The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 86

Vers. 34-36.-Philanthropy. .After Jesus had come to his distressed disciples walking on the sea, and calmed for them the fury of the storm, with their Master now in their company, they had a pleasant run to the land of Gennesaret. Behold now another scene of wonder. "When the men of that place knew him," etc. Here we have a fine example of philanthropy, in which there is- I. A TRUE SYMPATHY WITH HUM.il."ITY. The evidences of this are: 1. .A knowledge of what it is. This is expressed in the single word "sick." .And this implies : (1) Disorganization; (a) physical; (b) intellectual; (c) moral. (2) Disability, viz. in every part of our nature. (3) Suffering. ( 4) Death. 2. .An estimate of what it ought to be. This e.lso may be expressed in the single word" healthy." .And this implies: (1) That the elements of our nature work together harmoniously. (a) As to the organs of the body; (b) as to the faculties of the intellect; (c) as to the will and the affections of the heart. (2) That consequently there is strength and competence in all our powers. (3) Moreover that there is happiness. (a) The sense of immunity from pain; (b) the sense of vigour. (4) .And there is life. This is more than existence. Physically, it is existence under the best conditions. So, morally, it is union with God. 3. .A yearning for its regeneration. This is the crucial point. There a.re theorists who have noble conceptions of what men ought to be, who do not endeavour to exemplify their ideal, nor io induce others to do so. Such a theorist may be a devil. IL AJ:: ACTIVE PUllLIC SPIRIT. This is evinced in : 1. The qt1ACk discernment of the 'J)resence of the Healer. (1) The men of Gennesaret recognized Jesus as soon e.s he landed on their shore. He had been amongst them before. Gennesaret, the ancient Chinnereth (see Dent. iii 17; Josh. x.ix. 35), the district in Lower Galilee in which Capernaum was situate (cf. Mark vL 63; John vi. 22-25). Probably they had been amongst those who witnessed the miracle of the loaves on the preceding day. (2) '.!.'hey were more noble than their neighbours, the Gergesenes, who "besought Jesus that he would depart out of their coasts," for they welcomed hinl among them. Note: If Christ were better known he would be better trusted, and not rejected as he is too often. (3) The discernment of the day of opportunity is an important step towards its improvement (cf. Luke x.ix. 24; John i. 10). It is better to know that there ia a prophet amongst us than that there has been one (see Ezek. ii. 6). 2. The prompt gathering into that presence of the suk. (1) The men of Geunesaret lost no time, but tient instantly messengers through all parts of the surrounding country to advise the sick that the Healer had arrived. Note: Those who know Christ should preach him, (2) If these men of Gennesaret had tasted of the loaves, and that this zeal was an effect of the miracle upon them, this lesson is suggested, viz. that the inward reception of the truth will create a desire for the removal of outward evil. When the word OH, xiv. 1-36.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO BT. MATTHEW. 89