2. The end for which Christ came into the world —
[Our Lord himself gave this exposition to the miracle, at the very time he wrought ith ; and enforced it afterwards by more express declarations. He was not only to be a light to lighten the world1, but was to open the eyes of the blindk. He was not only to set before men truths which they were unacquainted with before, but to open their hearts, that they might give attention to them1, and their understandings, that they might understand themm.
The very manner in which he imparts his blessings, is also not obscurely intimated in the miracle before us. As the means he used were very inadequate to the end proposed, so, for the advancement of his own glory, he uses the ministry of weak and sinful men, and by their word he turns men from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto Godn. Even supposing that we were able of ourselves to convince the judgments of men, we can no more give them spiritual discern- ment, than the clay and water could give organs of vision to the blind beggar. But, as an ordinance appointed by Jesus, and accompanied with his Spirit, our preaching is made instru- mental to the enlightening and saving of many souls. And the weakness of the instruments used by him, is rendered sub- servient to his more abundant honour0.]
Our blessed Lord has given us a yet further insight
into the miracle, by suggesting to us,
in. The spiritual improvement —
[There was to be a judicial discrimination in the ministry of our Lord for the purpose of encouraging the humble, and confounding the proud1'. The great line of distinction between men is this ; some are sensible of their blindness, and desire to be divinely enlightened ; and others imagine that they already see, and therefore disregard all offers of spiritual illumination. With respect to the former, Christ came to give them sight: and, if they will apply to him in the use of his appointed ordinances, he will assuredly vouchsafe to them the benefit they desire. He declares that this was the very intent of his coming into the worldq: and he counsels all to apply to him for the eye-salve that shall effectually remedy their wants1. If they do this, their want of education, or even weakness of intellect, shall be no obstacle in their way; he will "reveal to babes and sucklings the things which are hid from the wise and prudent s."
h ver. 5. i Luke ii. 32. k Isai. xlii. 6, 7.
1 Acts xvi. 14. m Luke xxiv. 45. n Acts xxvi. 17, 18.
0 2 Cor. iv. 7. p ver. 39. ft Luke iv. 18.
r Rev. iii. 18. s Matt. xi. 2o.