The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 1 — Section 356

oe it is said, 'Surely he hath borM our griefs,' etc." (4) The diseases and afflictions of the b~dy miraculously cured by Jesus are to be taken as figures of corresponding •.moral evils.-J. A. M. Vere. 18-27.-0hristian discipleship. To avoid the pressure of the crowd gathered 'by the fame of his miracles-perhaps t.o disperse the crowd, lest the jealons Romans might suspect sediUon-Jesus gave commandment to cross the lake. Therefore a disciple-a scribe, desiring to come into more constant communion with Jesus-said, "Teacher, I will follow thee," etc. (vers. 19, 20). Another, following as a disciple .(tradition says it was Philip, some say Thomas), said, "Lord, suffer me first," etc. (vers. 21-22). The whole subject unfolds the principles of Christian discipleship. I. THE ONE CONDITION OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP IS IMPLICIT SUBMISSION TO CHRIST. 1. This waa confessed in words by the scribe. (1) His words recognized the great Teacher (ver. 19). (2) They expressed unreserved devotion to him. The genuine disciple will follow Jesus fllnywhere. (3) They expressed, moreover, voluntary service. '" Love is the fulfilling of the Law." 2. Bu.t he said more than he meant. (1) His enthusiasm arose from the persuasion that in following the Miracle-worker he might secure worldly advantages. He did not discern that Jesus sought faith, not fees; that he made no material profit by his healing power. Men may propose right things from sordid motives. (2) He too lightly estimated what it is to follow Christ. Many, like him, would follow in the sunshine, but, meeting hardships, take offence. He was too ,hasty in promising. "Soon ripe, soon rotten." Christ's followers in paths of publicity and enjoyment are many; in tbe walks of humility and suffering, few. (3) He was too self-sufficient. A man that is not illuminated by the Spirit thinks himself capable .of anything. The true man knows he can 'do nothing without the Spirit of Christ. {4) AH this is suggested in Christ's discouraging reply (ver. 20). Jesus does not deceive bis followers. He promises them glorious rewards in the great future. He promises them present blessings also. But withal he promiRes hardships and privations (cf. 1 Cor. iv. 11). 3. Yet not more than Christ requires. (1) The scribe's discourage- ment from Christ was because his motives were not as good as his words. Christ "for our sakes became poor," and for his sake we must be " poor iu spirit." The Christ-like have no abiding city here. Let the poor be comforted in their resemblance to Christ in circumstances. But let them also seek his moral likeness. (2) Tha foxes have holes. Cunning men of the-world" feather their nests." The birds of the air have lodging-places, Those who prey upon the simple have their convenient retreats. 4'. The claims of Christ are uncompromising. (1) 'l'his is evident in the reply of ·Christ to Philip. The request to be permitted first to bury hi8 father seems in itself reasonable. Elijah permitted Elisha to bid farewell to his friends. (2) But things otherwise lawful in themselves must not divert us from the more important dnty of following Christ.. Duties take precedence in the order of their importance. Many ara by family ties hindered from following Jesus. Piety to God is before piety to parents (cf. Lev. xxi. 11, 12; Numb. vi. 6-8; Luke xiv. 26). (3) It is not clear that Philip's -father was dead or even dying. He may have been from age, as it werr, lingering on the brink of the grave. In this case, suppose be should linger three or four years, then Philip, in waiting to bury his father, would miss his opportunity of attending up0n .Jesus, whose ministry closed within that period. 6. The claims of Christ are spiritual before all things. (1) The unspiritual are dead while they live. "The philosophers -esteem those dead who subject the mind to sense" (Clemeus Alexandrinus). "The wicked are dead to virtue, alive to evil" (Philo). "'l'he wicked are dead while yet alive" (Maimonides; cf. Eph. ii. 1; Col. ii. 13; 1 Tim. v. 6; Rev. iii. 1). (2) "Let the dead" in trespasses "bury their dead." There is an affinity between spiritual and -natural death. Those are styled dead who are in a fitter state for burying the dead -than for preaching the gospel. (3) Let those look after the dying for the sake of what they may inherit, who are spiritually dead. The spiritual must not turn aside from the gospel for any temporal gain. When God calls to the ministry we must leave the business of this world. (4) "Follow me." We must surrender ourselve1 at once and entirely to Christ. Want of leisure is too often want of inclination. II. THE LIFE-LESSON OF CIIRIBTIAN DISOIPLESHIP Iii CHRIST, 1. Ohriat is the Teacher -in his school. (1) He has ushers or under-teachers-prophets, apostles, ministers.  352 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. [orr. vm. 1-34.