he Pharisees' question concerning divorce. (1-12) Christ's
love to little children. (13-16) Christ's discourse with the
rich young man. (17-22) The hinderance of riches. (23-31) Christ
foretells his sufferings. (32-45) Bartimeus healed. (46-52)
Verses 1-12: Wherever Jesus was, the people flocked after him in
crowds, and he taught them. Preaching was Christ's constant
practice. He here shows that the reason why Moses' law allowed
divorce, was such that they ought not to use the permission; it
was only for the hardness of their hearts. God himself joined
man and wife together; he has fitted them to be comforts and
helps for each other. The bond which God has tied, is not to be
lightly untied. Let those who are for putting away their wives
consider what would become of themselves, if God should deal
with them in like manner.
Verses 13-16: Some parents or nurses brought little children to Christ,
that he should touch them, in token of his blessing them. It
does not appear that they needed bodily cures, nor were they
capable of being taught: but those who had the care of them
believed that Christ's blessing would do their souls good;
therefore they brought them to him. Jesus ordered that they
should be brought to him, and that nothing should be said or
done to hinder it. Children should be directed to the Saviour as
soon as they are able to understand his words. Also, we must
receive the kingdom of God as little children; we must stand
affected to Christ and his grace, as little children to their
parents, nurses, and teachers.
Verses 17-22: This young ruler showed great earnestness. He asked what
he should do now, that he might be happy for ever. Most ask for
good to be had in this world; any good, (Ps 4:6); he asks for
good to be done in this world, in order to enjoy the greatest
good in the other world. Christ encouraged this address by
assisting his faith, and by directing his practice. But here is
a sorrowful parting between Jesus and this young man. He asks
Christ what he shall do more than he has done, to obtain eternal
life; and Christ puts it to him, whether he has indeed that firm
belief of, and that high value for eternal life which he seems
to have. Is he willing to bear a present cross, in expectation
of future crown? The young man was sorry he could not be a
follower of Christ upon easier terms; that he could not lay hold
on eternal life, and keep hold of his worldly possessions too.
He went away grieved. See (Mt 6:24), Ye cannot serve God and
mammon.
Verses 23-31: Christ took this occasion to speak to his disciples about
the difficulty of the salvation of those who have abundance of
this world. Those who thus eagerly seek the wealth of the world,
will never rightly prize Christ and his grace. Also, as to the
greatness of the salvation of those who have but little of this
world, and leave it for Christ. The greatest trial of a good
man's constancy is, when love to Jesus calls him to give up love
to friends and relatives. Even when gainers by Christ, let them
still expect to suffer for him, till they reach heaven. Let us
learn contentment in a low state, and to watch against the love
of riches in a high one. Let us pray to be enabled to part with
all, if required, in Christ's service, and to use all we are
allowed to keep in his service.
Verses 32-45: Christ's going on with his undertaking for the salvation
of mankind, was, is, and will be, the wonder of all his
disciples. Worldly honour is a glittering thing, with which the
eyes of Christ's own disciples have many times been dazzled. Our
care must be, that we may have wisdom and grace to know how to
suffer with him; and we may trust him to provide what the
degrees of our glory shall be. Christ shows them that dominion
was generally abused in the world. If Jesus would gratify all
our desires, it would soon appear that we desire fame or
authority, and are unwilling to taste of his cup, or to have his
baptism; and should often be ruined by having our prayers
answered. But he loves us, and will only give his people what is
good for them.
Verses 46-52: Bartimeus had heard of Jesus and his miracles, and
learning that he was passing by, hoped to recover his eyesight.
In coming to Christ for help and healing, we should look to him
as the promised Messiah. The gracious calls Christ gives us to
come to him, encourage our hope, that if we come to him we shall
have what we come for. Those who would come to Jesus, must cast
away the garment of their own sufficiency, must free themselves
from every weight, and the sin that, like long garments, most
easily besets them, (Heb 12:1). He begged that his eyes might be
opened. It is very desirable to be able to earn our bread; and
where God has given men limbs and senses, it is a shame, by
foolishness and slothfulness, to make themselves, in effect,
blind and lame. His eyes were opened. Thy faith has made thee
whole: faith in Christ as the Son of David, and in his pity and
power; not thy repeated words, but thy faith; Christ setting thy
faith to work. Let sinners be exhorted to imitate blind
Bartimeus. Where the gospel is preached, or the written words of
truth circulated, Jesus is passing by, and this is the
opportunity. It is not enough to come to Christ for spiritual
healing, but, when we are healed, we must continue to follow
him; that we may honour him, and receive instruction from him.
Those who have spiritual eyesight, see that beauty in Christ
which will draw them to run after him.
he Pharisees' question concerning divorce. (1-12) Christ's
love to little children. (13-16) Christ's discourse with the
rich young man. (17-22) The hinderance of riches. (23-31) Christ
foretells his sufferings. (32-45) Bartimeus healed. (46-52)