he transfiguration. (1-13) An evil spirit cast out. (14-29)
The apostles reproved. (30-40) Pain to be preferred to sin.
(41-50)
Verses 1-13: Here is a prediction of the near approach Christ's
kingdom. A glimpse of that kingdom was given in the
transfiguration of Christ. It is good to be away from the world,
and alone with Christ: and how good to be with Christ glorified
in heaven with all the saints! But when it is well with us, we
are apt not to care for others, and in the fulness of our
enjoyments, we forget the many wants of our brethren. God owns
Jesus, and accepts him as his beloved Son, and is ready to
accept us in him. Therefore we must own and accept him as our
beloved Saviour, and must give up ourselves to be ruled by him.
Christ does not leave the soul, when joys and comforts leave it.
Jesus explained to the disciples the prophecy about Elias. This
was very suitable to the ill usage of John Baptist.
Verses 14-29: The father of the suffering youth reflected on the want
of power in the disciples; but Christ will have him reckon the
disappointment to the want of faith. Very much is promised to
our believing. If thou canst believe, it is possible that thy
hard heart may be softened, thy spiritual diseases may be cured;
and, weak as thou art, thou mayest be able to hold out to the
end. Those that complain of unbelief, must look up to Christ for
grace to help them against it, and his grace will be sufficient
for them. Whom Christ cures, he cures effectually. But Satan is
unwilling to be driven from those that have been long his
slaves, and, when he cannot deceive or destroy the sinner, he
will cause him all the terror that he can. The disciples must
not think to do their work always with the same ease; some
services call for more than ordinary pains.
Verses 30-40: The time of Christ's suffering drew nigh. Had he been
delivered into the hands of devils, and they had done this, it
had not been so strange; but that men should thus shamefully
treat the Son of man, who came to redeem and save them, is
wonderful. Still observe that when Christ spake of his death, he
always spake of his resurrection, which took the reproach of it
from himself, and should have taken the grief of it from his
disciples. Many remain ignorant because they are ashamed to
inquire. Alas! that while the Saviour teaches so plainly the
things which belong to his love and grace, men are so blinded
that they understand not his sayings. We shall be called to
account about our discourses, and to account for our disputes,
especially about being greater than others. Those who are most
humble and self-denying, most resemble Christ, and shall be most
tenderly owned by him. This Jesus taught them by a sign; whoever
shall receive one like this child, receives me. Many have been
like the disciples, ready to silence men who have success in
preaching to sinners repentance in Christ's name, because they
follow not with them. Our Lord blamed the apostles, reminding
them that he who wrought miracles in his name would not be
likely to hurt his cause. If sinners are brought to repent, to
believe in the Saviour, and to live sober, righteous, and godly
lives, we then see that the Lord works by the preacher.
Verses 41-50: It is repeatedly said of the wicked, Their worm dieth
not, as well as, The fire is never quenched. Doubtless, remorse
of conscience and keen self-reflection are this never-dying
worm. Surely it is beyond compare better to undergo all possible
pain, hardship, and self-denial here, and to be happy for ever
hereafter, than to enjoy all kinds of worldly pleasure for a
season, and to be miserable for ever. Like the sacrifices, we
must be salted with salt; our corrupt affections must be subdued
and mortified by the Holy Spirit. Those that have the salt of
grace, must show they have a living principle of grace in their
hearts, which works out corrupt dispositions in the soul that
would offend God, or our own consciences.
he transfiguration. (1-13) An evil spirit cast out. (14-29)
The apostles reproved. (30-40) Pain to be preferred to sin.
(41-50)