Observe, here, the great work and business, which not only the apostles, but Christ himself was engaged in, and employed about, namely, preaching the gospel, those glad tidings of salvation to. lost world. Where note, that Christ himself labored in this work of public preaching; he did not send for... [ Continue Reading ]
Amongst the number of those that did accompany our Saviour and his apostles, mention is here made of. certain woman, who had been healed by Christ of evil spirits and infirmities; that is, of spiritual and corporeal diseases, for the Jews were wont to call vices and evil habits by the name of devils... [ Continue Reading ]
The design and scope of this parable is to show, what are the causes of men's improving or not improving under the hearing of the word, and to let us know that there are three sorts of bad hearers, and but one good one. The careless and inconsiderate hearer, is like the HIGHWAY GROUND, where the se... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have the disciples' question, and our Saviour's reply: their inquiry is concerning the sense and signification of the parable, they own their ignorance, and desire better information. It is no shame for the best of ministers, yes, for the best of men, to acknowledge their own ignorance of th... [ Continue Reading ]
Here the Saviour applies himself to interpret and explain the foregoing parable to his disciples; he tells them, THE SEED IS THE WORD; the SOWER is the preacher; the SOIL or GROUND, is the heart and soul of man: some hearers he compares to the HIGHWAY GROUND, in which the seed lies uncovered for wan... [ Continue Reading ]
In these words Christ declares his end and design in revealing unto his disciples the foregoing parable, and why he communicated to them the light of scripture knowledge and gospel mysteries, namely, that they may communicate it to others; and not keep it close unto themselves; even as the candle in... [ Continue Reading ]
Two things are here observable, 1. The truth and verity of Christ's human nature: he had affinity and consanguinity with men, persons near in blood to him, by the mother's side, called here his kinsmen. Observe, 2. That Christ's spiritual kindred were much dearer to him than his natural. Alliance... [ Continue Reading ]
Here observe, 1. Our Saviour and his disciples no sooner put forth to sea, but difficulties attend them, and danger overtakes them;. tempest arose, and that ship was covered with waves that Christ himself was in with his disciples. Learn hence, that the presence of Christ itself does not exempt his... [ Continue Reading ]
This piece of history gives us. very sad relation of. person that was possessed of. legion of devils; we read of few, if any, in the Old Testament, that were thus possessed, but of many in the New. Our Saviour came into the world to destroy the works of the devil; therefore he suffered Satan to ente... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The person described who came to Christ on behalf of his sick daughter: by his name JAIRUS; by his office, A RULER OF THE SYNAGOGUE; by his gesture, HE FELL DOWN AT JESUS' FEET: this gesture of his was not only. sign of tender affection in him towards his daughter, but also an evide... [ Continue Reading ]
As our Saviour was on his way to Jairus's house,. diseased woman comes behind him, touches his clothes, and is presently healed. The virtue lay not in her finger, but in her faith; or rather in Christ, which her faith instrumentally drew forth. Observe, 1. The diseased woman, one with. bloody flux:... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The doleful news brought to Jairus's ears: THY DAUGHTER IS DEAD. The Lord does sometimes suffer the faith and patience of his children to be greatly exercised and tried. The loss of dear relations, particularly of children, especially of an only child, is one of the greatest sorrows... [ Continue Reading ]