Some moral details are unfolded in the next chapter (14).
[see note #37]
The Lord, being invited to eat with a Pharisee, vindicates the rights of
grace over that which was the seal of the old covenant, judging the
hypocrisy which at any rate broke the sabbath when their own interest was
in question. He then shews the spirit of humility and lowliness that became
man in the presence of God, and the union of this spirit with love when
there was the possession of worldly advantages. By such a walk, which was
indeed His own, in opposition to the spirit of the world, one's place there
would be lost; the reciprocations of society would not exist: but another
hour was beginning to dawn through His rejection, and which in fact was its
necessary consequence-the resurrection of the just. Cast out by the world
from its bosom, they should have their place apart in that which the power
of God should effect. There would be a resurrection of the just. Then
should they have the reward of all that they had done through love to the
Lord and for His name's sake. We see the force with which this allusion
applies to the Lord's position at that moment, ready to be put to death in
this world.
And the kingdom, what would then become of it? With reference to it at that
moment, the Lord gives its picture in the parable of the great supper of
grace (v. 16-24). Despised by the chief part of the Jews, when God invited
them to come in, He then sought out the poor of the flock. But there was
room in His house, and He sends out to seek the Gentiles, and bring them in
by His call that went forth in efficacious power when they sought Him not.
It was the activity of His grace. The Jews, as such, should have no part in
it. But those who entered in must count the cost (v. 25-33). All must be
forsaken in this world; every link with this world must be broken. The
nearer anything was to the heart, the more dangerous, the more it must be
abhorred. Not that the affections are evil things; but, Christ being
rejected by this world, everything that binds us to earth must be
sacrificed for Him. Cost what it may, He must be followed; and one must
know how to hate one's own life, and even to lose it, rather than grow lax
in following the Lord. All was lost here in this life of nature. Salvation,
the Saviour, eternal life, were in question. To take up one's cross,
therefore, and follow Him, was the only way to be His disciples. Without
this faith, it were better not to begin building; and, being conscious that
the enemy is outwardly much stronger than we are, it must be ascertained
whether, come what may, we dare, with settled purpose, go out to meet him
by faith in Christ. Everything connected with the flesh as such must be
broken with.
Moreover (v. 34, 35), they were called to bear a peculiar testimony, to
witness to the character of God Himself, as He was rejected in Christ, of
which the cross was the true measure. If the disciples were not this, they
were nothing worth. They were disciples in this world for no other purpose.
Has the church maintained this character? A solemn question for us all!
