3. They disobeyed —
[Much as they were struck with the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth, they could not overcome their prejudices. They had but lately seen him following the humble occupation of a carpenter, and they could not conceive that such an one could possibly be the Messiah. Hence they did not receive his testimony : hence also, when warned of the danger of rejecting him, and of God's determination to com- municate to the Gentiles those blessings which they despised, they burned with rage against him, and sought to destroy him.
Alas ! how common a character is this ! How many are there who hear, and to a certain degree approve, the Gospel, while yet they are not effectually changed by it! They are still under the dominion of prejudice and passion ; and sit in judgment on the Gospel, instead of yielding obedience to it. The sublimity of its doctrines is a stumbling-block to them ; and the purity of its precepts an offence. What is gratifying to their feelings they will receive ; but whatever tends to the mortifying of their pride or the subduing of their besetting sins, they will not endure
O that the example before us may put us on our guard ! This day is this Scripture fulfilled in our ears, as truly as in the day that Jesus read it in the synagogue. Jesus is still the anointed Saviour : still does he retain and execute the commission given him by the Father : still does he " say to the oppressed, Go free :" the captive that is bruised with chains, and deprived of sight, and broken-hearted with a sense of his sorrows, may even now be restored to sight, and liberty, and joy. Our adorable Saviour is ever ready to give him " the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness"
Beloved brethren, " receive not this grace in vain ;" neither be contented with a partial approbation of the Gospel : but surrender up yourselves unfeignedly and unreservedly unto the Lord ; ever dreading, lest your misimprovement of the light afforded you should provoke him to remove your candlestick, and to transfer your advantages to others.]