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1994-03-02
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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.