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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>L U K E.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. X.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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In this chapter we have,
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I. The ample commission which Christ gave to the seventy disciples to
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preach the gospel, and to confirm it by miracles; and the full
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instructions he gave them how to manage themselves in the execution of
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their commissions, and great encouragements therein,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:1-16">ver. 1-16</A>.
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II. The report which the seventy disciples made to their Master of the
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success of their negotiation, and his discourse thereupon,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:17-24">ver. 17-24</A>.
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III. Christ's discourse with a lawyer concerning the way to heaven,
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and the instructions Christ gave him by a parable to look upon every
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one as his neighbour whom he had occasion to show kindness to, or
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receive kindness from,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:25-37">ver. 25-37</A>.
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IV. Christ's entertainment at Martha's house, the reproof he gave to
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her for her care about the world, and his commendation of Mary for her
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care about her soul,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:38-42">ver. 38-42</A>.</P>
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<A NAME="Lu10_9"> </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>The Mission of the Seventy.</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 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and
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sent them two and two before his face into every city and place,
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whither he himself would come.
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2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly <I>is</I> great,
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but the labourers <I>are</I> few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the
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harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
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3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
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4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man
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by the way.
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5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace <I>be</I> to
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this house.
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6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon
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it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
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7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things
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as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from
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house to house.
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8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat
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such things as are set before you:
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9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The
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kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
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10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not,
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go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
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11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do
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wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that
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the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
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12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that
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day for Sodom, than for that city.
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13 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if
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the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been
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done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in
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sackcloth and ashes.
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14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the
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judgment, than for you.
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15 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be
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thrust down to hell.
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16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you
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despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent
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me.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We have here the sending forth of seventy disciples, two and two, into
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divers parts of the country, to preach the gospel, and to work miracles
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in those places which Christ himself designed to visit, to make way for
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his entertainment. This is not taken notice of by the other
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evangelists: but the instructions here given them are much the same
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with those given to the twelve. Observe,</P>
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<P>
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I. Their number: they were seventy. As in the choice of twelve apostles
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Christ had an eye to the twelve patriarchs, the twelve tribes, and the
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twelve princes of those tribes, so here he seems to have an eye to the
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<I>seventy</I> elders of Israel. So many went up with Moses and Aaron
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to the mount, and <I>saw the glory of the God of Israel</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+24:1,9">Exod. xxiv. 1, 9</A>),
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and so many were afterwards chosen to assist Moses in the government,
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in order to which the Spirit of prophecy came unto them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+11:24,25">Num. xi. 24, 25</A>.
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The <I>twelve wells of water</I> and the <I>seventy palm-trees</I> that
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were at Elim were a figure of the <I>twelve apostles</I> and the
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<I>seventy disciples,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:27">Exod. xv. 27</A>.
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They were seventy elders of the Jews that were employed by Ptolemy king
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of Egypt in turning the Old Testament into Greek, whose translation is
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thence called the <I>Septuagint.</I> The great sanhedrim consisted of
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this number. Now,</P>
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<P>
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1. We are glad to find that Christ had so many followers fit to be sent
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forth; his labour was not altogether in vain, though he met with much
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opposition. Note, Christ's interest is a <I>growing</I> interest, and
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his followers, like Israel in Egypt, though <I>afflicted</I> shall
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<I>multiply.</I> These <I>seventy,</I> though they did not attend him
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so closely and constantly as the <I>twelve</I> did, were nevertheless
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the constant hearers of his doctrine, and witnesses of his miracles,
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and believed in him. Those three mentioned in the close of the
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foregoing chapter might have been of these seventy, if they would have
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applied themselves in good earnest to their business. These seventy are
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those of whom Peter speaks as "<I>the men who companied with us all the
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time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,</I>" and were part
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of the one hundred and twenty there spoken of,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:15,21">Acts i. 15, 21</A>.
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Many of those that were the companions of the apostles, whom we read of
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in the Acts and the Epistles, we may suppose, were of these seventy
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disciples.</P>
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<P>
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2. We are glad to find there was work for so many ministers, hearers
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for so many preachers: thus the grain of mustard-seed began to
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<I>grow,</I> and the savour of the leaven to diffuse itself in the
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meal, in order to the leavening of the whole.</P>
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<P>
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II. Their work and business: He sent them <I>two and two,</I> that they
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might strengthen and encourage one another. <I>If one fall, the other
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will help to raise him up.</I> He sent them, not to all the cities of
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Israel, as he did the <I>twelve,</I> but only <I>to every city and
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place whither he himself would come</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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as his harbingers; and we must suppose, though it is not recorded, that
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Christ soon after went to all those places whither he now sent them,
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though he could stay but a little while in a place. Two things they
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were ordered to do, the same that Christ did wherever he came:--
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1. They must <I>heal the sick</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>),
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heal them <I>in the name of Jesus,</I> which would make people long to
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see this Jesus, and ready to entertain him whose name was so powerful.
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2. They must publish the approach of the kingdom of God, its approach
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<I>to them:</I> "Tell them this, <I>The kingdom of God is come nigh to
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you,</I> and you now stand fair for an admission into it, if you will
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but look about you. Now is the <I>day of your visitation,</I> know and
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understand it." It is good to be made sensible of our advantages and
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opportunities, that we may lay hold of them. When the <I>kingdom of God
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comes nigh us,</I> it concerns us to go forth to meet it.</P>
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<P>
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III. The instructions he gives them.</P>
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<P>
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1. They must set out with prayer
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>);
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and, in prayer,
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(1.) They must be duly affected with the necessities of the souls of
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men, which called for their help. They must <I>look about,</I> and see
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how <I>great the harvest was,</I> what abundance of people there were
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that wanted to have the gospel preached to them and were willing to
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receive it, nay, that had at this time their expectations raised of the
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coming of the Messiah and of his kingdom. There was corn ready to shed
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and be lost for want of hands to gather it in. Note, Ministers should
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apply themselves to their work under a deep concern for <I>precious
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souls,</I> looking upon them as the riches of this world, which ought
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to be secured for Christ. They must likewise be concerned that the
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<I>labourers were so few.</I> The Jewish teachers were indeed many, but
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they were not labourers; they did not gather in souls to God's kingdom,
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but to their own interest and party. Note, Those that are good
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ministers themselves wish that there were more good ministers, for
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there is work for more. It is common for tradesmen not to care how few
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there are of their own trade; but Christ would have the labourers in
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his vineyard reckon it a matter of complaint when the <I>labourers are
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few.</I>
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(2.) They must earnestly desire to receive their mission from God, that
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<I>he</I> would send them forth as <I>labourers into his harvest</I>
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who is the <I>Lord of the harvest,</I> and that he would send others
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forth; for, if God send them forth, they may hope he will go along with
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them and give them success. Let them therefore say, as the prophet
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+6:8">Isa. vi. 8</A>),
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<I>Here I am, send me.</I> It is desirable to receive our commission
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from God, and then we may go on boldly.</P>
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<P>
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2. They must set out with an expectation of trouble and persecution:
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"<I>Behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves;</I> but <I>go your
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ways,</I> and resolve to make the best of it. Your enemies will be as
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<I>wolves,</I> bloody and cruel, and ready to pull you to pieces; in
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their threatenings and revilings, they will be as <I>howling</I> wolves
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to <I>terrify</I> you; in their persecutions of you, they will be as
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<I>ravening</I> wolves to <I>tear</I> you. But you must be as
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<I>lambs,</I> peaceable and patient, though made an easy prey of." It
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would have been very hard thus to be sent forth as <I>sheep among
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wolves,</I> if he had not endued them with his spirit and courage.</P>
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<P>
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3. They must not encumber themselves with a load of provisions, as if
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they were going a long voyage, but depend upon God and their friends to
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provide what was convenient for them: "Carry neither a <I>purse</I> for
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money, nor a <I>scrip</I> or knapsack for clothes or victuals, nor new
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<I>shoes</I> (as before to the twelve,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+9:3"><I>ch.</I> ix. 3</A>);
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and <I>salute no man by the way.</I>" This command Elisha gave to his
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servant, when he sent him to see the Shunamite's dead child,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+4:29">2 Kings iv. 29</A>.
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Not that Christ would have his ministers to be rude, morose, and
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unmannerly; but,
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(1.) They must go as men <I>in haste,</I> that had their particular
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places assigned them, where they must deliver their message, and in
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their way directly to those places must not hinder or retard themselves
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with needless ceremonies or compliments.
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(2.) They must go as <I>men of business,</I> business that relates to
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another world, which they must be intent in, and intent upon, and
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therefore must not entangle themselves with conversation about secular
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affairs. <I>Minister verbi est; hoc age--You are a minister of the
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word; attend to your office.</I>
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(3.) They must go as <I>serious</I> men, and <I>men in sorrow.</I> It
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was the custom of mourners, during the first seven days of their
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mourning, not to <I>salute any,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+2:13">Job ii. 13</A>.
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Christ was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and it was fit
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that by this and other signs his messengers should resemble him, and
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likewise show themselves affected with the calamities of mankind which
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they came to relieve, and touched with a feeling of them.</P>
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<P>
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4. They must show, not only <I>their goodwill,</I> but <I>God's
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good-will,</I> to all to whom they came, and leave the issue and
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success to him that knows the heart,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:5,6"><I>v.</I> 5, 6</A>.</P>
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<P>
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(1.) The charge given them was, Whatsoever <I>house</I> they <I>entered
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into,</I> they must say, <I>Peace be to this house.</I> Here,
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[1.] They are supposed to enter into <I>private houses;</I> for, being
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not admitted into the synagogues, they were forced to preach where they
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could have liberty. And, as their public preaching was driven into
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houses, so thither they carried it. Like their Master, wherever they
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<I>visited,</I> they <I>preached from house to house,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+5:42,20:20">Acts v. 42; xx. 20</A>.
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Christ's church was at first very much <I>a church in the house.</I>
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[2.] They are instructed to say, "<I>Peace be to this house,</I> to all
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under this roof, to this family, and to all that belong to it."
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<I>Peace be to you</I> was the common form of salutation among the
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Jews. They must not use it in <I>formality,</I> according to custom, to
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those they met on the way, because they must use it with
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<I>solemnity</I> to those whose houses they entered into: "<I>Salute no
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man by the way</I> in compliment, but to those into whose house ye
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enter, say, <I>Peace be to you,</I> with seriousness and in reality;
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for this is intended to be more than a compliment." Christ's ministers
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go into all the world, to say, in Christ's name, <I>Peace be to
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you.</I> <I>First,</I> We are to <I>propose</I> peace to all, to
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<I>preach peace by Jesus Christ,</I> to proclaim the gospel of peace,
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the covenant of peace, <I>peace on earth,</I> and to invite the
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children of men to come and take the benefit of it. <I>Secondly,</I> We
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are to <I>pray</I> for peace to all. We must earnestly desire the
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salvation of the souls of those we preach to, and offer up those
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desires to God in prayer; and it may be well to let them know that we
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do thus pray for them, and bless them in the name of the Lord.</P>
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<P>
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(2.) The success was to be different, according to the different
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dispositions of those whom they preached to and prayed for. According
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as the inhabitants were sons of peace or not, so their peace should or
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should not <I>rest upon the house. Recipitur ad modum recipientis--The
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quality of the receiver determines the nature of the reception.</I>
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[1.] "You will meet with some that are the <I>sons of peace,</I> that
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by the operations of divine grace, pursuant to the designations of the
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divine counsel, are ready to admit the word of the gospel in the light
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and love of it, and have their hearts made as soft wax to receive the
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impressions of it. Those are qualified to receive the comforts of the
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gospel in whom there is a good work of grace wrought. And, as to those,
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<I>your peace</I> shall find them out and <I>rest upon them;</I> your
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prayers for them shall be heard, the promises of the gospel shall be
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<I>confirmed</I> to them, the privileges of it <I>conferred</I> on
|
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them, and the fruit of both shall remain and continue with them--a good
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part that shall not be <I>taken away.</I>"
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[2.] "You will meet with others that are no ways disposed to hear or
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heed your message, whole houses that have not one <I>son of peace</I>
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in them." Now it is certain that our peace shall <I>not come</I> upon
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<I>them,</I> they have no part nor lot in the matter; the blessing that
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|
rests upon the <I>sons of peace</I> shall never come upon the sons of
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Belial, nor can any expect the blessings of the covenant that will not
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come under the bonds of it. But it shall <I>return to us again;</I>
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that is, we shall have the comfort of having done our duty to God and
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discharged our trust. Our prayers like David's shall return <I>into our
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own bosom</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+35:13">Ps. xxxv. 13</A>)
|
|
|
|
and we shall have commission to go on in the work. Our peace shall
|
|
return to us again, not only to be enjoyed by ourselves, but to be
|
|
communicated to others, to the next we meet with, them that are <I>sons
|
|
of peace.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
5. They must <I>receive</I> the kindnesses of those that should
|
|
<I>entertain</I> them and <I>bid them welcome,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:7,8"><I>v.</I> 7, 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
"Those that receive the gospel will receive you that preach it, and
|
|
give you entertainment; you must not think to raise estates, but you
|
|
may depend upon a subsistence; and,"
|
|
|
|
(1.) "Be not <I>shy;</I> do not suspect our welcome, nor be afraid of
|
|
being troublesome, but <I>eat and drink</I> heartily <I>such things as
|
|
they give;</I> for, whatever kindness they show you, it is but a small
|
|
return for the kindness you do them in bringing the glad tidings of
|
|
<I>peace.</I> You will deserve it, for <I>the labourer is worthy of his
|
|
hire,</I> the labourer in the work of the ministry is so, if he be
|
|
indeed a <I>labourer;</I> and it is not an act of charity, but of
|
|
justice, in those who are <I>taught in the word to communicate to those
|
|
that teach them</I>"
|
|
|
|
(2.) "Be not <I>nice</I> and <I>curious</I> in your diet: <I>Eat and
|
|
drink such things as they give</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>such things as are set before you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
Be thankful for plain food, and do not find fault, though it be not
|
|
dressed according to art." It ill becomes Christ's disciples to be
|
|
<I>desirous of dainties.</I> As he has not tied them up to the
|
|
Pharisees' superstitious fasts, so he has not allowed the luxurious
|
|
feasts of the Epicureans. Probably, Christ here refers to the
|
|
traditions of the elders about their meat which were so many that those
|
|
who observed them were extremely critical, you could hardly set a dish
|
|
of meat before them, but there was some scruple or other concerning it;
|
|
but Christ would not have them to regard those things, but eat what was
|
|
given them, <I>asking no question for conscience' sake.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
6. They must <I>denounce</I> the judgments of God against those who
|
|
should <I>reject</I> them and their <I>message:</I> "If you <I>enter
|
|
into a city,</I> and they <I>do not receive you,</I> if there be none
|
|
there disposed to hearken to your doctrine, leave them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
If they will not <I>give you welcome</I> into their houses, do you
|
|
<I>give them warning</I> in their streets." He orders them to
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+9:5"><I>ch.</I> ix. 5</A>)
|
|
|
|
do as he had ordered the apostles to do: "Say to them, not with rage,
|
|
or scorn, or resentment, but with compassion to their poor perishing
|
|
souls, and a holy dread of the ruin which they are bringing upon
|
|
themselves, <I>Even the dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do
|
|
wipe off against you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
From them do not receive any kindnesses at all, be not beholden to
|
|
them. It cost that prophet of the Lord dear who accepted a meal's meat
|
|
with a prophet in Bethel,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+13:21,22">1 Kings xiii. 21, 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
Tell them that you will not carry with you the dust of their city; let
|
|
them take it to themselves, for <I>dust they are.</I>" It shall be a
|
|
witness for Christ's messengers that they had been there according to
|
|
their Master's order; <I>tender</I> and <I>refusal</I> were a discharge
|
|
of their trust. But it shall be a witness against the recusants that
|
|
they would not give Christ's messengers any entertainment, no, not so
|
|
much as water to wash their feet with, but they were forced to wipe off
|
|
the dust. "But tell them plainly, and bid them <I>be sure</I> of it,
|
|
<I>The kingdom of God is come nigh to you.</I> Here is a fair offer
|
|
made you; if you have not the benefit of it, it is your own fault. The
|
|
gospel is brought to your doors; if you shut your doors against it,
|
|
your blood is upon your own head. Now that the <I>kingdom of God is
|
|
come nigh to you,</I> if you will not come up to it, and come into it,
|
|
your sin will be inexcusable, and your condemnation intolerable." Note,
|
|
The fairer offers we have of grace and life by Christ, the more we
|
|
shall have to answer for another day, if we slight these offers: <I>It
|
|
shall be more tolerable for Sodom than for that city,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Sodomites indeed rejected the warning given them by Lot; but
|
|
rejecting the gospel is a more heinous crime, and will be punished
|
|
accordingly <I>in that day.</I> He means the day of judgment
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
but calls it, by way of emphasis, <I>that day,</I> because it is the
|
|
last and great day, the day when we must account for all the <I>days of
|
|
time,</I> and have our state determined for the <I>days of
|
|
eternity.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Upon this occasion, the evangelist repeats,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The particular doom of those cities wherein most of Christ's
|
|
mighty works were done, which we had,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:20">Matt. xi. 20</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c. Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, all bordering upon the sea of
|
|
Galilee, where Christ was most conversant, are the places here
|
|
mentioned.
|
|
|
|
[1.] They enjoyed greater privileges. Christ's <I>mighty works were
|
|
done in them,</I> and they were all gracious works, works of mercy.
|
|
They were hereby <I>exalted to heaven,</I> not only dignified and
|
|
honoured, but put into a fair way of being happy; they were brought as
|
|
near heaven as external means could bring them.
|
|
|
|
[2.] God's design in favouring them thus was to bring them to
|
|
<I>repentance</I> and <I>reformation</I> of life, <I>to sit in
|
|
sackcloth and ashes,</I> both in humiliation for the sins they had
|
|
committed, and in humility and a meek subjection to God's government.
|
|
|
|
[3.] Their frustrating this design, and their receiving the grace of
|
|
God therein in vain. It is implied that they <I>repented not;</I> they
|
|
were not wrought upon by all the miracles of Christ to think the better
|
|
of him, or the worse of sin; they did not bring forth fruits agreeable
|
|
to the advantages they enjoyed.
|
|
|
|
[4.] There was reason to think, morally speaking, that, if Christ had
|
|
gone to Tyre and Sidon, Gentile cities, and had preached the same
|
|
doctrine to them and wrought the same miracles among them that he did
|
|
in these cities of Israel, they would have repented <I>long ago,</I> so
|
|
speedy would their repentance have been, and that in <I>sackcloth and
|
|
ashes,</I> so deep would it have been. Now to understand the wisdom of
|
|
God, in <I>giving</I> the means of grace to those who would not improve
|
|
them, and <I>denying</I> them to those that would, we must wait for the
|
|
great day of discovery.
|
|
|
|
[5.] The doom of those who thus receive the grace of God in vain will
|
|
be very fearful. They that were <I>thus exalted,</I> not making use of
|
|
their elevation, will be <I>thrust down to hell,</I> thrust down with
|
|
disgrace and dishonour. They will thrust in to get into heaven, in the
|
|
crowd of professors, but in vain; they shall be <I>thrust down,</I> to
|
|
their everlasting grief and disappointment, into the lowest hell, and
|
|
hell will be hell indeed to them.
|
|
|
|
[6.] In the day of judgment Tyre and Sidon will fare better, and it
|
|
will be more tolerable for them than for these cities.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The general rule which Christ would go by, as to those to whom he
|
|
sent his ministers: He will reckon himself treated according as they
|
|
treated his ministers,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
What is done to the ambassador is done, as it were, to the prince that
|
|
sends him.
|
|
|
|
[1.] "<I>He that hearest you,</I> and regardeth what you say,
|
|
<I>heareth me,</I> and herein doeth me honour. But,"
|
|
|
|
[2.] "He that <I>despiseth you</I> doth in effect <I>despise me,</I>
|
|
and shall be reckoned with as having put an affront upon me; nay, he
|
|
<I>despiseth him that sent me.</I>" Note, Those who contemn the
|
|
Christian religion do in effect put a slight upon natural religion,
|
|
which it is perfective of. And they who <I>despise</I> the faithful
|
|
ministers of Christ, who, though they do not hate and persecute them,
|
|
yet think meanly of them, look scornfully upon them, and turn their
|
|
backs upon their ministry, will be reckoned with as despisers of God
|
|
and Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_24"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Success of the Seventy.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even
|
|
the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
|
|
18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from
|
|
heaven.
|
|
19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and
|
|
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall
|
|
by any means hurt you.
|
|
20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are
|
|
subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are
|
|
written in heaven.
|
|
21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank
|
|
thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid
|
|
these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them
|
|
unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
|
|
22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man
|
|
knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is,
|
|
but the Son, and <I>he</I> to whom the Son will reveal <I>him.</I>
|
|
23 And he turned him unto <I>his</I> disciples, and said privately,
|
|
Blessed <I>are</I> the eyes which see the things that ye see:
|
|
24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to
|
|
see those things which ye see, and have not seen <I>them;</I> and to
|
|
hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard <I>them.</I>
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Christ sent forth the seventy disciples as he was going up to Jerusalem
|
|
to the <I>feast of tabernacles,</I> when he <I>went up, not openly,</I>
|
|
but <I>as it were in secret</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+7:10">John vii. 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
having sent abroad so great a part of his ordinary retinue; and Dr.
|
|
Lightfoot thinks it was before his return from that feast, and while he
|
|
was yet at Jerusalem, or Bethany, which was hard by (for there he was,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:38"><I>v.</I> 38</A>),
|
|
|
|
that they, or at least some of them, returned to him. Now here we are
|
|
told,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. What account they gave him of the success of their expedition:
|
|
<I>They returned again with joy</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>);
|
|
|
|
not complaining of the fatigue of their journeys, nor of the opposition
|
|
and discouragement they met with, but rejoicing in their success,
|
|
especially in casting out unclean spirits: <I>Lord, even the devils are
|
|
subject unto us through thy name.</I> Though only the <I>healing of the
|
|
sick</I> was mentioned in their commission
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
yet no doubt the <I>casting out</I> of devils was included, and in this
|
|
they had wonderful success.
|
|
|
|
1. They give Christ the glory of this: It is <I>through thy name.</I>
|
|
Note, all our victories over Satan are obtained by power derived from
|
|
Jesus Christ. We must <I>in his name</I> enter the lists with our
|
|
spiritual enemies, and, whatever advantages we gain, he must have all
|
|
the praise; if the work be done <I>in</I> his name, the honour is due
|
|
<I>to</I> his name.
|
|
|
|
2. They entertain themselves with the comfort of it; they speak of it
|
|
with an air of exultation: <I>Even the devils,</I> those potent
|
|
enemies, are <I>subject to us.</I> Note, the saints have no greater joy
|
|
or satisfaction in any of their triumphs than in those over Satan. If
|
|
devils are <I>subject to us,</I> what can stand before us?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. What acceptance they found with him, and how he received this
|
|
account.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He confirmed what they said, as agreeing with his own observation
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>):
|
|
|
|
"My heart and eye went along with you; I took notice of the success you
|
|
had, and I <I>saw Satan fall as lightning from heaven.</I>" Note, Satan
|
|
and his kingdom fell before the preaching of the gospel. "I see how it
|
|
is," saith Christ, "as you get ground the devil loseth ground." He
|
|
falls <I>as lightning falls from heaven,</I> so suddenly, so
|
|
irrecoverably, so visibly, that all may perceive it, and say, "See how
|
|
Satan's kingdom totters, see how it tumbles." They triumphed in casting
|
|
devils out of the bodies of people; but Christ sees and rejoices in the
|
|
fall of the devil from the interest he has in the souls of men, which
|
|
is called his power <I>in high places,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+6:12">Eph. vi. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
He foresees this to be but an earnest of what should now be shortly
|
|
done and was already begun--the destroying of Satan's kingdom in the
|
|
world by the extirpating of idolatry and the turning of the nations to
|
|
the faith of Christ. Satan <I>falls from heaven</I> when he falls from
|
|
the throne in men's hearts,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+26:18">Acts xxvi. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
And Christ foresaw that the preaching of the gospel, which would <I>fly
|
|
like lightning</I> through the world, would wherever it went pull down
|
|
Satan's kingdom. <I>Now is the prince of this world cast out.</I> Some
|
|
have given another sense of this, as looking back to the fall of the
|
|
angels, and designed for a caution to these disciples, lest their
|
|
success should puff them up with pride: "I saw angels turned into
|
|
devils by <I>pride:</I> that was the sin for which Satan was <I>cast
|
|
down from heaven,</I> where he had been an angel of light I saw it, and
|
|
give you an intimation of it lest you, being <I>lifted up with pride
|
|
should fall into that condemnation of the devil,</I> who fell by
|
|
pride,"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+3:6">1 Tim. iii. 6</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He repeated, ratified, and enlarged their commission: <I>Behold I
|
|
give you power to tread on serpents,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, To him that hath, and useth well what he hath, more shall be
|
|
given. They had employed their power vigorously against Satan, and now
|
|
Christ entrusts them with greater power.
|
|
|
|
(1.) An <I>offensive</I> power, power to <I>tread on serpents and
|
|
scorpions,</I> devils and malignant spirits, the old serpent: "You
|
|
shall <I>bruise their heads</I> in my name," according to the first
|
|
promise,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+3:15">Gen. iii. 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
Come, <I>set your feet</I> on <I>the necks</I> of these enemies; you
|
|
shall tread upon these <I>lions</I> and <I>adders</I> wherever you meet
|
|
with them; you shall <I>trample them under foot,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+91:13">Ps. xci. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
You shall <I>tread upon all the power of the enemy,</I> and the kingdom
|
|
of the Messiah shall be every where set up upon the ruins of the
|
|
devil's kingdom. As the devils have now been <I>subject to you,</I> so
|
|
they shall still be.
|
|
|
|
(2.) A <I>defensive</I> power: "<I>Nothing shall by any means hurt
|
|
you;</I> not <I>serpents</I> nor <I>scorpions,</I> if you should be
|
|
chastised with them or thrown into prisons and dungeons among them; you
|
|
shall be unhurt by the most venomous creatures," as St. Paul was
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+28:5">Acts xxviii. 5</A>),
|
|
|
|
and as is promised in
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+16:18">Mark xvi. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
"If wicked men be as <I>serpents</I> to you, and you <I>dwell</I> among
|
|
those <I>scorpions</I> (as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+2:6">Ezek. ii. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
you may despise their rage, and <I>tread</I> upon it; <I>it</I> need
|
|
not disturb you, for they have no power against you but what is
|
|
<I>given them from above;</I> they may <I>hiss,</I> but they cannot
|
|
<I>hurt.</I>" You may play upon the hole of the asp, for <I>death
|
|
itself shall not hurt nor destroy,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+11:8,19,25:8">Isa. xi. 8, 19; xxv. 8</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. He directed them to turn their joy into the right channel
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject
|
|
unto you,</I> that they have been so, and shall be still so. Do not
|
|
rejoice in this merely as it is your honour, and a confirmation of your
|
|
mission, and as it sets you a degree above other good people; do not
|
|
rejoice in this <I>only,</I> or in this <I>chiefly,</I> but <I>rather
|
|
rejoice because your names are written in heaven,</I> because you are
|
|
chosen of God to eternal life, and are the children of God through
|
|
faith." Christ, who knew the counsels of God, could tell them that
|
|
their <I>names were written in heaven,</I> for it is the <I>Lamb's book
|
|
of life</I> that they are written in. All believers are through grace,
|
|
entitled to the inheritance of sons, and have received the adoption of
|
|
sons, and the Spirit of adoption, which is the earnest of that
|
|
inheritance and so are enrolled among his family; now this is matter of
|
|
joy, greater joy than casting out devils. Note, Power to become the
|
|
children of God is to be valued more than a power to work miracles; for
|
|
we read of those who did <I>in Christ's name cast out devils,</I> as
|
|
Judas did, and yet will be disowned by Christ in the great day. But
|
|
they whose <I>names are written in heaven</I> shall never perish; they
|
|
are <I>Christ's sheep,</I> to whom he will <I>give eternal life.</I>
|
|
Saving graces are more to be rejoiced in than spiritual gifts; holy
|
|
love is <I>a more excellent way</I> than speaking with tongues.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. He offered up a solemn thanksgiving to his Father, for employing
|
|
such mean people as his disciples were in such high and honourable
|
|
service,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:21,22"><I>v.</I> 21, 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
This we had before
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:25-27">Matt. xi. 25-27</A>),
|
|
|
|
only here it is prefixed that <I>in that hour Jesus rejoiced.</I> It
|
|
was fit that particular notice should be taken of <I>that</I> hour,
|
|
because there were so few such, for he was a <I>man of sorrows.</I> In
|
|
<I>that hour</I> in which he saw Satan fall, and heard of the good
|
|
success of his ministers, <I>in that hour he rejoiced.</I> Note,
|
|
Nothing rejoices the heart of the Lord Jesus so much as the progress of
|
|
the gospel, and its getting ground of Satan, by the conversion of souls
|
|
to Christ. Christ's joy was a solid substantial joy, an inward joy:
|
|
<I>he rejoiced in spirit;</I> but his joy, like deep waters, made no
|
|
noise; it was a joy that a stranger did not intermeddle with. Before he
|
|
applied himself to <I>thank his Father,</I> he stirred up himself to
|
|
<I>rejoice;</I> for, as <I>thankful praise</I> is the genuine language
|
|
of <I>holy joy,</I> so <I>holy joy</I> is the root and spring of
|
|
<I>thankful praise.</I> Two things he gives thanks for:--</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) For what was <I>revealed</I> by the <I>Father</I> through the
|
|
<I>Son: I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
In all our adorations of God, we must have an eye to him, both as the
|
|
Maker of heaven and earth and as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
|
|
and in him our Father. Now that which he gives thanks for is,
|
|
|
|
[1.] That the counsels of God concerning man's reconciliation to
|
|
himself were <I>revealed</I> to some of the children of men, who might
|
|
be fit also to <I>teach others,</I> and it is God that <I>by his
|
|
Son</I> has spoken these things <I>to us</I> and by his Spirit has
|
|
revealed them <I>in us; he</I> has <I>revealed</I> that which had been
|
|
<I>kept secret</I> from the beginning of the world.
|
|
|
|
[2.] That they were revealed to <I>babes,</I> to those who were of mean
|
|
parts and capacities, whose extraction and education had nothing in
|
|
them promising, who were but <I>children in understanding,</I> till God
|
|
by his Spirit elevated their faculties, and furnished them with this
|
|
knowledge, and an ability to communicate it. We have reason to thank
|
|
God, not so much for the honour he has hereby put upon babes, as for
|
|
the honour he has hereby done himself in perfecting strength <I>out of
|
|
weakness.</I>
|
|
|
|
[3.] That, at the same time when he revealed them unto babes, he <I>hid
|
|
them from the wise and prudent,</I> the Gentile philosophers, the
|
|
Jewish rabbin. He <I>did not reveal</I> the things of the gospel to
|
|
them, nor employ them in preaching up his kingdom. Thanks be to God
|
|
that the apostles were not fetched from their schools; for,
|
|
<I>First,</I> they would have been apt to mingle their notions with the
|
|
doctrine of Christ, which would have corrupted it, as afterwards it
|
|
proved. For Christianity was much corrupted by the Platonic philosophy
|
|
in the first ages of it, by the Peripatetic in its latter ages, and by
|
|
the Judaizing teachers at the first planting of it. <I>Secondly,</I> If
|
|
rabbin and philosophers had been made apostles, the success of the
|
|
gospel would have been ascribed to their learning and wit and the force
|
|
of their reasonings and eloquence; and therefore they must not be
|
|
employed, lest they should have taken too much to themselves, and
|
|
others should have attributed too much to them. They were passed by for
|
|
the same reason that Gideon's army was reduced: <I>The people are yet
|
|
too many,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jdg+7:4">Judges vii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
Paul indeed was bred a scholar among the wise and prudent; but he
|
|
became a <I>babe</I> when he became an apostle, and laid aside the
|
|
<I>enticing words of man's wisdom,</I> forgot them all, and made
|
|
neither show nor use of any other knowledge than that of <I>Christ and
|
|
him crucified,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+2:2,4">1 Cor. ii. 2, 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
[4.] That God herein acted by way of sovereignty: <I>Even so, Father,
|
|
for so it seemed good in thy sight.</I> If God gives his grace and the
|
|
knowledge of his son to some that are less likely, and does not give it
|
|
to others whom we should think better able to deliver it with
|
|
advantage, this must satisfy: so it pleases God, whose thoughts are
|
|
infinitely above ours. He chooses to entrust the dispensing of his
|
|
gospel in the hands of those who with a <I>divine energy</I> will give
|
|
it the <I>setting on,</I> rather than in theirs who with <I>human
|
|
art</I> will give it the <I>setting off.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) For what was <I>secret</I> between the <I>Father</I> and <I>the
|
|
Son,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
[1.] The vast <I>confidence</I> that the Father <I>puts</I> in the Son:
|
|
<I>All things are delivered to me of my Father,</I> all wisdom and
|
|
knowledge, all power and authority, all the grace and comfort which are
|
|
intended for the chosen remnant; it is all delivered into the hands of
|
|
the Lord Jesus; in him all fulness must <I>dwell,</I> and from him it
|
|
must be <I>derived:</I> he is the great <I>trustee</I> that manages all
|
|
the concerns of God's kingdom.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The good understanding that there is between the Father and the
|
|
Son, and their <I>mutual consciousness,</I> such as no creature can be
|
|
admitted to: <I>No man knows who the Son is,</I> nor what his mind is,
|
|
<I>but the Father,</I> who <I>possessed him in the beginning of his
|
|
ways, before his works of old</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:22">Prov. viii. 22</A>),
|
|
|
|
nor <I>who the Father is,</I> and what his counsels are, <I>but the
|
|
Son,</I> who lay in his bosom from eternity, was <I>by him as one
|
|
brought up with him, and was daily his delight</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:30">Prov. viii. 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>and he to whom the Son</I> by the Spirit <I>will reveal him.</I> The
|
|
gospel is the revelation of Jesus Christ, to him we owe all the
|
|
discoveries made to us of the will of God for our salvation; and here
|
|
he speaks of being entrusted with it as that which was a great pleasure
|
|
to himself and for which he was very thankful to his Father.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
5. He told his disciples how well it was for them that they had these
|
|
things revealed to them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:23,24"><I>v.</I> 23, 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
Having addressed himself to his Father, he <I>turned to his
|
|
disciples,</I> designing to make them sensible how much it was for
|
|
their happiness, as well as for the glory and honour of God, that they
|
|
knew the mysteries of the kingdom and were employed to lead others into
|
|
the knowledge of them, considering,
|
|
|
|
(1.) What a step it is <I>towards</I> something better. Though the bare
|
|
knowledge of these things is not saving, yet it puts us in the way of
|
|
salvation: <I>Blessed are the eyes which see the things which we
|
|
see.</I> God therein blesseth them, and, if it be not their own fault
|
|
it will be an eternal blessedness to them.
|
|
|
|
(2.) What a step it is <I>above</I> those that went before them, even
|
|
the greatest saints, and those that were most the favourites of Heaven:
|
|
"<I>Many prophets and righteous men</I>" (so it is in
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+13:17">Matt. xiii. 17</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>many prophets and kings</I> (so it is here), "have <I>desired</I> to
|
|
see and hear those things which you are daily and intimately conversant
|
|
with, and <I>have not seen</I> and <I>heard</I> them." The honour and
|
|
happiness of the New-Testament saints far exceed those even of the
|
|
<I>prophets</I> and <I>kings</I> of the Old Testament, though they also
|
|
were <I>highly favoured.</I> The general ideas which the Old-Testament
|
|
saints had, according to the intimations given them, of the graces and
|
|
glories of the Messiah's kingdom, made them wish a thousand times that
|
|
their lot had been reserved for those blessed days, and that they might
|
|
see the substance of those things of which they had faint shadows.
|
|
Note, The consideration of the great advantages which we have in the
|
|
New-Testament light, above what they had who lived in Old-Testament
|
|
times, should awaken our diligence in the improvement of it; for, if it
|
|
do not, it will aggravate our condemnation for the non-improvement of
|
|
it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_33"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_34"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_35"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_36"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_37"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Who Is Our Neighbour.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him,
|
|
saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
|
|
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest
|
|
thou?
|
|
27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with
|
|
all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength,
|
|
and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
|
|
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and
|
|
thou shalt live.
|
|
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who
|
|
is my neighbour?
|
|
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain <I>man</I> went down from
|
|
Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him
|
|
of his raiment, and wounded <I>him,</I> and departed, leaving <I>him</I>
|
|
half dead.
|
|
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and
|
|
when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
|
|
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and
|
|
looked <I>on him,</I> and passed by on the other side.
|
|
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was:
|
|
and when he saw him, he had compassion <I>on him,</I>
|
|
34 And went to <I>him,</I> and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil
|
|
and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an
|
|
inn, and took care of him.
|
|
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence,
|
|
and gave <I>them</I> to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him;
|
|
and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will
|
|
repay thee.
|
|
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto
|
|
him that fell among the thieves?
|
|
37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus
|
|
unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here Christ's discourse with a lawyer about some points of
|
|
conscience, which we are all concerned to be rightly informed in and
|
|
are so here from Christ though the questions were proposed with no good
|
|
intention.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. We are concerned to know what that good is which we should do in
|
|
<I>this</I> life, in order to our attaining <I>eternal life.</I> A
|
|
question to this purport was proposed to our Saviour by a <I>certain
|
|
lawyer,</I> or <I>scribe,</I> only with a design to <I>try</I> him, not
|
|
with a desire to be instructed by him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
The lawyer <I>stood up,</I> and <I>asked him, Master, what shall I do
|
|
to inherit eternal life?</I> If Christ had any thing peculiar to
|
|
prescribe, by this question he would get it out of him, and perhaps
|
|
expose him for it; if not, he would expose his doctrine as needless,
|
|
since it would give no other direction for obtaining happiness than
|
|
what they had already received; or, perhaps, he had no malicious design
|
|
against Christ, as some of the scribes had, only he was willing to have
|
|
a little talk with him, just as people go to church to hear what the
|
|
minister will say. This was a good question: <I>What shall I do to
|
|
inherit eternal life?</I> But it lost all its goodness when it was
|
|
proposed with an ill design, or a very mean one. Note, It is not enough
|
|
to speak of the things of God, and to enquire about them, but we must
|
|
do it with a suitable concern. If we speak of <I>eternal life,</I> and
|
|
<I>the way</I> to it, in a careless manner, merely as matter of
|
|
discourse, especially as matter of dispute, we do but take the name of
|
|
God in vain, as the lawyer here did. Now this question being started,
|
|
observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. How Christ turned him over to the divine law, and bade him follow
|
|
the direction of that. Though he knew the thoughts and intents of his
|
|
heart, he did not answer him according to the folly of that, but
|
|
according to the wisdom and goodness of the question he asked. He
|
|
answered him with a question: <I>What is written in the law? How
|
|
readest thou?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
He came to catechize Christ, and to know him; but Christ will catechize
|
|
him, and make him know himself. He talks to him as a lawyer, as one
|
|
conversant in the law: the studies of his profession would inform him;
|
|
let him practise according to his knowledge, and he should not come
|
|
short of <I>eternal life.</I> Note, It will be of great use to us, in
|
|
our way to heaven, to consider <I>what is written in the law,</I> and
|
|
<I>what we read</I> there. We must have recourse to our bibles, to the
|
|
law, as it is now in the hand of Christ and walk in the way that is
|
|
shown us there. It is a great mercy that we have the law
|
|
<I>written,</I> that we have it thereby reduced to certainty, and that
|
|
thereby it is capable of spreading the <I>further,</I> and lasting the
|
|
<I>longer.</I> Having it <I>written,</I> it is our duty to read it, to
|
|
read it with understanding, and to treasure up what we read, so that
|
|
when there is occasion, we may be able to tell <I>what is written in
|
|
the law,</I> and <I>how we read.</I> To this we must appeal; by this we
|
|
must try doctrines and end disputes; this must be our oracle, our
|
|
touchstone, our rule, our guide. What is written in the law? How do we
|
|
read? if there be light in us, it will have regard to this light.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. What a good account he gave of the law, of the principal
|
|
commandments of the law, to the observance of which we must bind
|
|
ourselves if we would inherit eternal life. He did not, like a
|
|
Pharisee, refer himself to the tradition of the elders, but, like a
|
|
good textuary, fastened upon the two first and great commandments of
|
|
the law, as those which he thought must be most strictly observed in
|
|
order to the obtaining of <I>eternal life,</I> and which included all
|
|
the rest,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
(1.) We must <I>love God with all our hearts,</I> must look upon him as
|
|
the best of beings, in himself most amiable, and infinitely perfect and
|
|
excellent; as one whom we lie under the greatest obligations to, both
|
|
in gratitude and interest. We must prize him, and value ourselves by
|
|
our elation to him; must please ourselves in him, and devote ourselves
|
|
entirely to him. Our love to him must be sincere, hearty, and fervent;
|
|
it must be a superlative love, a love that is as strong as death, but
|
|
an intelligent love, and such as we can give a good account of the
|
|
grounds and reasons of. It must be an <I>entire</I> love; he must have
|
|
our <I>whole</I> souls, and must be served with <I>all that is within
|
|
us.</I> We must love nothing <I>besides him,</I> but what we love
|
|
<I>for him</I> and in subordination to him.
|
|
|
|
(2.) We must love our neighbours as <I>ourselves,</I> which we shall
|
|
easily do, if we, as we ought to do, love God <I>better than
|
|
ourselves.</I> We must wish well to all and ill to none; must do all
|
|
the good we can in the world and no hurt, and must fix it as a rule to
|
|
ourselves to do to others as we would they should do to us; and this is
|
|
to love our neighbour <I>as ourselves.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. Christ's approbation of what he said,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
Though he came to tempt him, yet what he said that was good Christ
|
|
commended: <I>Thou hast answered right.</I> Christ himself fastened
|
|
upon these as the two great commandments of the law
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+22:37">Matt. xxii. 37</A>):
|
|
|
|
both sides agreed in this. Those who do well shall have praise of the
|
|
same, and so should those have that speak well. So far is right; but he
|
|
hardest part of this work yet remains: "<I>This do, and thou shalt
|
|
live;</I> thou shalt <I>inherit eternal life.</I>"</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. His care to avoid the conviction which was now ready to fasten upon
|
|
him. When Christ said, <I>This do, and thou shalt live,</I> he began to
|
|
be aware that Christ intended to draw from him an acknowledgment that
|
|
he <I>had not done this,</I> and therefore an enquiry what he should
|
|
do, which way he should look, to get his sins pardoned; an
|
|
acknowledgment also that he <I>could not do this</I> perfectly for the
|
|
future by any strength of his own, and therefore an enquiry which way
|
|
he might fetch in strength to enable him to do it: but he was
|
|
<I>willing to justify himself,</I> and therefore cared not for carrying
|
|
on that discourse, but saith, in effect, as another did
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+19:20">Matt. xix. 20</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>All these things have I kept from my youth up.</I> Note, Many ask
|
|
good questions with a design rather to <I>justify themselves</I> than
|
|
to <I>inform themselves,</I> rather proudly to show what is good in
|
|
them than humbly to see what is bad in them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. We are concerned to know who is our neighbour, whom by the second
|
|
great commandment we are obliged to love. This is another of this
|
|
lawyer's queries, which he started only that he might <I>drop</I> the
|
|
former, lest Christ should have forced him, in the prosecution of it,
|
|
to <I>condemn himself,</I> when he was resolved to <I>justify</I>
|
|
himself. As to loving God, he was willing to say no more of it; but, as
|
|
to his <I>neighbour,</I> he was sure that there he had come up to the
|
|
rule, for he had always been very kind and respectful to all about him.
|
|
Now observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. What was the corrupt notion of the Jewish teachers in this matter.
|
|
Dr. Lightfoot quotes their own words to this purport: "Where he saith,
|
|
<I>Thou shalt love thy neighbour, he excepts all Gentiles,</I> for they
|
|
are not <I>our neighbours,</I> but those only that are of our own
|
|
nation and religion." They would not put an Israelite to death for
|
|
killing a Gentile, for he was not his <I>neighbour:</I> they indeed say
|
|
that they ought not to kill a Gentile whom they were not at war with;
|
|
but, if they saw a Gentile in <I>danger of death,</I> they thought
|
|
themselves under no obligation to help to <I>save his life.</I> Such
|
|
wicked inferences did they draw from that holy covenant of peculiarity
|
|
by which God had distinguished them, and by abusing it thus they had
|
|
forfeited it; God justly took the forfeiture, and transferred
|
|
covenant-favours to the Gentile world, to whom they brutishly denied
|
|
common favours.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. How Christ corrected this inhuman notion, and showed, by a parable,
|
|
that whomsoever we <I>have need</I> to receive kindness <I>from,</I>
|
|
and <I>find ready</I> to show us the kindness <I>we need,</I> we cannot
|
|
but look upon as <I>our neighbour;</I> and therefore ought to look upon
|
|
all those as such who need our kindness, and to show them kindness
|
|
accordingly, though they be not of our own nation and religion. Now
|
|
observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The parable itself, which represents to us a poor Jew in
|
|
distressed circumstances, succoured and relieved by a good Samaritan.
|
|
Let us see here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] How he was <I>abused</I> by his <I>enemies.</I> The honest man was
|
|
traveling peaceably upon his lawful business in the road, and it was a
|
|
great road that led from Jerusalem to Jericho,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
The mentioning of those places intimates that it was matter of fact,
|
|
and not a parable; probably it happened lately, just as it is here
|
|
related. The occurrences of Providence would yield us many good
|
|
instructions, if we would carefully observe and improve them, and would
|
|
be equivalent to parables framed on purpose for instruction, and be
|
|
more <I>affecting.</I> This poor man <I>fell among thieves.</I> Whether
|
|
they were Arabians, plunderers, that lived by spoil, or some profligate
|
|
wretches of his own nation, or some of the Roman soldiers, who,
|
|
notwithstanding the strict discipline of their army, did this villany,
|
|
does not appear; but they were very <I>barbarous;</I> they not only
|
|
took his money, but stripped him of his clothes, and, that he might not
|
|
be able to pursue them, or only to gratify a cruel disposition (for
|
|
otherwise <I>what profit was there in his blood?</I>) they <I>wounded
|
|
him,</I> and left him <I>half dead,</I> ready to die of his wounds. We
|
|
may here conceive a just indignation at <I>highwaymen,</I> that have
|
|
divested themselves of all humanity, and are as natural brute beasts,
|
|
beasts of prey, made to be <I>taken and destroyed;</I> and at the same
|
|
time we cannot but think with compassion on those that fall into the
|
|
hands of such wicked and unreasonable men, and be ready, when it is in
|
|
our power, to help them. What reason have we to thank God for our
|
|
preservation from perils by robbers!</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] How he was <I>slighted</I> by those who should have been his
|
|
friends, who were not only men of his own nation and religion, but one
|
|
a priest and the other a Levite, men of a public character and station;
|
|
nay, they were men of professed sanctity, whose offices obliged them to
|
|
tenderness and compassion
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+5:2">Heb. v. 2</A>),
|
|
|
|
who ought to have taught others their duty in such a case as this,
|
|
which was to <I>deliver them that were drawn unto death;</I> yet they
|
|
would not themselves do it. Dr. Lightfoot tells us that many of the
|
|
courses of the priests had their residence in Jericho, and thence came
|
|
up to Jerusalem, when it was their turn to officiate there, and so back
|
|
again, which occasioned abundance of <I>passing</I> and
|
|
<I>repassing</I> of priests that way, and Levites their attendants.
|
|
They came <I>this way,</I> and saw the poor wounded man. It is probable
|
|
that they heard his groans, and could not but perceive that if he were
|
|
not helped he must quickly perish. The Levite not only saw him, but
|
|
<I>came and looked on him</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
But they <I>passed by on the other side;</I> when they saw his case,
|
|
they got as far off him as ever they could, as if they would have had a
|
|
pretence to say, <I>Behold, we knew it not.</I> It is sad when those
|
|
who should be examples of charity are prodigies of cruelty, and when
|
|
those who should by displaying the mercies of God, open the bowels of
|
|
compassion in others, shut up their own.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] How he was <I>succoured</I> and <I>relieved</I> by a
|
|
<I>stranger,</I> a <I>certain Samaritan,</I> of that nation which of
|
|
all others the Jews most despised and detested and would have no
|
|
dealings with. This man had some humanity in him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>.
|
|
|
|
The priest had his heart hardened against one of <I>his own people,</I>
|
|
but the Samaritan had his opened towards one of <I>another</I> people.
|
|
<I>When he saw him he had compassion on him,</I> and never took into
|
|
consideration what country he was of. Though he was a Jew, he was a
|
|
man, and a man in <I>misery,</I> and the Samaritan has learned to
|
|
honour all men; he knows not how soon this poor man's case may be his
|
|
own, and therefore pities him, as he himself would desire and expect to
|
|
be pitied in the like case. That such great love should be found in a
|
|
Samaritan was perhaps thought as wonderful as that great faith which
|
|
Christ admired in a Roman, and in a woman of Canaan; but really it was
|
|
not so, for pity is the work of a man, but faith is the work of divine
|
|
<I>grace.</I> The <I>compassion</I> of this Samaritan was not an idle
|
|
compassion; he did not think it enough to say, "Be healed, be helped"
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+2:16">Jam. ii. 16</A>);
|
|
|
|
but, when he <I>drew out his soul,</I> he <I>reached forth his hand</I>
|
|
also to this poor <I>needy</I> creature,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+58:7,Pr+31:20">Isa. lviii. 7, 10; Prov. xxxi. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
See how friendly this good Samaritan was. <I>First,</I> He <I>went
|
|
to</I> the poor man, whom the priest and Levite kept at a distance
|
|
from; he enquired, no doubt, how he came into this deplorable
|
|
condition, and condoled with him. <I>Secondly,</I> He did the surgeon's
|
|
part, for want of a better. He <I>bound up his wounds,</I> making use
|
|
of his own linen, it is likely, for that purpose; and poured <I>in oil
|
|
and wine,</I> which perhaps he had with him; wine to wash the wound,
|
|
and oil to mollify it, and close it up. He did all he could to ease the
|
|
pain, and prevent the peril, of his wounds, as one whose heart bled
|
|
with him. <I>Thirdly,</I> He <I>set him on his own beast,</I> and went
|
|
on foot himself, and <I>brought him to an inn.</I> A great mercy it is
|
|
to have inns upon the road, where we may be furnished for our money
|
|
with all the conveniences for food and rest. Perhaps the Samaritan, if
|
|
he had not met with this hindrance, would have got that night to his
|
|
journey's end; but, in compassion to that poor man, he takes up short
|
|
at an inn. Some think that the priest and Levite pretended they could
|
|
not stay to help the poor man, because they were in haste to go and
|
|
attend the temple-service at Jerusalem. We suppose the Samaritan went
|
|
upon business; but he understood that both his own business and God's
|
|
sacrifice too must give place to such an act of mercy as this.
|
|
<I>Fourthly,</I> He <I>took care of him</I> in the inn, got him to bed,
|
|
had food for him that was proper, and due attendance, and, it may be,
|
|
prayed with him. Nay, <I>Fifthly,</I> As if he had been his own child,
|
|
or one he was obliged to look after, when he left him next morning, he
|
|
left money with the landlord, to be laid out for his use, and passed
|
|
his word for what he should spend more. <I>Twopence</I> of their money
|
|
was about fifteen pence of ours, which, according to the rate of things
|
|
then, would go a great way; however, here it was an earnest of
|
|
satisfaction to the full of all demands. All this was kind and
|
|
generous, and as much as one could have expected from a friend or a
|
|
brother; and yet here it is done by a stranger and foreigner.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Now this parable is applicable to another purpose than that for which
|
|
it was intended; and does excellently set forth the kindness and love
|
|
of God our Saviour towards sinful miserable man. We were like this poor
|
|
distressed traveller. Satan, our enemy, had <I>robbed</I> us,
|
|
<I>stripped</I> us, <I>wounded</I> us; such is the mischief that sin
|
|
had done us. We were by nature more than <I>half dead,</I> twice dead,
|
|
in trespasses and sins; utterly unable to help ourselves, for we were
|
|
without strength. The law of Moses, like the priest and Levite, the
|
|
ministers of the law, <I>looks upon us,</I> but has no compassion on
|
|
us, gives us no relief, <I>passes by on the other side,</I> as having
|
|
neither pity nor power to help us; but then comes the blessed Jesus,
|
|
that good Samaritan (and they said of him, by way of reproach, <I>he is
|
|
a Samaritan</I>), he has compassion on us, he binds up our bleeding
|
|
wounds
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+147:3,Isa+61:1">Ps. cxlvii. 3; Isa. lxi. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
pours in, not <I>oil and wine,</I> but that which is infinitely more
|
|
precious, <I>his own blood.</I> He takes care of us, and bids us put
|
|
all the expenses of our cure upon his account; and all this though he
|
|
was none of us, till he was pleased by his voluntary condescension to
|
|
make himself so, but infinitely above us. This magnifies the riches of
|
|
his love, and obliges us all to say, "How much are we indebted, and
|
|
what shall we render?"</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The application of the parable.
|
|
|
|
[1.] The truth contained in it is extorted from the lawyer's own mouth.
|
|
"Now tell me," saith Christ, "<I>which of these three was neighbour to
|
|
him that fell among thieves</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:36"><I>v.</I> 36</A>),
|
|
|
|
the priest, the Levite, or the Samaritan? Which of these did the
|
|
neighbour's part?" To this the lawyer would not answer, as he ought to
|
|
have done, "Doubtless, the Samaritan was;" but, "<I>He that showed
|
|
mercy on him;</I> doubtless, he was a good neighbour to him, and very
|
|
neighbourly, and I cannot but say that it was a good work thus to save
|
|
an honest Jew from perishing."
|
|
|
|
[2.] The duty inferred from it is pressed home upon the lawyer's own
|
|
conscience: <I>Go, and do thou likewise.</I> The duty of relations is
|
|
mutual and reciprocal; the titles of friends, brethren, neighbours,
|
|
are, as Grotius here speaks <B><I>ton pros ti</I></B>--<I>equally
|
|
binding on both sides:</I> if one side be bound, the other cannot be
|
|
loose, as is agreed in all contracts. If a Samaritan does well that
|
|
helps a distressed Jew, certainly a Jew does not well if he refuses in
|
|
like manner to help a distressed Samaritan. <I>Petimusque damusque
|
|
vicissim--These kind offices are to be reciprocated.</I> "And therefore
|
|
<I>go thou</I> and do as the Samaritan did, whenever occasion offers:
|
|
show mercy to those that need thy help, and do it freely, and with
|
|
concern and compassion, though they be not of thy own nation and thy
|
|
own profession, or of thy own opinion and communion in religion. Let
|
|
thy charity be thus extensive, before thou boastest of having conformed
|
|
thyself to that great commandment of <I>loving thy neighbour.</I>" This
|
|
lawyer valued himself much upon his learning and his knowledge of the
|
|
laws, and in that he thought to have puzzled Christ himself; but Christ
|
|
sends him to school to a Samaritan, to learn his duty: "Go, and do like
|
|
him." Note, It is the duty of every one of us, in our places, and
|
|
according to our ability, to succour, help, and relieve all that are in
|
|
distress and necessity, and of lawyers particularly; and herein we must
|
|
study to excel many that are proud of their being priests and
|
|
Levites.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_38"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_39"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_40"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_41"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Lu10_42"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Martha and Mary.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a
|
|
certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him
|
|
into her house.
|
|
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus'
|
|
feet, and heard his word.
|
|
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him,
|
|
and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to
|
|
serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
|
|
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou
|
|
art careful and troubled about many things:
|
|
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good
|
|
part, which shall not be taken away from her.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We may observe in this story,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The entertainment which Martha gave to Christ and his disciples at
|
|
her house,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:38"><I>v.</I> 38</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Christ's coming to the village where Martha lived: <I>As they
|
|
went</I> (Christ and his disciples together), he and they with him
|
|
<I>entered into a certain village.</I> This village was <I>Bethany,</I>
|
|
nigh to Jerusalem, whither Christ was now going up, and he took this in
|
|
his way. Note
|
|
|
|
(1.) Our Lord Jesus went about doing good
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+10:38">Acts x. 38</A>),
|
|
|
|
scattering his benign beams and influences as the true light of the
|
|
world.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Wherever Christ went his disciples went along with him.
|
|
|
|
(3.) Christ honoured the country-villages with his presence and favour,
|
|
and not the great and populous cities only; for, as he <I>chose
|
|
privacy,</I> so he <I>countenanced poverty.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. His reception at Martha's house: <I>A certain woman, named Martha,
|
|
received him into her house,</I> and made him welcome, for she was the
|
|
housekeeper. Note,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Our Lord Jesus, when he was here upon earth, was so poor that he
|
|
was necessitated to be beholden to his friends for a subsistence.
|
|
Though he was Zion's King, he had no house of his own either in
|
|
Jerusalem or near it.
|
|
|
|
(2.) There were some who were Christ's particular friends, whom he
|
|
loved more than his other friends, and them he visited most frequently.
|
|
He <I>loved</I> this family
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+11:5">John xi. 5</A>),
|
|
|
|
and often invited himself to them. Christ's visits are the tokens of
|
|
his love,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:23">John xiv. 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
(3.) There were those who kindly received Christ into their houses when
|
|
he was here upon earth. It is called Martha's house, for, probably, she
|
|
was a widow, and was the housekeeper. Though it was expensive to
|
|
entertain Christ for he did not come alone, but brought his disciples
|
|
with him, yet she would not regard the cost of it. (How can we spend
|
|
what we have better than in Christ's service!) Nay, though at this time
|
|
it was grown dangerous to entertain him especially so near Jerusalem,
|
|
yet she cared not what hazard she ran for his name's sake. Though
|
|
there were many that rejected him, and would not entertain him, yet
|
|
there was one that would bid him welcome. Though Christ is every where
|
|
spoken against, yet there is a remnant to whom he is dear, and who are
|
|
dear to him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The attendance which Mary, the sister of Martha, gave upon the word
|
|
of Christ,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
1. She <I>heard his word.</I> It seems, our Lord Jesus, as soon as he
|
|
came into Martha's house, even before entertainment was made for him,
|
|
addressed himself to his great work of preaching the gospel. He
|
|
presently took the chair with solemnity; for Mary sat to hear him,
|
|
which intimates that it was a continued discourse. Note, A good sermon
|
|
is never the worse for being preached in a house; and the visits of our
|
|
friends should be so managed as to make them turn to a spiritual
|
|
advantage. Mary, having this price put into her hands, sat herself to
|
|
improve it, not knowing when she should have such another. Since Christ
|
|
is forward to speak, we should be <I>swift to hear.</I>
|
|
|
|
2. She <I>sat</I> to hear, which denotes a close attention. Her mind
|
|
was composed, and she resolved to abide by it: not to catch a word now
|
|
and then, but to receive all that Christ delivered. She <I>sat at his
|
|
feet,</I> as scholars at the feet of their tutors when they read their
|
|
lectures; hence Paul is said to be <I>brought up at the feet of
|
|
Gamaliel.</I> Our sitting at Christ's feet, when we hear his word,
|
|
signifies a readiness to receive it, and a submission and entire
|
|
resignation of ourselves to the guidance of it. We must either sit at
|
|
Christ's feet or be made his footstool; but, if we sit with him at his
|
|
feet now, we shall sit with him on his throne shortly.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The care of Martha about her domestic affairs: But Martha <I>was
|
|
cumbered about much serving</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:40"><I>v.</I> 40</A>),
|
|
|
|
and that was the reason why she was not where Mary was--sitting at
|
|
Christ's feet, to hear his word. She was providing for the
|
|
entertainment of Christ and those that came with him. Perhaps she had
|
|
no notice before of his coming, and she was unprovided, but was in care
|
|
to have every thing handsome upon this occasion; she had not such
|
|
guests every day. Housekeepers know what care and bustle there must be
|
|
when a great entertainment is to be made. Observe here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Something <I>commendable,</I> which must not be overlooked.
|
|
|
|
(1.) Here was a commendable <I>respect to our Lord Jesus;</I> for we
|
|
have reason to think it was not for ostentation, but purely to testify
|
|
her good-will to him, that she made this entertainment. Note, Those who
|
|
truly love Christ will think that well bestowed that is laid out for
|
|
his honour.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Here was a commendable <I>care of her household affairs.</I> It
|
|
appears, from the respect shown to this family among the Jews
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+11:19">John xi. 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
that they were persons of some quality and distinction; and yet Martha
|
|
herself did not think it a disparagement to her to lay her hand even to
|
|
the <I>service</I> of the family, when there was occasion for it. Note,
|
|
It is the duty of those who have the charge of families to <I>look well
|
|
to the ways of their household.</I> The affectation of state and the
|
|
love of ease make many families neglected.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Here was something <I>culpable,</I> which we must take notice of
|
|
too.
|
|
|
|
(1.) She was for <I>much serving.</I> Her heart was upon it, to have a
|
|
very sumptuous and splendid entertainment; great plenty, great variety,
|
|
and great exactness, according to the fashion of the place. She was in
|
|
care, <B><I>peri pollen diakonian</I></B>--<I>concerning much
|
|
attendance.</I> Note, It does not become the disciples of Christ to
|
|
affect <I>much serving,</I> to affect varieties, dainties, and
|
|
superfluities in eating and drinking; what need is there of <I>much
|
|
serving,</I> when much less will serve?
|
|
|
|
(2.) She was <I>cumbered</I> about it; <B><I>periespato</I></B>--she
|
|
was just <I>distracted</I> with it. Note, Whatever cares the providence
|
|
of God casts upon us we must not be <I>cumbered</I> with them, nor be
|
|
disquieted and perplexed by them. <I>Care</I> is good and duty; but
|
|
<I>cumber</I> is sin and folly.
|
|
|
|
(2.) She was <I>then cumbered about much serving</I> when she should
|
|
have been with her sister, sitting at Christ's feet to hear his word.
|
|
Note, Worldly business is <I>then</I> a snare to us when it hinders us
|
|
from serving God and getting good to our souls.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. The <I>complaint</I> which Martha made to Christ against her sister
|
|
Mary, for not <I>assisting</I> her, upon this occasion, in the
|
|
<I>business of the house</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:40"><I>v.</I> 40</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>Lord, dost thou not care that my sister,</I> who is concerned as
|
|
well as I in having things done well, <I>has left me to serve
|
|
alone?</I> Therefore dismiss her from attending thee, and bid her come
|
|
and help me." Now,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. This complaint of Martha's may be considered as a <I>discovery</I>
|
|
of her <I>worldliness:</I> it was the language of her inordinate care
|
|
and cumber. She speaks as one in a mighty passion with her sister, else
|
|
she would not have troubled Christ with the matter. Note, The
|
|
inordinacy of worldly cares and pursuits is often the occasion of
|
|
disturbance in families and of strife and contention among relations.
|
|
Moreover, those that are eager upon the world themselves are apt to
|
|
blame and censure those that are not so too; and while they justify
|
|
themselves in their worldliness, and judge of others by their
|
|
serviceableness to them in their worldly pursuits, they are ready to
|
|
condemn those that addict themselves to the exercises of religion, as
|
|
if they neglected the <I>main chance,</I> as they call it. Martha,
|
|
being angry at her sister, appealed to Christ, and would have him say
|
|
that she <I>did well to be angry. Lord, doest not thou care that my
|
|
sister has let me to serve alone?</I> It should seem as if Christ had
|
|
sometimes expressed himself tenderly concerned for her, and her ease
|
|
and comfort, and would not have her go through so much toil and
|
|
trouble, and she expected that he should now bid her sister take her
|
|
share in it. When Martha was caring, she must have Mary, and Christ and
|
|
all, to <I>care</I> too, or else she is not pleased. Note, Those are
|
|
not always in the right that are most forward to appeal to God; we must
|
|
therefore take heed, lest at any time we expect that Christ should
|
|
espouse our unjust and groundless quarrels. The cares which he cast
|
|
upon us we may cheerfully cast upon him, but not those which we
|
|
foolishly draw upon ourselves. He will be the patron of the poor and
|
|
injured, but not of the turbulent and injurious.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. It may be considered as a discouragement of Mary's piety and
|
|
devotion. Her sister should have <I>commended</I> her for it, should
|
|
have told her that she was in the right; but, instead of this, she
|
|
<I>condemns</I> her as wanting in her duty. Note, It is no strange
|
|
thing for those that are zealous in religion to meet with hindrances
|
|
and discouragements from those that are about them; not only with
|
|
opposition from enemies, but with blame and censure from their friends.
|
|
David's <I>fasting,</I> and his dancing <I>before the ark,</I> were
|
|
turned <I>to his reproach.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. The reproof which Christ gave to Martha for her inordinate care,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:41"><I>v.</I> 41</A>.
|
|
|
|
She appealed to him, and he gives judgment against her: <I>Martha,
|
|
Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things,</I> whereas
|
|
but <I>one thing is needful.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He reproved her, though he was at this time her guest. Her fault was
|
|
her over-solicitude to entertain him, and she expected he should
|
|
justify her in it, yet he publicly checked her for it. Note, <I>As many
|
|
as Christ loves he rebukes and chastens.</I> Even those that are dear
|
|
to Christ, if any thing be amiss in them, shall be sure to hear of it.
|
|
<I>Nevertheless I have something against thee.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. When he reproved her, he called her by her name, <I>Martha;</I> for
|
|
reproofs are <I>then</I> most likely to do good when they are
|
|
<I>particular,</I> applied to particular persons and cases, as Nathan's
|
|
to David, <I>Thou art the man.</I> He repeated her name, <I>Martha,
|
|
Martha;</I> he speaks as one in earnest, and deeply concerned for her
|
|
welfare. Those that are <I>entangled</I> in the cares of this life are
|
|
not easily <I>disentangled.</I> To them we must call again and again,
|
|
<I>O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. That which he reproved her for was her being <I>careful and troubled
|
|
about many things.</I> He was not <I>pleased</I> that she should think
|
|
to <I>please him</I> with a rich and splendid entertainment, and with
|
|
perplexing herself to prepare it for him; whereas he would teach us, as
|
|
not to be <I>sensual</I> in using such things, so not to be
|
|
<I>selfish</I> in being willing that others should be <I>troubled,</I>
|
|
no matter who or how many, so we may be gratified. Christ reproves her,
|
|
both for the <I>intenseness</I> of her care ("Thou art <I>careful and
|
|
troubled, divided</I> and <I>disturbed</I> by thy care"), and for the
|
|
<I>extensiveness of it,</I> "about <I>many things;</I> thou dost
|
|
<I>grasp</I> at many <I>enjoyments,</I> and so art troubled at many
|
|
<I>disappointments.</I> Poor Martha, thou hast many things to fret at,
|
|
and this puts thee out of humour, whereas less ado would serve." Note,
|
|
Inordinate care or trouble about many things in this world is a common
|
|
fault among Christ's disciples; it is very displeasing to Christ, and
|
|
that for which they often come under the rebukes of Providence. If they
|
|
fret for no just cause, it is just with him to order them something to
|
|
fret at.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. That which aggravated the sin and folly of her care was that <I>but
|
|
one thing is needful.</I> It is a <I>low</I> construction which some
|
|
put upon this, that, whereas Martha was in care to provide <I>many</I>
|
|
dishes of meat, there was occasion but for one, one would be enough.
|
|
<I>There is need but of one thing</I>--<B><I>henos de esti
|
|
chreia</I></B>. If we take it so, it furnishes us with a rule of
|
|
<I>temperance,</I> not to affect varieties and dainties, but to be
|
|
content to sit down to <I>one</I> dish of meat, to <I>half on one,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+23:1-3">Prov. xxiii. 1-3</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is a <I>forced</I> construction which some of the ancients put upon
|
|
it: <I>But oneness is needful,</I> in opposition to distractions. There
|
|
is need of <I>one heart</I> to attend upon the word, not divided and
|
|
hurried to and fro, as Martha's was at this time. <I>The one thing
|
|
needful</I> is certainly meant of that which Mary made her
|
|
choice--<I>sitting at</I> Christ's feet, to hear his word. She was
|
|
troubled about <I>many things,</I> when she should have applied herself
|
|
to one; godliness <I>unites</I> the heart, which the world had
|
|
<I>divided.</I> The <I>many things</I> she was troubled about were
|
|
<I>needless,</I> while the <I>one thing</I> she neglected was
|
|
<I>needful.</I> Martha's care and work were good in their proper season
|
|
and place; but now she had something else to do, which was unspeakably
|
|
more needful, and therefore should be done first, and most minded. She
|
|
expected Christ to have blamed Mary for not doing as she did, but he
|
|
blamed her for not doing as Mary did; and we are sure the <I>judgment
|
|
of Christ</I> is <I>according to truth.</I> The day will come when
|
|
Martha will wish she had set where Mary did.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VI. Christ's approbation and commendation of Mary for her serious
|
|
piety: <I>Mary hath chosen the good part.</I> Mary said nothing in her
|
|
own defence; but, since Martha has appealed to the Master, to him she
|
|
is willing to refer it, and will abide by his award; and here we have
|
|
it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. She had justly given the preference to that which best deserved it;
|
|
for <I>one thing is needful,</I> this one thing that she has done, to
|
|
give up herself to the guidance of Christ, and <I>receive the law</I>
|
|
from his mouth. Note, Serious godliness is a <I>needful</I> thing, it
|
|
is the <I>one thing needful;</I> for nothing without this will do us
|
|
any real good in this world, and nothing but this will go with us into
|
|
another world.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. She had herein wisely done well for herself. Christ <I>justified
|
|
Mary</I> against her sister's clamours. However we may be censured and
|
|
condemned by men for our piety and zeal, our Lord Jesus will take our
|
|
part: <I>But thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.</I> Let us not then
|
|
condemn the pious zeal of any, lest we set Christ <I>against us;</I>
|
|
and let us never be discouraged if we be censured for our pious zeal,
|
|
for we have Christ for us. Note, Sooner or later, Mary's choice will be
|
|
justified, and all those who make that choice, and abide by it. But
|
|
this was not all; he <I>applauded</I> her for her wisdom: <I>She hath
|
|
chosen the good part;</I> for she chose to be with Christ, to take her
|
|
part with him; she chose the better business, and the better happiness,
|
|
and took a better way of <I>honouring</I> Christ and of <I>pleasing</I>
|
|
him, by receiving his word into her heart, than Martha did by providing
|
|
for his entertainment in her house. Note,
|
|
|
|
(1.) A <I>part with Christ</I> is a <I>good part;</I> it is a part for
|
|
the soul and eternity, the part Christ gives to his favourites
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+13:38">John xiii. 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
who are partakers <I>of Christ</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+3:14">Heb. iii. 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
and partakers <I>with Christ,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:17">Rom. viii. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) It is a part that shall <I>never be taken away from those that
|
|
have it.</I> A portion in this life will certainly be <I>taken away</I>
|
|
from us, at the furthest, when we shall be taken away from it; but
|
|
<I>nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ,</I> and our part
|
|
in that love. Men and devils <I>cannot</I> take it away from us, and
|
|
God and Christ <I>will not.</I>
|
|
|
|
(3.) It is the wisdom and duty of every one of us to choose this
|
|
<I>good part,</I> to choose the service of God for our business, and
|
|
the favour of God for our happiness, and an interest in Christ, in
|
|
order to both. In particular cases we must choose that which has a
|
|
tendency to religion, and reckon that best for us that is best for our
|
|
souls. Mary was at her choice whether she would partake with Martha in
|
|
her care, and get the reputation of a fine <I>housekeeper,</I> or sit
|
|
at the feet of Christ and approve herself a <I>zealous disciple;</I>
|
|
and, by her choice in this particular, Christ judges of her general
|
|
choice.
|
|
|
|
(4.) Those who <I>choose this good part</I> shall not only have what
|
|
they choose, but shall have their choice commended in the great
|
|
day.</P>
|
|
|
|
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