hrist's preaching. (1) Christ's answer to John's disciples.
(2-6) Christ's testimony to John the Baptist. (7-15) The
perverseness of the Jews. (16-24) The gospel revealed to the
simple. The heavy-laden invited. (25-30)
Verse 1: Our Divine Redeemer never was weary of his labour of love;
and we should not be weary of well-doing, for in due season we
shall reap, if we faint not.
Verses 2-6: Some think that John sent this inquiry for his own
satisfaction. Where there is true faith, yet there may be a
mixture of unbelief. The remaining unbelief of good men may
sometimes, in an hour of temptation; call in question the most
important truths. But we hope that John's faith did not fail in
this matter, and that he only desired to have it strengthened
and confirmed. Others think that John sent his disciples to
Christ for their satisfaction. Christ points them to what they
heard and saw. Christ's gracious condescensions and compassions
to the poor, show that it was he that should bring to the world
the tender mercies of our God. Those things which men see and
hear, if compared with the Scriptures, direct in what way
salvation is to be found. It is difficult to conquer prejudices,
and dangerous not to conquer them; but those who believe in
Christ, their faith will be found so much the more to praise,
and honour, and glory.
Verses 7-15: What Christ said concerning John, was not only for his
praise, but for the people's profit. Those who attend on the
word will be called to give an account of their improvements. Do
we think when the sermon is done, the care is over? No, then the
greatest of the care begins. John was a self-denying man, dead
to all the pomps of the world and the pleasures of sense. It
becomes people, in all their appearances, to be consistent with
their character and their situation. John was a great and good
man, yet not perfect; therefore he came short of glorified
saints. The least in heaven knows more, loves more, and does
more in praising God, and receives more from him, than the
greatest in this world. But by the kingdom of heaven here, is
rather to be understood the kingdom of grace, the gospel
dispensation in its power and purity. What reason we have to be
thankful that our lot is cast in the days of the kingdom of
heaven, under such advantages of light and love! Multitudes were
wrought upon by the ministry of John, and became his disciples.
And those strove for a place in this kingdom, that one would
think had no right nor title to it, and so seemed to be
intruders. It shows us what fervency and zeal are required of
all. Self must be denied; the bent, the frame and temper of the
mind must be altered. Those who will have an interest in the
great salvation, will have it upon any terms, and not think them
hard, nor quit their hold without a blessing. The things of God
are of great and common concern. God requires no more from us
than the right use of the faculties he has given us. People are
ignorant, because they will not learn.
Verses 16-24: Christ reflects on the scribes and Pharisees, who had a
proud conceit of themselves. He likens their behaviour to
children's play, who being out of temper without reason, quarrel
with all the attempts of their fellows to please them, or to get
them to join in the plays for which they used to assemble. The
cavils of worldly men are often very trifling and show great
malice. Something they have to urge against every one, however
excellent and holy. Christ, who was undefiled, and separate from
sinners, is here represented as in league with them, and
polluted by them. The most unspotted innocence will not always
be a defence against reproach. Christ knew that the hearts of
the Jews were more bitter and hardened against his miracles and
doctrines, than those of Tyre and Sidon would have been;
therefore their condemnation would be the greater. The Lord
exercises his almighty power, yet he punishes none more than
they deserve, and never withholds the knowledge of the truth
from those who long after it.
Verses 25-30: It becomes children to be grateful. When we come to God
as a Father, we must remember that he is Lord of heaven and
earth, which obliges us to come to him with reverence as to the
sovereign Lord of all; yet with confidence, as one able to
defend us from evil, and to supply us with all good. Our blessed
Lord added a remarkable declaration, that the Father had
delivered into his hands all power, authority, and judgment. We
are indebted to Christ for all the revelation we have of God the
Father's will and love, ever since Adam sinned. Our Saviour has
invited all that labour and are heavy-laden, to come unto him.
In some senses all men are so. Worldly men burden themselves
with fruitless cares for wealth and honours; the gay and the
sensual labour in pursuit of pleasures; the slave of Satan and
his own lusts, is the merest drudge on earth. Those who labour
to establish their own righteousness also labour in vain. The
convinced sinner is heavy-laden with guilt and terror; and the
tempted and afflicted believer has labours and burdens. Christ
invites all to come to him for rest to their souls. He alone
gives this invitation; men come to him, when, feeling their
guilt and misery, and believing his love and power to help, they
seek him in fervent prayer. Thus it is the duty and interest of
weary and heavy-laden sinners, to come to Jesus Christ. This is
the gospel call; Whoever will, let him come. All who thus come
will receive rest as Christ's gift, and obtain peace and comfort
in their hearts. But in coming to him they must take his yoke,
and submit to his authority. They must learn of him all things,
as to their comfort and obedience. He accepts the willing
servant, however imperfect the services. Here we may find rest
for our souls, and here only. Nor need we fear his yoke. His
commandments are holy, just, and good. It requires self-denial,
and exposes to difficulties, but this is abundantly repaid, even
in this world, by inward peace and joy. It is a yoke that is
lined with love. So powerful are the assistances he gives us, so
suitable the encouragements, and so strong the consolations to
be found in the way of duty, that we may truly say, it is a yoke
of pleasantness. The way of duty is the way of rest. The truths
Christ teaches are such as we may venture our souls upon. Such
is the Redeemer's mercy; and why should the labouring and
burdened sinner seek for rest from any other quarter? Let us
come to him daily, for deliverance from wrath and guilt, from
sin and Satan, from all our cares, fears, and sorrows. But
forced obedience, far from being easy and light, is a heavy
burden. In vain do we draw near to Jesus with our lips, while
the heart is far from him. Then come to Jesus to find rest for
your souls.
hrist's preaching. (1) Christ's answer to John's disciples.
(2-6) Christ's testimony to John the Baptist. (7-15) The
perverseness of the Jews. (16-24) The gospel revealed to the
simple. The heavy-laden invited. (25-30)