hrist exhorts to repentance from the case of the Galileans
and others. (1-5) Parable of the barren fig-tree. (6-9) The
infirm woman strengthened. (10-17) The parables of the mustard
seed, and leaven. (18-22) Exhortation to enter at the strait
gate. (23-30) Christ's reproof to Herod, and to the people of
Jerusalem. (31-35)
Verses 1-5: Mention was made to Christ of the death of some Galileans.
This tragical story is briefly related here, and is not met with
in any historians. In Christ's reply he spoke of another event,
which, like it, gave an instance of people taken away by sudden
death. Towers, that are built for safety, often prove to be
men's destruction. He cautioned his hearers not to blame great
sufferers, as if they were therefore to be accounted great
sinners. As no place or employment can secure from the stroke of
death, we should consider the sudden removals of others as
warnings to ourselves. On these accounts Christ founded a call
to repentance. The same Jesus that bids us repent, for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand, bids us repent, for otherwise we
shall perish.
Verses 6-9: This parable of the barren fig-tree is intended to enforce
the warning given just before: the barren tree, except it brings
forth fruit, will be cut down. This parable in the first place
refers to the nation and people of the Jews. Yet it is, without
doubt, for awakening all that enjoy the means of grace, and the
privileges of the visible church. When God has borne long, we
may hope that he will bear with us yet a little longer, but we
cannot expect that he will bear always.
Verses 10-17: Our Lord Jesus attended upon public worship on the
sabbaths. Even bodily infirmities, unless very grievous, should
not keep us from public worship on sabbath days. This woman came
to Christ to be taught, and to get good to her soul, and then he
relieved her bodily infirmity. This cure represents the work of
Christ's grace upon the soul. And when crooked souls are made
straight, they will show it by glorifying God. Christ knew that
this ruler had a real enmity to him and to his gospel, and that
he did but cloak it with a pretended zeal for the sabbath day;
he really would not have them be healed any day; but if Jesus
speaks the word, and puts forth his healing power, sinners are
set free. This deliverance is often wrought on the Lord's day;
and whatever labour tends to put men in the way of receiving the
blessing, agrees with the design of that day.
Verses 18-22: Here is the progress of the gospel foretold in two
parables, as in (Mt 13). The kingdom of the Messiah is the
kingdom of God. May grace grow in our hearts; may our faith and
love grow exceedingly, so as to give undoubted evidence of their
reality. May the example of God's saints be blessed to those
among whom they live; and may his grace flow from heart to
heart, until the little one becomes a thousand.
Verses 23-30: Our Saviour came to guide men's consciences, not to
gratify their curiosity. Ask not, How many shall be saved? But,
Shall I be one of them? Not, What shall become of such and such?
But, What shall I do, and what will become of me? Strive to
enter in at the strait gate. This is directed to each of us; it
is, Strive ye. All that will be saved, must enter in at the
strait gate, must undergo a change of the whole man. Those that
would enter in, must strive to enter. Here are awakening
considerations, to enforce this exhortation. Oh that we may be
all awakened by them! They answer the question, Are there few
that shall be saved? But let none despond either as to
themselves or others, for there are last who shall be first, and
first who shall be last. If we reach heaven, we shall meet many
there whom we little thought to meet, and miss many whom we
expected to find.
Verses 31-35: Christ, in calling Herod a fox, gave him his true
character. The greatest of men were accountable to God,
therefore it became him to call this proud king by his own name;
but it is not an example for us. I know, said our Lord, that I
must die very shortly; when I die, I shall be perfected, I shall
have completed my undertaking. It is good for us to look upon
the time we have before us as but little, that we may thereby be
quickened to do the work of the day in its day. The wickedness
of persons and places which more than others profess religion
and relation to God, especially displeases and grieves the Lord
Jesus. The judgment of the great day will convince unbelievers;
but let us learn thankfully to welcome, and to profit by all who
come in the name of the Lord, to call us to partake of his great
salvation.
hrist exhorts to repentance from the case of the Galileans
and others. (1-5) Parable of the barren fig-tree. (6-9) The
infirm woman strengthened. (10-17) The parables of the mustard
seed, and leaven. (18-22) Exhortation to enter at the strait
gate. (23-30) Christ's reproof to Herod, and to the people of
Jerusalem. (31-35)