The foregoing chapter gave us an account of an awakening sermon preached by our Saviour to the Pharisees. In this chapter we are acquainted with the continuance of his preaching to the multitude, where three things are observable, 1. Our Lord's assiduity and unwearied diligence in preaching of the... [ Continue Reading ]
The scope of this parable is to shew, that there are four several sorts of hearers of the word, and but one sort only that hear to. saving advantage: also to shew us the cause of the different success of the word preached. Here observe, 1. The sowers, Christ and his apostles, he the prime and princ... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have the disciples' question, and our Saviour's answer. Their question is, WHY SPEAKEST THOU TO THE PEOPLE IN PARABLES which they do not understand? They cannot see the soul of thy meaning, through the body of thy parables. Christ answers, " TO YOU, my disciples, and such as you are, who l... [ Continue Reading ]
That is, whosoever improves the measures of grace received, shall obtain farther measures and degrees of it: BUT FROM HIM that doth not improve what he has already received, SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY THAT WHICH to himself or others HE SEEMED TO HAVE, his common gifts and moral endowments. Learn, That whe... [ Continue Reading ]
These words of our blessed Saviour, as. conceive, have. peculiar reference and relation to the Pharisees, who attended upon Christ's ministry, not with an honest simplicity of mind, to be instructed by it, but to carp and cavil at it. Our Saviour tells them, he had formerly spoken things very plainl... [ Continue Reading ]
Here our Saviour pronounces such of his disciples and followers blessed, who received the truths of the gospel so far as they were already taught them: he assures them that they shall receive farther light and fuller measures of spiritual illumination: BLESSED ARE YOUR EYES, FOR THEY SEE. Learn, Th... [ Continue Reading ]
As if our Lord has said, "You my disciples, who are not satisfied with. sound of words,. will explain to you the sense and signification of this parable: the scope of which is, to shew the different effects which the word of God has upon men's hearts, and the reason of that difference. The SEED is... [ Continue Reading ]
The design and scope of this parable is, to shew that there is no expectation of universal purity in the church of God in this life; but as the tares and the wheat grow together in the same field, so hypocrites and sincere Christians are and will be intermixed in the same church, and can hardly be d... [ Continue Reading ]
Our Saviour's design in this parable is, to shew how the gospel, from small and little, from unlikely and contemptible beginnings, shall spread and increase, fructify and grow up; like. mustard seed, one of the smallest grains, grows up to. considerable tallness; and as. little leaven turns. great h... [ Continue Reading ]
The parable of the tares of the field, Christ is pleased to explain to his disciples after this manner. The person sowing good seed was himself, THE SON OF MAN; who first planted the gospel: the field in which the seed was sown was the world; that is, the church in the world: THE GOOD SEED, called,... [ Continue Reading ]
By the treasure hid in the field, and the pearl of great price, are understood, Christ, the grace of the gospel, and the way to life and salvation therin discovered; he that is thoroughly convinced of the worth and excellency of Christ's grace, will part with all that he has to purchase and obtain i... [ Continue Reading ]
The design and scope of this parable also is to set forth the state of the gospel church, which is like. floor, where chaff is mixed with wheat;. field, where tares are mixed with good corn;. net, where bad fishes are involved with the good. As the wheat must not be removed out of the floor before t... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The title which our Saviour puts upon gospel-ministers; they are household stewards. 2. He points out the office of those stewards; and that is, to provide for the household both with plenty and variety. HE MUST BRING FORTH OUT OF HIS TREASURE in plenty; and THINGS NEW AND OLD for... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. Christ's tender and compassionate regard to his own countrymen, the people of Galilee and Nazareth: he preached to them in their synagogue. 2. The effect which his doctrine had upon them: THEY WERE ASTONISHED AT IT, but not converted by it; they admired, but did not believe. 3. Th... [ Continue Reading ]
This sin not only locks up the heart of. sinner, but also binds up the hands of. Saviour. Unbelief obstructed Christ's miraculous works when on earth, and it obstructs his gracious works now in heaven. Ah! cursed unbelief! which shuts up,. sinner, thy heart, and shuts out thy Saviour, and will effe... [ Continue Reading ]