In
this chapter, we have, I. Christ changing his quarters, leaving
Galilee, and coming into the coasts of
Judea, ver. 1, 2. II. His dispute with the
Pharisees about divorce, and his discourse with his disciples upon occasion
of it, ver. 3-12. III. The kind entertainment he gave to some little
children which were brought to him, ver. 13-15. IV. An account of what
passed between Christ and a hopeful young gentleman that applied himself to
him, ver. 16-22. V. His discourse with his disciples upon that occasion,
concerning the difficulty of the salvation of those that have much in the
world, and the certain recompence of those that leave all for Christ, ver.
23-30.
|
Christ
Leaves
Galilee
and Enters Judea.
|
|
|
1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus
had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the
coasts of Judea beyond Jordan; 2 And great multitudes followed
him; and he healed them there.
We have here an account of Christ's removal. Observe,
1. He left Galilee. There he had been brought up, and had spent the greatest
part of his life in that remote despicable part of the country; it was only
upon occasion of the feasts, that he came up to Jerusalem, and manifested
himself there; and, we may suppose, that, having no constant residence
there when he did come, his preaching and miracles were the more observable
and acceptable. But it was an instance of his humiliation, and in this, as
in other things, he appeared in a mean state, that he would go under the
character of a Galilean, a north-countryman, the least polite and refined
part of the nation. Most of Christ's sermons hitherto had been preached, and
most of his miracles wrought, in Galilee; but now, having finished these
sayings, he departed from Galilee, and it was his final farewell; for
(unless his passing through the midst of Samaria and Galilee, Luke
xvii. 11, was after this, which yet was but a visit in transitu--as he
passed through the country) he never came to Galilee again till after
his resurrection, which makes this transition very remarkable. Christ did
not take his leave of Galilee till he had done his work there, and then he
departed thence. Note, As Christ's faithful ministers are not taken out of
the world, so they are not removed from any place, till they have finished
their testimony in that place, Rev. xi. 7. This is very comfortable to those
that follow not their own humours, but God's providence, in their removals,
that their sayings shall be finished before they depart. And who would
desire to continue any where longer than he has work to do for God there?
2. He came into the coasts of Judea, beyond Jordan, that they
might have their day of visitation as well as Galilee, for they also
belonged to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. But still Christ
kept to those parts of Canaan that lay towards other nations: Galilee is
called Galilee of the Gentiles; and the Syrians dwelt beyond Jordan.
Thus Christ intimated, that, while he kept within the confines of the Jewish
nation, he had his eye upon the Gentiles, and his gospel was aiming and
coming toward them.
3. Great multitudes followed him. Where Shiloh is, there will the
gathering of the people be. The redeemed of the Lord are such as follow
the Lamb whithersoever he goes, Rev. xiv. 4. When Christ departs, it is
best for us to follow him. It was a piece of respect to Christ, and yet it
was a continual trouble, to be thus crowded after, wherever he went; but he
sought not his own ease, nor, considering how mean and contemptible this mob
was (as some would call them), his own honour much, in the eye of the world;
he went about doing good; for so it follows, he healed them there.
This shows what they followed him for, to have their sick healed; and they
found him as able and ready to help here, as he had been in Galilee; for,
wherever this Sun of righteousness arose, it was with healing
under his wings. He healed them there, because he would not have them
follow him to Jerusalem, lest it should give offence. He shall not
strive, nor cry.
3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting
him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for
every cause? 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not
read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and
female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and
mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one
flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What
therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7
They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of
divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses
because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives:
but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say unto you,
Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and
shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is
put away doth commit adultery. 10 His disciples say unto him, If
the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to
marry. 11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive
this saying, save they to whom it is given. 12 For there
are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and
there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be
eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's
sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
We have here the law of Christ in the case of divorce, occasioned, as some
other declarations of his will, by a dispute with the Pharisees. So
patiently did he endure the contradiction of sinners, that he turned it into
instructions to his own disciples! Observe, here
I. The case proposed by the Pharisees (v. 3); Is it lawful for a
man to put away his wife? This they asked, tempting him, not desiring to
be taught by him. Some time ago, he had, in Galilee, declared his mind in
this matter, against that which was the common practice (ch. v. 31,
32); and if he would, in like manner, declare himself now against divorce,
they would make use of it for the prejudicing and incensing of the people of
this country against him, who would look with a jealous eye upon one that
attempted to cut them short in a liberty they were fond of. They hoped he
would lose himself in the affections of the people as much by this as by any
of his precepts. Or, the temptation might be designed this: If he should say
that divorces were not lawful, they would reflect upon him as an enemy to
the law of Moses, which allowed them; if he should say that they were, they
would represent his doctrine as not having that perfection in it which was
expected in the doctrine of the Messiah; since, though divorces were
tolerated, they were looked upon by the stricter sort of people as not of
good report. Some think, that, though the law of Moses did permit divorce,
yet, in assigning the just causes for it, there was a controversy between
the Pharisees among themselves, and they desired to know what Christ said to
it. Matrimonial cases have been numerous, and sometimes intricate and
perplexed; made so not by the law of God, but by the lusts and follies of
men; and often in these cases people resolve, before they ask, what they
will do.
Their question is, Whether a man may put away his wife for every cause.
That it might be done for some cause, even for that of fornication, was
granted; but may it be done, as now it commonly was done, by the looser sort
of people, for every cause; for any cause that a man shall think fit to
assign, though ever so frivolous; upon every dislike or displeasure? The
toleration, in this case, permitted it, in case she found no favour in
his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her, Deut. xxiv. 1.
This they interpreted so largely as to make any disgust, though causeless,
the ground of a divorce.
II. Christ's answer to this question; though it was proposed to tempt him,
yet, being a case of conscience, and a weighty one, he gave a full answer to
it, not a direct one, but an effectual one; laying down such principles as
undeniably prove that such arbitrary divorces as were then in use, which
made the matrimonial bond so very precarious, were by no means lawful.
Christ himself would not give the rule without a reason, nor lay down his
judgment without scripture proof to support it. Now his argument is this;
"If husband and wife are by the will and appointment of God joined
together in the strictest and closest union, then they are not to be
lightly, and upon every occasion, separated; if the knot be sacred, it
cannot be easily untied." Now, to prove that there is such a union
between man and wife, he urges three things.
1. The creation of Adam and Eve, concerning which he appeals to their own
knowledge of the scriptures; Have ye not read? It is some advantage
in arguing, to deal with those that own, and have read, the scriptures; Ye
have read (but have not considered) that he which made them at the
beginning, made them male and female, Gen. i. 27; v. 2. Note, It will be
of great use to us often to think of our creation, how and by whom, what and
for what, we were created. He made them male and female, one female
for one male; so that Adam could not divorce his wife, and take another, for
there was no other to take. It likewise intimated an inseparable union
between them; Eve was a rib out of Adam's side, so that he could not put her
away, but he must put away a piece of himself, and contradict the manifest
indications of her creation. Christ hints briefly at this, but, in appealing
to what they had read, he refers them to the original record, where it is
observable, that, though the rest of the living creatures were made male and
female, yet it is not said so concerning any of them, but only concerning
mankind; because between man and woman the conjunction is rational, and
intended for nobler purposes than merely the pleasing of sense and the
preserving of a seed; and it is therefore more close and firm than that
between male and female among the brutes, who were not capable of being such
help-meets for one another as Adam and Eve were. Hence the manner of
expression is somewhat singular (Gen. i. 27), In the image of God created
he him, male and female created he them; him and them are used
promiscuously; being one by creation before they were two, when they became
one again by marriage-covenant, that oneness could not but be closer and
indissoluble.
2. The fundamental law of marriage, which is, that a man shall leave
father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, v. 5. The
relation between husband and wife is nearer than that between parents and
children; now, if the filial relation may not easily be violated, much less
may the marriage union be broken. May a child desert his parents, or may a
parent abandon his children, for any cause, for every cause? No, by no
means. Much less may a husband put away his wife, betwixt whom, though not
by nature, yet by divine appointment, the relation is nearer, and the bond
of union stronger, than between parents and children; for that is in a great
measure superseded by marriage, when a man must leave his parents, to cleave
to his wife. See here the power of a divine institution, that the result of
it is a union stronger than that which results from the highest obligations
of nature.
3. The nature of the marriage contract; it is a union of persons; They
twain shall be one flesh, so that (v. 6) they are no more
twain, but one flesh. A man's children are pieces of himself, but his
wife is himself. As the conjugal union is closer than that between parents
and children, so it is in a manner equivalent to that between one member and
another in the natural body. As this is a reason why husbands should love
their wives, so it is a reason why they should not put away their wives, for
no man ever yet hated his own flesh, or cut it off, but nourishes
and cherishes it, and does all he can to preserve it. They two shall be
one, therefore there must be but one wife, for God made but one Eve for one
Adam, Mal. ii. 15.
From hence he infers, What God hath joined together, let not man put
asunder. Note, (1.) Husband and wife are of God's joining together; sunezeuxen--he
hath yoked them together, so the word is, and it is very significant.
God himself instituted the relation between husband and wife in the state of
innocence. Marriage and the sabbath are the most ancient of divine
ordinances. Though marriage be not peculiar to the church, but common to the
world, yet, being stamped with a divine institution, and here ratified by
our Lord Jesus, it ought to be managed after a godly sort, and sanctified
by the word of God, and prayer. A conscientious regard to God in this
ordinance would have a good influence upon the duty, and consequently upon
the comfort, of the relation. (2.) Husband and wife, being joined together
by the ordinance of God, are not to be put asunder by any ordinance of man.
Let not man put them asunder; not the husband himself, nor any one for him;
not the magistrate, God never gave him authority to do it. The God of Israel
hath said, that he hateth putting away, Mal. ii. 16. It is a general
rule that man must not go about to put asunder what God hath joined
together.
III. An objection started by the Pharisees against this; an objection not
destitute of colour and plausibility (v. 7); "Why did Moses
command to give a writing of divorcement, in case a man did put away his
wife?" He urged scripture reason against divorce; they allege scripture
authority for it. Note, The seeming contradictions that are in the word of
God are great stumbling-blocks to men of corrupt minds. It is true, Moses
was faithful to him that appointed him, and commanded nothing but what
he received from the Lord; but as to the thing itself, what they call a command
was only as allowance (Deut. xxiv. 1), and designed rather to
restrain the exorbitances of it than to give countenance to the thing
itself. The Jewish doctors themselves observe such limitations in that law,
that it could not be done without great deliberation. A particular reason
must be assigned, the bill of divorce must be written, and, as a judicial
act, must have all the solemnities of a deed, executed and enrolled. It must
be given into the hands of the wife herself, and (which would oblige men, if
they had any consideration in them, to consider) they were expressly
forbidden ever to come together again.
IV. Christ's answer to this objection, in which,
1. He rectifies their mistake concerning the law of Moses; they called it a command,
Christ calls it but a permission, a toleration. Carnal hearts will
take an ell if but an inch be given them. The law of Moses, in this case,
was a political law, which God gave, as the Governor of that people; and it
was for reasons of state, that divorces were tolerated. The strictness of
the marriage union being the result, not of a natural, but of a positive
law, the wisdom of God dispensed with divorces in some cases, without any
impeachment of his holiness.
But Christ tells them there was a reason for this toleration, not at all for
their credit; It was because of the hardness of your hearts, that you
were permitted to put away your wives. Moses complained of the people
of Israel in his time, that their hearts were hardened (Deut. ix. 6;
xxxi. 27), hardened against God; this is here meant of their being hardened
against their relations; they were generally violent and outrageous, which
way soever they took, both in their appetites and in their passions; and
therefore if they had not been allowed to put away their wives, when they
had conceived a dislike of them, they would have used them cruelly, would
have beaten and abused them, and perhaps have murdered them. Note, There is
not a greater piece of hard-heartedness in the world, than for a man to be
harsh and severe with his own wife. The Jews, it seems, were infamous for
this, and therefore were allowed to put them away; better divorce them than
do worse, than that the altar of the Lord should be covered with tears,
Mal. ii. 13. A little compliance, to humour a madman, or a man in a frenzy,
may prevent a greater mischief. Positive laws may be dispensed with for the
preservation of the law of nature, for God will have mercy and not
sacrifice; but then those are hard-hearted wretches, who have made it
necessary; and none can wish to have the liberty of divorce, without
virtually owning the hardness of their hearts. Observe, He saith, It is for
the hardness of your hearts, not only theirs who lived then, but all
their seed. Note, God not only sees, but foresees, the hardness of men's
hearts; he suited both the ordinances and providences of the Old Testament
to the temper of that people, both in terror. Further observe, The law of
Moses considered the hardness of men's hearts, but the gospel of Christ
cures it; and his grace takes away the heart of stone, and gives a heart
of flesh. By the law was the knowledge of sin, but by the gospel was the
conquest of it.
2. He reduces them to the original institution; But from the beginning it
was not so. Note, Corruptions that are crept into any ordinance of God
must be purged out by having recourse to the primitive institution. If the
copy be vicious, it must be examined and corrected by the original. Thus,
when St. Paul would redress the grievances in the church of Corinth about
the Lord's supper, he appealed to the appointment (1 Cor. xi. 23), So and so
I received from the Lord. Truth was from the beginning; we must
therefore enquire for the good old way (Jer. vi. 16), and must
reform, mot by later patterns, but by ancient rules.
3. He settles the point by an express law; I say unto you (v.
9); and it agrees with what he said before (ch. v. 32); there it was
said in preaching, here in dispute, but it is the same, for Christ is
constant to himself. Now, in both these places,
(1.) He allows divorce, in case of adultery; the reason of the law against
divorce being this, They two shall be one flesh. If the wife play the
harlot, and make herself one flesh with an adulterer, the reason of the law
ceases, and so does the law. By the law of Moses adultery was punished with
death, Deut. xxii. 22. Now our Saviour mitigates the rigour of that, and
appoints divorce to be the penalty. Dr. Whitby understands this, not of
adultery, but (because our Saviour uses the word porneia--fornication)
of uncleanness committed before marriage, but discovered afterward; because,
if it were committed after, it was a capital crime, and there needed no
divorce.
(2.) He disallows it in all other cases: Whosoever puts away his wife,
except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. This is a
direct answer to their query, that it is not lawful. In this, as in other
things, gospel times are times of reformation, Heb. ix. 10. The law
of Christ tends to reinstate man in his primitive integrity; the law of
love, conjugal love, is no new commandment, but was from the beginning. If
we consider what mischiefs to families and states, what confusions and
disorders, would follow upon arbitrary divorces, we shall see how much this
law of Christ is for our own benefit, and what a friend Christianity is to
our secular interests.
The law of Moses allowing divorce for the hardness of men's hearts, and the
law of Christ forbidding it, intimate, that Christians being under a
dispensation of love and liberty, tenderness of heart may justly be expected
among them, that they will not be hard-hearted, like Jews, for God has
called us to peace. There will be no occasion for divorces, if we forbear
one another, and forgive one another, in love, as those that are, and
hope to be, forgiven, and have found God not forward to put us away,
Isa. l. 1. No need of divorces, if husbands love their wives, and wives
be obedient to their husbands, and they live together as heirs of the
grace of life: and these are the laws of Christ, such as we find not in all
the law of Moses.
V. Here is a suggestion of the disciples against this law of Christ (v.
10); If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is better not to
marry. It seems, the disciples themselves were loth to give up the
liberty of divorce, thinking it a good expedient for preserving comfort in
the married state; and therefore, like sullen children, if they have not
what they would have, they will throw away what they have. If they may not
be allowed to put away their wives when they please, they will have no wives
at all; though, from the beginning, when no divorce was allowed, God said, It
is not good for man to be alone, and blessed them, pronounced them
blessed who were thus strictly joined together; yet, unless they may have a
liberty of divorce, they think it is good for a man not to marry. Note, 1.
Corrupt nature is impatient of restraint, and would fain break Christ's
bonds in sunder, and have a liberty for its own lusts. 2. It is a foolish,
peevish thing for men to abandon the comforts of this life, because of the
crosses that are commonly woven in with them, as if we must needs go out of
the world, because we have not every thing to our mind in the world; or must
enter into no useful calling or condition, because it is made our duty to
abide in it. No, whatever our condition is, we must bring our minds to it,
be thankful for its comforts, submissive to its crosses, and, as God has
done, set the one over against the other, and make the best of that
which is, Eccl. vii. 14. If the yoke of marriage may not be thrown off at
pleasure, it does not follow that therefore we must not come under
it; but therefore, when we do come under it, we must resolve to
comport with it, by love, and meekness, and patience, which will make
divorce the most unnecessary undesirable thing that can be.
VI. Christ's answer to this suggestion (v. 11, 12), in which,
1. He allows it good for some not to marry; He that is able to receive
it, let him receive it. Christ allowed what the disciples said, It is
good not to marry; not as an objection against the prohibition of
divorce, as they intended it, but as giving them a rule (perhaps no less
unpleasing to them), that they who have the gift of continence, and are not
under any necessity of marrying, do best if they continue single (1 Cor.
vii. 1); for they that are unmarried have opportunity, if they have but a
heart, to care more for the things of the Lord, how they may please the
Lord (1 Cor. vii. 32-34), being less encumbered with the cares of this
life, and having a greater vacancy of thought and time to mind better
things. The increase of grace is better than the increase of the family, and
fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ is to be preferred
before any other fellowship.
2. He disallows it, as utterly mischievous, to forbid marriage, because all
men cannot receive this saying; indeed few can, and therefore the
crosses of the married state must be borne, rather than that men should run
themselves into temptation, to avoid them; better marry than burn.
Christ speaks here of a twofold unaptness to marriage.
(1.) That which is a calamity by the providence of God; such as those labour
under who are born eunuchs, or made so by men, who, being incapable of
answering one great end of marriage, ought not to marry. But to that
calamity let them oppose the opportunity that there is in the single state
of serving God better, to balance it.
(2.) That which is a virtue by the grace of God; such is theirs who have
made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. This is meant
of an unaptness for marriage, not in body (which some, through mistake of
this scripture, have foolishly and wickedly brought upon themselves), but in
mind. Those have thus made themselves eunuchs who have attained a holy
indifference to all the delights of the married state, have a fixed
resolution, in the strength of God's grace, wholly to abstain from them; and
by fasting, and other instances of mortification, have subdued all desires
toward them. These are they that can receive this saying; and yet
these are not to bind themselves by a vow that they will never marry, only
that, in the mind they are now in, they purpose not to marry.
Now, [1.] This affection to the single state must be given of God; for none
can receive it, save they to whom it is given. Note, Continence is a
special gift of God to some, and not to others; and when a man, in the
single state, finds by experience that he has this gift, he may determine
with himself, and (as the apostle speaks, 1 Cor. vii. 37), stand steadfast
in his heart, having no necessity, but having power over his own will, that
he will keep himself so. But men, in this case, must take heed lest they
boast of a false gift, Prov. xxv. 14.
[2.] The single state must be chosen for the kingdom of heaven's sake; in
those who resolve never to marry, only that they may save charges, or may
gratify a morose selfish humour, or have a greater liberty to serve other
lusts and pleasures, it is so far from being a virtue, that it is an
ill-natured vice; but when it is for religion's sake, not as in itself a
meritorious act (which papists make it), but only as a means to keep our
minds more entire for, and more intent upon, the services of religion, and
that, having no families to provide for, we may do the more works of
charity, then it is approved and accepted of God. Note, That condition is
best for us, and to be chosen and stuck to accordingly, which is best for
our souls, and tends most to the preparing of us for, and the preserving of
us to, the kingdom of heaven.
|
Christ's
Tenderness to Children.
|
|
|
13 Then were there brought unto him little
children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the
disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, Suffer little
children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom
of heaven. 15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed
thence.
We have here the welcome which Christ gave to some little children that were
brought to him. Observe,
I. The faith of those that brought them. How many they were, that were
brought, we are not told; but they were so little as to be taken up in arms,
a year old, it may be, or two at most. The account here given of it, is,
that there were brought unto him little children, that he should put his
hands on them, and pray, v. 13. Probably they were their parents,
guardians, or nurses, that brought them; and herein, 1. They testified their
respect to Christ, and the value they had for his favour and blessing. Note,
Those who glorify Christ by coming to him themselves, should further glorify
him by bringing all they have, or have influence upon, to him likewise. Thus
give him the honour of his unsearchable riches of grace, his overflowing,
never-failing, fulness. We cannot better honour Christ than by making use of
him. 2. They did a kindness to their children, not doubting but they would
fare the better, in this world and the other, for the blessing and prayers
of the Lord Jesus, whom they looked upon at least as an extraordinary
person, as a prophet, if not as a priest and king; and the blessings of such
were valued and desired. Others brought their children to Christ, to be
healed when they were sick; but these children were under no present malady,
only they desired a blessing for them. Note, It is a good thing when we come
to Christ ourselves, and bring our children to him, before we are driven to
him (as we say) by woe-need; not only to visit him when we are in trouble,
but to address ourselves to him in a sense of our general dependence on him,
and of the benefit we expect by him, this is pleasing to him.
They desired that he would put his hands on them, and pray. Imposition of
hands was a ceremony used especially in paternal blessings; Jacob used it
when he blessed and adopted the sons of Joseph, Gen. xlviii. 14. It
intimates something of love and familiarity mixed with power and authority,
and bespeaks an efficacy in the blessing. Whom Christ prays for in heaven,
he puts his hand upon by his Spirit. Note, (1.) Little children may
be brought to Christ as needing, and being capable of receiving, blessings
from him, and having an interest in his intercession. (2.) Therefore they
should be brought to him. We cannot do better for our children than to
commit them to the Lord Jesus, to be wrought upon, and prayed for, by him.
We can but beg a blessing for them, it is Christ only that can command the
blessing.
II. The fault of the disciples in rebuking them. They discountenanced the
address as vain and frivolous, and reproved them that made it as impertinent
and troublesome. Either they thought it below their Master to take notice of
little children, except any thing in particular ailed them; or, they thought
he had toil enough with his other work, and would not have him diverted from
it; or, they thought if such an address as this were encouraged, all the
country would bring their children to him, and they should never see an end
of it. Note, It is well for us, that Christ has more love and tenderness in
him than the best of his disciples have. And let us learn of him not to
discountenance any willing well-meaning souls in their enquiries after
Christ, though they are but weak. If he do not break the bruised
reed, we should not. Those that seek unto Christ, must not think it
strange if they meet with opposition and rebuke, even from good men, who
think they know the mind of Christ better than they do.
III. The favour of our Lord Jesus. See how he carried it here.
1. He rebuked the disciples (v. 14); Suffer little children, and
forbid them not; and he rectifies the mistake they went upon, Of such
is the kingdom of heaven. Note, (1.) The children of believing parents
belong to the kingdom of heaven, and are members of the visible church. Of
such, not only of such in disposition and affection (that might have
served for a reason why doves or lambs should be brought to him), but of
such, in age, is the kingdom of heaven; to them pertain the
privileges of visible church-membership, as among the Jews of old. The
promise is to you, and to your children. I will be a God to thee and thy
seed. (2.) That for this reason they are welcome to Christ, who is ready
to entertain those who, when they cannot come themselves, are brought to
him. And this, [1.] In respect to the little children themselves, whom he
has upon all occasions expressed a concern for; and who, having participated
in the malignant influences of the first Adam's sin, must needs share in the
riches of the second Adam's grace, else what would become of the apostle's
parallel? 1 Cor. xv. 22; Rom. v. 14, 15, &c. Those who are given to
Christ, as part of his purchase, he will in no wise cast out. [2.] With an
eye to the faith of the parents who brought them, and presented them as
living sacrifices. Parents are trustees of their children's wills, are
empowered by nature to transact for their benefit; and therefore Christ
accepts their dedication of them as their act and deed, and will own these
dedicated things in the day he makes up his jewels. [3.] Therefore he takes
it ill of those who forbid them, and exclude those whom he has received: who
cast them out from the inheritance of the Lord, and say, Ye have no part
in the Lord (see Josh. xxii. 27); and who forbid water, that they should
be baptized, who, if that promise be fulfilled (Isa. xliv. 3), have
received the Holy Ghost as well as we, for aught we know.
2. He received the little children, and did as he was desired; he
laid his hands on them, that is, he blessed them. The strongest
believer lives not so much by apprehending Christ as by being apprehended of
him (Phil. iii. 12), not so much by knowing God as by being known of him
(Gal. iv. 9); and this the least child is capable of. If they cannot stretch
out their hands to Christ, yet he can lay his hands on them, and so make
them his own, and own them for his own.
Methinks it has something observable in it, that, when he had done this, he
departed thence, v. 15. As if he reckoned he had done enough there,
when he had thus asserted the rights of the lambs of his flock, and made
this provision for a succession of subjects in his kingdom.
|
The
Rich Ruler's Enquiry; The Rich Ruler's Disappointment.
|
|
|
16 And, behold, one came and said unto him,
Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good
but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the
commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou
shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal,
Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy
mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The
young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up:
what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be
perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou
shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had
great possessions.
Here is an account of what passed between Christ and a hopeful young
gentleman that addressed himself to him upon a serious errand; he said to be
a young man (v. 20); and I called him a gentleman, not
only because he had great possessions, but because he was a ruler (Luke
xviii. 18), a magistrate, a justice of peace in his country; it is probable
that he had abilities beyond his years, else his youth would have debarred
him from the magistracy.
Now concerning this young gentleman, we are told how fair he bid for heaven
and came short.
I. How fair he bid for heaven, and how kindly and tenderly Christ treated
him, in favour to good beginnings. Here is,
1. The gentleman's serious address to Jesus Christ (v. 16); Good
Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? Not a
better question could be asked, not more gravely.
(1.) He gives Christ an honourable title, Good Master--Didaskale
agaqe. It signifies not a ruling, but a teaching
Master. His calling him Master, bespeaks his submissiveness, and
willingness to be taught; and good Master, his affection and peculiar
respect to the Teacher, like that of Nicodemus, Thou art a Teacher come
from God. We read not of any that addressed themselves to Christ more
respectfully than that Master in Israel and this ruler. It is a good thing
when men's quality and dignity increase their civility and courtesy. It was
gentleman-like to give this title of respect to Christ, notwithstanding the
present meanness of his appearance. It was not usual among the Jews to
accost their teachers with the title of good; and therefore this
bespeaks the uncommon respect he had for Christ. Note, Jesus Christ is a
good Master, the best of teachers; none teaches like him; he is
distinguished for his goodness, for he can have compassion on the
ignorant; he is meek and lowly in heart.
(2.) He comes to him upon an errand of importance (none could be more so),
and he came not to tempt him, but sincerely desiring to be taught by him.
His question is, What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal
life? By this it appears, [1.] That he had a firm belief of eternal
life; he was no Sadducee. He was convinced that there is a happiness
prepared for those in the other world, who are prepared for it in this
world. [2.] That he was concerned to make it sure to himself that he should
live eternally, and was desirous of that life more than any of the delights
of this life. It was a rare thing for one of his age and quality to appear
so much in care about another world. The rich are apt to think it below them
to make such an enquiry as this; and young people think it time enough yet;
but here was a young man, and a rich man, solicitous about his soul and
eternity. [3.] That he was sensible something must be done, some good thing,
for the attainment of this happiness. It is by patient continuance in
well-doing that we seek for immortality, Rom. ii. 7. We must be
doing, and doing that which is good. The blood of Christ is the only
purchase of eternal life (he merited it for us), but obedience to Christ is
the appointed way to it, Heb. v. 9. [4.] That he was, or at least thought
himself, willing to do what was to be done for the obtaining of this eternal
life. Those that know what it is to have eternal life, and what it is to
come short of it, will be glad to accept of it upon any terms. Such a holy
violence does the kingdom of heaven suffer. Note, While there are many that
say, Who will show us any good? our great enquiry should be, What
shall we do, that we may have eternal life? What shall we do, to be for
ever happy, happy in another world? For this world has not that in it that
will make us happy.
2. The encouragement that Jesus Christ gave to this address. It is not his
manner to send any away without an answer, that come to him on such an
errand, for nothing pleases him more, v. 17. In his answer,
(1.) He tenderly assists his faith; for, doubtless, he did not mean it for a
reproof, when he said, Why callest thou me good? But he would seem to
find that faith in what he said, when he called him good Master,
which the gentleman perhaps was not conscious to himself of; he intended no
more than to own and honour him as a good man, but Christ would lead him to
own and honour him as a good God; for there is none good but one, that is
God. Note, As Christ is graciously ready to make the best that he can of
what is said or done amiss; so he is ready to make the most that can be of
what is well said and well done. His constructions are often better than our
intentions; as in that, "I was hungry, and you gave me meat,
though you little thought it was to me." Christ will have this young
man either know him to be God, or not call him good; to teach us to
transfer to God all the praise that is at any time given to us. Do any call
us good? Let us tell them all goodness is from God, and therefore not
to us, but to him give glory. All crowns must lie before his throne. Note,
God only is good, and there is none essentially, originally, and
unchangeably, good, but God only. His goodness is of and from himself, and
all the goodness in the creature is from him; he is the Fountain of
goodness, and whatever the streams are, all the springs are in him,
Jam. i. 17. He is the great Pattern and Sample of goodness; by him all
goodness is to be measured; that is good which is like him, and agreeable to
his mind. We in our language call him God, because he is good. In
this, as in other things, our Lord Jesus was the Brightness of his glory
(and his goodness is his glory), and the express image of his person,
and therefore fitly called good Master.
(2.) He plainly directs his practice, in answer to his question. He started
that thought of his being good, and therefore God, but did not stay upon it,
lest he should seem to divert from, and so to drop, the main question, as
many do in needless disputes and strifes of words. Now Christ's answer is,
in short, this, If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
[1.] The end proposed is, entering into life. The young man, in his
question, spoke of eternal life. Christ, in his answer, speaks of life;
to teach us, that eternal life is the only true life. The words concerning
that are the words of this life, Acts v. 20. The present life
scarcely deserves the name of life, for in the midst of life we are in
death. Or into life, that spiritual life which is the beginning
and earnest of eternal life. He desired to know how he might have
eternal life; Christ tells him how he might enter into it; we have
it by the merit of Christ, a mystery which was not as yet fully revealed,
and therefore Christ waives that; but the way of entering into it,
is, by obedience, and Christ directs us in that. By the former we make
our title, by this, as by our evidence, we prove it; it is by
adding to faith virtue, that an entrance (the word here used) is ministered
to us into the everlasting kingdom, 2 Pet. i. 5, 11. Christ, who is our
Life, is the Way to the Father, and to the vision and fruition of him; he is
the only Way, but duty, and the obedience of faith, are the way to Christ.
There is an entrance into life hereafter, at death, at the great day, a
complete entrance, and those only shall then enter into life, that do their
duty; it is the diligent faithful servant that shall then enter into the
joy of his Lord, and that joy will be his eternal life. There is an
entrance into life now; we who have believed, do enter into rest,
Heb. iv. 3. We have peace, and comfort, and joy, in the believing prospect
of the glory to be revealed, and to this also sincere obedience is
indispensably necessary.
[2.] The way prescribed is, keeping the commandments. Note, Keeping the
commandments of God, according as they are revealed and made known to us, is
the only way to life and salvation; and sincerity herein is accepted through
Christ as our gospel perfection, provision being made of pardon, upon
repentance, wherein we come short. Through Christ we are delivered from the
condemning power of the law, but the commanding power of it is lodged in the
hand of the Mediator, and under that, in that hand, we still are under
the law to Christ (1 Cor. ix. 21), under it as a rule, though not as a
covenant. Keeping the commandments includes faith in Jesus Christ,
for that is the great commandment (1 John iii. 23), and it was one of the
laws of Moses, that, when the great Prophet should be raised up, they should
hear him. Observe, In order to our happiness here and for ever, it is not
enough for us to know the commandments of God, but we must keep
them, keep in them as our way, keep to them as our rule, keep them as our
treasure, and with care, as the apple of our eye.
[3.] At his further instance and request, he mentions some particular
commandments which he must keep (v. 18, 19); The young man saith
unto him, Which? Note, Those that would do the commandments of God, must
seek them diligently, and enquire after them, what they are. Ezra set
himself to seek the law, and to do it, Ezra vii. 10. "There were
many commandments in the law of Moses; good Master, let me know which those
are, the keeping o which is necessary to salvation."
In answer to this, Christ specifies several, especially the commandments of
the second table. First, That which concerns our own and our
neighbour's life; Thou shalt do no murder. Secondly, Our own and our
neighbour's chastity, which should be as dear to us as life itself; Thou
shalt not commit adultery. Thirdly, Our own and our neighbour's wealth
and outward estate, as hedged about by the law of property; Thou shalt
not steal. Fourthly, That which concerns truth, and our own and our
neighbour's good name; Thou shalt not bear false witness, neither for
thyself, nor against thy neighbour; for so it is here left at
large. Fifthly, That which concerns the duties of particular
relations; Honour thy father and mother. Sixthly, That comprehensive
law of love, which is the spring and summary of all these duties, whence
they all flow, on which they are all founded, and in which they are all
fulfilled; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Gal. v. 14; Rom.
xiii. 9), that royal law, Jas. ii. 8. Some think this comes in here,
not as the sum of the second table, but as the particular import of the
tenth commandment; Thou shalt not covet, which Mark is, Defraud
not; intimating that it is not lawful for me to design advantage or gain
to myself by the diminution or loss of another; for that is to covet, and to
love myself better than my neighbour, whom I ought to love a myself, and to
treat as I would myself be treated.
Our Saviour here specifies second-table duties only; not as if the first
were of less account, but, 1. Because they that now sat in Moses's seat,
either wholly neglected, or greatly corrupted, these precepts in their
preaching. While they pressed the tithing of mint, anise, and cummin,--judgment,
and mercy, and faith, the summary of second-table duties, were
overlooked, ch. xxiii. 23. Their preaching ran out all in rituals and
nothing in morals; and therefore Christ pressed that most, which they least
insisted on. As one truth, so one duty, must not jostle out another, but
each must know its place, and be kept in it; but equity requires that that
be helped up, which is most in danger of being thrust out. That is the
present truth which we are called to bear our testimony to, not only which
is opposed, but which is neglected. 2. Because he would teach him, and us
all, that moral honesty is a necessary branch of true Christianity, and to
be minded accordingly. Though a mere moral man comes short of being a
complete Christian, yet an immoral man is certainly no true Christian; for
the grace of God teaches us to live soberly and righteously, as well as
godly. Nay, though first-table duties have in them more of the essence of
religion, yet second-table duties have in them more of the evidence of it.
Our light burns in love to God, but it shines in love to our
neighbour.
II. See here how he came short, though he bid thus fair, and wherein he
failed; he failed by two things.
1. By pride, and a vain conceit of his own merit and strength; this is the
ruin of thousands, who keep themselves miserable by fancying themselves
happy. When Christ told him what commandments he must keep, he answered very
scornfully, All these things have I kept from my youth up, v.
20.
Now, (1.) According as he understood the law, as prohibiting only the
outward acts of sin, I am apt to think that he said true, and Christ knew
it, for he did not contradict him; nay, it is said in Mark, He loved him;
so far was very good and pleasing to Christ. St. Paul reckons it a
privilege, not contemptible in itself, though it was dross in comparison
with Christ, that he was, as touching righteousness that is in the law,
blameless, Phil. iii. 6. His observance of these commands was universal;
All these have I kept: it was early and constant; from my youth
up. Note, A man may be free from gross sin, and yet come short of grace
and glory. His hands may be clean from external pollutions, and yet he may
perish eternally in his heart-wickedness. What shall we think then of those
who do not attain to this; whose fraud and injustice, drunkenness and
uncleanness, witness against them, that all these they have broken from
their youth up, though they have named the name of Christ? Well, it is sad
to come short of those that come short of heaven.
It was commendable also, that he desired to know further what his duty was; What
lack I yet? He was convinced that he wanted something to fill up his
works before God, and was therefore desirous to know it, because, if he was
not mistaken in himself, he was willing to do it. Having not yet attained,
he thus seemed to press forward. And he applied himself to Christ, whose
doctrine was supposed to improve and perfect the Mosaic institution. He
desired to know what were the peculiar precepts of his religion, that he
might have all that was in them to polish and accomplish him. Who could bid
fairer?
But, (2.) Even in this that he said, he discovered his ignorance and folly.
[1.] Taking the law in its spiritual sense, as Christ expounded it, no
doubt, in many things he had offended against all these commands. Had he
been acquainted with the extent and spiritual meaning of the law, instead of
saying, All these have I kept; what lack I yet? he would have said,
with shame and sorrow, "All these have I broken, what shall I do to get
my sins pardoned?" [2.] Take it how you will, what he said savoured of
pride and vain-glory, and had in it too much of that boasting which is
excluded by the law of faith (Rom. iii. 27), and which excludes from
justification, Luke xviii. 11, 14. He valued himself too much, as the
Pharisees did, upon the plausibleness of his profession before men, and was
proud of that, which spoiled the acceptableness of it. That word, What
lack I yet? perhaps was not so much a desire of further instruction as a
demand of the praise of his present fancied perfection, and a challenge to
Christ himself to show him any one instance wherein he was deficient.
2. He came short by an inordinate love of the world, and his enjoyments in
it. This was the fatal rock on which he split. Observe,
(1.) How he was tried in this matter (v. 21); Jesus said unto him,
If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast. Christ waived the
matter of his boasted obedience to the law, and let that drop, because this
would be a more effectual way of discovering him than a dispute of the
extent of the law. "Come," saith Christ, "if thou wilt be
perfect, if thou wilt approve thyself sincere in thine obedience" (for
sincerity is our gospel perfection), "if thou wilt come up to that
which Christ has added to the law of Moses, if thou wilt be perfect, if thou
wilt enter into life, and so be perfectly happy;" for that which
Christ here prescribes, is not a thing of supererogation, or a perfection we
may be saved without; but, in the main scope and intendment of it, it is our
necessary and indispensable duty. What Christ said to him, he thus far said
to us all, that, if we would approve ourselves Christians indeed, and would
be found at last the heirs of eternal life, we must do these two things:
[1.] We must practically prefer the heavenly treasures before all the wealth
and riches in this world. That glory must have the pre-eminence in our
judgment and esteem before this glory. No thanks to us to prefer heaven
before hell, the worst man in the world would be glad of that Jerusalem for
a refuge when he can stay no longer here, and to have it in reserve; but to
make it our choice, and to prefer it before this earth--that is to be a
Christian indeed. Now, as an evidence of this, First, We must dispose
of what we have in this world, for the honour of God, and in his service:
"Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor. If the occasions of
charity be very pressing, sell thy possessions that thou mayest have to give
to them that need; as the first Christians did, with an eye to this precept,
Acts iv. 34. Sell what thou canst spare for pious uses, all thy
superfluities; if thou canst not otherwise do good with it, sell it. Sit
loose to it, be willing to part with it for the honour of God, and the
relief of the poor." A gracious contempt of the world, and compassion
of the poor and afflicted ones in it, are in all a necessary condition of
salvation; and in those that have wherewithal, giving of alms is as
necessary an evidence of that contempt of the world, and compassion to our
brethren; by this the trial will be at the great day, ch. xxv. 35.
Though many that call themselves Christians, do not act as if they believed
it; it is certain, that, when we embrace Christ, we must let go the world,
for we cannot serve God and mammon. Christ knew that covetousness was the
sin that did most easily beset this young man, that, though what he had he
had got honestly, yet he could not cheerfully part with it, and by this he
discovered his insincerity. This command was like the call to Abraham, Get
thee out of thy country, to a land that I will show thee. As God tries
believers by their strongest graces, so hypocrites by their strongest
corruptions. Secondly, We must depend upon what we hope for in the
other world as an abundant recompence for all we have left, or lost, or laid
out, for God in this world; Thou shalt have treasure in heaven. We
must, in the way of chargeable duty, trust God for a happiness out of sight,
which will make us rich amends for all our expenses in God's service. The
precept sounded hard and harsh; "Sell that thou hast, and give it
away;" and the objection against it would soon arise, that
"Charity begins at home;" therefore Christ immediately annexes
this assurance of a treasure in heaven. Note, Christ's promises make his
precepts easy, and his yoke not only tolerable, but pleasant, and sweet, and
very comfortable; yet this promise was as much a trial of this young man's
faith as the precept was of his charity, and contempt of the world.
[2.] We must devote ourselves entirely to the conduct and government of our
Lord Jesus; Come, and follow me. It seems here to be meant of a close
and constant attendance upon his person, such as the selling of what he had
in the world was as necessary to as it was to the other disciples to quit
their callings; but of us it is required that we follow Christ, that we duly
attend upon his ordinances, strictly conform to his pattern, and cheerfully
submit to his disposals, and by upright and universal obedience observe his
statutes, and keep his laws, and all this from a principle of love to him,
and dependence on him, and with a holy contempt of every thing else in
comparison of him, and much more in competition with him. This is to follow
Christ fully. To sell all, and give to the poor, will not serve, unless
we come, and follow Christ. If I give all my goods to feed the poor, and
have not love, it profits me nothing. Well, on these terms, and on no lower,
is salvation to be had; and they are very easy and reasonable terms, and
will appear so to those who are brought to be glad of it upon any terms.
(2.) See how he was discovered. This touched him in a tender part (v.
22); When he heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great
possessions.
[1.] He was a rich man, and loved his riches, and therefore went away. He
did not like eternal life upon these terms. Note, First, Those who
have much in the world are in the greatest temptation to love it, and to set
their hearts upon it. Such is the bewitching nature of worldly wealth, that
those who want it least desire most; when riches increase, then is the
danger of setting the heart upon them, Ps. lxii. 10. If he had had but two
mites in all the world, and had been commanded to give them to the poor, or
but one handful of meal in the barrel, and a little oil in the cruse, and
had been bidden to make a cake of that for a poor prophet, the trial, one
would think, had been much greater, yet those trials have been overcome
(Luke xxi. 4, and 1 Kings xvii. 14); which shows that the love of the world
draws stronger than the most pressing necessities. Secondly, The
reigning love of this world keeps many from Christ, who seem to have some
good desires toward him. A great estate, as to those who are got above it,
is a great furtherance, so to those who are entangled in the love of it, it
is a great hindrance, in the way to heaven.
Yet something of honesty there was in it, that, when he did not like the
terms, he went away, and would not pretend to that, which he could not find
in his heart to come up to the strictness of; better so than do as Demas
did, who, having known the way of righteousness, afterward turned
aside, out of love to this present world, to the greater scandal of his
profession; since he could not be a complete Christian, he would not be a
hypocrite.
[2.] Yet he was a thinking man, and well-inclined, and therefore went
away sorrowful. He had a leaning toward Christ, and was loth to part
with him. Note, Many a one is ruined by the sin he commits with reluctance;
leaves Christ sorrowfully, and yet is never truly sorry for leaving him,
for, if he were, he would return to him. Thus this man's wealth was vexation
of spirit to him, then when it was his temptation. What then would the
sorrow be afterward, when his possessions would be gone, and all hopes of
eternal life gone too?
|
The
Recompense of Christ's Followers.
|
|
|
23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily
I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of
heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to
go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the
kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were
exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus
beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but
with God all things are possible. 27 Then answered Peter and
said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall
we have therefore? 28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say
unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son
of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one
that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or
wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a
hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many that
are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
We have here Christ's discourse with his disciples upon occasion of the rich
man's breaking with Christ.
I. Christ took occasion from thence to show the difficulty of the salvation
of the rich people, v. 23-26.
1. That it is a very hard thing for a rich man to get to heaven, such a rich
man as this here. Note, From the harms and falls of others it is good for us
to infer that which will be of caution to us.
Now, (1.) This is vehemently asserted by our Saviour, v. 23, 24. He
said this to his disciples, who were poor, and had but little in the world,
to reconcile them to their condition with this, that the less they had of
worldly wealth, the less hindrance they had in the way to heaven. Note, It
should be a satisfaction to them who are in a low condition, that they are
not exposed to the temptations of a high and prosperous condition: If they
live more hardy in this world than the rich, yet, if withal they get more
easily to a better world, they have no reason to complain. This saying is
ratified, v. 23. Verily I say unto you. He that has reason to
know what the way to heaven is, for he has laid it open, he tells us that
this is one of the greatest difficulties in that way. It is repeated, v.
24. Again I say unto you. Thus he speaks once, yea, twice that which
man is loth to perceive and more loth to believe.
[1.] He saith that it is a hard thing for a rich man to be a good Christian,
and to be saved; to enter into the kingdom of heaven, either here or
hereafter. The way to heaven is to all a narrow way, and the gate that leads
into it, a strait gate; but it is particularly so to rich people. More
duties are expected from them than from others, which they can hardly do;
and more sins do easily beset them, which they can hardly avoid. Rich people
have great temptations to resist, and such as are very insinuating; it is
hard not to be charmed with a smiling world; very hard, when we are filled
with these hid treasures, not to take up with them for a portion. Rich
people have a great account to make up for their estates, their interest,
their time, and their opportunities of doing and getting good, above others.
It must be a great measure of divine grace that will enable a man to break
through these difficulties.
[2.] He saith that the conversion and salvation of a rich man is so
extremely difficult, that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye
of a needle, v. 24. This is a proverbial expression, denoting a
difficulty altogether unconquerable by the art and power of man; nothing
less than the almighty grace of God will enable a rich man to get over this
difficulty. The difficulty of the salvation of apostates (Heb. vi. 4), and
of old sinners (Jer. xiii. 23), is thus represented as an impossibility. The
salvation of any is so very difficult (even the righteous scarcely are
saved), that, where there is a peculiar difficulty, it is fitly set
forth thus. It is very rare for a man to be rich, and not to set his heart
upon his riches; and it is utterly impossible for a man that sets his heart
upon his riches, to get to heaven; for if any man love the world, the
love of the Father is not in him, 1 John ii. 15; James iv. 4. First,
The way to heaven is very fitly compared to a needle's eye, which is
hard to hit and hard to get through. Secondly, A rich man is fitly
compared to a camel, a beast of burthen, for he has riches, as a
camel has his load, he carries it, but it is another's, he has it from
others, spends it for others, and must shortly leave it to others; it is a
burthen, for men load themselves with thick clay, Hab. ii. 6. A camel
is a large creature, but unwieldy.
(2.) This truth is very much wondered at, and scarcely credited by the
disciples (v. 25); They were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then
can be saved? Many surprising truths Christ told them, which they ere
astonished at, and knew not what to make of; this was one, but their
weakness was the cause of their wonder. It was not in contradiction to
Christ, but for awakening to themselves, that they said, Who then can be
saved? Note, Considering the many difficulties that are in the way of
salvation, it is really strange that any are saved. When we think how good
God is, it may seem a wonder that so few are his; but when we think
how bad man is, it is more a wonder that so many are, and Christ will
be eternally admired in them. Who then can be saved? Since so many
are rich, and have great possessions, and so many more would be rich, and
are well affected to great possessions; who can be saved? If riches are a
hindrance to rich people, are not price and luxury incident to those that
are not rich, and as dangerous to them? and who then can get to heaven? This
is a good reason why rich people should strive against the stream.
2. That, though it be hard, yet it is not impossible, for the rich to be
saved (v. 26); Jesus beheld them, turned and looked wistfully
upon his disciples, to shame them out of their fond conceit of the
advantages rich people had in spiritual things. He beheld them as men that
had got over this difficulty, and were in a fair way for heaven, and the
more so because poor in this world; and he said unto them, with men this
is impossible, but with God all things are possible. This is a great
truth in general, that God is able to do that which quite exceeds all
created power; that nothing is too hard for God, Gen. xviii. 14; Num. xi.
23. When men are at a loss, God is not, for his power is infinite and
irresistible; but this truth is here applied, (1.) To the salvation of any. Who
can be saved? say the disciples. None, saith Christ, by any created
power. With men this is impossible: the wisdom of man would soon be
nonplussed in contriving, and the power of man baffled in effecting, the
salvation of a soul. No creature can work the change that is necessary to
the salvation of a soul, either in itself or in any one else. With men it is
impossible that so strong a stream should be turned, so hard a heart
softened, so stubborn a will bowed. It is a creation, it is a resurrection,
and with men this is impossible; it can never be done by philosophy,
medicine, or politics; but with God all things are possible. Note,
The beginning, progress, and perfection, of the work of salvation, depend
entirely upon the almighty power of God, to which all things are possible.
Faith is wrought by that power (Eph. i. 19), and is kept by it, 1 Pet. i. 5.
Job's experience of God's convincing, humbling grace, made him acknowledge
more than any thing else, I know that thou canst do every thing, Job
xlii. 2. (2.) To the salvation of rich people especially; it is impossible
with men that such should be saved, but with God even this is possible; not
that rich people should be saved in their worldliness, but that they
should be saved from it. Note, The sanctification and salvation of
such as are surrounded with the temptations of this world are not to be
despaired of; it is possible; it may be brought about by the all-sufficiency
of the divine grace; and when such are brought to heaven, they will be there
everlasting monuments of the power of God. I am willing to think that in
this word of Christ there is an intimation o mercy Christ had yet in store
for this young gentleman, who was now gone away sorrowful; it was not
impossible to God yet to recover him, and bring him to a better mind.
II. Peter took occasion from hence to enquire what they should get by
it, who had come up to these terms, upon which this young man broke with
Christ, and had left all to follow him, v. 27, &c. We have here
the disciples' expectations from Christ, and his promises to them.
1. We have their expectations from Christ; Peter, in the name of the rest,
signifies that they depended upon him for something considerable in lieu of
what they had left for him; Behold, we have forsaken all, and have
followed thee; what shall we have therefore? Christ had promised the
young man, that, if he would sell all, and come and follow him, he should have
treasure in heaven; now Peter desires to know,
(1.) Whether they had sufficiently come up to those terms: they had not sold
all (for they had many of them wives and families to provide for), but they
had forsaken all; they had not given it to the poor, but they had
renounced it as far as it might be any way a hindrance to them in serving
Christ. Note, When we hear what are the characters of those that shall be
saved, it concerns us to enquire whether we, through grace, answer those
characters. Now Peter hopes that, as to the main scope and intendment of the
condition, they had come up to it, for God had wrought in them a holy
contempt of the world and the things that are seen, in comparison with
Christ and the things that are not seen; and how this must be evidenced, no
certain rule can be given, but according as we are called.
Lord, saith Peter, we have forsaken all. Alas! it was but a poor all
that they had forsaken; one of them had indeed quitted a place in the
custom-house, but Peter and the most of them had only left a few boats and
nets, and the appurtenances of a poor fishing-trade; and yet observe how
Peter there speaks of it, as it had been some mighty thing; Behold, we
have forsaken all. Note, We are too apt to make the most of our services
and sufferings, our expenses and losses, for Christ, and to think we have
made him much our debtor. However, Christ does not upbraid them with this;
though it was but little that they had forsaken, yet it was their all,
like the widow's two mites, and was as dear to them as if it had been more,
and therefore Christ took it kindly that they left it to follow him; for he
accepts according to what a man hath.
(2.) Whether therefore they might expect that treasure which the
young man shall have if he will sell all. "Lord," saith Peter,
"shall we have it, who have left all?" All people are for
what they can get; and Christ's followers are allowed to consult their own
true interest, and to ask, What shall we have? Christ looked at
the joy set before him, and Moses at the recompence of reward.
For this end it is set before us, that by a patient continuance in
well-doing we may seek for it. Christ encourages us to ask what we shall
gain by leaving all to follow him; that we may see he doth not call us to
our prejudice, but unspeakably to our advantage. As it is the language of an
obediential faith to ask, "What shall we do?" with an eye
to the precepts; so it is of a hoping, trusting faith, to ask, "What
shall we have?" with an eye to the promises. But observe, The
disciples had long since left all to engage themselves in the service of
Christ, and yet never till now asked, What shall we have? Though
there was no visible prospect of advantage by it, they were so well assured
of his goodness, that they knew they should not lose by him at last, and
therefore referred themselves to him, in what way he would make up their
losses to them; minded their work, and asked not what should be their wages.
Note, It honours Christ, to trust him and serve him, and not to bargain with
him. Now that this young man was gone from Christ to his possessions, it was
time for them to think which they should take to, what they should trust to.
When we see what others keep by their hypocrisy and apostasy, it is proper
for us to consider what we hope, through grace, to gain, not for, but
by, our sincerity and constancy, and then we shall see more reason to
pity them than to envy them.
2. We have here Christ's promises to them, and to all others that tread in
the steps of their faith and obedience. What there was either of vain-glory
or of vain hopes in that which Peter said, Christ overlooks, and is not
extreme to mark it, but takes this occasion to give the bond of a promise,
(1.) To his immediate followers, v. 28. They had signalized their
respect to him, as the first that followed him, and to them he promises not
only treasure, but honour, in heaven; and here they have a
grant or patent for it from him who is the fountain of honour in that
kingdom; Ye which have followed me in the regeneration shall sit upon
twelve thrones. Observe,
[1.] The preamble to the patent, or the consideration of the
grant, which, as usual, is a recital of their services; "You have
followed me in the regeneration, and therefore this will I do for you."
The time of Christ's appearing in this world was a time of regeneration, of
reformation (Heb. ix. 10), when old things began to pass away, and all
things to look new. The disciples had followed Christ when the church was
yet in the embryo state, when the gospel temple was but in the framing, when
they had more of the work and service of the apostles than of the dignity
and power that belonged to their office. Now they followed Christ with
constant fatigue, when few did; and therefore on them he will put particular
marks of honour. Note, Christ hath special favour for those who begin early
with him, who trust him further than they can see him, as they did who followed
him in the regeneration. Observe, Peter spoke of their forsaking all,
to follow him, Christ only speaks of their following him, which was
the main matter.
[2.] The date of their honour, which fixes the time when it should
commence; not immediately from the day of the date of these presents,
no, they must continue a while in obscurity, as they were. But when the
Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory; and to this some refer
that, in the regeneration; "You who now have followed me, shall,
in the regeneration, be thus dignified." Christ's second coming will be
a regeneration, when there shall be new heavens, and a new earth, and the
restitution of all things. All that partake of the regeneration in grace
(John iii. 3) shall partake of the regeneration in glory; for as grace is
the first resurrection (Rev. xx. 6), so glory is the second regeneration.
Now their honour being adjourned till the Son of man's sitting in the throne
of his glory, intimates, First, That they must stay for their
advancement till then. Note, As long as our Master's glory is delayed, it is
fit that ours should be so too, and that we should wait for it with an
earnest expectation, as of a hope not seen. Rom. viii. 19. We must
live, and work, and suffer, in faith, and hope, and patience, which
therefore must be tried by these delays. Secondly, That they must
share with Christ in his advancement; their honour must be a communion with
him in his honour. They, having suffered with a suffering Jesus, must reign
with a reigning Jesus, for both here and hereafter Christ will be all in
all; we must be where he is (John xii. 26), must appear with
him (Col. iii. 4); and this will be an abundant recompence not only for
our loss, but for the delay; and when our Lord comes, we shall receive not
only our own, but our own with usury. The longest voyages make
the richest returns.
[3.] The honour itself hereby granted; Ye also shall sit upon twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. It is hard to determine
the particular sense of this promise, and whether it was not to have many
accomplishments, which I see no harm in admitting. First, When Christ
is ascended to the right hand of the Father, and sits on the throne of his
glory, then the apostles shall receive power by the Holy Ghost (Acts i. 8);
shall be so much advanced above themselves as they are now, that they shall
think themselves upon thrones, in promoting the gospel; they shall deliver
it with authority, as a judge from the bench; they shall then have their
commission enlarged, and shall publish the laws of Christ, by which the
church, God's spiritual Israel (Gal. vi. 16), shall be governed, and Israel
according to the flesh, that continues in infidelity, with all others
that do likewise, shall be condemned. The honour and power given them, may
be explained by Jer. i. 19, See, I have set thee over the nations;
and Ezek; xx. 4, Wilt thou judge them? and Dan. vii. 18, The
saints shall take the kingdom; and Rev. xii. 1, where the doctrine of
Christ is called a crown of twelve stars. Secondly, When Christ
appears for the destruction of Jerusalem (ch. xxiv. 31), then shall
he send the apostles to judge the Jewish nation, because in that destruction
their predictions, according to the word of Christ, would be accomplished. Thirdly,
Some think it has reference to the conversion of the Jews, which is yet to
come, at the latter end of the world, after the fall of antichrist; so Dr.
Whitby; and that "it respects the apostles' government or the twelve
tribes of Israel, not by a resurrection of their persons, but by a
reviviscence of that Spirit which resided in them, and of that purity and
knowledge which they delivered to the world, and, chiefly, by admission of
their gospel to be the standard of their faith and the direction of their
lives." Fourthly, It is certainly to have its full
accomplishment at the second coming of Jesus Christ, when the saints
in general shall judge the world, and the twelve apostles especially,
as assessors with Christ, in the judgment of the great day, when all
the world shall receive their final doom, and they shall ratify and applaud
the sentence. But the tribe of Israel are named, partly because the
number of the apostles was designedly the same with the number of the
tribes; partly because the apostles were Jews, befriended them most, but
were most spitefully persecuted by them; and it intimates that the saints
will judge their acquaintance and kindred according to the flesh, and will,
in the great day, judge those they had a kindness for; will judge their
persecutors, who in this world judged them.
But the general intendment of this promise is, to show the glory and dignity
reserved for the saints in heaven, which will be an abundant recompence for
the disgrace they suffered here in Christ's cause. There are higher degrees
of glory for those that have done and suffered most. The apostles in this
world were hurried and tossed, there they shall sit down at rest and ease;
here bonds, and afflictions, and deaths, did abide them, but there
they shall sit on thrones of glory; here they were dragged to the
bar, there they shall be advanced to the bench; here the twelve tribes of
Israel trampled upon them, there they shall tremble before them. And will
not this be recompence enough to make up all their losses and expenses for
Christ? Luke xxii. 29.
[4.] The ratification of this grant; it is firm, it is inviolably immutably
sure; for Christ hath said, "Verily I say unto you, I the Amen, the
faithful Witness, who am empowered to make this grant, I have said it,
and it cannot be disannulled."
(2.) Here is a promise to all others that should in like manner leave all to
follow Christ. It was not peculiar to the apostles, to be thus preferred,
but this honour have all his saints. Christ will take care they shall
none of them lose by him (v. 29); Every one that has forsaken
any thing for Christ, shall receive.
[1.] Losses for Christ are here supposed. Christ had told them that his
disciples must deny themselves in all that is done to them in this world;
now here he specifies particulars; for it is good to count upon the worst.
If they have not forsaken all, as the apostles did, yet they have forsaken a
great deal, houses suppose, and have turned themselves out, to wander in
deserts; or dear relations, that would not go with them, to follow Christ;
these are particularly mentioned, as hardest for a tender gracious spirit to
part with; brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or
children; and lands are added in the close; the profits of which
were the support of the family.
Now, First, the loss of these things is supposed to be for
Christ's name's sake; else he doth not oblige himself to make it up.
Many forsake brethren, and wife, and children, in humour and passion, as the
bird that wanders from her nest; that is a sinful desertion. But if we
forsake them for Christ's sake, because we cannot keep them and keep
a good conscience, we must either quit them, or quit our interest in Christ;
if we do not quit our concern for them, or our duty to them, but our comfort
in them, and will do it rather than deny Christ, and this with an eye to
him, and to his will and glory, this is that which shall be thus
recompensed. It is not the suffering, but the cause, that makes both the
martyr and the confessor.
Secondly, It is supposed to be a great loss; and yet Christ
undertakes to make up, for he is able to do it, be it ever so great. See the
barbarity of the persecutors, that they stripped innocent people of all they
had, for no other crime than their adherence to Christ! See the patience of
the persecuted; and the strength of their love to Christ, which was such as
all these waters could not quench!
[2.] A recompence of these losses is here secured. Thousands have dealt with
Christ, and have trusted him far; but never any one lost by him, never any
one but was an unspeakable gainer by him, when the account came to be
balanced. Christ here gives his word for it, that he will not only indemnify
his suffering servants, and save them harmless, but will abundantly reward
them. Let them make a schedule of their losses for Christ, and they shall be
sure to receive,
First, A hundred-fold in this life; sometimes in kind, in the
things themselves which they have parted with. God will raise up for his
suffering servants more friends, that will be so to them for Christ's sake,
than they have left that were so for their own sakes. The apostles, wherever
they came, met with those that were kind to them, and entertained them, and
opened their hearts and doors to them. However, they shall receive a
hundred-fold, in kindness, in those things that are abundantly
better and more valuable. Their graces shall increase, their comforts
abound, they shall have tokens of God's love, more free communion with him,
more full communications from him, clearer foresights, and sweeter
foretastes, of the glory to be revealed; and then they may truly say,
they have received a hundred times more comfort in God and Christ than they
could have had in wife, or children.
Secondly, Eternal life at last. The former is reward enough, if there
were no more; cent. per cent. is great profit; what then is a hundred to
one? But this comes in over and above, as it were, into the bargain. The life
here promised includes in it all the comforts of life in the highest degree,
and all eternal. Now if we could but mix faith with the promise, and
trust Christ for the performance of it, surely we should think nothing too
much to do, nothing too hard to suffer, nothing too dear to part with, for
him.
Our Saviour, in the last verse, obviates a mistake of some, as if
pre-eminence in glory went by precedence in time, rather than the measure
and degree of grace. No; Many that are first, shall be last, and the
last, first, v. 30. God will cross his hands; will reveal that
to babes, which he hid from the wise and prudent; will reject
unbelieving Jews and receive believing Gentiles. The heavenly inheritance is
not given as earthly inheritances commonly are, by seniority of age, and
priority of birth, but according to God's pleasure. This is the text of
another sermon, which we shall meet with in the next chapter.
