The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 114

put the difficulties in a harsh form that the wo1nan might aprrehend the value of what she nsked. But what were the difficulties? His own reason wa.s that he was not sent to any but Israelites, He sent his apostles to every creature, but his own ministry was confined to Israel. This people had been the object of a constant enrichino- ea.re for many generations, that at length the Messiah might come to them and thro~gh them bless the world; and to act in the end as if this made no difference would have been for God to stultify himself. It is only after the distinction between Jew and Gentile has been cordially accepted by the woman that her request is granted. In humbly and faithfully taking her place among the dogs, she took her place among the children of faithful Abraham. She had the faith which was the best possession of the Jew and for the sake of which all their training had been given. Observe- ' I. HER ffGMILITY. Radically it was her humility which made her victorious. Quick in intellect and brilliant; resolute, capable, and even audacious, in obtaining what she set her heart on, she was yet humble. She was of the meek who inherit the earth. II. IT WAS HER FAITH TO WHICH OUR LORD DBEWi .A'i'TENTI0N. Thie woman alone was Tictorious over him in debate; but it is not her cleverness, but her faith, which delighted him when she snared him in his own words-her faith in his inability to refuse to do a kindness, and in his God-given power to do it. Ill. WE SOlllETlllES, LIKE THIS WOMAN, ASK GoD FOB SOMETHING WHICH HE MIGH1. TELL us IN THE FIRST INSTANCE IT WAS NOT LAWFUL FOR HIM TO DO. We break some natural Jaw, physical or moral, and, broken-hearted at the consequences, we cry to God. But he answers us never a word; there is no sign that we have spoken. We feel that we are receiving the wages of sin. Gradually and painfully and with deep humility we accept the position we have brought ourselves into, and learn to say, "It is better I should lenrn the rigour of this perfect and holy order of things than that I should at once have all I ask for." IV. IlEG=-iNG WITH THIS WOMAN BY LEARNING HOW LITTLE OLAIM WE HAVE, WB MUST WITH HER HOLD TO CHRIST TILL HE GIVES us ALL WE NEED. Can you have such reas:m to think you are not among Christ's people as this woman had ? Did be not plainly tell her that he was not sent to her, and yet in the end yield all to her? You will find that by submitting yourself humbly to the laws yon have broken, and to him whose laws they are, you do pass into a new condition, and other laws begin to work in yonr favonr. V. p A.RENTS MUST BE ENCOURAGED BY THE SUCCESS OF THIS MOTHER'S INTERCESSION. You may be able to make nothing of your child that strangely perplexes you by his conduct, but Christ can make something of hiin. In conclusion, have you sufficiently considered the blessedness of succeeding with Christ, of getting from him what you desire? He assures you that importunate prayer prevails. Whatever great trouble, he bids you come to him. He knows human life well, and does not underrate its difficulty. He assures·you he can help you. He asks for no certificate of character. If you feel no want he can relieve, is not this itself a reason for seeking him; a proof that you are benumbed in spirit, and need the life he offers ?-D. Vers. 29-39.-Feeding of the/O'Ulr thousand. Matthew puts side by side with miracles of healing this miracle of feeding the four thousand, as if inviting us to read them in the light they reflect upon each other. 1. The first point of contrast is that, while ~he healing originated in the desire of the multitude who sought our Lord's help, the feedmg originated with him, he being the first to notice the faint looks of many of the people. It were much to receive at Christ's hand all we ask for; but, in fact, we receive a great deal more. This miracle is a concrete proof that God knows what we have need of before we ask him, and that the Creator cares for his creature with a tenderness and sympathy which no human relationship rivals. 2. As the one class of miracles exhibits Christ's power to cwre, the other reveals his power to prevent, human suffering. As it is a lowered vitality that gives disease its 011portunity, so the only prerervative against any form of sin is a strong spiritual life. Perhaps tb~ gospel hllB come to be looked on too exclusively as a remedial scheme, and too little as the means of maintaining a healthy condition of spirit. It is men who have thirsted for rjgbteousijess all their 011:, xv.1-39.] THE OOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTH8W. 117