our Lord a remarkable question : — " we have forsaken all and followed tliee ; what shall we have therefore ?" There we find Jesus giving a remarkable answer. He makes a special promise to Peter and his fellow disciples : — " they should one day sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." He makes a general promise to all who suffer loss for His sake : — " they should receive an , hundred-fold, and inherit everlasting life."
Now we must bear in mind that Peter was a Jew. Likemost Jews, he had probably been brought up in much ignorance as to Grod's purposes resj^ecting the salvation of the Gentiles. In fact, we know from the Acts, that it required a vision from heaven to take that ignorance away. (Acts X. 28.) Furthermore we must bear in mind that Peter and his fellow-disciples were weak in faith and knowledge. They were probably apt to attach a great importance to their own sacrifices for Christ's sake, and inclined to self-righteousness and self-conceit. — Both these points our Lord knew well. He therefore speaks this parable for the special benefit of Peter and his com- panions. He read their hearts. He saw what spiritual medicine those hearts required, and supplied it without delay. In a word, He checked their rising pride, and taught them humility.
In expounding this parable, we need not inquire closely into the meaning of the " penny," the " market-place," the " steward," or the " hours." Such inquiries often darken counsel by words without knowledge. Well says Calovius, " the theology of parables is not argumen- tative." The hint of Ghrysostom deserves notice. He says, " It is not right to search curiously, and word by