We have seen in the former part of this chapter, how the enemies of our Lord endeavored to " catch Him in His words." We have seen how the Pharisees, the Sad- ducees, and the Scribes successively propounded to Him hard questions — questions we can hardly fail to observe, more likely to minister strife than edification. The pas- sage before us begins with a question of a very diiferent character. Our Lord Himself propounds it. He asks His enemies about Christ and the meaning of Holy Scripture. Such questions are always truly profitable. Well would it be for the church if theological discus- sions were less about trifles, and more about weighty matters, and things necessary to salvation.
Let us learn, in the first place, from these verses, how much there is about Christ in the Old Testament Scriptures. Our Lord desires to expose the ignorance of the Jewish teachers about the true nature of the Messiah. He does it by referring to a passage in the book of Psalms, and showing that the Scribes did not rightly understand it. And in so doing He shows us that one subject, about which David was inspired by the Holy Ghost to write, was Christ.
We know, from our Lord's own words in another place, that the Old Testament Scriptures " testify of Christ." (John v. 39.) They were intended to teach men about Christ, by types, and figures, and prophecy, till He Him- self should appear on earth. We should always keep this in mind, in reading the Old Testament, but never so much as in reading the Psalms. Christ is undoubtedly to be found in every part of the Law and the Prophets, but nowhere is He so much to be found, as in the book
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of Psalms. His experience and sufferings at His first corning into the world — His future glory, and His final triumph at His second coming — are the chief subjects of many a passage in that wonderful part of God's word. It is a true saying, that we should look for Christ quite as much as David, in reading the Psalms.
Let us beware of undervaluing, or despising the Old Testament. In its place and proportion, the Old Testa- ment is just as valuable as the New. There are probably many rich passages in that part of the Bible which have never yet been fully explored. There are deep things about Jesus in it, which many wralk over like hidden gold mines, and know not the treasures beneath their feet. Let us reverence all the Bible. All is given by inspiration, and all is profitable. One part throws light upon another, and no part can ever be neglected without loss and damage to our souls. A boastful contempt for the Old Testament Scriptures has often proved the first step towards infidelity.
Let us learn, in the second place, from these verses, how odious is the sin of hypocrisy in the sight of Christ. This is a lesson which is taught us by our Lord's warn- ing against the Scribes. He exposes some of their noto- rious practices — their ostentatious manner of dressing — their luve of the honor and praise of man rather than God — their love of money, disguised under a pretended concern for widows — their long-protracted public devo- tions, intended to make men think them eminently godly. And He winds up all by the solemn declaration, " these shall receive greater damnation."
Of all the sins into which men can fall, none seem so