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1994-03-01
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01508
#12-18 Christ looked to find some fruit, for the time of
gathering figs, though it was near, was not yet come; but he
found none. He made this fig-tree an example, not to the trees,
but to the men of that generation. It was a figure of the doom
upon the Jewish church, to which he came seeking fruit, but
found none. Christ went to the temple, and began to reform the
abuses in its courts, to show that when the Redeemer came to
Zion, it was to turn away ungodliness from Jacob. The scribes
and the chief priests sought, not how they might make their
peace with him, but how they might destroy him. A desperate
attempt, which they could not but fear was fighting against God.
01515
#19-26 The disciples could not think why that fig-tree should so
soon wither away; but all wither who reject Christ; it
represented the state of the Jewish church. We should rest in no
religion that does not make us fruitful in good works. Christ
taught them from hence to pray in faith. It may be applied to
that mighty faith with which all true Christians are endued, and
which does wonders in spiritual things. It justifies us, and so
removes mountains of guilt, never to rise up in judgment against
us. It purifies the heart, and so removes mountains of
corruption, and makes them plain before the grace of God. One
great errand to the throne of grace is to pray for the pardon of
our sins; and care about this ought to be our daily concern.
01523
#27-33 Our Saviour shows how near akin his doctrine and baptism
were to those of John; they had the same design and tendency, to
bring in the gospel kingdom. These elders did not deserve to be
taught; for it was plain that they contended not for truth, but
victory: nor did he need to tell them; for the works he did,
told them plainly he had authority from God; since no man could
do the miracles which he did, unless God were with him.
01530
* The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen. (1-12) Question
about tribute. (13-17) Concerning the resurrection. (18-27) The
great command of the law. (28-34) Christ the Son and yet the
Lord of David. (35-40) The poor widow commended. (41-44)
#1-12 Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the
Jewish church. It is sad to think what base usage God's faithful
ministers have met with in all ages, from those who have enjoyed
the privileges of the church, but have not brought forth fruit
answerable. God at length sent his Son, his Well-beloved; and it
might be expected that he whom their Master loved, they also
should respect and love; but instead of honouring him because he
was the Son and Heir, they therefore hated him. But the
exaltation of Christ was the Lord's doing; and it is his doing
to exalt him in our hearts, and to set up his throne there; and
if this be done, it cannot but be marvellous in our eyes. The
Scriptures, and faithful preachers, and the coming of Christ in
the flesh, call on us to render due praise to God in our lives.
Let sinners beware of a proud, carnal spirit; if they revile or
despise the preachers of Christ, they would have done so their
Master, had they lived when he was upon earth.
01542
#13-17 The enemies of Christ would be thought desirous to know
their duty, when really they hoped that which soever side he
took of the question, they might find occasion to accuse him.
Nothing is more likely to ensnare the followers of Christ, than
bringing them to meddle with disputes about worldly politics.
Jesus avoided the snare, by referring to the submission they had
already made as a nation; and all that heard him, marvelled at
the great wisdom of his answer. Many will praise the words of a
sermon, who will not be commanded by the doctrines of it.
01547
#18-27 A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain
whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on
which it is built, is the best preservative against error.
Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the
scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the
future state in a true light. The relation between husband and
wife, though appointed in the earthly paradise, will not be
known in the heavenly one. It is no wonder if we confuse
ourselves with foolish errors, when we form our ideas of the
world of spirits by the affairs of this world of sense. It is
absurd to think that the living God should be the portion and
happiness of a man if he is for ever dead; and therefore it is
certain that Abraham's soul exists and acts, though now for a
time separate from the body. Those that deny the resurrection
greatly err, and ought to be told so. Let us seek to pass
through this dying world, with a joyful hope of eternal
happiness, and of a glorious resurrection.