hrist reproves the interpreters of the law. (1-12) A caution
against covetousness The parable of the rich man. (13-21)
Worldly care reproved. (22-40) Watchfulness enforced. (41-53) A
warning to be reconciled to God. (54-59)
Verses 1-12: A firm belief of the doctrine of God's universal
providence, and the extent of it, would satisfy us when in
peril, and encourage us to trust God in the way of duty.
Providence takes notice of the meanest creatures, even of the
sparrows, and therefore of the smallest interests of the
disciples of Christ. Those who confess Christ now, shall be
owned by him in the great day, before the angels of God. To
deter us from denying Christ, and deserting his truths and ways,
we are here assured that those who deny Christ, though they may
thus save life itself, and though they may gain a kingdom by it,
will be great losers at last; for Christ will not know them,
will not own them, nor show them favour. But let no trembling,
penitent backslider doubt of obtaining forgiveness. This is far
different from the determined enmity that is blasphemy against
the Holy Ghost, which shall never be forgiven, because it will
never be repented of.
Verses 13-21: Christ's kingdom is spiritual, and not of this world.
Christianity does not meddle with politics; it obliges all to do
justly, but wordly dominion is not founded in grace. It does not
encourage expectations of worldly advantages by religion. The
rewards of Christ's disciples are of another nature.
Covetousness is a sin we need constantly to be warned against;
for happiness and comfort do not depend on the wealth of this
world. The things of the world will not satisfy the desires of a
soul. Here is a parable, which shows the folly of carnal
worldling while they live, and their misery when they die. The
character drawn is exactly that of a prudent, worldly man, who
has no grateful regard to the providence of God, nor any right
thought of the uncertainty of human affairs, the worth of his
soul, or the importance of eternity. How many, even among
professed Christians, point out similar characters as models for
imitation, and proper persons to form connexions with! We
mistake if we think that thoughts are hid, and thoughts are
free. When he saw a great crop upon his ground, instead of
thanking God for it, or rejoicing to be able to do more good, he
afflicts himself. What shall I do now? The poorest beggar in the
country could not have said a more anxious word. The more men
have, the more perplexity they have with it. It was folly for
him to think of making no other use of his plenty, than to
indulge the flesh and gratify the sensual appetites, without any
thought of doing good to others. Carnal worldlings are fools;
and the day is coming when God will call them by their own name,
and they will call themselves so. The death of such persons is
miserable in itself, and terrible to them. Thy soul shall be
required. He is loth to part with it; but God shall require it,
shall require an account of it, require it as a guilty soul to
be punished without delay. It is the folly of most men, to mind
and pursue that which is for the body and for time only, more
than that for the soul and eternity.
Verses 22-40: Christ largely insisted upon this caution not to give way
to disquieting, perplexing cares, (Mt 6:25-34). The arguments
here used are for our encouragement to cast our care upon God,
which is the right way to get ease. As in our stature, so in our
state, it is our wisdom to take it as it is. An eager, anxious
pursuit of the things of this world, even necessary things, ill
becomes the disciples of Christ. Fears must not prevail; when we
frighten ourselves with thoughts of evil to come, and put
ourselves upon needless cares how to avoid it. If we value the
beauty of holiness, we shall not crave the luxuries of life. Let
us then examine whether we belong to this little flock. Christ
is our Master, and we are his servants; not only working
servants, but waiting servants. We must be as men that wait for
their lord, that sit up while he stays out late, to be ready to
receive him. In this Christ alluded to his own ascension to
heaven, his coming to call his people to him by death, and his
return to judge the world. We are uncertain as to the time of
his coming to us, we should therefore be always ready. If men
thus take care of their houses, let us be thus wise for our
souls. Be ye therefore ready also; as ready as the good man of
the house would be, if he knew at what hour the thief would
come.
Verses 41-53: All are to take to themselves what Christ says in his
word, and to inquire concerning it. No one is left so ignorant
as not to know many things to be wrong which he does, and many
things to be right which he neglects; therefore all are without
excuse in their sin. The bringing in the gospel dispensation
would occasion desolations. Not that this would be the tendency
of Christ's religion, which is pure, peaceable, and loving; but
the effect of its being contrary to men's pride and lusts. There
was to be a wide publication of the gospel. But before that took
place, Christ had a baptism to be baptized with, far different
from that of water and the Holy Spirit. He must endure
sufferings and death. It agreed not with his plan to preach the
gospel more widely, till this baptism was completed. We should
be zealous in making known the truth, for though divisions will
be stirred up, and a man's own household may be his foes, yet
sinners will be converted, and God will be glorified.
Verses 54-59: Christ would have the people to be as wise in the
concerns of their souls as they are in outward affairs. Let them
hasten to obtain peace with God before it is too late. If any
man has found that God has set himself against him concerning
his sins, let him apply to him as God in Christ reconciling the
world to himself. While we are alive, we are in the way, and now
is our time.
hrist reproves the interpreters of the law. (1-12) A caution
against covetousness The parable of the rich man. (13-21)
Worldly care reproved. (22-40) Watchfulness enforced. (41-53) A
warning to be reconciled to God. (54-59)