The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 1 — Section 354

his house, wo.s accounted worthy tho.t that Lord should enter his heart. Though cor- poreally distnnt, the centurion was through faith enabled to converse in spirit with Jesus. 2. It was strong and earnest. (1) He came with entreaty. "Beseeching him." Tbe earnestness of entreaty is a sign of faith; for it grows out of the conviction of the ability of tbe person supplicated to grant tbe petition. (2) So strong was the faith of this centurion that it saw no need for the presence of the Miracle-worker. It recog- nized the omnipresence of Omnipotence. This faith is the more remarkable since up to this time no example of a miracle wrought by Jesus at a distance is on record. (3) '£he centurion's apprehension of the Divinity of Christ is also recognized in his argument. It proceeded upon the principle that the forces of nature were absolutely under tbe control of Jesus. The obedience of the soldiers and servants of the centurion were rendered to one under the authority of superiors; but Jesus was absolute Ruler in nature. 3. It was large and generO'UB. (1) It was exercised on bebalf of his servant. Many came to Christ on behalf of their children; this is the only example we have of one so interested in a servant. Many, like the Amalek.ite, forsake their servants when they are forsaken by health (1 Sam. xxx. 13). The good master studies the welfare of his servants. (2) The centurion was touched by the suffering of his servant. Great agony is experienced in palsy when it passes into apoplexy. Faith is nourished in the sympathies of goodness. (3) The elders who represented the centurion's case to Jesus were moved by admiration of his nobleness. 'l'hey pleaded, "He is worthy; for he loveth our nation, and bath built ue a synagogue." Faith is strong in the heart of the generous. II. ITS REWARD. 1. It gained for him his suit. (1) Before the elders had fully opened the case, Jesus said, "I will come and heal him." His coming is healing. "Unto you that fear my Name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings." (2) Before the elders returned to communicate the answer, the centurion had the answer in his house. "His servant was healed in that hour." "Before yo11- call, I will answer; and while you are yet speaking, I will hear." (3) The centurion gained more than his suit. He received healing also in his own soul. "A.s thou hast believed, so shall it be done unto thee." In blessing we are blessed. 2. Be had thtJ highest commendation. (1) Jesus marvelled at the greatness of his faith. For he was a Roman. Conversely, Jesus marvelled at the unbelief of certain Jews (see Mark vi. 6). All circumstances are smveyed in the judgments of Jesus. (2) His faith was honoured with the promise of the kingdom. 'l'he Gentile by faith becomes the child of the covenant. "Shall sit down with Abraham," etc. (cf. Gen. xii. 3; xvii. 4; Gal. iii. 7, 9, 14-, 29). (3) This means the friendship of the King. Sitting with Abraham, etc., is enjoying the company of the aristocracy of virtue. Reclining with Abraham, etc., viz. on the bosom of the King. That last suppClr at which the disciples reclined on the- bosom of Jesus was the anticipation of a fulfilment in the "kingdom of God (cf. eh. xxvi. 29; Luke xiv. 15; xxii. 15, 16, 29, 30). (4) Jesus handsomely commends his friends (see eh. xi. 6; xv. 28; xxv. 34--.~6; xxvi. 10; Luke vii. 44; xxi. 3). 3. He wa.9 made a specimen of the conversion of the Gentiles. (1) "And I say unto you [JClW8], That many shall come from the east," etc. By faith the Gentiles shall enter the kingdom of grace. By faith also shall they enter the kingdom of glory. (2) To the Jews Jesus came in person; to the Gentiles he sends his healing Word. "Only say the word." Grace triumphs in unlikely places. So in unlikely persons. A devout soldier! No man's calling can excuse his unbelief. 4. The reception of faithful Gentiles is condemnation to unfaitliful Jews. (1) Jesus had not found such faith, no, not in Israel. He sought faith. He seeks it still. (2) He sought it first among the children of the kingdom. The gospel as well as the Law came first to the Jews (see Rom. ix. 4). Privileges bring responsibilities. So the last become first by their faith. The first become last through their unbelief. (3) How fearful is the condition of the rejected I Shut out from the light of the banquet of glory. In the cold and hunger of an endless night. TIie weepin~. The gnashing of teeth. No such sorrow and misery as those of the lost.-J. A. M. Vera. 14-17.-Reciprocal ministries. Here we notice two thin~s- I. 'l'HAT JESUS ACCEPTS TIIE MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY. 1. He accepted the hospi- tali'-y of Peter. (1) '!'his apostle resided at Capernaum, and Jesus lodged with him  3.50 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MA.T'l.'HEW. [en. VIIL 1-34,