The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 83

years, yet Herod had not heard of him, The fame of the good moves slowly to the great (of, 1 Cor. i. 26; ii, 8). (2) The guilty conscience is quick in its conclusions. Herod saw in the miracle-worker John the Baptist whom he had beheaded risen from the dead. Blood ories from the consi:ience of the murderer. He cannot rid himself of that gory visage. (3) Where now is the Sadducee ? The "leaven of Herod" is unner- etood to be the doctrine of the Sadducees (cf. eh. xvi. 6; Mark viii. 15). They der,inl the resurrection (see Acts xxiii. 8). But Sadduceeiem staggers when conscience is awake. (4) The resurrections of the conscience, however, are premonitory of those of the last day, John will yet in verity confront Herod before the bar of God.-J. A. ~[. Vere, 13-21.-fie table in the wi1dernesa. Jesus had several reasons for his cross- ing the lake to the desert of Bethsaida. 1. He was there out of the jurisdiction of Herod, (1) Antipas, inatigated by Herodias, had recently beheaded the Baptist, and might have been moved to proceed against Jesus, who he suspected was his victim riaen from the dead (see vers. 1, 2). Jesus could have secured himself by Divine power, but, as our Exemplar, he chose to do so by human prudence. It is lawful in timeB of peril to fly from persecution when we have no special call of God to expose o111118lves to it. (2) Herod desired to see Jesus, but was unworthy of that honour. So, when afterwards they came face to face, "Jesus answered him nothing" (cf. Luke ix. 9; x.xiii 8, 9 ; cf, also the case of Saul and Samuel, 1 Sam. xv. 35; xx. 24). 2. He avoided the pressure of the people and gained some leisure to converse with his disciples newly returned from their progress (cf. Mark vi. 31, 32; Luke ix. 10). 3. He intended to spread before the multitude a table in the wilderness. He knew that the people would follow him. Note: Jesus sometimes leaves us that we may follow him. He lures us iuto spiritual solitudes to show us there the wonders of his compassion and goodness. The scene is before us. I. TBEBE ABE THE GUESTS. 1. They are many. (1) Seldom do we hear of a ban- quet spread for ten thousand. There were " about five thousand men." They were easily reckoned, for they were ranged in companies of fifty. "Beside" these were the "women and children." (2) Yet these thousands were only representative of the thousands of millions who are daily feasted upon the bounty of Divine providence. Also countless millions of animated organisms. "Thou openest thine hand,- and satisfiest the desire of every living thing." (3) They were also representath-e of the host for w.hom God has provided the bounties of his grace. From thesu none are excluded who have not excluded themselves. 2. They are earnest. (1) Their interest is excited by the" signs which Jesus did on them that were sick" (see John vi. 2). They travelled round the lake on foot, many of them a distance of about four miles. (2) They brought with them their sick to be healed. Perhaps, in some cases, sought his healing for those at their hotiles too invalided to be carried. Certain it is that Jesus required faith for healing. It is equally certain that "he had compassion on these, and healed their sick." He "healed them that had need of healing" (ver. H; Luke ix. 11). (3) They are earnest in attention to his teaching. Luke tells us that Jesus "received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God" (Luke ix. 11). From the texts of his power he unfolded his wisdom. Such is the effect that they are scarce restrained from proclaiming him king (see John ix. 14, 15). 3. Tliey are needy. (1) This fact is recognized in the prudence of the disciples (ver. 15). Note: Dtsciples are often more apt to show discretion than faith. (2) If they need the bread that perisheth, how much more do they need that which endureth to everlasting life I Jesus "had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd" (Mark vi. 34). 'l.'he poor people were woefully neglected by the Pharisees and scribes. (3) "They have no need to go away." In their eagerness after Jesus they had for- gotten their ordinary food; but Jesus bad not forgotten them. "Seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness ; and all these things shall be added unto you." II. '1.'BERE IS THl!l TABLE. 1. It is spread in the wilderness. (1) The disciples did not yet properly estimate the resources of their Lord. Instead of looking to him for the supply of their wants, like Israel in the desert, they were for returning to Egypt. Are there now no disciples in tho.t prudent apostolical succession? (2) When the Lord said, "Give ye them to eat," still they did not properly consider who it was th:1t epake t.o them •. They now looked to their owu resources and found them utterly 86 THE GOSPEL ACOORDIN-0 To ST. MATTHEW. [OIi, x1\T, 1-86.