According to that criterion, he immediately vindi- cated his divine authority —
[He commanded the man to arise, and take up his couch, and go home. Instantly he, who before could not help him- self, was restored to health ; and, in the presence of all, went forth with his couch upon his shoulders. Thus were the enemies of Jesus effectually put to silence ; yet none understood the full extent of the conclusion to be drawn from the miracle. They still viewed Christ only as a " man" acting by a delegated autho- rity6; whereas they should have acknowledged him to have been truly God. They all however " glorified God" for the mar- vellous displays of his power; and confessed that they had never before seen such stupendous works.]
Learn from hence,
1. The power and grace of Christ —
[When Jesus sojourned on earth as a poor man, he had power to forgive sin, and often exercised that power un- solicited, uncontrolled. He even subjected himself to the charge of blasphemy rather than he would conceal his right. Has he then less power or compassion now that he is en- throned in glory ? or, now that he is exalted on purpose to exercise that powerf, will he neglect to exert it? Will he who bestowed mercy unasked, cast out our petitions ? Let us then present ourselves before him with all our miseries and wants. Let us try, by all possible means, to get access to him. Let us break through every obstacle that would defeat our endea- vours ; and let us approach him with an assurance of his power and willingness to save. Sooner shall heaven and earth fail, than he reject one such a believing suppliant s.]
2. The benefit of affliction —
[If the paralytic had never been disordered, he had never been brought to Jesus. Had he never come to Jesus, his sins had never been forgiven. Would he not then rejoice, yea, does he not rejoice even to this very hour, that God ever sent him that affliction ? Would he not number that amongst his richest mercies ? Thus many of us would never have thought of Jesus if we had not known trouble ; but through temporal afflictions we were brought to the enjoyment of spiritual bless- ings. Let those then, who have experienced this, give thanks to Godh; and let those, that are now in trouble, seek chiefly the remission of their sins1.]
3. The efficacy of intercession —
e Matt. ix. 8. f Acts v. 31. g Matt. xxi. 22.
Ps. cxix. 71, 75. i Ps. xxv. 16—18.