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