Art Thou He that should come? JOHN’S INQUIRY I. The inquiry made by the baptist. It was suggested by the incredulous state of his disciples. (1) Because if Jesus was Messiah He had not exerted His power for the deliverance of John from prison; (2) Because they observed that our Saviour had as ye... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the poor have the gospel preached to them._ THE RIGHT OF THE POOR I. Let us state the sentiment of the text. We understand it to intend the poor in condition, and not the poor in spirit. 1. The gospel is not preached to the poor in order to mix itself with the questions of civil distinctions... [ Continue Reading ]
_And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me._ THE PREJUDICES AGAINST CHRISTIANITY CONSIDERED I. Those prejudices and objections which the world had against the saviour and his religion at their first appearance; also to inquire into those which men at this day insist upon; and to sho... [ Continue Reading ]
_What went ye out into the wilderness to see?_ THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF JOHN THE BAPTIST What is it in human character that exerts the most powerful influence over the hearts of men? 1. Is it what is generally called amiability? Is it “a reed shaken by the wind?” a character that bends at the first... [ Continue Reading ]
_Which shall prepare Thy way before Thee._ PREPARATIONS FOR CHRIST’S COMING God does not seem, as a rule, to allow any great truth or blessing to burst upon the world without some sort of preparation. In this case two series of preparations: (1) Prophecy, educating religious souls among the Jews... [ Continue Reading ]
_There hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist._ THE LEAST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN Is it contrary to any true theory of John’s prophetical mission that he should be for once seized with a spasm of doubt? Great men are not at their greatest at all times. The heavenly treasure is in earthen... [ Continue Reading ]
_The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence._ EARNESTNESS IN RELIGION 1. Earnestness is a distinguishing mark of race-elevation. 2. Earnestness is characteristic of great epochs. 3. Earnestness is a criterion of individual character, men weight according to earnestness; it is more than ability. 4... [ Continue Reading ]
_He that hath ears to hear, let him hear._ HEARING THE WORD I. Take heed that ye hear. 1. This implies willingness to hear; it pre-supposes a mind exempt from prejudice. 2. It implies devout earnestness to hear. II. Take heed how ye hear. 1. This means that we should seek to understand the gos... [ Continue Reading ]
_But whereunto shall I liken this generation?_ It is like unto children sitting in the markets. EXCUSES OF SINNERS The Great Teacher on the watch that He might spiritualize what passed before Him; He was probably standing in a Jewish market-place when He uttered these words. The Jews used the pip... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Son of man came eating._ CHRIST AND COMMON LIFE I. We have here a strong proof of the humanity of Christ. “The Son of man.” His oneness with men; not exempt from the necessities of our nature; He was subject to the laws under which we live. No manna fell from heaven for Him. II. Christ ate a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsatda!_ THE DAMNATION UNDER THE GOSPEL MORE INTOLERABLE THAN THAT OF SODOM I. There shall be a day of judgment. II. In the day of judgement some sinners shall fare worse than others. III. In the day of judgment there will de a distribution of sinners;... [ Continue Reading ]
_Because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent._ WHY GOD REVEALS TO BABES The babe is the representative of the receptive spirit-trusting, open to impression, free from prejudice. Wisdom-like wealth and power-is an obstruction, not in itself, but in the temper and frame of mind it i... [ Continue Reading ]
_Even so, Father: for so it seemeth good in Thy sight._ SUBMISSION TO ,OUR FATHER’S WILL In order to cherish such feelings in the heart- 1. Take fatherly views of the character of God-“Even so, Father.” 2. Remember that nothing could have happened to you, unless it had been first good to you in... [ Continue Reading ]
_All things are delivered unto Me of My Father._ ALL THING DELIVERED UNTO CHRIST I. The important declaration here made. 1. All nations of the earth are delivered to Him. 2. All power in heaven and earth is given to Him. 3. All hearts are His. 4. The gifts and graces of the Spirit are His. 5.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden._ THE BURDENED DIRECTED TO CHRIST I. The person’s whom our Lord here addresses. 1. As burdened with convictions of sin and the keen remorse of a wounded conscience. 2. That sinners under these circumstances labour to be released from their bur... [ Continue Reading ]
_Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me._ THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST I. There must be docility, obedience, willingness to learn of that Teacher. II. The school is in the recesses of the soul-it is everywhere. III. Branches of instruction. 1. Humility. 2. Patience. 3. Fortitude. 4. Love. (_H. W. Bee... [ Continue Reading ]
_For My yoke is easy and My burden is light._ CHRIST’S YOKE AND BURDEN some of the particulars in which Christ is reputed to impose a heavy yoke and burden. I know of no obligation chat rests upon me as a Christian which does not equally rest upon me as a man. 1. The burden of duty. Purity, justi... [ Continue Reading ]