the world on purpose to give his life a ransom; it was first in
|
|
his intention. The aspiring princes of the Gentiles make the lives of
|
|
many a ransom for their own honour, and perhaps a sacrifice to their
|
|
own humour. Christ doth not do so; his subjects' blood is precious to
|
|
him, and he is not prodigal of it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+72:14">Ps. lxxii. 14</A>);
|
|
|
|
but on the contrary, he gives his honour and life too ransom for his
|
|
subjects. Note, <I>First,</I> Jesus Christ laid down his life for a
|
|
ransom. Our lives were forfeited into the hands of divine justice by
|
|
sin. Christ, by parting with his life, made atonement for sin, and so
|
|
rescued ours; <I>he was made sin, and a curse for us,</I> and died, not
|
|
only <I>for our good, but in our stead,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+20:28,1Pe+1:18,19">Acts xx. 28; 1 Pet. i. 18, 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> It was a ransom for many, sufficient for all,
|
|
effectual for many; and, if for many, then, saith the poor doubting
|
|
soul, "Why not for me?" It was for many, that by him many may be made
|
|
righteous. These many were his seed, for which his soul travailed
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+53:10,11">Isa. liii. 10, 11</A>);
|
|
|
|
for many, so they will be when they come all together, though now they
|
|
appear but a little flock.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Now this is a good reason why we should not strive for precedency,
|
|
because the cross is our banner, and our Master's death is our life. It
|
|
is a good reason why we should study to do good, and, in consideration
|
|
of the love of Christ in dying for us, not hesitate <I>to lay down our
|
|
lives for the brethren,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+3:16">1 John iii. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
Ministers should be more forward than others to serve and suffer for
|
|
the good of souls, as blessed Paul was,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+20:24,Php+2:17">Acts xx. 24; Phil. ii. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
The nearer we are all concerned in, and the more we are advantaged by,
|
|
the humility and humiliation of Christ, the more ready and careful we
|
|
should be to imitate it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_33"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt20_34"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Sight Given to the Blind.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude
|
|
followed him.
|
|
30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when
|
|
they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on
|
|
us, O Lord, <I>thou</I> Son of David.
|
|
31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold
|
|
their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O
|
|
Lord, <I>thou</I> Son of David.
|
|
32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will
|
|
ye that I shall do unto you?
|
|
33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
|
|
34 So Jesus had compassion <I>on them,</I> and touched their eyes:
|
|
and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here an account of the cure of two poor blind beggars; in which
|
|
we may observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Their address to Christ,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:29,30"><I>v.</I> 29, 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
And in this,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The circumstances of it are observable. It was as Christ and his
|
|
disciples departed from Jericho; of that devoted place, which was
|
|
rebuilt under a curse, Christ took his leave with this blessing, for he
|
|
received gifts even for the rebellious. It was in the presence of <I>a
|
|
great multitude that followed him;</I> Christ had a numerous, though
|
|
not a pompous, attendance, and did good to them, though he did not take
|
|
state to himself. This multitude that followed him for loaves, and some
|
|
for love, some for curiosity, and some in expectation of his temporal
|
|
reign, which the disciples themselves dreamed of, very few with desire
|
|
to be taught their duty; yet, for the sake of those few, he confirmed
|
|
his doctrine by miracles wrought in the presence of great multitudes;
|
|
who, if they were not convinced by them, would be the more inexcusable.
|
|
Two blind men concurred in their request; for joint-prayer is pleasing
|
|
to Christ,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:19"><I>ch.</I> xviii. 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
These joint-sufferers were joint-suitors; being companions in the same
|
|
tribulation, they were partners in the same supplication. Note, It is
|
|
good for those that are labouring under the same calamity, or infirmity
|
|
of body or mind, to join together in the same prayer to God for relief,
|
|
that they may quicken one another's fervency, and encourage one
|
|
another's faith. There is mercy enough in Christ for all the
|
|
petitioners. These blind men were <I>sitting by the way-side,</I> as
|
|
blind beggars used to do. Note, Those that would receive mercy from
|
|
Christ, must place themselves there where his out-goings are; where he
|
|
manifests himself to those that seek him. It is good thus to way-lay
|
|
Christ, to be in his road.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>They heard that Jesus passed by.</I> Though they were blind, they
|
|
were not deaf. Seeing and hearing are the learning senses. It is a
|
|
great calamity to want either; but the defect of one may be, and often
|
|
is, made up in the acuteness of the other; and therefore it has been
|
|
observed by some as an instance of the goodness of Providence, that
|
|
none were ever known to be born both blind and deaf; but that, one way
|
|
or other, all are in a capacity of receiving knowledge. These blind men
|
|
had heard of Christ by the hearing of the ear, but they desired that
|
|
their eyes might see him. <I>When they heard that Jesus passed by,</I>
|
|
they asked no further questions, who were with him, or whether he was
|
|
in haste, but immediately <I>cried out.</I> Note, It is good to improve
|
|
the present opportunity, to make the best of the price now in the hand,
|
|
because, if once let slip, it may never return; these blind men did so,
|
|
and did wisely; for we do not find that Christ ever came to Jericho
|
|
again. <I>Now is the accepted time.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The address itself is more observable; <I>Have mercy on us, O Lord,
|
|
thou Son of David,</I> repeated again,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>.
|
|
|
|
Four things are recommended to us for an example in this address; for,
|
|
though the eye of the body was dark, the eye of the mind was
|
|
enlightened concerning truth, duty, and interest.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Here is an example of importunity in prayer. They cried out as men
|
|
in earnest; men in want are earnest, of course. Cold desires do but beg
|
|
denials. Those that would prevail in prayer, must stir up themselves to
|
|
take hold on God in duty. When they were discountenanced in it, they
|
|
cried the more. The stream of fervency, if it be stopped, will rise and
|
|
swell the higher. This wrestling with God in prayer, and makes us the
|
|
fitter to receive mercy; for the more it is striven for, the more it
|
|
will be prized and thankfully acknowledged.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Of humility in prayer; in that word, <I>Have mercy on us,</I> not
|
|
specifying the favour, or prescribing what, much less pleading merit,
|
|
but casting themselves upon, and referring themselves cheerfully to,
|
|
the Mediator's mercy, in what way he pleases; "Only have mercy." They
|
|
ask not for silver and gold, though they were poor, but mercy, mercy.
|
|
This is that which our hearts must be upon, when we come to <I>the
|
|
throne of grace, that we may find mercy,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+4:16,Ps+130:7">Heb. iv. 16; Ps. cxxx. 7</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) Of faith in prayer; in the title they gave to Christ, which was in
|
|
the nature of a plea; <I>O Lord, thou Son o David;</I> they confess
|
|
that <I>Jesus Christ is Lord,</I> and therefore had authority to
|
|
command deliverance for them. Surely it was by the Holy Ghost that they
|
|
called Christ <I>Lord,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+12:3">1 Cor. xii. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thus they take their encouragement in prayer from his power, as in
|
|
calling him the Son of David they take encouragement from his goodness,
|
|
as Messiah, of whom so many kind and tender things had been foretold,
|
|
particularly his compassion to the poor and needy,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+72:12,13">Ps. lxxii. 12, 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is of excellent use, in prayer, to eye Christ in the grace and glory
|
|
of his Messiahship; to remember that he is the Son of David, whose
|
|
office it is to help, and save, and to plead it with him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) Of perseverance in prayer, notwithstanding discouragement. <I>The
|
|
multitude rebuked them,</I> as noisy, clamorous, and impertinent, and
|
|
bid them <I>hold their peace,</I> and not disturb the Master, who
|
|
perhaps at first himself seemed not to regard them. In following Christ
|
|
with our prayers, we must expect to meet with hindrances and manifold
|
|
discouragements from within and from without, something or other that
|
|
bids us hold our peace. Such rebuke are permitted, that faith and
|
|
fervency, patience and perseverance, may be tried. These poor blind men
|
|
were rebuked by the multitude that followed Christ. Note, the sincere
|
|
and serious beggars at Christ's door commonly meet with the worst
|
|
rebukes from those that follow him but in pretence and hypocrisy. But
|
|
they would not be beaten off so; when they were in pursuit of such a
|
|
mercy, it was no time to compliment, or to practise a timid delicacy;
|
|
no, <I>they cried the more.</I> Note, <I>Men ought always to pray, and
|
|
not to faint;</I> to <I>pray with all perseverance</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+18:1">Luke xviii. 1</A>);
|
|
|
|
to continue in prayer with resolution, and not to yield to
|
|
opposition.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The answer of Christ to this address of theirs. The multitude
|
|
rebuked them; but Christ encouraged them. It were sad for us, if the
|
|
Master were not more kind and tender than the multitude; but he loves
|
|
to countenance those with special favour, that are under frowns, and
|
|
rebukes, and contempts from men. He will not suffer his humble
|
|
supplicants to be run down, and put out of countenance.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. <I>He stood still, and called them,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
He was now going up to Jerusalem, and was straitened till his work
|
|
there was accomplished; and yet he stood still to cure these blind men.
|
|
Note, When we are ever so much in haste about any business, yet we
|
|
should be willing to stand still to do good. <I>He called them,</I> not
|
|
because he could not cure them at a distance, but because he would do
|
|
it in the most obliging and instructive way, and would countenance weak
|
|
but willing patients and petitioners. Christ not only enjoins us to
|
|
pray, but invites us; holds out the golden sceptre to us, and bids us
|
|
come touch the top of it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He enquired further into their case; <I>What will ye that I shall do
|
|
unto you?</I> This implies,
|
|
|
|
(1.) A very fair offer; "Here I am; let me know what you would have,
|
|
and you shall have it." What would we more? He is able to do for us,
|
|
and as willing as he is able; <I>Ask, and it shall be given you.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) A condition annexed to this offer, which is a very easy and
|
|
reasonable one--that they should tell him what they would have him do
|
|
for them. One would think this a strange question, any one might tell
|
|
what they would have. Christ knew well enough; but he would know it
|
|
from them, whether they begged only for alms, as from a common person,
|
|
or for a cure, as from the Messiah. Note, It is the will of God that we
|
|
should in every thing make our requests known to him by prayer and
|
|
supplication; not to inform or move him, but to qualify ourselves for
|
|
the mercy. The waterman in the boat, who with his hook takes hold of
|
|
the shore, does not thereby pull the shore to the boat, but the boat to
|
|
the shore. So in prayer we do not draw the mercy to ourselves, but
|
|
ourselves to the mercy.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
They soon made known their request to him, such a one as they never
|
|
made to any one else; <I>Lord, that our eyes may be opened.</I> The
|
|
wants and burthens of the body we are soon sensible of, and can readily
|
|
relate; <I>Ubi dolor, ubi digitus--The finger promptly points to the
|
|
seat of pain.</I> O that we were but as apprehensive of our spiritual
|
|
maladies, and could as feelingly complain of them, especially our
|
|
spiritual blindness! Lord, that the eyes of our mind may be opened!
|
|
Many are spiritually blind, and yet say they see,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+9:41">John ix. 41</A>.
|
|
|
|
Were we but sensible of our darkness, we should soon apply ourselves to
|
|
him, who alone has the eye-salve, with this request, <I>Lord, that our
|
|
eyes may be opened.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. He cured them; when he encouraged them to seek him, he did not say,
|
|
<I>Seek in vain.</I> What he did was an instance,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Of his pity; <I>He had compassion on them.</I> Misery is the
|
|
object of mercy. They that are poor and blind are <I>wretched and
|
|
miserable</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+3:17">Rev. iii. 17</A>),
|
|
|
|
and the objects of compassion. It was the tender mercy of our God, that
|
|
gave light and sight to them that sat in darkness,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:78,79">Luke i. 78, 79</A>.
|
|
|
|
We cannot help those that are under such calamities, as Christ did; but
|
|
we may and must pity them, as Christ did, and draw out our soul to
|
|
them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Of his power; <I>He that formed the eye, can he not heal it?</I>
|
|
Yes, he can, he did, he did it easily, he touched their eyes; he did it
|
|
effectually, <I>Immediately their eyes received sight.</I> Thus he not
|
|
only proved that he was sent of God, but showed on what errand he was
|
|
sent--to give sight to those that are spiritually blind, <I>to turn them
|
|
from darkness to light.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Lastly,</I> These blind men, when they had received sight,
|
|
<I>followed him.</I> Note, None follow Christ blindfold. He first by
|
|
his grace opens men's eyes, and so draws their hearts after him. They
|
|
followed Christ, as his disciples, to learn of him, and as his
|
|
witnesses, eye-witnesses, to bear their testimony to him and to his
|
|
power and goodness. The best evidence of spiritual illumination is a
|
|
constant inseparable adherence to Jesus Christ as our Lord and
|
|
Leader.</P>
|
|
|
|
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