Matthew 8:17

Himself took our infirmities.

The preciousness of Christ’s sympathy with our infirmities

Our Lord’s union with our nature was actual and personal, etc. In this point of light, the truth of Christ’s sympathy with our infirmities presents itself with an actuality and vividness the most realizing and personal. The proper discussion of our subject suggests the consideration of;

I. The infirmities which appertain to our humanity. Physical-as the consequence of sin, and not in themselves sinful: New Testament illustrations. May become occasions of sin. But Christ’s sympathy extends to all the infirmities to which His people are subject-the inbeing of sin; constitutional infirmities-varied; sufferings and persecutions, provocations, trials and temptations; proneness to look to the dark providences of God, rather than to His power, faithfulness to live in the providence, etc.

II. Our Lord’s personal participation in those infirmities. It was a personal act; by His assumption of our humanity; by taking upon Him our sins.

III. The preciousness of His sympathy with the varied infirmities of His people. Fitted to sympathize-“touched,” etc. Let us be patient and sympathizing towards the infirmities of our fellow Christians. (Dr. O. Winslow.)

Christ’s identity and sympathy with His people

I. The completeness of Christ’s identity with his people.

1. Our true nature.

2. In its entirety.

3. In our trials.

II. The closeness of his sympathy. Identity is the source of sympathy. Christ had sympathy with His followers. (H. Stowell, M. A.)

The sympathy of Jesus

The miracles which Christ had wrought.

I. A revelation of Christ-of the sympathetic heart of Jesus. The working of healing miracles not with Jesus a matter of calculation, rather the spontaneous forth-putting of endowment, in response to need; a revelation of the grace in Himself. They show His love even more than His power.

II. A prophecy of better days for the world. They are signs that disease does not belong to the true order of nature; a prophecy that the true order shall be restored.

III. An inspiration to all who honour the name of Christ and cherish the spirit of Christ. We cannot do as Christ did; but we may adopt His aim, and work for it according to our ability. (A. A. Bruce, D. D.)