Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc00/v00700

Text File | 1994-03-02 | 8KB | 134 lines

00700
 #18-22 This cursing of the barren fig-tree represents the state
 of hypocrites in general, and so teaches us that Christ looks
 for the power of religion in those who profess it, and the
 savour of it from those that have the show of it. His just
 expectations from flourishing professors are often disappointed;
 he comes to many, seeking fruit, and finds leaves only. A false
 profession commonly withers in this world, and it is the effect
 of Christ's curse. The fig-tree that had no fruit, soon lost its
 leaves. This represents the state of the nation and people of
 the Jews in particular. Our Lord Jesus found among them nothing
 but leaves. And after they rejected Christ, blindness and
 hardness grew upon them, till they were undone, and their place
 and nation rooted up. The Lord was righteous in it. Let us
 greatly fear the doom denounced on the barren fig-tree.

00705
 #23-27 As our Lord now openly appeared as the Messiah, the chief
 priests and scribes were much offended, especially because he
 exposed and removed the abuses they encouraged. Our Lord asked
 what they thought of John's ministry and baptism. Many are more
 afraid of the shame of lying than of the sin, and therefore
 scruple not to speak what they know to be false, as to their own
 thoughts, affections, and intentions, or their remembering and
 forgetting. Our Lord refused to answer their inquiry. It is best
 to shun needless disputes with wicked opposers.

00710
 #28-32 Parables which give reproof, speak plainly to the
 offenders, and judge them out of their own mouths. The parable
 of the two sons sent to work in the vineyard, is to show that
 those who knew not John's baptism to be of God, were shamed by
 those who knew it, and owned it. The whole human race are like
 children whom the Lord has brought up, but they have rebelled
 against him, only some are more plausible in their disobedience
 than others. And it often happens, that the daring rebel is
 brought to repentance and becomes the Lord's servant, while the
 formalist grows hardened in pride and enmity.

00715
 #33-46 This parable plainly sets forth the sin and ruin of the
 Jewish nation; and what is spoken to convict them, is spoken to
 caution all that enjoy the privileges of the outward church. As
 men treat God's people, they would treat Christ himself, if he
 were with them. How can we, if faithful to his cause, expect a
 favourable reception from a wicked world, or from ungodly
 professors of Christianity! And let us ask ourselves, whether we
 who have the vineyard and all its advantages, render fruits in
 due season, as a people, as a family, or as separate persons.
 Our Saviour, in his question, declares that the Lord of the
 vineyard will come, and when he comes he will surely destroy the
 wicked. The chief priests and the elders were the builders, and
 they would not admit his doctrine or laws; they threw him aside
 as a despised stone. But he who was rejected by the Jews, was
 embraced by the Gentiles. Christ knows who will bring forth
 gospel fruits in the use of gospel means. The unbelief of
 sinners will be their ruin. But God has many ways of restraining
 the remainders of wrath, as he has of making that which breaks
 out redound to his praise. May Christ become more and more
 precious to our souls, as the firm Foundation and Cornerstone of
 his church. May we be willing to follow him, though despised and
 hated for his sake.
00729
 * The parable of the marriage feast. (1-14) The Pharisees
 question Jesus as to the tribute. (15-22) The question of the
 Sadducees as to the resurrection. (23-33) The substance of the
 commandments. (34-40) Jesus questions the Pharisees. (41-46)

 #1-14 The provision made for perishing souls in the gospel, is
 represented by a royal feast made by a king, with eastern
 liberality, on the marriage of his son. Our merciful God has not
 only provided food, but a royal feast, for the perishing souls
 of his rebellious creatures. There is enough and to spare, of
 every thing that can add to our present comfort and everlasting
 happiness, in the salvation of his Son Jesus Christ. The guests
 first invited were the Jews. When the prophets of the Old
 Testament prevailed not, nor John the Baptist, nor Christ
 himself, who told them the kingdom of God was at hand, the
 apostles and ministers of the gospel were sent, after Christ's
 resurrection, to tell them it was come, and to persuade them to
 accept the offer. The reason why sinners come not to Christ and
 salvation by him, is, not because they cannot, but because they
 will not. Making light of Christ, and of the great salvation
 wrought out by him, is the damning sin of the world. They were
 careless. Multitudes perish for ever through mere carelessness,
 who show no direct aversion, but are careless as to their souls.
 Also the business and profit of worldly employments hinder many
 in closing with the Saviour. Both farmers and merchants must be
 diligent; but whatever we have of the world in our hands, our
 care must be to keep it out of our hearts, lest it come between
 us and Christ. The utter ruin coming upon the Jewish church and
 nation, is here represented. Persecution of Christ's faithful
 ministers fills up the measure of guilt of any people. The offer
 of Christ and salvation to the Gentiles was not expected; it was
 such a surprise as it would be to wayfaring men, to be invited
 to a royal wedding-feast. The design of the gospel is to gather
 souls to Christ; all the children of God scattered abroad, #Joh
 10:16; 11:52|. The case of hypocrites is represented by the
 guest that had not on a wedding-garment. It concerns all to
 prepare for the scrutiny; and those, and those only, who put on
 the Lord Jesus, who have a Christian temper of mind, who live by
 faith in Christ, and to whom he is all in all, have the
 wedding-garment. The imputed righteousness of Christ, and the
 sanctification of the Spirit, are both alike necessary. No man
 has the wedding-garment by nature, or can form it for himself.
 The day is coming, when hypocrites will be called to account for
 all their presumptuous intruding into gospel ordinances, and
 usurpation of gospel privileges. Take him away. Those that walk
 unworthy of Christianity, forfeit all the happiness they
 presumptuously claimed. Our Saviour here passes out of the
 parable into that which it teaches. Hypocrites go by the light
 of the gospel itself down to utter darkness. Many are called to
 the wedding-feast, that is, to salvation, but few have the
 wedding-garment, the righteousness of Christ, the sanctification
 of the Spirit. Then let us examine ourselves whether we are in
 the faith, and seek to be approved by the King.

00743
 #15-22 The Pharisees sent their disciples with the Herodians, a
 party among the Jews, who were for full subjection to the Roman
 emperor. Though opposed to each other, they joined against
 Christ. What they said of Christ was right; whether they knew it
 or not, blessed be God we know it. Jesus Christ was a faithful
 Teacher, and a bold reprover. Christ saw their wickedness.
 Whatever mask the hypocrite puts on, our Lord Jesus sees through
 it. Christ did not interpose as a judge in matters of this
 nature, for his kingdom is not of this world, but he enjoins
 peaceable subjection to the powers that be. His adversaries were
 reproved, and his disciples were taught that the Christian
 religion is no enemy to civil government. Christ is, and will
 be, the wonder, not only of his friends, but of his enemies.
 They admire his wisdom, but will not be guided by it; his power,
 but will not submit to it.