A two-fold sense and interpretation is given of this parable; but both analogical. One of which relates to the calling of the Gentiles. The Jews were the first people that God had in the world: they were hired into the vineyard betimes in the morning, the Gentiles not till the day was far spent; ye... [ Continue Reading ]
Here observe, 1. That the time of God's full rewarding of his labourers, is the evening of their days; that is, when their work is done. WHEN THE EVENING WAS COME, THE LORD OF THE VINEYARD CALLED HIS LABOURERS, AND GAVE THEM THEIR HIRE; not but that they have part of their reward in hand, but it is... [ Continue Reading ]
This is now the third time that Christ had acquainted his disciples very lately with his approaching sufferings, and bloody passion. He did it twice before, Chapter s 16 and 17, yet now he mentions it again, that they might not be dismayed, and their faith might not be shaken to see him die, who cal... [ Continue Reading ]
To sit on the right hand, and on the left, is to have the most eminent places of dignity and honour after Christ. This the mother might be encouraged to ask for James and John, because of their alliance to Christ, and because Christ had admitted them with Peter to be with him at his transfiguration.... [ Continue Reading ]
As if Christ had said, "You do but abuse yourselves with fond and idle dreams; there is other work cut out for you in the purpose of God, than sitting upon thrones and tribunals; to think of suffering, would do you more service." And accordingly our Saviour, in his answer, tells these disciples, 1... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, Our blessed Saviour's wonderful mildness and goodness towards his disciples; he doth not with passion, much less with indignation, reprehend them, either for their ambition or presumption, but makes the best of their answer, and encourages their good intentions; he tells them, they sho... [ Continue Reading ]
Note here, 1. That Christ by these words doth not forbid the exercise of civil dominion and lawful magistracy; for then all order, all defence of good men, and punishment of evil doers, would be taken away. Magistracy is God's ordinance, and the magistrate is God's minister for the good of human soc... [ Continue Reading ]
To encourage his disciples to the forementioned condescending humility one towards another, our Saviour propounds to them his own instructive example, I AM NOT TO BE MINISTERED UNTO, says Christ, BUT TO MINISTER to the wants and necessities of others, both for soul and body. "O what. sight will it b... [ Continue Reading ]
This chapter concludes with. famous miracle, wrought by Christ upon two blind men, in the sight of. great multitude which followed him. Where observe, 1. The blind men's faith in acknowledging Jesus to be the true Messias, for so much the title of THE SON OF DAVID signifies. Observe, 2. Their ferv... [ Continue Reading ]