_He taught them again._ HE TAUGHT THEM AGAIN How thick and close does this Heavenly Sower scatter His seed! Every line is a new lesson, and every lessen a rule of perfection. Oh, the magnificent bounty of our God! He gives not barely the measure we give others; but “pressed down, and shaken togeth... [ Continue Reading ]
_Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?_ THE FAMILY RELATION One of the most pathetic incidents found in the narrative of one of the arctic explorations, is that of the attempt made to induce a native of that terribly inhospitable region to journey away with the returning navigators to a more... [ Continue Reading ]
_And they brought young children to Him._ BRINGING CHILDREN TO JESUS We know what it was to bring a little child to Jesus when He was on earth; we may ask what it is now, and wherein the difference consists. I. In regard to the children themselves. It is a common expression on the lips of good peo... [ Continue Reading ]
_As a little child._ INTELLECTUAL SUBMISSION “Chrysostom,” says Manton, “has the following comparison: ‘A smith that takes up his red-hot iron with his hands, and not with his tongs, what can he expect but to burn his fingers?’ So we destroy our souls, when we judge of the mysteries of faith by the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?_ THE GREAT REFUSAL I. We have here an inquirer. There are many things about him which awaken interest. He was young, thoughtful, an inquirer after the most momentous matter that can engage the attention of a man; not after methods of w... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then Jesus beholding him, loved him._ THE YOUNG RULER, WHOM JESUS LOVED I. Let us inquire into the nature of our Lord’s regard for the young ruler. “Then Jesus, beholding him, loved him.” There are those who think that ardent love for an unconverted friend is a misplaced affection; that we should... [ Continue Reading ]
_How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! _ WEALTH A FEARFUL SNARE TO THE SOUL The Scriptures represent wealth, when used aright, as a distinguished blessing. It may, and ought to, lead men nearer to God, instead of driving them far from Him. I. The pride of life. Th... [ Continue Reading ]
_Lo, we have left all, and followed Thee._ SACRIFICE AND REWARD Christ had pity for this young man. He saw his soul visited by the dream of a more perfect life; then the dissolving of the dream and the return to commonplace. It were impossible not to pity his after life, for he could never be the s... [ Continue Reading ]
_And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem._ CHRIST ON THE ROAD TO THE CROSS Full of calm resolve Christ comes forth to die. Behold the little company on the steep rocky mountain road that leads up from Jericho to Jerusalem; our Lord far in advance of His followers, with a fixed purpose stamp... [ Continue Reading ]
_Master, we would that Thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shalt desire._ CHRIST’S LAST JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM I. Self-seeking. It is a plausible maxim of this world which says: “Every man for himself.” Prominent places are secured by those who seek them diligently, with shrewd management and art... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ye know not what ye ask._ PRAYERS OFFERED IN IGNORANCE ANSWERED IN LOVE 1. They did ask. Whatever be thy desire, go to Him. 2. These brothers had a definite purpose in coming to Him. Our prayers are often vague and indefinite. 3. These brothers were honest and sincere in their request. What, the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Blind Bartimeus._ OBSERVATIONS ON THE NARRATIVE OF BLIND BARTIMEUS I. Observe how singularly is the providential goodness of God displayed in the direction of the events leading to this interview. The blind man takes his place by the roadside, not to meet with Jesus or anyone else whom might rest... [ Continue Reading ]