Matthew 20:1
The Labourers in the Vineyard.
I. This parable is directed against a wrong temper and spirit of mind,
which was notably manifested among the Jews, but one against which all
men in possession of spiritual privileges have need to be, and herein
are, warned; this warning being primarily a... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:6
I. If we would hear, surely we might rather say that God calls us, at
all times, in all places; by all things, persons, deeds, words; by
night and by day, all our lives long, than dare to say for ourselves
before God's all-searching eye: "No man hath heard us." For so it is
when person... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:20
_(with Mark 10:35)_
I. Comparing St. Matthew's and St. Mark's accounts, we see that it was
the mother and sons together who made the request. It is a homely
human picture of ambition hers for them and herself in them; theirs
for themselves though with an eagerness, stimulated it may b... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:21
_(with Luke 9:38)_
These are two examples of intercessory prayer. All the principles on
which we explain or defend prayer, as the communing in Christ's spirit
of submission, refer also to those prayers which we offer for others.
I. Take first the prayer of Salome for her sons. There... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:22
Even these great Apostles whom, from the ardent glow of their
impetuous love, our Lord calls "Sons of Thunder," were, before the
descent of the Holy Ghost, deceived in two ways. (1) They thought that
our Lord would bestow by favour the glories of His kingdom and
nearness to Himself. ... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:22
Law and Prayer.
To think that nothing can be too good for their children is an amiable
weakness few mothers can resist. Salome had heard Christ discourse of
a kingdom which He was about to establish. There would be places and
preferments at His disposal, and who so lit to possess the... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:23
I. These words contain, first, the principle that some will be nearer
Christ than others in the heavenly kingdom. The words of our Lord do
not merely imply, by the absence of all hint, that these men's
petition was impossible, the existence of degrees among the subjects
of His heavenly... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:26
I. These words have something to tell us of the nature of true
greatness. Though Christ does not ignore intellects, or even riches,
He yet regards these things, and all things like these, as but
instruments; and he is, in the gospel sense of the word, the greatest
who uses all such gi... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:27
I. The answer of our Lord is entirely at variance with the law of the
children of this world. Greatness in this world is universally sought
by exalting a man's self; more wealth, more power, more esteem among
men, a grander display and more profuse luxuries these are landmarks
in the... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:28
The Meekness of God.
Here is a text that speaks home at once and with ease. It runs on our
levels; it speaks in a language understood of all.
I. Everyone knows the arrogance and the insolence of the kings of the
Gentiles who exercise lordship over their fellows. And it is in
delight... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:31
_(with Luke 19:3; Mark 2:4; Luke 8:45)_
Crowds around Christ. Crowds gathered daily around Jesus Christ. He
was thronged, pressed, almost persecuted, by the ever-accumulating
multitudes. It is evident that this was not always, if it was ever, an
advantage. The crowd was rather hinder... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:32
The narrative, of which these words form a part, tends to illustrate
in a remarkable manner the nature of true prayer; and to show us His
mind respecting it, to whom or through whom all Christian prayer is
made.
I. "What will ye that I should do unto you?" The question was asked
for a... [ Continue Reading ]