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he disciples pluck corn on the sabbath. (1-5) Works of mercy
suitable to the sabbath day. (6-11) The apostles chosen. (12-19)
Blessings and woes declared. (20-26) Christ exhorts to mercy.
(27-36) And to justice and sincerity. (37-49)
Verses 1-5: Christ justifies his disciples in a work of necessity for
themselves on the sabbath day, and that was plucking the ears of
corn when they were hungry. But we must take heed that we
mistake not this liberty for leave to commit sin. Christ will
have us to know and remember that it is his day, therefore to be
spent in his service, and to his honour.
Verses 6-11: Christ was neither ashamed nor afraid to own the purposes
of his grace. He healed the poor man, though he knew that his
enemies would take advantage against him for it. Let us not be
drawn either from our duty or from our usefulness by any
opposition. We may well be amazed, that the sons of men should
be so wicked.
Verses 12-19: We often think one half hour a great deal to spend in
meditation and secret prayer, but Christ was whole nights
engaged in these duties. In serving God, our great care should
be not to lose time, but to make the end of one good duty the
beginning of another. The twelve apostles are here named; never
were men so privileged, yet one of them had a devil, and proved
a traitor. Those who have not faithful preaching near them, had
better travel far than be without it. It is indeed worth while
to go a great way to hear the word of Christ, and to go out of
the way of other business for it. They came to be cured by him,
and he healed them. There is a fulness of grace in Christ, and
healing virtue in him, ready to go out from him, that is enough
for all, enough for each. Men regard the diseases of the body as
greater evils than those of their souls; but the Scripture
teaches us differently.
Verses 20-26: Here begins a discourse of Christ, most of which is also
found in (Mt 5; 7). But some think that this was preached at
another time and place. All believers that take the precepts of
the gospel to themselves, and live by them, may take the
promises of the gospel to themselves, and live upon them. Woes
are denounced against prosperous sinners as miserable people,
though the world envies them. Those are blessed indeed whom
Christ blesses, but those must be dreadfully miserable who fall
under his woe and curse! What a vast advantage will the saint
have over the sinner in the other world! and what a wide
difference will there be in their rewards, how much soever the
sinner may prosper, and the saint be afflicted here!
Verses 27-36: These are hard lessons to flesh and blood. But if we are
thoroughly grounded in the faith of Christ's love, this will
make his commands easy to us. Every one that comes to him for
washing in his blood, and knows the greatness of the mercy and
the love there is in him, can say, in truth and sincerity, Lord,
what wilt thou have me to do? Let us then aim to be merciful,
even according to the mercy of our heavenly Father to us.
Verses 37-49: All these sayings Christ often used; it was easy to apply
them. We ought to be very careful when we blame others; for we
need allowance ourselves. If we are of a giving and a forgiving
spirit, we shall ourselves reap the benefit. Though full and
exact returns are made in another world, not in this world, yet
Providence does what should encourage us in doing good. Those
who follow the multitude to do evil, follow in the broad way
that leads to destruction. The tree is known by its fruits; may
the word of Christ be so grafted in our hearts, that we may be
fruitful in every good word and work. And what the mouth
commonly speaks, generally agrees with what is most in the
heart. Those only make sure work for their souls and eternity,
and take the course that will profit in a trying time, who
think, speak, and act according to the words of Christ. Those
who take pains in religion, found their hope upon Christ, who is
the Rock of Ages, and other foundation can no man lay. In death
and judgment they are safe, being kept by the power of Christ
through faith unto salvation, and they shall never perish.
