The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 1 — Section 74

reveals the providence of knowledge, history no less truly reveals the providence of- power. V, TilE l'IIOVIDENCE OP IJISTOBY, LIKE TTIAT OJ' PROPHECY, IS ALL-COMPRISING, 1. Since God works in events necessary to the fulfilment of prOJ)hecy, he must work in all events. (1) For what events are there that are not tending to the fulfilment of prophecy? The subjects of prophecy are race-wide in their range, and extend along the whole course of time. (2) The central line of events, more prominently delineated in pro- phecy, are historically interwoven with other events, these with others, and so fortb. So ir the interference of o. providential Worker is required in respect to the central line, his working will be required from the centre ontwards to the very bounds of action. Hence : 2. There is a supernatural energy in the com1M11est events. The case may be stated thus: (1) The universe is dual, consisting of matter and spirit. (2) These complements act and react upon each other. (3) The whole is under one supreme control, infinitely intelligent, possessing illimitable resourcea of wisdom and efficiency, AB Omniscience surveys all things, Omnipotence works in all things. (4) In some things it pleases God to show his knowledge, as in prophecy; in some, his power, as in converting prophecy into history. Where he does this we call the event supernatural and miraculous. (5) But in truth there is as much of the supernatural, i.e. as much of the presence and working of God, where he does not show it in devia- tions from the usual, as where he does so deviate. Therefore we may: (1) Rejoice evermore. (2) Pray without ceasing. (3) In everything give thanks.-J. A. M. Ver. 2.-Born a King; died a King; lives a King. The term "king" suggests the three forms in which the Kingship of Christ may be presented: (1) the King he was to be; (2) the King he seemed to be; (3) the King he proves to be. For introduction show what associations of kingship could have been in the minds of the Eastern Magi The idea of the uprising of world-conquerors had been made familiar by the stories of N ebucbadnezzar, Alexander, and ClllBar; and we have the authority of the pagan writer, Suetonius, for the fact that "an ancient and constant opinion had become pre- valent all over the East, that it was contained in the fates that at that time certain ones arising from Judrea should gain universal dominion." No doubt it is lnrgely true that prophecy tends to fulfil itself, but in this case the fulfilment took such shape as most clearly indicated Divine control and direction. With this idea in the minds of the Magi, they would easily be guided by their astrological observations. What they looked for was, in some sense, a universal King; and that, in the fullest sense; Jesus was. I. THE KING BE WAS TO BE, There was nothing evidently kingly about the circum- stances and surroundings of this Babe. Yet the Magi expected him to turn out a King. But what sort of a King was it expected that he would be? Here follow three lines: 1. The line of Scripture prophecy, noticing all figures of Messiah as King. 2. 'l'he line of Scripture, and after-Scripture, history. Especially dealing with Daniel's presentations, and Rhowing how the success of the Maccabees fixed the form of the Messianic hope. 3. The line of world-conquering kings outside Scripture history. It is well to fix very clearly that the King universally expected was a delivering, ,conquering, redeeming King; and such Jesus was, in high, holy, spiritual senses. II. THE KING HE SEEMED TO BE. Hanging on a cross, an inscription over his head, "This is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." His Kingship seemed a miserable, hopeless failure; a claim which men scorned with a cross. For that inscription was Pilate's scorn of the pretensions of his spiritless prisoner, l\nd l'ilate's insult of those who had made him act as if the claim were of importance. What would you say of Christ's Kingship, judging by the appearances? III. 'fBE KING BE PBOVEB TO BE. "Exalted a Prince and a Saviour." 1. The first of men in every department is king in that department. 2. From our Lord's answer to Pilato, we learn that the truth-bearer is a king. 3. Our Lord dealt with sin and its physical result, disease, in truly kingly fashion. 4. Because his work is accepted, he is entrusted with mediatorial so,·ereignty, is King of the spiritual world, King of souls, dispensing pardon to sinners 11.nd grace to saints.-R. T. Ver. 2.-The individualit'!J of Divine leadin9s. "We have seen his star in the East.•  THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. [en. rr. 1-23.