* Jesus defends his disciples for plucking corn on the sabbath day.
(1-8) Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the sabbath. (9-13)
The malice of the Pharisees. (14-21) Jesus heals a demoniac. (22-30)
Blasphemy of the Pharisees. (31,32) Evil words proceed from an evil
heart. (33-37) The scribes... [ Continue Reading ]
1-8 Being in the corn-fields, the disciples began to pluck the ears
of corn: the law of God allowed it, Deuteronomy 23:25. This was
slender provision for Christ and his disciples; but they were content
with it. The Pharisees did not quarrel with them for taking another
man's corn, but for doing it... [ Continue Reading ]
9-13 Christ shows that works of mercy are lawful and proper to be done
on the Lord's day. There are more ways of doing well upon sabbath
days, than by the duties of worship: attending the sick, relieving the
poor, helping those who need speedy relief, teaching the young to care
for their souls; thes... [ Continue Reading ]
14-21 The Pharisees took counsel to find some accusation, that Jesus
might be condemned to death. Aware of their design, as his time was
not come, he retired from that place. Face does not more exactly
answer to face in water, than the character of Christ drawn by the
prophet, to his temper and cond... [ Continue Reading ]
22-30 A soul under Satan's power, and led captive by him, is blind in
the things of God, and dumb at the throne of grace; sees nothing, and
says nothing to the purpose. Satan blinds the eyes by unbelief, and
seals up the lips from prayer. The more people magnified Christ, the
more desirous the Phari... [ Continue Reading ]
31,32 Here is a gracious assurance of the pardon of all sin upon
gospel terms. Christ herein has set an example to the sons of men, to
be ready to forgive words spoken against them. But humble and
conscientious believers, at times are tempted to think they have
committed the unpardonable sin, while... [ Continue Reading ]
33-37 Men's language discovers what country they are of, likewise what
manner of spirit they are of. The heart is the fountain, words are the
streams. A troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring, must send forth
muddy and unpleasant streams. Nothing but the salt of grace, cast into
the spring, will he... [ Continue Reading ]
38-45 Though Christ is always ready to hear and answer holy desires
and prayers, yet those who ask amiss, ask and have not. Signs were
granted to those who desired them to confirm their faith, as Abraham
and Gideon; but denied to those who demanded them to excuse their
unbelief. The resurrection of... [ Continue Reading ]
46-50 Christ's preaching was plain, easy, and familiar, and suited to
his hearers. His mother and brethren stood without, desiring to speak
with him, when they should have been standing within, desiring to hear
him. Frequently, those who are nearest to the means of knowledge and
grace are most negl... [ Continue Reading ]