The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 54

It was new that henceforth the ablutions of Leviticus should be seen in the gift of tho lloly Gbost. (4) It we.a new t_hat t~e gospel should so bring out the spirit of the "Law of commandments coutarned 1n ordinances" as to render obsolete the letter, (5) Yet all these things were as old as the Law itself, and were likewise testified by the prophets (ef. eh. v. 17; Rom. iii. 21; x. 4; xv. 8; Gal. iii. 24). III. HE ENCOURAGES THE SONS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD. 1. He instructs them in his wi.sdom. (1) Teacl:.ing: (a) The doctrines of his gospel. (b) The evidences of hie religion. (c) The practical ends for whicb it is instituted. Without Divine illumina• tion no man can attnin to this knowledge. (2) The question, "Have ye understood all these things?" suggests: (a) That it is the will of Cbrist that those who read an.!. hear .his Word should understand it. This is an encouragement to study. (b) 'l'hat Divine truths must not be lightly passed over, (c) That he is ready to explain to his disciples what may be obscure. This is an encouragement to prayer. (3) The answer, "Yea., Lord," shows that the explanations which the disciples received of the parables of the sower and of the tares opened to them the meaning of the other parables ',(cf, Mark iv. 13). Truth is the key to truth (see Prov. viii. 8, 9; xiv. 6). 2, He com- mends their proficiency. (1) He styled them scribes. 'l'he scribe among the Jews was a person 'l"ersed in the letter of the Old Testament. Some of them had knowledge also in its spirit. Ezra was "a ready scribe in the Law of Moses." He "prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord" (Ezra vii. 6, 10). (2) But the disciples of Jesus were more. They were made "disciples to the kingdom of heaven." Herein they were greater tha.n the greatest of the old prophets (see eh. x:i. 11). Note: He who undertakes to preach Christ should know Christ. A minister may be a liuguist, a mathematician, a scientist, a politiciau, but unless he is "instructed in the kiugdom of heaven" he is not qualified (see 2 Tim. iiL 16, 17). ~3) Like his Lord: (a) He must have a " treasure." (b) From it he must" briag forth.' He must not bury his talents. A good pastor must not, like a miser, hoard his knowledge. He must not, like a merchant, make gain of it. Li.lre a "householder," as a fatlter, he must deal it out generously, yet with discretion. (4) He too must bring forth "thiugs new and old." No man can understand the Old Testament but by means of the New. The Old Testament is the best co=entary upon the New. Old truths should com\' forth with new upression, and with new affection and emotion.-J. A. M. Vers. 53-58.-Prejudice. "When Jesus had finished these parables "-this cycle or system of parables, affording a general view of the conditions of the Church under the new dispensations-" he departed" from Capernaum. "And coming into his own country," arriving at Nazareth across the lake (see Luke iv. 16), he taught the Naza- renes in their synagogue. They had formerly rejected him, and now he receives from them no better treatment. In the narrative before us we see evidence of- I. THE UNREASONABLENESS OF rRF.JDDICE. 1. The Nazarenes were astonished at his wisdom. (1) His parables, the fame of which had probably reached them, evinced it.. Not only do they open the mysteries of spiritual wealth. They prophesied also things to come. A fool could no more utter a parable than a cripple gracefully dance (see Prov. xxvi. 7). (2) It was evinced in his teaching in their synagogue. Not only was bis doctrine astonishing, but also the manner in which he was wont to confound the doctors when they venturld to question him. 2. Soweretheyastonishedathismiracks. (1) He bad, probably, formerly wrought miracles among them. The fame of his wonderful works at Capernaum had certainly reached them (see Luke iv. 23). They Lad ocular proofs of his power in that he now " laid his hand upon a few sick folk, and healed them" (see Mark vL 5). (2) 'l'he wisdom and power of Jesus should have, cotJducted them to a believing recognition of his Person. They rested in astonishment, .A.stuuishment is no substitute for faith. It can consist with prejudices: Miracles may cunfirm, but they cannot produce, faith. Faith is of the heart. It is in the honest heart/rom God. 3. They rejected the evidence of both. Prejudice bas its reasons, but they refute themselves. (]) The Nazarenes rejected the claims of Jesus because they ,did not see whence he derived his wisdom and power, The rational conclusion would Lave been that if he did not receive them from the doctors of the La,v- or from any human source, then he must have had them from heaven. (2) They objected that he was the "carpenter's Son." But the carpenter was of the house and lineaie of David on. xm. 1-68.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTIIF.W. 65