* Jesus returns to Capernaum, and heals a paralytic. (1-8) Matthew
called. (9) Matthew, or Levi's feast. (10-13) Objections of John's
disciples. (14-17) Christ raises the daughter of Jairus, He heals the
issue of blood. (18-26) He heals two blind men. (27-31) Christ casts
out a dumb spirit. (32-34)... [ Continue Reading ]
1-8 The faith of the friends of the paralytic in bringing him to
Christ, was a strong faith; they firmly believed that Jesus Christ
both could and would heal him. A strong faith regards no obstacles in
pressing after Christ. It was a humble faith; they brought him to
attend on Christ. It was an act... [ Continue Reading ]
9 Matthew was in his calling, as the rest of those whom Christ called.
As Satan comes with his temptations to the idle, so Christ comes with
his calls to those who are employed. We are all naturally averse from
thee, O God; do thou bid us to follow thee; draw us by thy powerful
word, and we shall ru... [ Continue Reading ]
10-13 Some time after his call, Matthew sought to bring his old
associates to hear Christ. He knew by experience what the grace of
Christ could do, and would not despair concerning them. Those who are
effectually brought to Christ, cannot but desire that others also may
be brought to him. Those who... [ Continue Reading ]
14-17 John was at this time in prison; his circumstances, his
character, and the nature of the message he was sent to deliver, led
those who were peculiarly attached to him, to keep frequent fasts.
Christ referred them to John's testimony of him, John 3:29. Though
there is no doubt that Jesus and h... [ Continue Reading ]
18-26 The death of our relations should drive us to Christ, who is
our life. And it is high honour to the greatest rulers to attend on
the Lord Jesus; and those who would receive mercy from Christ, must
honour him. The variety of methods Christ took in working his
miracles, perhaps was because of t... [ Continue Reading ]
27-31 At this time the Jews expected Messiah would appear; these
blind men knew and proclaimed in the streets of Capernaum that he was
come, and that Jesus was he. Those who, by the providence of God, have
lost their bodily sight, may, by the grace of God, have the eyes of
their understanding fully... [ Continue Reading ]
32-34 Of the two, better a dumb devil than a blaspheming one. Christ's
cures strike at the root, and remove the effect by taking away the
cause; they open the lips, by breaking Satan's power in the soul.
Nothing can convince those who are under the power of pride. They will
believe anything, however... [ Continue Reading ]
35-38 Jesus visited not only the great and wealthy cities, but the
poor, obscure villages; and there he preached, there he healed. The
souls of the meanest in the world are as precious to Christ, and
should be so to us, as the souls of those who make the greatest
figure. There were priests, Levites... [ Continue Reading ]