The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 1 — Section 347

e.ttracted, he naturally desires to follow the great Teacher and Healer, that he may be always in his presence. No doubt he intends the following to be a genuine disciple- ship. He will sit e.t the Master's feet and devote himself to his service. Yet he is v.ery he.sty; he has not thought out his project; he does not know what it involves; therefore he cannot say whether he is prepared to be faithful to bis promise. It is foolish to make e. profession of devotion to Christ before we know what his service really is. There is much that is attractive in him, and in favourable moments our b.ea.rte are moved and go out to him. But all this may be like Ephraim's goodness, like the morning cloud, like the growth on the stony ground. 2. Christ's reply. (1) The statement of a fact. Jesus was a poor Man, who had no home of his own; having abandoned the not very lucrative craft of a carpenter, he was dependent on the hos- pitality of the grateful. But he who lives on gratitude has a most uncertain livelihood. Yet Jesus humbled himself to this condition. Birds e.nd foxes had more. (2) A need- ful warning. The servant must be as his master. Christ's genuine disciples had for- saken all to follow him. Let us count the cost, for there will be cost in all Christian service, It is a dangeroWI sign if what we think to be the service of Christ brings us ease and affluence. II. THE BELU0TANT DISCIPLE. 1. Bis call. The first disciple had not waited for the call of Christ. He had boldly volunteered for the service, and he had been taught a lesson of humility and reflection. But now Christ himself calls another disciple. This is clearly stated by St. Luke (ix. 59). When Christ calls, it is our part to respond at once. The case is now quite altered. Daty does not admit of any con- sideration of difficulty or danger. 2. His ea:cuse. He would first go and bury bis father. This seems to be a most natural excuse. The sacred duty of filial piety would appear to claim the man. Burials in the East follow quickly on death. At most the son would be away but a few hours. Then he would be free to follow Christ for the remainder of his days. How can we blame him? It may be said at once that if this were a true view of the case he would have been excused, and Christ would have been the first to sympathize with him. Therefore we must conclude either (1) that he meant he wanted to wait for his father's death, or (2) that he was simply !\noting a proverb-as an excuse in his case for more delay. But to postpone our coming to Christ is to show want of true devotion to him. 3. His rebuke. Jesus saw through the hypocritical excuse. Yet he answered the man after bis own style. He would postpone the service of Christ to secular interests. But the secular minded who are spiritually dead can attend to those affairs. Christ's claim is paramount. He is no true disciple who treats what is dearest to him in such a way as to make it a hindrnnce to his service of Christ. 'l'he most sacred home ties are snares when they interfere with our devotion to our Divine Lord.-W. F . .A. Vere. 23-21,-0hrist in the storm. The only way to escape from the thronging multitude was to cross the lake to the comparatively deserted eastern shore (ver. 18). Yet even on the sea quiet could not be had, for one of the sudden tempests that sweep down from the hills upon land-locked lakes with scarcely a moment's warning fell upon the little fishing-smack, when it was in the middle of its voyage, with such violence that eYen the experienced fishermen who manned the craft were in terror for their lives; yet Christ was asleep I I. CHRIST IS ASLEEP IN THE STORM, This is a striking picture. Consider what it reveals in him. 1. Natural weariness. He bad had a long day of toil. Even when he sought rest in the house it was forbidden him. Now at last he is free from the multitude, and Nature asserts her sway, and he falls into the heavy sleep of utter exhaustion. See here (1) Christ's true humanity; (2) how be can sympathize with our weakness; (3) how his work was not easy, but toilsome and wearisome, yet freely given for the good of men. 2. Inward peace. He need not lie awake tortured by anxiety. He has no evil conscience to disturb him. Within one breast all is calm while the tempest howls round the boat. 3. Perfect faith. His time has not yet come. But if it had come he would not need to be disturbed; for he is always ready for his Father's will. He knows that all is safe with God. II. CHRIST IB AROUSED BY HIS DISCIPLES. Their action is natural. They were in imminent danger-or at least they thought themselves so. Their conduct reveals their  842 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. [oH. vm. 1-34,,