The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 1 — Section 383

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 2-8.-Christ and the forgiveness of sins. After the series of miracles of bes.ling recorded in the previous chapter, the evangelist passes to the more directly spiritual work of Christ, and the transition is marked by an incident which combines both kinds of ministry. I. THE WORLD'S FIRST NEED IS THE FORGIVENESS OF sms. The sufferer was in a pitiably helpless condition-so helpless that he bad to be carried to Christ. Yet the Saviour saw that his bodily weakness was of secondary importance compared to the spiritual paralysis of sin that benumbed his soul. His friends thought only of the physical trouble; but the keen eye of the Physician of souls penetrated through the superficial symptoms to the more terrible spiritual disease beneath. It would seem that the man himself felt this most acutely, and that Jesus, who could read hearts at a glance, perceived his deep yearning for forgiveness, and answered his unexpressed desire. It may be that bis present condition wa.s the result of some form of intemperance, was the natural punishment of bis sins. But if this was not the case, there was, and there always is, a general connection between sin and suffering. However this may be, we all need to be delivered from our sins more than we need to be cured of any bodily infirmity. He alone who can save from sin is man's real Saviour. II. CmtIST HAS Drvn."E AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE BIN. He does not pray for the man's forgiveness. He grants the pardon himself. His action startled and alarmed the religious people in the assembly. Was not Jesns claiming a Divine prerogative? Now, one of their premises was perfectly sound. Only God has a right to forgive sin, and if a mere ma.n claims to pronounce absolution in more than a general declaration of tbe gospel, i.e. as a direct act of forgiveness, he is guilty of blasphemy, We ce.nnot both accept the gospel narrative and reject the Divinity of Christ without leaving the character of our Lord under suspicion of the gravest charges, There is no middle course here. A mild Unitarianism that believes in the Gospels and honours Jesus is most illogice.L But knowing the character of Christ to be true and pure, must we not take his calm claim to forgive sins as an evidence of his Divinity? IIL CHRIST'S mssION ON EARTH BRINGS THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS. This is a new note in religion. Forgiveness was known in the Old Testament (e.g. Ps. cili. 3). But Jesus brings it with a fresh graciousness, with a new fn.lness and directness. 1. By hi, incarnation. It was as the" Son of man" that Jesus opened up the wealth of Divine forgiveness to us. The people marvelled at the power tbat had been granted "unto men." (1) In his human life Jesus shows us the sympathy of God. (2) He also reveals true purity, and so strikes a deep note of penitence, and brings us into the spirit that is capable of receiving pardon. 2. Through his atonement. This was not seen at first. It was enough to perceive the great fact-that Jesus brought forgiveness. But at tbe end of his life our Lord showed that his power to do this was confirmed by his death ; the.t his blood was " shed for the remission of sins " ( eh. xx:vi. 28). Th us by the eacrifice of himself he reconciles us to God, and reconciliation is the very essence of forgiveness. 3. In his present power. He showed one phase of his power in healing the bodily disease of the sufferer. This was a sign of the healing power that cures spiritual eviL He is the present, living Saviour, who both heals and pardons by his word of grace.-W. F. A. Vers. 10---13.-Jesus the Friend of sinner,. The incident here recorded follows on the call of Matthew the publican. Our Lord had just appointed a member of o.n order usually regarded as hopelessly reprobate to be one of his apostles. It was natural that the pnblicau's old associates should recognize this breaking down of old barriers, and flock to the feast which Matthew provided to welcome and honour his new Friend. I. THE FACT. Jesus did eat and drink with men of questionable occupation, and even with those of notoriously bad character. He did not simply show himself kindly dis- posed towards such people. He associated with them. Many benevolent persons would wish them well, and some would support homes and refuges for the m?st miser~ble and degraded among them. But the Church of Christ has been slow in folhwmg her M.aater's example in showing real brotherhood for people under a social ban. The con- 011. IX. 1-38.J THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST, MATTHEW. 379