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Title: The Gospel of Luke, An Exposition
Author: Erdman, Charles Rosenbury, 1866-1960
Language: English
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The Gospel of Luke
An Exposition
By
Charles R. Erdman
Professor of Practical Theology
Princeton Theological Seminary,
Princeton, New Jersey
Philadelphia
The Westminster Press
1936
CONTENTS
FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
I. The Preface To the Gospel. Luke 1:1-4
II. The Birth and Childhood of Jesus. Chs. 1:5 to 2:52
A. The Birth of John Foretold. Chs. 1:5-25
B. The Annunciation To Mary. Ch. 1:26-38
C. The “Magnificat.” Ch. 1:39-56
D. The Birth of John, and the “Benedictus.” Ch. 1:57-80
E. The Birth of Jesus. Ch. 2:1-20
F. The Presentation of Jesus, and the “Nunc Dimittis.” Ch. 2:21-40
G. The Boy Jesus At Jerusalem. Ch. 2:41-52
III. The Preparation. Chs. 3:1 to 4:13
A. The Preaching Of John. Ch. 3:1-20
B. The Baptism Of Jesus. Ch. 3:21, 22
C. The Genealogy Of Jesus. Ch. 3:23-38
D. The Temptation Of Jesus. Ch. 4:1-13
IV. The Ministry in Galilee. Chs. 4:14 to 9:50
A. The First Period. Ch. 4:14-44
1. Jesus Preaching at Nazareth. Ch. 4:14-30
2. Jesus Performing Miracles at Capernaum. Ch. 4:31-44
B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11
1. The Call of the First Disciples. Ch. 5:1-11
2. Jesus Cleansing a Leper. Ch. 5:12-16
3. Jesus Forgiving Sins. Ch. 5:17-26
4. The Call of Levi. Ch. 5:27-32
5. The Question of Fasting. Ch. 5:33-39
6. The Sabbath Controversy. Ch. 6:1-11
C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56
1. The Choice of the Twelve. Ch. 6:12-19
2. The Great Sermon. Ch. 6:20-49
3. The Centurion of Capernaum. Ch. 7:1-10
4. Jesus Raising the Widow’s Son. Ch. 7:11-17
5. Jesus Praising John. Ch. 7:18-35
6. A Sinful Woman Forgiven. Ch. 7:36-50
7. The Ministering Women. Ch. 8:1-3
8. The Parable of the Sower. Ch. 8:4-18
9. Kinship with Jesus. Ch. 8:19-21
10. Jesus Stilling the Storm. Ch. 8:22-25
11. A Demoniac Healed. Ch. 8:26-39
12. The Daughter of Jairus and the Woman with an Issue of Blood. Ch.
8:40-56
D. The Fourth Period. Ch. 9:1-50
1. The Mission of the Twelve. Ch. 9:1-9
2. The Five Thousand Fed. Ch. 9:10-17
3. Jesus Predicting his Death. Ch. 9:18-27
4. The Transfiguration. Ch. 9:28-36
5. The Demoniac Boy. Ch. 9:37-45
6. Jesus Rebuking Pride and Bigotry. Ch. 9:46-50
V. The Journeys Toward Jerusalem. Chs. 9:51 to 19:28
A. The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21
1. The Inhospitable Samaritans. Ch. 9:51-56
2. Jesus Rebuking Rashness, Insincerity, and Indecision. Ch. 9:57-62
3. The Mission of the Seventy. Ch. 10:1-24
4. The Good Samaritan. Ch. 10:25-37
5. Martha and Mary. Ch. 10:38-42
6. Jesus’ Teaching Concerning Prayer. Ch. 11:1-13
7. Jesus Rebuking Blasphemy and Unbelief. Ch. 11:14-36
8. Pharisaism Exposed and Denounced. Ch. 11:37-54
9. Faithful Testimony Encouraged. Ch. 12:1-12
10. A Warning Against Covetousness. Ch. 12:13-21
11. The Cure of Anxiety. Ch. 12:22-34
12. An Exhortation to Watchfulness. Ch. 12:35-48
13. The Divisive Influence of Christ. Ch. 12:49-59
14. A Call to Repentance. Ch. 13:1-9
15. A Cure on the Sabbath. Ch. 13:10-21
B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10
1. The Narrow Door. Ch. 13:22-30
2. The Message to Herod and the Lament Over Jerusalem. Ch. 13:31-35
3. Jesus as a Sabbath Guest. Ch. 14:1-24
4. Counting the Cost. Ch. 14:25-35
5. The Prodigal Son. Ch. 15
6. The Unrighteous Steward. Ch. 16:1-13
7. The Rich Man and Lazarus. Ch. 16:14-31
8. Warnings to the Disciples. Ch. 17:1-10
C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28
1. The Samaritan Leper. Ch. 17:11-19
2. The Coming of the Kingdom. Ch. 17:20-37
3. The Unrighteous Judge. Ch. 18:1-8
4. The Pharisee and the Publican. Ch. 18:9-14
5. Jesus Receiving Little Children. Ch. 18:15-17
6. The Rich Ruler. Ch. 18:18-30
7. Jesus Again Foretelling His Death. Ch. 18:31-34
8. The Blind Man at Jericho. Ch. 18:35-43
9. The Conversion of Zacchaeus. Ch. 19:1-10
10. The Parable of the Pounds. Ch. 19:11-28
VI. The Closing Ministry. Chs. 19:29 to 21:38
A. The Triumphal Entry. Ch. 19:29-48
B. The Question As To Authority. Ch. 20:1-8
C. The Parable Of The Husbandmen. Ch. 20:9-18
D. The Question As To Paying Tribute. Ch. 20:19-26
E. The Question As To The Resurrection. Ch. 20:27-40
F. The Question Of Jesus. Ch. 20:41-44
G. The Warning Against The Scribes. Ch. 20:45-47
H. The Widow’s Mites. Ch. 21:1-4
I. The Destruction Of Jerusalem And The Coming Of Christ. Ch. 21:5-38
1. The Present Age. Ch. 21:5-19
2. The Destruction of Jerusalem. Ch. 21:20-24
3. The Coming of Christ. Ch. 21:25-28
4. The Encouragement to Hope and Vigilance. Ch. 21:29-36
5. The Historic Statement. Ch. 21:37, 38
VII. The Death and Resurrection. Chs. 22 to 24
A. The Treachery Of Judas. Ch. 22:1-6
B. The Last Supper. Ch. 22:7-38
C. The Agony In Gethsemane. Ch. 22:39-46
D. The Arrest Of Jesus. Ch. 22:47-53
E. Peter’s Denial. Ch. 22:54-62
F. Jesus Before The Jewish Rulers. Ch. 22:63-71
G. Jesus Before Pilate. Ch. 23:1-25
H. The Crucifixion. Ch. 23:26-38
I. The Penitent Thief. Ch. 23:39-43
J. The Death And Burial. Ch. 23:44-56
K. The Empty Tomb. Ch. 24:1-12
L. The Walk To Emmaus. Ch. 24:13-35
M. Jesus Appearing To The Apostles. Ch. 24:36-43
N. The Last Words. Ch. 24:44-49
O. The Ascension. Ch. 24:50-53
The Bible text printed in boldface is taken from the American Standard
Edition of the Revised Bible, copyright, 1901, by Thomas Nelson & Sons,
and is used by permission.
TO THE MEN WHO LONG TO BE LIKE HIM
FOREWORD
The Gospel of Luke is the most beautiful book in the world; at least, so
it has been called, and those who know it best are not likely to dispute
such praise. The purpose of this little volume is to place the book in
convenient form, and by an outline and brief comments to aid in focusing
the thought of the reader upon the successive scenes of the gospel story.
These are familiar scenes, but each review of them more vividly reveals
the great central Figure as supreme among men in the matchless loveliness
of his divine manhood, himself the perfect, the ideal Man.
INTRODUCTION
The surpassing beauty of this book betokens the personal attractiveness of
its author and the dignity and importance of its theme. It was written by
Luke, “the beloved physician,” and it concerns the life and saving work of
our Lord. The phrase which describes the writer as “the physician, the
beloved one,” is full of significance. It was penned by Paul, when a
prisoner in Rome, to his friends in distant Colossæ. It indicates that
Luke was a man of culture and scientific training and that the charm of
his character was so conspicuous as to be recognized by the Christian
churches of Europe and of Asia. The connection in which this phrase occurs
indicates that Luke was not a Jew but a Gentile by birth, and further,
that he was a close companion of Paul.
To Luke’s authorship is attributed not only this “Third Gospel” but also
“The Acts.” He was a man of such modesty that he never mentioned his own
name even when recording the stirring events in which he played so
prominent a part. Nevertheless he revealed himself in every page of his
writings and was evidently a man of broad sympathies, an acute observer, a
careful historian, and a loyal friend.
The story of his companionship with Paul begins in the record of the
apostle’s second missionary journey when he was about to sail from Troas
on the memorable voyage which resulted in establishing Christianity on a
new continent. The two friends journeyed together to Philippi, where a
strong church was founded; but while Paul continued his travels through
Macedonia and Greece, Luke remained behind, possibly to care for the young
converts. Seven years later when Paul was on his third missionary tour he
seems to have found Luke at Philippi and to have been accompanied by him
on his way to Jerusalem. When Paul was arrested and was confined for two
years at Cæsarea, Luke was his companion. Later they shared together the
perils of the voyage and the shipwreck on the way to Rome, and the
imprisonment in the imperial city. Paul appears to have been released and
then imprisoned a second time, and when he wrote his last letter, under
the shadow of approaching martyrdom, the only friend to remain faithful
and to comfort him in his loneliness was Luke.
As might be expected, the narrative composed by such an author is
characterized by (1) unusual literary beauty; it is plainly the product of
Greek culture. The divine Spirit chose and equipped a rare instrument in
the poetic and refined personality of Luke and through him gave to the
world that version of the gospel story which is most exquisite in style
and most finished in form.
Yet Luke was not only a man of culture, he was also a Christian physician
and thus a man of wide and tender sympathies, and his narrative is
therefore characterized (2) by its absorbing human interest. It is a story
of real life; it is suffused with emotion; it is full of gladness and
sorrow, of songs and of tears; it is vocal with praise and with prayer.
It is the gospel of childhood. By its tender stories of the birth of John
and of Jesus, it places an unfading halo of glory about the brow of
infancy, and it alone preserves the precious picture of the boyhood of our
Lord. It is the gospel of womanhood. It sketches for us that immortal
group of women associated with the life of Jesus. We see Elisabeth and the
virgin mother and the aged Anna, the widow of Nain, the sisters at
Bethany, and the repentant sinner, the sufferer bowed down by Satan and
the stranger who congratulates Mary, the company that minister to Jesus on
his journeys and the “daughters of Jerusalem” weeping on the way to the
cross.
It is the gospel of the home. It gives us glimpses of the family life at
Nazareth, of the scene in the house of Simon, of the hospitality of Martha
and Mary, of the evening meal with the two disciples at Emmaus and the
picture in the parables of the importunate friend at midnight, of the
woman searching the room for the lost coin and of the prodigal turning
back to his father’s house.
It is the gospel of the poor and the lowly; it warns against the perils of
wealth and expresses sympathy and hope for those who are oppressed by
poverty and want. This sympathy is sounded in the song of Mary, in the
first sermon of the Saviour, in the first Beatitude, “Blessed are ye
poor.” Luke also records the parables of the Rich Fool and of the Rich Man
and Lazarus, and paints, with Mark, the picture of the widow offering to
the Lord her two mites.
It is also the gospel of praise and of prayer, expressions of the deepest
convictions and longings of the human heart. The Gospel opens with a scene
in the Temple at the hour of incense and with the “Magnificat” of Mary and
the songs of Zacharias and of the angels. It closes with the benediction
of the ascending Lord and the thanksgiving of his joyful disciples.
Luke, however, was not only a man of culture and a beloved physician; he
was also a companion of Paul and had traveled with the apostle over a
great portion of the Roman world; therefore he naturally wrote a gospel
characterized by (3) universal interest. Here no narrow prejudice divides
race from race; a despised Samaritan stands as the supreme example of a
neighbor, the angels sing of peace among men, and the aged Simeon declares
that Jesus is to be a “light for revelation to the Gentiles” as well as
the glory of Israel. Luke alone gives the data which link the sacred story
to the secular history of the world. His outlook is unlimited. He regards
the good news concerning Christ as a message which is vital to the welfare
and redemption of the entire human race.
These aspects of his Gospel blend with the picture of his Lord which Luke
portrays. The character of Jesus is so subtle and complex as to defy exact
analysis, and yet it is evident that certain of its features, common to
all, are emphasized successively by each one of the Gospel writers.
Matthew depicts its majesty, Mark its strength, and John its sublimity;
but Luke reveals its beauty, and paints a picture of the ideal Man, the
Saviour of the world.
As to all the prime elements of perfect manhood, possibly no two persons
may agree; yet none would deny that such was the manhood of Jesus, and
none would question that there are two or three moral qualities which he
exhibited in a superlative degree, qualities upon which Luke lays special
stress.
First of all Jesus manifested matchless courage. To some interpreters this
fearlessness has formed the very essence of the “manliness of Christ.” He
was not a weak and nerveless preacher of righteousness, but a man of
strength, of dauntless resolve, and of courageous action. The mob was
eager to destroy him as he began his work in Nazareth, but his enemies
quailed before his majestic presence, as “he passing through the midst of
them went his way.” He was advised to flee from the realm of Herod but he
flung defiance to the king, beginning his message with the words, “Go and
say to that fox.” The section of ten chapters in this Gospel which
describes the last journeys of our Lord opens with a deeply significant
phrase, “He steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.” Only five
chapters devoted to his ministry precede, only five follow. During all the
long period described in the chapters between, Jesus plainly foresaw his
coming rejection and suffering and death, but fearlessly and with
unfaltering step he moved onward to the cross. All the heroisms of history
are dwarfed to insignificance by this incomparable courage of Christ.
More obvious still is the boundless and tender sympathy of this ideal Man.
He declared in his first address that he had come “to preach good tidings
to the poor: ... to proclaim release to the captives, and recovering of
sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised”; and as we
follow in his footsteps we see how his tender heart yearned over all who
suffered and were distressed; he dried the tears of sorrow; he showed his
pity for the outcast and the impure; he received sinners and was
entertained by publicans; he praised Samaritans and comforted the dying
thief. This world has no other picture of such perfect compassion,
tenderness, and love; and these are essential to true manhood.
More mysterious, but none the less real, was his constant faith. His life
was lived in continual fellowship with God. In his first recorded saying
he declared, “I must be in my Father’s house,” and at the last he breathed
out his spirit on the cross with the words, “Father, into thy hands I
commend my spirit.” All the intervening days of his life and ministry were
filled with ceaseless prayer. On at least seven other occasions it is
stated that he was praying: at his baptism, ch. 3:21; after healing the
leper, ch. 5:16; before choosing his disciples, ch. 6:12; before Peter’s
great confession, ch. 9:18; at his transfiguration, ch. 9:29; before
teaching his disciples to pray, ch. 11:1; in the first agonies of
crucifixion, ch. 23:34. So, too, he taught his disciples to pray with
importunity, ch. 11:5-10, with perseverance, ch. 18:1-7, and with
penitence, ch. 18:9-14. Such trust in God, such sympathy, such bravery,
are surely prominent among the many elements which are blended in this
impressive portrayal of the ideal Man.
However, Luke has written a version of the gospel and therefore has
produced much more than a picture of human perfection or the story of an
ideal life. The gospel is the “good news” of salvation secured for us by
our Lord; and in the narrative of Luke we behold One who was not only
supreme in his manhood but was also the Saviour of the world. It was in
accomplishing this redeeming work that he revealed such courage and so
steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem. The salvation he secured is
inseparable from the cross.
It was a salvation provided for all, even as his sympathy knew no bounds
but was extended to the last and the lowest of men—to the despised
publican, to the outcast sinner, to the hated Samaritan, to the crucified
thief.
Then, too, as he ever trusted in his Father, so the salvation he secured
to us is conditioned upon faith in himself as Redeemer and Lord, a faith
which implies repentance and trust and submission and sacrifice. One must
be willing to count the cost, to abandon anything which stands between
self and the Master. This salvation, however, is wholly of grace,
unmerited, free, provided by the Father for all who yield themselves to
the loving care of his Son.
This salvation was to be proclaimed to all the nations. Those to whom it
became known, and by whom it was accepted, were to become witnesses to the
transforming truth. For such testimony they would require courage and wide
sympathy and unfaltering faith, and in their courage and sympathy and
faith they would be like their Master who by such qualities was manifested
as the ideal Man as he was the divine Saviour of the world.
I. THE PREFACE TO THE GOSPEL. LUKE 1:1-4
1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to draw up a narrative
concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us, 2
even as they delivered them unto us, who from the beginning were
eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, 3 it seemed good to me
also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the
first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus; 4
that thou mightest know the certainty concerning the things
wherein thou wast instructed.
This preface is a perfect gem of Greek art; even in the English Version it
loses little, if anything, of its literary charm. As a prologue it is
regarded as unsurpassed for brevity, modesty, and dignity. However, its
value lies not in its beauty but in its testimony to the veracity of the
writer and to the historic worth and absolute credibility of the gospel
story. The fact of inspiration should not blind us to the human means by
which the Spirit of God secured accuracy in the communication of truth and
in the composition of the Holy Scriptures.
Here we are admitted to the study of a great historian. We see about him
his tools and his material; we are informed as to his motives and methods
in work, and are told of the qualifications he possesses for his great
task. First of all, he has before him many written accounts of the
ministry of Christ. He does not reject these as inaccurate but regards any
one of them as inadequate. By comparing and combining them he secures
valuable outlines for his more complete narrative.
Then, too, he intimates that he is living and writing amidst the scenes
and in the very atmosphere of the events he is recording; only recently,
as he indicates, have these “matters ... been fulfilled.” Again, he has
access to the testimony of men who were eyewitnesses of these events and
who have been public teachers of the gospel.
Further, he assures us of the absolute accuracy with which he has
investigated the incidents of the life and ministry of Christ, even from
the earliest scenes; he has sifted his material and weighed the evidence
and is to record only established facts.
These facts he is to relate “in order,” that is, in the sequence of time,
and further still, with the system and the careful regard to proportion
and to completeness which should characterize a scientific, historical
composition.
Then again he dedicates the book to Theophilus whose title, “most
excellent,” indicates that he is a man of rank and official position, one
to whom an author would not venture to present hasty, imperfect, and
inaccurate work, especially when the one addressed had been instructed
already in reference to the matters related.
Thus this preface shows the supreme purpose of Luke was to confirm the
belief of Theophilus, who is apparently his patron and friend, and to
deepen his conviction of the truth of the gospel story. Surely, such an
introduction must remind every reader that our Christian faith is based
upon an impregnable foundation of historic fact.
II. THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JESUS. CHS. 1:5 TO 2:52
A. The Birth of John Foretold. Chs. 1:5-25
5 There was in the days of Herod, king of Judæa, a certain priest
named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah: and he had a wife of the
daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6 And they were
both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and
ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 And they had no child, because
that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were _now_ well stricken
in years.
8 Now it came to pass, while he executed the priest’s office
before God in the order of his course, 9 according to the custom
of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of
the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the
people were praying without at the hour of incense. 11 And there
appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side
of the altar of incense. 12 And Zacharias was troubled when he saw
_him_, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said unto him,
Fear not, Zacharias: because thy supplication is heard, and thy
wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name
John. 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall
rejoice at his birth. 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the
Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be
filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And
many of the children of Israel shall he turn unto the Lord their
God. 17 And he shall go before his face in the spirit and power of
Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the
disobedient _to walk_ in the wisdom of the just; to make ready for
the Lord a people prepared _for him_. 18 And Zacharias said unto
the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my
wife well stricken in years. 19 And the angel answering said unto
him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and I was
sent to speak unto thee, and to bring thee these good tidings. 20
And behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to speak, until the
day that these things shall come to pass, because thou believedst
not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. 21 And the
people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marvelled while he
tarried in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he could not speak
unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the
temple: and he continued making signs unto them, and remained
dumb. 23 And it came to pass, when the days of his ministration
were fulfilled, he departed unto his house.
24 And after these days Elisabeth his wife conceived; and she hid
herself five months, saying, 25 Thus hath the Lord done unto me in
the days wherein he looked upon _me_, to take away my reproach
among men.
Luke is the gospel of gladness, of praise, and of prayer, of tender, human
interest, and of heavenly grace. It is fitting, therefore, that the
narrative should open with a scene in the Temple at the hour of incense
and with a divine promise which fills a heart with rapturous joy. This
promise concerns the birth of one who is to prepare the way for the
ministry of Christ, and this ministry forms the sum and substance of the
gospel story.
The time was “in the days of Herod,” called “the Great,” a monster of
cruelty, a vassal of Rome, who ruled the Jews with savage tyranny. The
political slavery of the people was only less pitiful than their spiritual
decline, for religion had become an empty form, a mere system of
ceremonies and rites. However, God is never without his witnesses and his
true worshipers. Among these were “a certain priest named Zacharias” and
his wife Elisabeth, who lived in the hill country of Judea, south of
Jerusalem. They “were both righteous before God,” not sinless but without
reproach, carefully observing the moral and also the ritual requirements
of the law. Yet godliness is no guarantee against sorrow or against the
disappointment of human hopes, and these pious souls were saddened because
their home was childless. This trial was peculiarly great among a people
who regarded childlessness as a sign of divine displeasure and it was even
more distressing to the hearts of the faithful who were yearning for the
birth of the promised Messiah.
Twice each year Zacharias went to Jerusalem to perform for a week his
sacred tasks. Finally there came to him a privilege which a priest could
enjoy only once in his lifetime; the “lot” fell upon him, and he thus was
chosen to enter the Holy Place at the hour of prayer and there offer
incense upon the golden altar just before the veil in the very presence of
God. It was the supreme hour of his life. As the cloud of perfume began to
rise, true symbol of accepted petitions, an angel appeared and assured the
startled priest that his supplications had been heard. For what had
Zacharias then been praying—for a son, or for the salvation of his people?
Were not both desires included in that supplication? As the representative
of a nation, the priest hardly could have confined his petition to what
was purely personal and private. Yet, as he pleaded for the coming of the
Messiah, there must have been in his soul the secret yearning of the long
years or the memory of that abandoned hope which he had always associated
in thought with the salvation of Israel. Many a minister of Christ has a
similar experience; in the very performance of his public tasks there
rests on his soul the conscious shadow of some private grief.
The angel declared that the prayer for national salvation had been heard,
and he gradually unfolded the contents of the divine answer; the Messiah
was about to appear, and his coming was to be heralded by a son who was to
be born to the aged priest. The angel spoke with great definiteness: the
child would be named John; many would rejoice at his birth; he would be a
Nazirite, and as such would take the vow of total abstinence from wine and
of complete dedication to God; as a consequence of this dedication he
would be filled with the divine Spirit and thus enabled to lead his people
to repentance. He would labor in the spirit and power of Elijah, calling
men to lives of natural affection and justice and preparing them for the
salvation which Christ would bring.
So surprising a message was too great to be credited at once by the
wondering priest. He had ceased to hope that the longing of his heart
could be fulfilled. He therefore asked for a sign by which he might be
assured that the blessed promise was true. The angel replied with a
statement of his own majestic power and the glory of his mission and he
granted to Zacharias a sign. This sign was at once a rebuke and a
blessing. It rebuked the unbelief of the aged priest, yet it strengthened
his faith. He was smitten with dumbness which was to continue until the
promise of the angel had been realized. Zacharias would not accept the
word of the Lord; he would not praise him for his goodness and his grace.
Therefore, his tongue was to be silent and he was to be unable to speak
until at last his lips were opened in glad thanksgiving. Unbelief is never
joyous; infidelity has no songs.
However, the sign suggests supernatural power. The faith of Zacharias and
also of Elisabeth will be strengthened by the very silence in their home.
So when the people in the court of the Temple waited for the priest to
reappear, when as he came they still waited for the usual benediction,
when they found that Zacharias had been stricken with dumbness, they
concluded he had seen a vision in the Temple, and he himself was assured
that the messenger had come from God. In due time the promise was
fulfilled; a new life came into being. Meanwhile, until it would be
evident that her “reproach” for childlessness had been taken away,
Elisabeth lived in strict retirement. She would not have others, by seeing
her, think that she was under divine displeasure at the very time when she
secretly knew that she was a special recipient of divine grace. She was
jealous for the glory of her God; she delighted in her hidden fellowship
with him. From the homes of such priests who can pray, and of such hearts
which can trust, there ever have been coming the great prophets of the
Lord.
B. The Annunciation To Mary. Ch. 1:26-38
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto
a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a
man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s
name was Mary. 28 And he came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou
that art highly favored, the Lord _is_ with thee. 29 But she was
greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner
of salutation this might be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear
not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. 31 And behold, thou
shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call
his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son
of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne
of his father David: 33 and he shall reign over the house of Jacob
for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 And Mary
said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall
come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow
thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be
called the Son of God. 36 And behold, Elisabeth thy kinswoman, she
also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth
month with her that was called barren. 37 For no word from God
shall be void of power. 38 And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of
the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel
departed from her.
The prediction to Mary of the birth of Jesus is recorded by Luke with
marked dignity, delicacy, and reserve. It is an important record. This
prediction is the crown of all prophecy and it reveals the supreme mystery
of the Christian faith, namely, the nature of our Lord, at once human and
divine.
The same angelic being who had spoken to Zacharias speaks again, not now
to an aged and distinguished priest amidst the splendors of the Temple in
Jerusalem, but to a humble maiden betrothed to a carpenter in an obscure
village of Galilee. The angelic salutation, “Hail, thou that art highly
favored,” has been translated less accurately, “Hail, thou that art full
of grace,” and it has been misinterpreted to encourage the practice of
praying to the virgin as divine. It does not mean, however, that Mary was
to be a source but rather a recipient of grace; upon her God was bestowing
peculiar favor. She may rightly be regarded as the most blessed among
women; but only a woman still.
Mary had been startled by so strange an appearance and greeting; now she
was further amazed by the announcement, “Thou shalt ... bring forth a son,
and shalt call his name Jesus.” Before her marriage she was to become a
mother, and she was to call her child by that significant name which
signifies “Saviour” or “God is Saviour.” “He shall be great,” continued
the angel, both in his person, as “the Son of the Most High,” and in his
royal power, for “the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his
father David.” This throne of David does not refer to the Christian Church
or to merely heavenly or spiritual influence. It is a rule on earth which
here is promised, yet it is not to be limited to one nation nor is it to
be confined to one age. It is the Kingdom of the Messiah, which is to
bring joy to “the house of Jacob for ever” and also to all the nations of
the world—“and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
The exclamation of Mary expressed astonishment but not unbelief: “How
shall this be?” Then came the answer which is unsurpassed as a clear and
sublime statement of the incarnation, “The Holy Spirit shall come upon
thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee;” the creative
power of God was to rest upon Mary as the cloud of glory had rested upon
the tabernacle of Israel and as a result the child who would be born
should be in reality, and should be called, “the Son of God.” Of the truth
of his promise the angel added a sign and proof in the surprising fact
that Elisabeth, the aged kinswoman of Mary, was soon to be blessed with a
son. This was in fulfillment of a promise made by the same angel
messenger, and the marvel in the case of Elisabeth would assure Mary of
the certain accomplishment of the gracious and more surprising promise to
her. The reply of Mary is probably unequaled in all history as an
expression of perfect faith, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto
me according to thy word.” Thus she revealed belief in the word of God and
submission to the will of God. There was no doubt in her mind as to the
truth of the divine promise with all that it suggested of miracle and of
mystery; and there was no shrinking on her part from all that the
fulfillment of this promise possibly might involve of suspicion and shame
and reproach and suffering and even death. Those who believe most firmly
in the promises of God, submit most patiently to his providences; they see
the glory which surely will succeed the gloom. Mary was to become the
mother of the Messiah, of the Son of Man, of the Saviour of the world.
C. The “Magnificat.” Ch. 1:39-56
39 And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country
with haste, into a city of Judah; 40 and entered into the house of
Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth. 41 And it came to pass, when
Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her
womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit; 42 and she
lifted up her voice with a loud cry, and said, Blessed _art_ thou
among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43 And whence
is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me?
44 For behold, when the voice of thy salutation came into mine
ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 And blessed is she
that believeth; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things
which have been spoken to her from the Lord. 46 And Mary said,
My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath looked upon the low estate of his handmaid:
For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me
blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things;
And holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is unto generations and generations
On them that fear him.
51 He hath showed strength with his arm;
He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart.
52 He hath put down princes from _their_ thrones,
And hath exalted them of low degree.
53 The hungry he hath filled with good things;
And the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath given help to Israel his servant,
That he might remember mercy
55 (As he spake unto our fathers)
Toward Abraham and his seed for ever.
56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned unto
her house.
The Magnificat, the lovely lyric which comes from the lips of Mary, has
been sung during many centuries as one of the chief canticles of the
Christian Church. Its occasion was a visit paid to her kinswoman,
Elisabeth, by Mary shortly after she had received the promise of the birth
of a son. Elisabeth on hearing the salutation of Mary addressed her in
high spiritual ecstasy, declaring her supremely blessed among women
because of the Son to be born, and wondering at her own honor in being
thus visited by the mother of her Lord, by which phrase she means the
mother of the Messiah; it is to be noted that the Bible does not contain
the phrase “Mother of God.” Elisabeth congratulated Mary upon her faith
and assured her that the promise upon which Mary relied was certain to be
fulfilled.
The name of the song which Mary then sang, the Magnificat, has come from
the first line in its Latin form, _Magnificat anima mea Dominum_. The
model is that of the ancient hymn sung by Hannah when her heart, like that
of Mary, was rejoicing in the promised gift of a son. The verses form a
perfect mosaic of Old Testament quotations. The hymn was not addressed to
Elisabeth or to the Lord; it is rather a meditation upon the mercy and
grace of God.
According to the common division the song is composed of four stanzas of
four lines each, except the third stanza which contains six lines. The
general movement of thought seems to be from the goodness of God to Mary
as an individual, to his consequent kindness to Israel as a nation.
The first stanza, or strophe, vs. 46-48, illustrates, as do those which
follow, one of the chief features of Hebrew poetry, namely, the
expression, in successive lines, of thoughts which are parallel or closely
related. In her “soul” or “spirit” or innermost being, Mary praises or
magnifies the Lord and rejoices in him as her Saviour. This salvation is
not only for her people, but particularly for herself; it is not only
political but also spiritual. It is to be wrought out by the gift God is
granting to Mary. He has chosen her, an obscure village maiden betrothed
to a poor carpenter, and has bestowed upon her such honor that all future
generations will call her “blessed.” While realizing the honor she dwells
most upon her unworthiness while recognizing what it may cost her, she
declares her submission as a true “bondmaid” or slave of the Lord.
Humility and faith could hardly be more sublime.
The second stanza, vs. 49, 50, centers the thought upon the character of
God as revealed in his gracious gift. His power, his holiness, his mercy
are praised. In his goodness to Mary he had shown his divine power, yet in
accordance with the moral perfection of his revealed nature and in order
to bring blessings to countless generations who would trust and reverence
him.
In the third stanza, vs. 51-53, is an illustration of another feature of
Hebrew poetry; not only is there striking parallelism, but here past
tenses are used to describe future events; the results of the coming of
the Messiah are stated as though already achieved. In contrast with the
blessedness of those that fear the Lord, “the proud,” the rebellious, and
unbelieving are pictured as “scattered” like the hosts of a defeated army;
the oppressed are exalted while tyrants are dethroned; the hungry are
filled and the rich are sent away “empty.” These results are to be
regarded as spiritual as well as physical. Such reversals are certain to
occur where Christ is accepted and those who receive blessings from him
are the humble who are conscious of their need.
The last strophe, vs. 54, 55, emphasizes the faithfulness of God to his
ancient promises which Mary sees fulfilled in the birth of her Son. In
this saving help given to Israel, God is showing that he has not forgotten
the mercy “toward Abraham and his seed” promised to the “fathers” of old.
Only in Christ Jesus can be realized all the promises to Israel, all the
hopes of the ages.
D. The Birth of John, and the “Benedictus.” Ch. 1:57-80
57 Now Elisabeth’s time was fulfilled that she should be
delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and
her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards
her; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the
eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would
have called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 60 And
his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is
called by this name. 62 And they made signs to his father, what he
would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and
wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. 64 And
his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue _loosed_, and he
spake, blessing God. 65 And fear came on all that dwelt round
about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout
all the hill country of Judæa. 66 And all that heard them laid
them up in their heart, saying, What then shall this child be? For
the hand of the Lord was with him.
67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and
prophesied, saying,
68 Blessed _be_ the Lord, the God of Israel;
For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people,
69 And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of his servant David
70 (As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been
from of old),
71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate
us;
72 To show mercy towards our fathers,
And to remember his holy covenant;
73 The oath which he sware unto Abraham our father,
74 To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our
enemies
Should serve him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
76 Yea and thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most
High:
For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to make ready his
ways;
77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people
In the remission of their sins,
78 Because of the tender mercy of our God,
Whereby the dayspring from on high shall visit us,
79 To shine upon them that sit in darkness and the shadow of
death;
To guide our feet into the way of peace.
80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the
deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel.
When the aged priest, Zacharias, had received from an angel the promise
that he was to be given a son who would be called John and who would be
the herald of Christ, and when he had asked for a sign to attest the truth
of the prediction, he was smitten with dumbness as a rebuke for his
unbelief and as a stimulus for his faith. Even when at last the promise
was fulfilled, the sign was not removed and he was not able to speak until
he had given a written expression of his confidence in God. This
interesting incident occurred on the eighth day after the birth of John,
when in the presence of their rejoicing friends the parents were about to
name the child. Many supposed that the name of the father would be
selected. The mother, however, intimated that the name might be “John.”
When Zacharias, the father, was consulted, “he asked for a writing tablet,
and wrote, ... His name is John.” There was no hesitation, no uncertainty,
no question in his mind, for this name had been predicted by the angel,
and Zacharias showed by his decision and firmness that he believed
absolutely in the fulfillment of all that the angel had promised
concerning the career of the son who was to be regarded by his fellow men
as a gift of divine grace and a prophet of divine appointment. It usually
happens that a public confession of faith results in new joy and in wider
testimony. It was surely so in the case of Zacharias: “His mouth was
opened immediately, ... and he spake, blessing God.” His thanksgiving was
voiced in a hymn which, for hundreds of years, has been sung daily in
Christian worship. It is indeed a Christian hymn and a hymn of the
nativity; for while its occasion was the birth of John, only one stanza
refers to that event; the whole burden of the thanksgiving refers to the
approaching birth of Jesus and to the salvation which he is to bring.
This hymn is named the Benedictus from the first word in the Latin
version. It is an ecstatic expression of gratitude to God for his
boundless goodness. The poem possibly may be divided into five stanzas of
four lines each; but there is a definite pause after the third of these
stanzas when the thought turns from the work of Christ to the specific
mission of John.
The first strophe, vs. 68, 69, speaks of the redemption of Israel as
already accomplished in the gift of the Christ who is about to be born and
who is described as “a horn of salvation,” that is, a manifestation of
saving power. He is to appear as a son and heir of David the king.
The second stanza, or strophe, vs. 70-72, indicates that the salvation
from all enemies is in fulfillment of the promises made through the
prophets and cherished by the ancient fathers and embodied in the holy
covenant made with Israel of old.
The third stanza, vs. 73-75, describes the nature of this salvation which
was assured by the oath to Abraham; it is to be such a deliverance from
political oppression as to make possible for Israel a true, priestly
service of God, as a nation holy and righteous before him.
In the fourth stanza, vs. 76, 77, the singer turns to address his own son
whose birth has given occasion to the song. He declares that John is to be
recognized as a prophet of God whose divine mission will be to announce
and to define the promised salvation as in its essence not a political but
a spiritual redemption consisting in the remission of sin. John was not to
be a revolutionist but a reformer. He was to call a nation to repentance
that those who obeyed his message might be ready to receive the salvation
of Christ.
This mission of John is linked with that of Christ as the description of
the latter reaches its climax in the closing strophe. Vs. 78, 79. The
source of all the blessings Christ will bring is found in “the tender
mercy of our God;” the essence is a visitation of “the dayspring from on
high,” when the Sun of righteousness arises upon the helpless, terrified
wanderers of the night who are seated “in darkness and the shadow of
death;” the result will be “to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Such is the hymn of Zacharias, a hymn of faith, of hope, of gratitude, a
song of the salvation provided by the love of God in Jesus Christ our
Lord.
E. The Birth of Jesus. Ch. 2:1-20
1 Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from
Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was
the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3
And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city. 4 And
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth,
into Judæa, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David; 5 to enrol
himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with
child. 6 And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were
fulfilled that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth
her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and
laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the
inn.
8 And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the
field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. 9 And an angel
of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round
about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto
them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great
joy which shall be to all the people: 11 for there is born to you
this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there
was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,
and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.
15 And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into
heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto
Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord
hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found
both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. 17 And
when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was
spoken to them about this child. 18 And all that heard it wondered
at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds. 19 But
Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20 And
the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the
things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto
them.
The story of the birth of Jesus as related by Matthew is in striking
contrast with that of Luke. Matthew depicts Jesus as a King and at his
birth the reigning Herod trembles on his throne and the Magi adore him,
offering regal gifts. Luke represents Jesus as the ideal Man, and the
story is full of human interest. It describes two obscure peasants
journeying from their northern home in Nazareth to Bethlehem and there,
excluded from the inn, placing in a manger their newborn babe, while the
first to visit them are humble shepherds from the neighboring plain. Human
interests, however, are not merely earthly interests; the story is vocal
with heavenly melodies and inwoven with messages of divine meaning and
grace.
Only the most recent scholarship has vindicated the historic accuracy of
Luke in connecting the event with the decree of Augustus and with the
enrollment under Quirinius. However, these facts are mentioned by Luke not
so much to fix the date of the birth of Christ as to explain how this
occurred in Bethlehem when the home of his parents was in Nazareth. Only a
legal necessity would have made them willing to take such a journey at
such a time, but thus it appears that the emperor of the world was
concerned unconsciously in the fulfillment of divine prophecy concerning
the Saviour of the world. According to the imperial decree, Joseph left
Nazareth and with Mary, to whom according to Matthew he was not only
“betrothed” but married, journeyed to Bethlehem, five miles south of
Jerusalem, to be enrolled in his ancestral city. There is born their
promised Son. Their exclusion from the inn was not due to any lack of
hospitality; much less did it express hostility to Jesus; it was due
simply to the crowded condition of the town. However, it is suggestive of
the obscurity and discomfort and poverty of Joseph and Mary.
In view of his evident appreciation of the supreme importance of the birth
of Jesus, the account of Luke is almost startling in its brevity and
simplicity. However, with consummate art, after his own short statement of
fact, he allows divine messengers to give the interpretation and to
express the significance of the event. These messengers were angels. They
appeared to a group of shepherds who were “abiding in the field, and
keeping watch by night over their flock.” Out of a blaze of heavenly glory
came the tidings of great joy to Israel, “There is born to you this day in
the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” The angel did not
then disclose the larger truth, that this Christ was to be the redeemer of
all men or that he was a divine Lord. However, a sign was given whereby
the shepherds might be able to distinguish the child and to be assured
that he was the Christ: “Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling
clothes, and lying in a manger.” A strange sign it was; yet for us it has
become a symbol full of meaning; a Redeemer who was cradled in a manger
has known what it is to endure poverty and suffering and neglect, and now
he can sympathize with the lowly and distressed even as he is abundantly
able to save.
When the good news had been given, there suddenly swelled forth an angel
chorus, singing that great hymn of the nativity which, as subsequently
expanded by Christian worshipers, is named from its Latin version, the
Gloria in Excelsis. As sung by the angels it is composed of two verses,
each containing three corresponding notes, “glory” and “peace,” “in the
highest” (heaven) and “on earth,” “God,” and “men.” This is a hymn of
praise to God who in the gift of a Saviour manifests in heaven his
excellence and on earth reveals his grace to men, the recipients of his
favor. The result of this, however, is declared to be “peace;” in Christ
alone can peace be secured—peace with God, peace for the human heart,
peace between men, peace for the world.
The astonished shepherds hastened to verify the good news and they became
in a real sense the first witnesses for Christ as “they made known
concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child.” It is
not strange that all who heard wondered, or that Mary treasured in her
heart the heavenly messages, or that the shepherds returned to their tasks
with gratitude and praise, for there lingered in their memories a song
which expresses still the hope of all mankind.
F. The Presentation of Jesus, and the “Nunc Dimittis.” Ch. 2:21-40
21 And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his
name was called JESUS, who was so called by the angel before he
was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of
Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present
him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every
male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord), 24
and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the
law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon;
and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation
of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been
revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see
death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the
Spirit into the temple and when the parents brought in the child
Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the
law, 28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and
said,
29 Now lettest thou thy servant depart, O Lord,
According to thy word, in peace;
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;
32 A light for revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things
which were spoken concerning him; 34 and Simeon blessed them, and
said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this _child_ is set for the
falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is
spoken against; 35 yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own
soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. 36 And
there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the
tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a
husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and she had been a
widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from
the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and
day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God,
and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption
of Jerusalem. 39 And when they had accomplished all things that
were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee,
to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and
the grace of God was upon him.
The incidents of the infancy of Jesus recorded by Luke not only add human
interest to the story but they interpret the future career and the saving
work of our Lord. Thus when on the eighth day he was named “Jesus,” a name
often given to Jewish boys, it was because he was destined to fulfill all
that the name implies, for he was to be the “Salvation of the Lord.”
So, too, when five weeks later he was presented in the Temple, when his
mother offered for herself a sacrifice which indicated lack of wealth but
not abject poverty, the real significance of the scene is set forth in the
prophetic utterances of the saintly Simeon and Anna. The first of these
utterances was the song of Simeon, called from the Latin form of its
opening words the Nunc Dimittis (“Now Lettest Thou Depart”). To this
devout soul it had been revealed that he should not die until he had seen
the Messiah, “the Lord’s Christ.” Led by the Spirit to the Temple while
the parents of Jesus are there presenting their Son before the Lord, he
took the little babe in his arms and sang the sweetest and most solemn
song of the nativity, which, unlike the Magnificat or the Benedictus,
promises redemption not only to Israel but to all the world.
“Now lettest thou thy servant depart ... in peace;” the figure of speech
is full of beauty; it is the word of a faithful watchman who welcomes with
joy the hour of his dismissal, for he has caught the vision of the coming
One; now he is about to be sent away in the peace of an accomplished task,
in the peace of fulfilled hope; for his eyes have seen the Saviour
according to the promise of the Lord. The redemption which the Messiah
brings, as the song continues to declare, is for all peoples; it is a
light to reveal the way of salvation to the Gentiles; it is to be the true
glory of the favored people, Israel.
While this salvation is provided for all, it will not be accepted by all.
To the wondering mother, Simeon uttered a dark word of prophecy. The
ministry of Jesus will be the occasion for the fall and the rise of many.
Their attitude toward him will be a revelation of character; some will
reject him and thus condemn themselves; some will speak against him, even
though he is the very token and instrument of divine salvation; this
opposition will reach its climax at the cross, when bitter anguish like a
sword will pierce the soul of Mary. Jesus is to be the touchstone of
character; wherever he is known, by accepting or by rejecting him, men
will disclose their true nature; “the thoughts out of many hearts” will be
“revealed.”
While Mary and Joseph were still wondering at these sublime words there
appeared an aged prophetess whose long years of widowhood had been spent
in continual worship; she, too, praised God for the salvation to be
accomplished by the Child of Mary and she went forth to speak of him to
all who like her “were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Mary and Joseph, however, returned to their home in Nazareth where Jesus
was to spend his infancy and early childhood. During those years of
obscurity his development was normal, but unique in its symmetry and its
perfection; he “grew, and waxed strong” in body, but there was just as
true a growth in mind and spirit; he was “filled with wisdom: and the
grace of God was upon him.” The Saviour of the world was to be the ideal
Man.
G. The Boy Jesus At Jerusalem. Ch. 2:41-52
41 And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of
the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up
after the custom of the feast; 43 and when they had fulfilled the
days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in
Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not; 44 but supposing him to be
in the company, they went a day’s journey; and they sought for him
among their kinsfolk and acquaintance; 45 and when they found him
not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him. 46 And it came
to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in
the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them
questions: 47 and all that heard him were amazed at his
understanding and his answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were
astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus
dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing. 49
And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not
that I must be in my Father’s house? 50 And they understood not
the saying which he spake unto them. 51 And he went down with
them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them; and his
mother kept all _these_ sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God
and men.
It has been said that the boyhood of Jesus is like a walled garden from
which we have been given but a single flower, but this is so fragrant as
to fill our hearts with a longing to enter within the secret inclosure. We
have but a single incident of his boyhood days; it is recorded for us only
by Luke, a visit to Jerusalem paid by Jesus when he was twelve years old.
At about this age a young Jew became a “son of the law” and began to
observe its requirements, among which were the pilgrimages to the holy
city to observe the sacred feasts. On this first visit to Jerusalem, Jesus
was unintentionally left behind by his parents as they started on their
return journey to Nazareth. At the end of the first day they failed to
find him in the long caravan which was moving northward toward Galilee.
The day following, Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem, and on the third
day they discovered Jesus in the Temple in the midst of the teachers who
were surprised at his knowledge of the sacred Scriptures. There was an
implied rebuke in the words of Mary, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with
us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing?” In the reply of Jesus
there was something of surprise and also of reproof, yet there were deep
undertones of love, of spiritual vision, and of solemn resolve: “How is it
that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father’s house?”
These are the first recorded words of Jesus and they are an index and an
explanation of his entire career; for their preservation this story was
recorded by Luke. If they contained a rebuke for Mary, it must have been
conveyed in accents of reverence and affection; and was there not involved
a delicate compliment? Jesus does not reprove his parents for seeking him,
but for not seeking him in the Temple first of all; and does he not seem
to have implied that his parents had taught him to love the house of God
and to delight in the law of God? He was saying in effect: “Why thus did
you seek me? Why did you not remember that the Temple is the very place
where I should be found?”
These words are thus a revelation of the life in the home at Nazareth. It
was not by a miracle or due to some divine attribute, but because of the
training he had received from his pious parents, that Jesus at the age of
twelve was a master of the Scriptures, and had learned to reverence and
adore all that was related to them and to the worship of God. Is it not
possible for parents to-day to awaken in the hearts of their children a
love for the house and the Word and the will of God?
These words, further, were a revelation of the consciousness of divine
sonship. Jesus already realized that in a unique sense God was his own
Father, the true source of his being. He instantly corrected the words of
Mary, “thy father,” which referred to Joseph, with his own words “my
Father,” which referred to God. Luke depicts Jesus as the ideal Man, but
always as one conscious that he was the Son of God.
Our children should learn to regard God as their Father, not in the unique
sense employed by Jesus as the eternal Son, nor yet in the sense which can
apply to all created beings, but as denoting that intimate relationship
with God made possible for believers through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Most important of all, these words are the revelation of a firm resolve,
of a great molding purpose; Jesus perceived that it was his duty to be in
the house of his Father—not merely in the literal Temple, but in the
sphere of life and activity of which the Temple was the great expression
and symbol and sign. He had determined, that is, to devote all his
thoughts and energies and powers to the definite service of God. At the
age of twelve are not most children sufficiently mature to form a somewhat
similar purpose and to recognize in the service of God the supreme and
comprehensive duty of every life?
With this definite ideal in mind Jesus returned to Nazareth and continued
to live in submission to his parents, toiling for eighteen years as a
carpenter and in the quiet retirement of an obscure village receiving a
training for his public career which would have been impossible amidst the
formalism and the distractions of Jerusalem. His development was as
natural as it was perfect; he “advanced in wisdom and stature, and in
favor with God and men;” his bodily and mental growth were no more marked
than his increasing charm and spiritual power. Such development is
possible in the humblest sphere for those whose lives are yielded to the
will of God.
III. THE PREPARATION. CHS. 3:1 TO 4:13
A. The Preaching Of John. Ch. 3:1-20
1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar,
Pontius Pilate being governor of Judæa, and Herod being tetrarch
of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of
Ituræa and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 in the
high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came unto
John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3 And he came into
all the region round about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of
repentance unto remission of sins; 4 as it is written in the book
of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
Make ye ready the way of the Lord,
Make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
And every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
And the crooked shall become straight,
And the rough ways smooth;
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
7 He said therefore to the multitudes that went out to be baptized
of him, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the
wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of
repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have
Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of
these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 9 And even now the
axe also lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that
bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the
fire. 10 And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then must we
do? 11 And he answered and said unto them, He that hath two coats,
let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath food, let
him do likewise. 12 And there came also publicans to be baptized,
and they said unto him, Teacher, what must we do? 13 And he said
unto them, Extort no more than that which is appointed you. 14 And
soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what must we do? And he
said unto them, Extort from no man by violence, neither accuse
_any one_ wrongfully; and be content with your wages.
15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in
their hearts concerning John, whether haply he were the Christ; 16
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with
water; but there cometh he that is mightier than I, the latchet of
whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you in
the Holy Spirit and _in_ fire: 17 whose fan is in his hand,
thoroughly to cleanse his threshing-floor, and to gather the wheat
into his garner; but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable
fire.
18 With many other exhortations therefore preached he good tidings
unto the people; 19 but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him
for Herodias his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which
Herod had done, 20 added this also to them all, that he shut up
John in prison.
John the Baptist was the first inspired prophet to break the silence of
the centuries which had elapsed since the days of Malachi. The importance
of his ministry is indicated by Luke in the minute exactness with which he
fixes its date. By naming the civil and religious rulers he gives a
sixfold designation of the time; then, too, it accords with the universal
aspect of his Gospel, and with the genius of Luke as a historian, to link
his story with secular events. Naturally he mentions first the reigning
emperor, Tiberius Cæsar; he next names Pilate, the governor of Judea who
attained an immortality of shame for condemning Jesus to the cross; Herod
Antipas, a seducer and murderer, son of Herod the Great, is designated as
ruler of Galilee; Philip and Lysanias are said to be governing neighboring
provinces; as ecclesiastical rulers, Annas and Caiaphas are mentioned;
while the former had been deposed some years before, he continued to share
with his son-in-law the actual duties of the high priesthood, and he also
shared the infamy in which their names are united. Such a list of leading
spirits indicates the absolute moral and religious degeneracy of the times
and the need of some one to call Israel back to the service and worship of
God.
Such a messenger appeared in the person of John the Baptist who after his
long discipline in the wilderness came with a definite message from God
and drew out great throngs to the Jordan Valley to attend his preaching
and to accept his baptism as a sign and seal of their repentance. The
nature of his ministry is declared to have been a fulfillment of the
prediction of Isaiah who described “one crying in the wilderness,” one
sent of God to prepare the way for the coming of Christ. This preparation
is pictured in terms of Oriental imagery. When a monarch was about to make
a journey, a servant was sent before him to prepare the highway. Valleys
needed to be filled, hills lowered, crooked places made straight, rough
ways made smooth. Thus, before men would be ready to receive Christ, moral
obstacles must be removed; men must repent of their sins and turn from
them. Luke closes his quotation from Isaiah with the line, “And all flesh
shall see the salvation of God,” which is in accord with the universal
character of his Gospel.
The burden of the message preached by John was that which in all ages has
awakened a response in the hearts of men: he preached sin and judgment,
repentance and pardon. The tone of his message as recorded by Luke,
however, was particularly severe; here he is said to have addressed the
multitudes as the “offspring of vipers” and to have asked them why they
were pretending to have heard a warning of wrath to come. The reason for
such severity was that, while wishing to escape the impending judgment,
the people were unwilling to forsake their sins. They regarded the baptism
of John as a magical rite which could make impenitent men safe in the hour
of judgment. John bade them show their repentance by their works and not
to trust in their descent from Abraham as securing their salvation. He
declared that judgment was upon them; the ax was already lying at the root
of the trees and every fruitless tree was about to be “hewn down, and cast
into the fire.”
To the question of the people John made it perfectly plain that by
repentance he meant no mere form or ceremony, nor was the word merely an
abstract theological term; the thing he demanded was plain and practical,
that each man should turn from his besetting sin and should show love to
his fellow man. Clothing and food were to be given to those in need, for
repentance meant to turn from the sin of selfishness. Publicans or
taxgatherers, who were everywhere detested because of their dishonesty and
greed, were told to demand no more tribute than was appointed and lawful.
Soldiers, or more exactly “men on military service,” possibly acting as
local police, were told to extort no money by violence and to seek for
none by false charges, and to be content with their wages. All who are to
receive Christ in any age must turn from their sins. Repentance is not a
mystical experience; it is plain and simple and practical. It consists in
turning from greed and dishonesty and unkindness and violence and
discontent, and from all that is contrary to the revealed will of God.
The coming of Christ was very definitely predicted by John. While some
imagined that the prophet himself was the Messiah, John declared that the
mission of Christ was so much greater than his own that he would be
unworthy as a slave, to loose the latchet of his shoes. While John
baptized with water, Christ would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with
fire. Water was a material element, and merely symbolized an inward
change; Jesus would bring them into fellowship with a divine Person, and
would exert upon their souls cleansing and transforming power. He would
come, however, to punish the impenitent; he would separate the wheat from
the chaff; the former he would gather into his garner, but the chaff he
would burn with unquenchable fire.
The close of the career of John is introduced by Luke at this point of his
narrative to prepare the way for his account of the ministry of Christ. It
was actually some time after Jesus had begun his work that Herod the
tetrarch arrested John and cast him into prison because he had rebuked the
profligate king for his impurity and his sin. John had been a faithful
messenger of God, but the world does not reverence its prophets; they are
usually imprisoned, beheaded, burned, or crucified.
B. The Baptism Of Jesus. Ch. 3:21, 22
21 Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that,
Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was
opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a
dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my
beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Why did the ideal Man, the Son of God, submit to the baptism of John, a
baptism of repentance? Surely not to confess any sin of his own; but first
of all to set his seal of approval upon the work of John and to attest the
message which declared that repentance and confession of sin are
absolutely necessary for all who are to share the salvation of Christ.
Then again by his baptism Jesus identified himself with his people, not as
being sinful, but as doing what they were commanded to do and as
sympathizing with them in their hatred of sin, in their distress for its
burden, and in their hope and expectation of relief. Only those who
sympathize can serve and save.
Then again baptism indicated that the penitent had broken with the past to
begin a life of new holiness and obedience. So in his baptism Jesus was
ending his quiet years of preparation in Nazareth and was about to enter
upon the ministry of service and sacrifice which was to be performed in
obedience to the will of his Father. It is for this reason that Luke, with
the art of a skilled historian, first completed the story of John, the
great forerunner, before mentioning that which in reality was the supreme
incident in the career of John—his baptism of Jesus. That incident
introduced Jesus to his public ministry and that ministry was to form the
very substance of the gospel.
That the incident is merely introductory to his narrative, is evident also
from the way in which Luke records the baptism. He does not describe the
event. He merely mentions it to designate the time when Jesus saw the
descending Spirit and heard the voice from heaven. The former was a
symbolic indication of the power by which the work of Jesus was to be
performed; the latter was a declaration that he was the Christ, upon whom
rested the approval of God.
We are not to suppose that Jesus before had lacked the presence of the
Holy Spirit, nor that he now assumed any new relation to his Father, but,
as in baptism he had yielded himself to his appointed service, so now he
was empowered for his task; as in humility he had identified himself with
the sons of men, so now he was assured anew that he was the Son of God; as
he had shown his sympathy with penitent sinners, he now was declared to be
the sinless One in whom God was well pleased.
Thus with the followers of Christ, while all enjoy the abiding presence of
his Spirit, yet, as they yield themselves anew to his service, they are
filled anew with his power, they are strengthened for their tasks, and are
cheered by a new assurance of their sonship and their acceptance with God.
Luke alone mentions that this experience came when Jesus was in prayer. He
realized that it was a time of crisis. Prayer is usually the condition of
those heavenly visions and spiritual experiences which prepare us for our
tasks in life.
C. The Genealogy Of Jesus. Ch. 3:23-38
23 And Jesus himself, when he began _to teach_, was about thirty
years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the _son_
of Heli, 24 the _son_ of Matthat, the _son_ of Levi, the _son_ of
Melchi, the _son_ of Jannai, the _son_ of Joseph, 25 the _son_ of
Mattathias, the _son_ of Amos, the _son_ of Nahum, the _son_ of
Esli, the _son_ of Naggai, 26 the _son_ of Maath, the _son_ of
Mattathias, the _son_ of Semein, the _son_ of Josech, the _son_ of
Joda, 27 the _son_ of Joanan, the _son_ of Rhesa, the _son_ of
Zerubbabel, the _son_ of Shealtiel, the _son_ of Neri, 28 the
_son_ of Melchi, the _son_ of Addi, the _son_ of Cosam, the _son_
of Elmadam, the _son_ of Er, 29 the _son_ of Jesus, the _son_ of
Eliezer, the _son_ of Jorim, the _son_ of Matthat, the _son_ of
Levi, 30 the _son_ of Symeon, the _son_ of Judas, the _son_ of
Joseph, the _son_ of Jonam, the _son_ of Eliakim, 31 the _son_ of
Melea, the _son_ of Menna, the _son_ of Mattatha, the _son_ of
Nathan, the _son_ of David, 32 the _son_ of Jesse, the _son_ of
Obed, the _son_ of Boaz, the _son_ of Salmon, the _son_ of
Nahshon, 33 the _son_ of Amminadab, the _son_ of Arni, the _son_
of Hezron, the _son_ of Perez, the _son_ of Judah, 34 the _son_ of
Jacob, the _son_ of Isaac, the _son_ of Abraham, the _son_ of
Terah, the _son_ of Nahor, 35 the _son_ of Serug, the _son_ of
Reu, the _son_ of Peleg, the _son_ of Eber, the _son_ of Shelah,
36 the _son_ of Cainan, the _son_ of Arphaxad, the _son_ of Shem,
the _son_ of Noah, the _son_ of Lamech, 37 the _son_ of
Methuselah, the _son_ of Enoch, the _son_ of Jared, the _son_ of
Mahalaleel, the _son_ of Cainan, 38 the _son_ of Enos, the _son_
of Seth, the _son_ of Adam, the _son_ of God.
The genealogy of Jesus given by Luke contains marked differences from that
recorded by Matthew. Possibly some of these differences can be explained
and may be found of real significance.
1. First of all, the genealogy is found in a different part of the Gospel.
In Matthew it opens the story; in Luke it closes the third chapter. This
is of course by no mere chance. The purpose of Matthew is to prove that
Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, who, as the King of Israel, fulfills all
the Old Testament prophecies. It is of the utmost importance that Jesus
should be shown to be the Son of David and of Abraham and that the
official genealogy containing this record should open the story and even
precede the account of the nativity.
Luke, however, has given the significant account of the birth and infancy
and career of the great forerunner, John, because of the light these throw
upon the ministry of Christ. Therefore, when the career of John has been
related, when the ministry of Jesus is about to be recorded, Luke gives
his genealogy to emphasize the fact that the narrative concerning John has
closed and the story of the ministry of Jesus is about to begin. The
genealogy is thus an artistic interlude, or an important introduction. It
suggests the real purpose of the writer and marks the transition from the
ministry which called men to repentance to the saving work which secures
salvation from sin. The gospel is not good advice but good news. We are
not followers of John but of Jesus.
2. Then again, the genealogy in Matthew follows the order of descent; Luke
ascends the family line from son to father. The former is the order of an
official record; individuals are registered only as they are born; the
latter is that of a private document compiled from the public records with
a view to fixing the attention upon the particular person whose name
stands at the head of the list. This is quite in accord with the literary
art of Luke, who desires at this point in the narrative to center the
thought upon the supreme importance of Jesus, the Saviour, of whose
redeeming work he is now to write.
3. In the third place, while the names given by Luke, from Abraham to
David, correspond with those given by Matthew, the names from David to
Jesus differ. Some have attempted to explain the differences on the ground
that Matthew gives the genealogy of Joseph, while Luke gives that of Mary.
It is probably wiser to conclude that both give the genealogy of Joseph,
but Matthew traces the line of royal succession showing Jesus to be the
heir of David; while Luke gives the line of actual descent. This surely
accords with the purpose of Matthew who ever depicts Christ as the King,
and also with the purpose of Luke who is painting for us Christ as the
true, the ideal Man.
4. Then, too, the genealogy in Matthew begins with Abraham, while Luke
traces the line back to Adam. The former proves Jesus to be a Jew, the
true son of Abraham, in whom the covenant was fulfilled. The latter
reminds us that Jesus belongs to the whole human race. It makes us look
beyond all national lines and remember that this ideal Man on whom Luke is
fixing our thoughts is the Saviour of mankind.
5. When the genealogy closes with the statement that Adam was “the son of
God,” it does indicate that Jesus was reckoned as one in the great
brotherhood of man, and like all his brothers, owed his origin to God; but
it does not mean to deny that he also sustained to God a relationship that
is absolutely unique. The genealogy opens with the statement that Jesus
was the reputed Son of Joseph; he was the legal heir of Joseph and so the
promised Son of David because of the marriage of Joseph to Mary; but he
was not really the son of Joseph; he was the “only begotten Son” of God.
D. The Temptation Of Jesus. Ch. 4:1-13
1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan,
and was led in the Spirit in the wilderness 2 during forty days,
being tempted of the devil. And he did eat nothing in those days:
and when they were completed, he hungered. 3 And the devil said
unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command this stone that it
become bread. 4 And Jesus answered unto him, It is written, Man
shall not live by bread alone. 5 And he led him up, and showed him
all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil
said unto him, To thee will I give all this authority, and the
glory of them: for it hath been delivered unto me; and to
whomsoever I will I give it. 7 If thou therefore wilt worship
before me, it shall all be thine. 8 And Jesus answered and said
unto him, It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and
him only shalt thou serve. 9 And he led him to Jerusalem, and set
him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou art
the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: 10 for it is
written,
He shall give his angels charge concerning thee, to guard thee:
11 and,
On their hands they shall bear thee up,
Lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone.
12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not
make trial of the Lord thy God. 13 And when the devil had
completed every temptation, he departed from him for a season.
The temptation of Jesus was the last step in the preparation for his
public ministry, and for many of his followers the final discipline for
service consists in such a trial as results in a new determination to live
not for self but for God.
The time of the temptation was significant. It was just after Jesus had
been filled with the Holy Spirit and had been assured anew of his divine
sonship. Under the influence of the Spirit he was brought to the place of
trial, and the temptation consisted, in large part, of the suggestion to
use for selfish ends the divine powers of which he was conscious, and to
forget his filial relation to his Father. While God never tempts us, in
the sense of enticing us to sin, it does seem to be a part of his gracious
purpose to allow us to be tested; these experiences come while we are
guided by his Spirit, and the essence of these temptations usually
consists in some inclination to please self in forgetfulness of our true
relation to God. The place of temptation was the wilderness, and there is
a sense in which the experience of moral struggle is always one of intense
loneliness. On the other hand, to live in a literal desert does not free
one from solicitation to sin. Wherever one may be, he can be certain of
the presence and sympathy of Christ; and victory is possible through faith
in him. This seems to be the supreme message of the story.
In both Matthew and Luke, three temptations are mentioned. They are
probably intended to be symbolic and inclusive; and under one or the other
of these enticements to evil can be grouped all the moral trials of
mankind. It is to be noted, however, that the order of the temptations
given by Luke differs from that of Matthew. In both accounts the first
temptation is to make bread of stone; but Luke mentions as the second
temptation that which is last in the account of Matthew, the temptation
which offered to Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. This was a fitting
climax to the testing of the King. Luke, however, mentions last the
temptation of Jesus to cast himself from the pinnacle of the Temple and
thus to test God. It is the temptation in the sphere of intellectual
desire and comes in the subtle form of presumptuous trust. It forms a true
climax in the testing of the ideal Man. The order given by Matthew is
suggested by the apostle John who mentions “the lust of the flesh and the
lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life.” The order of Luke takes us
back to the story of Eden and to the first human sin, which was due to a
love for that which was “good for food” and “a delight to the eyes” and
“to be desired to make one wise.” As in Eden also, the first temptation is
to doubt the goodness of God, the second to doubt his power, and the third
to distrust his wisdom. The victory of Jesus, however, was secured by the
triumph of his faith, and faith is still “the victory which overcomes the
world.”
The first temptation, then, was in the sphere of bodily appetite; Jesus
was urged by Satan to transform a stone into bread. Why not? His appetite
was innocent; he possessed the ability to gratify it. The sin, however,
would lie in his using divine power to satisfy his human needs. If this
should have been his way of life, there would have been for him no hunger,
no pain, no sorrow, no cross. He would have defeated the very purpose for
which he came into the world; and anyone who makes the gratification of
appetite his supreme purpose is wasting his life. The essence of the
temptation, however, was to doubt the goodness of God, as Jesus showed by
his reply, “Man shall not live by bread alone.” He was quoting from the
Old Testament; he was declaring that as by a miracle God preserved his
people of old, so now he would sustain the life of his Son. Jesus would
not be driven into a panic of fear. He believed that God would supply his
need and that, however strong the demand of appetite might be, the way and
the will of God are certain to secure satisfaction and the truest
enjoyment in life.
The second temptation was in the sphere of earthly ambition. It consisted
in an offer of unlimited human power. Satan would give to Jesus all the
kingdoms of the world on the condition that Jesus should bow down and
worship him. The force of the temptation consisted in the fact that Jesus
expected some day to rule the world. The Tempter suggested that he himself
possessed such power, and that if Jesus would submit to him he would
attain the desired goal of universal rule. It was a temptation to doubt
the power of God and to be disloyal to him, as is shown by the reply of
Jesus, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou
serve.”
This is a familiar form of temptation to-day. The Devil does not ask us to
give up our purposes of ultimate helpfulness to others and service to the
world; he only asks us to compromise with the evil to attain our goal; he
insists that the end will justify the means; he intimates that in the
world of commerce, or society, or politics, evil methods are so much in
vogue that success can be attained only by complicity with evil. He tells
us that this is his world and that we can rule only in so far as we make
terms with him. For Christ the issue was clearly drawn. It was submission
to Satan or loyalty to God. The latter would involve opposition to the
ruler of this world and therefore would mean conflict and toil and tears
and a cross; but the ultimate issue would be universal rule. The same
choice opens for the followers of Christ. Unswerving loyalty is the way of
the cross, but this is the way of the crown.
The last temptation was in the sphere of intellectual curiosity. It
suggested to Jesus that he should see for himself what would be the
experience of one who should cast himself from a great height and then, by
angel hands, be kept from harm. This is the temptation to place oneself
needlessly in a situation of moral peril and then to expect to be
delivered by God’s miraculous power. This is not faith, but presumption.
Satan still seeks by this device to destroy human souls. He urges men to
see for themselves, to increase their knowledge by experiences which
needlessly endanger their credit, their health, and their honor, to place
themselves in moral peril, to live beyond their means, to undertake tasks
beyond their strength. Jesus replied, “Thou shalt not make trial of the
Lord thy God.” In the path of actual duty one need not fear the most
threatening danger; but one who puts himself in unnecessary peril need not
expect divine help. In his own time and way, and in the path of our
appointed service, God will open our eyes and give us such knowledge as we
need. To seek in presumption for such knowledge while endangering our
souls is to doubt the wisdom of God. Real trust preserves us from sinful
presumption.
The story closes with the statement that when Jesus had secured his
victory the Devil “departed from him for a season.” The life of faith is a
life of repeated moral conflicts, but victory is assured to those who
trust in the goodness and power and wisdom of God.
IV. THE MINISTRY IN GALILEE. CHS. 4:14 TO 9:50
A. The First Period. Ch. 4:14-44
1. Jesus Preaching at Nazareth. Ch. 4:14-30
14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and
a fame went out concerning him through all the region round about.
15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he
entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day,
and stood up to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book
of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the book, and found the place
where it was written,
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor:
He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives,
And recovering of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.
20 And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and
sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on
him. 21 And he began to say unto them, To-day hath this scripture
been fulfilled in your ears. 22 And all bare him witness, and
wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of his mouth:
and they said, Is not this Joseph’s son? 23 And he said unto them,
Doubtless ye will say unto me this parable, Physician, heal
thyself: whatsoever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here
in thine own country. 24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No
prophet is acceptable in his own country. 25 But of a truth I say
unto you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah,
when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there
came a great famine over all the land; 26 and unto none of them
was Elijah sent, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, unto
a woman that was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers in Israel
in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed,
but only Naaman the Syrian. 28 And they were all filled with wrath
in the synagogue, as they heard these things; 29 and they rose up,
and cast him forth out of the city, and led him unto the brow of
the hill whereon their city was built, that they might throw him
down headlong. 30 But he passing through the midst of them went
his way.
After his baptism and temptation Jesus remained for a time in Jerusalem
and in Judea and then returned to Galilee where he began that ministry to
which Luke devotes the next six chapters of his Gospel. Of this ministry
he mentions three features: First, it was wrought in the power of the Holy
Spirit; secondly, its fame extended through the entire country; and
thirdly, its essence consisted in the most arresting and impressive public
teaching.
The first recorded sermon of Jesus was preached in the synagogue at
Nazareth, the town in which he had spent his youth and early manhood. Luke
places this sermon at the very opening of his record of the public
ministry of Jesus, probably because he regarded it as containing the
program of that ministry, or as forming the proclamation of the saving
work of our Lord.
It was a Sabbath Day. The place of worship was crowded with the relatives
and friends and townsmen of Jesus. All were eager to hear one whom they
knew so well, and who had attained so sudden a renown. Either at his
request, or providentially, Jesus was handed the book of Isaiah to lead in
the reading of the Scripture. He found the place in the prophecy where, in
terms of the joy of Jubilee, the writer is describing the gladness of
those who are to return from their long captivity in Babylon. When Jesus
had finished the lesson he sat down, thereby taking the attitude of a
public teacher. As all gazed upon him intently, he undertook to show that
the prophecy was to be fulfilled by himself, claiming thereby to be the
promised Messiah. The very phrase with which the prophecy begins, “The
Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” indicates, when applied to himself, that
he had been anointed, not with oil as a prophet or a priest or a king, but
with the Holy Spirit as the Anointed One, or the Christ of God. As such he
was “to preach good tidings to the poor,” that is, to those in spiritual
as well as in physical poverty. He was to proclaim deliverance for those
enslaved by sin and to establish those principles which will result in
political freedom for mankind. He was “to set at liberty them that are
bruised,” that is, to remove the consequences and the cruelties of
selfishness and of crime. He was to proclaim the era of universal
blessedness which will result from his perfected reign. Thus in these
words, which combine the figures of deliverance from captivity with those
of the joy of jubilee, Jesus expressed the gracious and beneficent
character of his ministry.
His auditors listened in amazement, unable to resist the charm of his
address or to deny the fascinating beauty of his words, but unable also to
admit his claim; they received his predictions with stubborn unbelief.
They expressed their incredulity and at the same time explained it by
their question, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” They were saying in effect:
“Is not this man our neighbor, the carpenter, with whom we have all been
acquainted; do we not know him and his family? Surely he cannot be the
Messiah.”
The reply of Jesus was to the effect that their unwillingness to accept
him was due in part to the fact that he had not wrought in their presence
the miracles which marked his ministry in other places. This is what he
meant by quoting the proverb, “Physician, heal thyself,” that is,
“Establish your claim here as you have done elsewhere, if you expect to be
received as the Christ.” Jesus also quoted another proverb to explain more
fully their jealous doubts: “No prophet is acceptable in his own country.”
Those most familiar with great men usually are least able to appreciate
their greatness; “Familiarity breeds contempt,” because men are so apt to
judge one another by false standards and by that which is accidental and
external and because so frequently men do not know those whom they think
they know the best. This same stupid lack of appreciation shadows human
lives to-day, and makes us fail to realize the worth of our friends and
the value of our opportunities, until it is too late. It even has its
tragic bearing upon the present ministry of Christ; some reject him for
reasons altogether superficial and foolish, thinking that they know him
perfectly because they long have been familiar with his name, while in
reality they fail to understand the real beauty of his person and the
transforming power of his grace.
The unbelief of his auditors was turned to mad hatred as Jesus gave two
examples from Old Testament history, both of which indicated that his
townsmen, who knew him best, were less worthy of his saving ministry than
even men of heathen nations. He even compared himself with Elijah and
Elisha and indicated that as the former brought a great blessing to one
who lived in Sidon and the latter to a prince in Syria, while the people
in Israel were suffering for their unbelief, so the nations of the world
would accept the blessed salvation of Christ while those who knew him best
would suffer for their unbelief. So maddened were his hearers by this
severe rebuke that they drove him from the city and tried to take his
life, but he, with majestic calm and divine strength, “passing through the
midst of them went his way.”
It is still true that those who have enjoyed the best opportunities for
knowing Christ often reject him; but, where faith is present, broken
hearts are healed as by Elijah of old and lepers are cleansed as was
Naaman by the word of Elisha. Thus in this scene in the synagogue of
Nazareth, Jesus indicated not only the grace of his ministry but its
universal power. He came to relieve all the needs of mankind and in all
the world.
2. Jesus Performing Miracles at Capernaum. Ch. 4:31-44
31 And he came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was
teaching them on the sabbath day: 32 and they were astonished at
his teaching; for his word was with authority. 33 And in the
synagogue there was a man, that had a spirit of an unclean demon;
and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 Ah! what have we to do with
thee, Jesus thou Nazarene? art thou come to destroy us? I know
thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 35 And Jesus rebuked him,
saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the demon
had thrown him down in the midst, he came out of him, having done
him no hurt. 36 And amazement came upon all, and they spake
together, one with another, saying, What is this word? for with
authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they
come out. 37 And there went forth a rumor concerning him into
every place of the region round about.
38 And he rose up from the synagogue, and entered into the house
of Simon. And Simon’s wife’s mother was holden with a great fever;
and they besought him for her. 39 And he stood over her, and
rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she rose up
and ministered unto them.
40 And when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with
divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on
every one of them, and healed them. 41 And demons also came out
from many, crying out, and saying, Thou art the Son of God. And
rebuking them, he suffered them not to speak, because they knew
that he was the Christ.
42 And when it was day, he came out and went into a desert place:
and the multitudes sought after him, and came unto him, and would
have stayed him, that he should not go from them. 43 But he said
unto them, I must preach the good tidings of the kingdom of God to
the other cities also: for therefore was I sent.
44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.
The Sabbath at Nazareth is placed by Luke in sudden contrast with a
Sabbath passed at Capernaum. On the former, as the story opens, Jesus was
surrounded by his friends and townsmen; as it closes, they had turned into
a fierce mob which was seeking his death. In the latter, as the scene
opens, Jesus was faced by a demon; but as it closes, he was surrounded by
an admiring throng who were eager to have him remain in their midst.
Jesus was again in a synagogue, and was awakening surprise by the
character of his message. Unlike the teachers of his day, he spoke with
authority instead of quoting reputed “authorities” as he unfolded the
Scriptures. Suddenly the service was interrupted by the cries of a man who
was possessed by an unclean spirit. Jesus rebuked the demon and compelled
him to come out of the man. There can be little doubt that the evil spirit
which Jesus thus controlled was an actual malign being who controlled the
poor sufferer whom Jesus graciously relieved; yet such an “unclean spirit”
is a type of the demoniac power of envy and of lust and of anger, and of
the whole host of debasing passions from which Christ alone can give
relief.
The second scene of this memorable Sabbath is in the home of Simon Peter;
here by a single word Jesus relieved a poor sufferer from a severe fever.
The cure was so instantaneous that the woman who had been sick immediately
“rose up and ministered unto them.” It is probably true that in many homes
there are those, not afflicted by the power of evil passions, who
nevertheless are suffering from worry and anxiety and fretfulness and
unrest and so are unable to render to others the gracious service which
they might perform if they could but hear the quieting word of Christ and
feel the soothing power of his touch.
The third scene is of peculiar beauty. When the sun had set a great
multitude gathered around the home of Peter, attracted by the report of
the miracle wrought in the synagogue. They brought with them great numbers
of those who were sick or possessed by demons and Jesus healed them all.
This is a picture which in reality is being reproduced to-day. Amid the
shadows and mysteries of suffering and pain the Saviour is standing; about
him are gathered those whom sin has stricken with its disease, the sad,
the loveless, the lonely, the tempted, the hopeless, the lost. His touch
“has still its ancient power.” In his mercy he is healing them all, and in
joy they are going away.
The last scene of this group is at dawn the next morning. Jesus had
withdrawn to “a desert place,” but the eager multitudes had found him and
were beseeching him not to go from them. He reminded them, however, of the
other cities which needed to hear “the good tidings of the kingdom of
God.” Have all of us who have felt the healing touch of Christ something
of his sympathy for those who have not yet heard the good news of his
grace?
B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11
1. The Call of the First Disciples. Ch. 5:1-11
1 Now it came to pass, while the multitude pressed upon him and
heard the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of
Gennesaret; 2 and he saw two boats standing by the lake: but the
fishermen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And
he entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him
to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the
multitudes out of the boat. 4 And when he had left speaking, he
said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for
a draught. 5 And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all
night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets.
6 And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of
fishes; and their nets were breaking; 7 and they beckoned unto
their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help
them. And they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began
to sink. 8 But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’
knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9
For he was amazed, and all that were with him, at the draught of
the fishes which they had taken; 10 and so were also James and
John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus
said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left all,
and followed him.
The call of his first disciples is regarded by many as opening a new
period in the public ministry of Jesus. His work was now to assume a more
permanent form. The growing popularity of his preaching indicated that the
gospel was designed for the whole world. For such a proclamation a
definite group of workers must be prepared. The growth of Christianity
ever depends upon securing men who will publicly confess and follow
Christ.
The scene of this call is described as being “by the lake of Gennesaret.”
This charming sheet of water brings to mind so many scenes in the life of
our Lord that it has been termed a “Fifth Gospel.” On its western and
northern side were the cities in which most of his work was done; the
eastern shores were not inhabited and thither Jesus would resort for rest.
Those whom Jesus called were fishermen, sturdy, independent, fearless.
They were not strangers to Jesus nor had they been indifferent to
spiritual truths. They had attended the preaching of the Baptist and had
come to regard Jesus as the Messiah, but they were now called to leave
their homes and their tasks and to become his constant companions and
disciples.
On this occasion Jesus had borrowed the boat belonging to one of his
friends to use as a pulpit and from this he had addressed the crowds. When
he had finished his discourse, he gave to the four men he was about to
call an impressive object lesson of the character of the work and of the
great success which would attend their ministry if they would forsake all
and follow him. He wrought a miracle especially impressive because it was
in the sphere of their daily calling at a time and place where they were
sure it was useless to fish. They were enabled by the guidance of Jesus to
take such a draft of fishes that their nets were strained and their boats
so loaded as nearly to sink. It was so plainly a manifestation of
supernatural power that Peter felt himself to be in the presence of a
divine Being and expressed the fear which all have felt when face to face
with God. Jesus spoke the word which not only removed the terror of Peter
but gave to him and his companions courage for all the coming years, “Fear
not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”
So to-day Jesus is calling men to become his disciples. Obedience may
involve sacrifice, but it is certain to result in the saving of human
souls.
2. Jesus Cleansing a Leper. Ch. 5:12-16
12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities, behold,
a man full of leprosy: and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face,
and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me
clean. 13 And he stretched forth his hand, and touched him,
saying, I will; be thou made clean. And straightway the leprosy
departed from him. 14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go
thy way, and show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy
cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for testimony unto them.
15 But so much the more went abroad the report concerning him: and
great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed of their
infirmities. 16 But he withdrew himself in the deserts, and
prayed.
Leprosy was regarded as the most loathsome and terrible of diseases. It
existed in various forms but its invariable feature was its foul
uncleanness. The leper was an outcast; he was compelled to live apart from
the dwellings of men. He was required to wear a covering over his mouth
and to give warning of his approach by crying, “Unclean! Unclean!” His
case was regarded as hopeless; he was reckoned as dead. Loathsome,
insidious, corrupting, pervasive, isolating, ceremonially and physically
defiling, surely leprosy is a fitting emblem of sin; and this graphic
narrative presents a parable of the power of Christ to cleanse and to heal
and to restore. It is a vivid picture which Luke draws; the humble trust
of the poor sufferer, his pitiful cry, the sympathetic touch of Jesus, the
word of command and the instant cure. While Jesus forbade the man to
arouse excitement by telling of his healing, he commanded him to report
his case to the priest, that the highest religious authorities might have
unanswerable testimony to the divine power of Christ, and also that the
man might bring the offerings required by the Law and thus express his
gratitude to God. Our Master does expect all who have felt his healing
touch to testify of his grace and to show their gratitude by offering to
him the service of their lives.
Such miracles could not be hid. The crowds so pressed upon Jesus that he
was forced to withdraw to the desert for rest; and as the scene closed he
who had startled the multitude by the manifestation of his divine power
was left alone seeking help from God in prayer.
3. Jesus Forgiving Sins. Ch. 5:17-26
17 And it came to pass on one of those days, that he was teaching;
and there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, who
were come out of every village of Galilee and Judæa and Jerusalem:
and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. 18 And behold, men
bring on a bed a man that was palsied: and they sought to bring
him in, and to lay him before him. 19 And not finding by what
_way_ they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went
up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his
couch into the midst before Jesus. 20 And seeing their faith, he
said, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. 21 And the scribes and the
Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this that speaketh
blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? 22 But Jesus
perceiving their reasonings, answered and said unto them, Why
reason ye in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, Thy sins are
forgiven thee; or to say, Arise and walk? 24 But that ye may know
that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (he
said unto him that was palsied), I say unto thee, Arise, and take
up thy couch, and go unto thy house. 25 And immediately he rose up
before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his
house, glorifying God. 26 And amazement took hold on all, and they
glorified God; and they were filled with fear, saying, We have
seen strange things to-day.
Leprosy was the symbol of the uncleanness of sin; paralysis of its
impotence and pain. On the occasion of healing a paralytic, Jesus,
however, did something more startling: he forgave sin. The poor sufferer
had been borne by his four friends who were discouraged by no obstacles.
When they were unable to enter the house where Jesus was, because of the
multitudes which surrounded it, they went to the roof and let the sick man
down through the tiles into the very presence of Christ. Their earnestness
is a rebuke to us who make so little effort to bring our comrades within
the healing influence of our Lord.
Jesus recognized the faith both of the man and of his friends and
responded with an utterance which occasioned his hearers more surprise
than had the opening of the roof, “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.” No
request had been made for such forgiveness, but Jesus read the heart. He
saw the yearning of the sufferer for healing not only of his body but of
his soul. He recognized his sorrow for the sin which had caused the
sickness, and the anguish of remorse and immediately he spoke the word of
pardon and of peace. Thus Jesus voiced the message which the world seems
reluctant to accept. He declared that physical ills and social evils are
less serious than the moral and spiritual maladies of which they are the
symptoms and the results; and further, he expressed his claim of divine
power to pronounce pardon and to remove guilt.
This claim at once aroused the bitter resentment of the scribes and
Pharisees who were present and they began to reason: “Who is this that
speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” Their
reasoning was correct. Jesus was a blasphemer worthy of death, or else he
was divine.
To prove his deity Jesus proposed an immediate test: “Which is easier, to
say, Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say, Arise and walk?” Of course
neither is easier; either requires divine power. Therefore, when at the
word of Jesus the man arose and started for his home, “glorifying God,” it
is not strange that “amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God.”
Thus the miracles of Christ were real proofs of his deity as well as
expressions of his love; they were moreover parables of his ability and
willingness to deliver man from the guilt and power of sin.
4. The Call of Levi. Ch. 5:27-32
27 And after these things he went forth, and beheld a publican,
named Levi, sitting at the place of toll, and said unto him,
Follow me. 28 And he forsook all, and rose up and followed him.
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house: and there was a
great multitude of publicans and of others that were sitting at
meat with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes murmured
against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with the
publicans and sinners? 31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They
that are in health have no need of a physician; but they that are
sick. 32 I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to
repentance.
Nothing could further emphasize the sympathy of Jesus than his calling a
publican to be his close companion and friend. These taxgatherers were
everywhere despised for their dishonesty, extortion, and greed; but Jesus
chose one of them named Levi, or Matthew, and transformed him into an
apostle, an evangelist, and a saint.
There must have been something admirable in the character of the man; at
least there was something inspiring in his example, for as soon as he
heard the clear call of the Master, “He forsook all, and rose up and
followed him.”
Probably he had more to leave than any of the twelve men who became
apostles of Christ. He must have been possessed of wealth. At least, as
soon as he was converted, he made “a great feast in his house” and invited
“a great multitude of publicans and of others” to be his guests. He had
the courage of his convictions; he was not ashamed of his new Master. He
was eager to have his old friends introduced to Christ.
It was on the occasion of this feast that Jesus was criticized by the
Pharisees for eating and drinking with publicans and sinners. He made this
most significant reply: “They that are in health have no need of a
physician; but they that are sick. I am not come to call the righteous but
sinners to repentance.” By this statement Jesus emphasized and vindicated
his conduct and defined his mission. A physician enters a sick room, not
because he delights in disease or rejoices in suffering, but because he
desires to cure and to relieve; so Jesus companied with sinners not
because he countenanced sin or enjoyed the society of the depraved, but
because, as a healer of souls, he was willing to go where he was most
needed and to work where the ravages of sin were most severe. He came into
the world to save sinners. Their conduct distressed him, their sins pained
him; but to accomplish his task he sought them out and showed his sympathy
by his presence and by his healing power.
Are there any who do not need the spiritual cure he can effect? Are any
“sound;” are some not “sinners”? These questions each must answer for
himself. Probably those who like the Pharisees are least conscious of
their sickness are in most desperate danger. Then again, are those who
know his power willing like the Master to go with his gospel to the places
of greatest need?
5. The Question of Fasting. Ch. 5:33-39
33 And they said unto him, The disciples of John fast often, and
make supplications; likewise also the _disciples_ of the
Pharisees; but thine eat and drink. 34 And Jesus said unto them,
Can ye make the sons of the bride-chamber fast, while the
bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come; and when the
bridegroom shall be taken away from them, then will they fast in
those days. 36 And he spake also a parable unto them: No man
rendeth a piece from a new garment and putteth it upon an old
garment; else he will rend the new, and also the piece from the
new will not agree with the old. 37 And no man putteth new wine
into old wine-skins; else the new wine will burst the skins, and
itself will be spilled, and the skins will perish. 38 But new wine
must be put into fresh wine-skins. 39 And no man having drunk old
_wine_ desireth new; for he saith, The old is good.
The Pharisees were disturbed by the attitude of Jesus toward sinners. Much
more were they distressed by his attitude toward the forms and ceremonies
which to their mind constituted the very essence of religion. This
attitude had been expressed by the failure of Jesus to require his
disciples to observe the fasts which had become so prominent in the system
of legalism taught by the religious leaders of the Jews. The Law of Moses
prescribed no fasts. The rabbis had so multiplied them that a Pharisee
could boast of fasting “twice in the week.” The disciples of John the
Baptist were taught to fast frequently, not as an empty form, but to
express the solemn character of the ministry of John who had come
preaching “repentance unto remission of sins.” It was not strange,
therefore, that the enemies of Jesus came to him with a complaint and with
the question, “The disciples of John fast often, and make supplications;
likewise also the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink.” In
his reply Jesus stated distinctly the view his followers should take, not
only of fasting but of all religious forms: “Can ye make the sons of the
bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will
come; and when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, then will
they fast in those days.” Fasting is an expression of sorrow. How absurd
then would it be for Jesus’ followers to fast while the heavenly
Bridegroom was with them! They might express their distress thus when he
should be taken away. Thus Jesus declared that fasting, like all religious
rites, may be quite fitting if it is a true expression of religious
feeling, but if it is a matter of form, of rule, or requirement, if it is
regarded as a ground of merit, it is an absurdity and an impertinence.
Jesus added a parable which further indicates his attitude toward all the
rites and ceremonies in which the Pharisees took such delight. He declared
that he had not come to regulate the fasts and feasts or to amend the
Jewish ritual. That would be like sewing a new patch on an old garment.
This religion of ceremonies had served its purpose. Jesus had come with
something, new and better. The life of freedom and of joy which he was
imparting could not be bound up in the narrow forms and rites of Judaism.
New wine could not be kept in old wine skins.
Christianity cannot be comprehended by any system of rites and ceremonies.
It must not be interpreted as a set of rules and requirements; it must not
be confused with any ritual. It controls men, not by rules, but by
motives. Its symbol is not a fast but a feast, for its pervasive spirit is
joy.
As reported by Luke, Jesus added a characteristic phrase indicating his
tender sympathy, “And no man having drunk old wine desireth new; for he
saith, The old is good.” Those who long have been accustomed to a religion
of forms find it difficult to be satisfied with the religion of faith. We
must be patient with them. It is not easy for them to give up the
practices of childhood and it takes time for them to learn the gladness
and the freedom of spiritual maturity offered to the followers of Christ.
6. The Sabbath Controversy. Ch. 6:1-11
1 Now it came to pass on a sabbath, that he was going through the
grainfields; and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat,
rubbing them in their hands. 2 But certain of the Pharisees said,
Why do ye that which it is not lawful to do on the sabbath day? 3
And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read even this, what
David did, when he was hungry, he, and they that were with him; 4
how he entered into the house of God, and took and ate the
showbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is
not lawful to eat save for the priests alone? 5 And he said unto
them, The Son of man is lord of the sabbath.
6 And it came to pass on another sabbath, that he entered into the
synagogue and taught: and there was a man there, and his right
hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched
him, whether he would heal on the sabbath; that they might find
how to accuse him. 8 But he knew their thoughts; and he said to
the man that had his hand withered, Rise up, and stand forth in
the midst. And he arose and stood forth. 9 And Jesus said unto
them, I ask you, Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good, or to do
harm? to save a life, or to destroy it? 10 And he looked round
about on them all, and said unto him, Stretch forth thy hand. And
he did so: and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with
madness; and communed one with another what they might do to
Jesus.
Jesus had aroused the anger of the Pharisees by his claim to forgive sins.
He had further enraged them by his treatment of sinners. But he brought
their hatred to a climax of fury by his attitude toward Sabbath
observance. Henceforth they sought to destroy him.
The question of the Sabbath has never lost its interest. The followers of
Christ need to stand firmly by the principles set forth by their Lord.
These principles are few but fundamental: The Sabbath is a day designed
for worship and for rest and is to be broken only by works of necessity
and of mercy.
The first of these exceptions to the required rest of the Sabbath Day was
illustrated by the case of the disciples who were accused by the Pharisees
of breaking the Sabbath because as they walked through the fields they
picked the ripened ears and thus, according to the interpretation of their
enemies, were guilty of working on the Sabbath Day. Our Lord did not deny
that the Sabbath law had been broken. He merely referred his enemies to
the case of David and his followers who, forced by hunger, broke the
Mosaic Law in entering the tabernacle and eating the “showbread.” Jesus
argued that, when necessary to relieve their hunger, his followers were
also justified in disregarding the law of rest.
An illustration of the second exception to the law of absolute cessation
from labor was given “on another sabbath” when in the synagogue Jesus
healed a man whose right hand was “withered.” The Pharisees regarded this
action of Jesus as another breach of the law of rest. Jesus defended his
action on the ground that it was dictated by mercy and that work which
secured relief from suffering was allowable on the Sabbath Day. He replied
to his enemies by a searching question, assuming the principle that
refraining from help is the same as inflicting harm. He, asked them
whether they regarded the Sabbath Day as of such character as to make it
right on that day to do that which on other days was wrong: “I ask you, Is
it lawful on the sabbath to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to
destroy it?”
While Jesus taught that the law of rest might thus be broken to meet the
necessities of man and to show mercy to those in need or in distress, he
by no means abrogated the Sabbath. He declared, however, that “the Son of
man is lord of the sabbath,” by which he meant that as the representative
of men he had a right to interpret the Law for the highest good of man. He
was justified in relieving the Sabbath from the narrow and burdensome
observances which had been bound upon it by the Pharisees and to restore
it to mankind as a glad day of rest and of refreshment and of fellowship
with God.
C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56
1. The Choice of the Twelve. Ch. 6:12-19
12 And it came to pass in these days, that he went out into the
mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God. 13
And when it was day, he called his disciples; and he chose from
them twelve, whom also he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he also
named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and
Philip and Bartholomew, 15 and Matthew and Thomas, and James _the
son_ of Alphæus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 and Judas
_the son_ of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor; 17
and he came down with them, and stood on a level place, and a
great multitude of his disciples, and a great number of the people
from all Judæa and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon,
who came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; 18 and
they that were troubled with unclean spirits were healed. 19 And
all the multitude sought to touch him; for power came forth from
him, and healed _them_ all.
The choice of the twelve apostles marks a new and important period in the
public ministry of our Lord. The deep significance of the act is indicated
by Luke in his statement that Jesus passed the entire preceding night in
prayer to God. One reason for his decision may have been the mad hatred of
the Pharisees whose anger had now reached a murderous height. To give more
assured permanence to his work Jesus saw the necessity of organizing his
followers. He had been surrounded by a multitude of disciples, some of
whom were his constant companions, but he now determined to appoint
officers who would act as trained leaders, who would be his official
messengers accredited by miraculous powers.
In all four places in the New Testament where the names of these twelve
apostles are found, they are arranged in three invariable groups, possibly
in accordance with their intimacy with Jesus and their real service to
him. In all ages there have been among his followers such concentric
circles, such inner groups, who have been blessed by peculiar intimacy
with their Lord, not due to his arbitrary choice, but to their peculiar
capacities for love and obedience and faith.
The first six mentioned by Luke were men who under the influence of John
the Baptist had become the first followers of Christ. Other things being
equal, those who have known Jesus longest are able to serve him best.
The chief place in the first group is always assigned to Simon Peter,
bold, impulsive, fickle, but possessing the peculiar powers of leadership
which qualified him for the place of primacy among the apostles of our
Lord.
With him Luke names his brother Andrew, probably a man of less ability and
strength, but one who will ever be remembered as having brought Peter into
fellowship with Jesus. None can ever tell what share in the reward of a
more famous worker will be enjoyed by one more obscure to whom the greater
leader owes his Christian career.
The next to be mentioned are James and John, the “sons of thunder,” the
courageous, loving, faithful companions who with Peter form the inmost
circle of the followers of Christ. James was the first to suffer martyrdom
for the sake of his Master, while John lingered longest of all the
apostolic band, testifying to the cause of him who had chosen John as his
closest friend, and for whose return John continued to watch and to wait.
Of the second four, the first to be mentioned are Philip and Bartholomew;
the latter is supposed to be the same as Nathanael, the Israelite without
guile whom Philip won as a disciple for Christ.
The next were Matthew and Thomas. The former had been a despised publican,
but his training had prepared him to become a careful recorder of facts,
so that after his intimate fellowship with Christ he became one of his
biographers and wrote that which is numbered as the first of the Gospels.
Thomas has won the reputation of being a doubting disciple. He was
certainly naturally despondent and incredulous. The fact, however, that
such a man became convinced of the resurrection of Christ so soon after
the event is one of the most important testimonies to the reality of the
fundamental fact of our Christian faith.
As to the last group, we know nothing of James, the son of Alphæus,
commonly called “James the less” in contrast with James the brother of
John; but it is surely a mistake to identify him with James the brother of
our Lord who became the head of the church in Jerusalem and wrote the
Epistle which bears his name. “Simon who was called the Zealot” was by
this latter title distinguished from Simon Peter. If this title is
correctly interpreted, he had formerly belonged to that fanatical party of
Jews who were promoters and supporters of the revolt against Rome, which
finally resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem.
Judas, the son of James, is carefully distinguished in the narrative from
the traitor whose infamous name always comes last on the list of apostles
and is never mentioned in Scripture without some designation of disgrace
and shame. Why he should have been chosen as a follower of Christ no one
can sufficiently explain, yet there must have been in him original
elements of good. There was surely the possibility of development into
usefulness and sainthood, but he tried to cherish the passion of greed
while companying with Jesus, and the inevitable reaction was so great and
rapid that he soon degenerated into a thief and a traitor. His fate serves
as a warning to all the followers of Christ and his testimony to the
character of Jesus has been repeated through all the years, “I have ...
betrayed innocent blood.”
All of the Twelve were men of modest means and humble stations in life;
they were men of moderate ability, and most of their names are still
obscure; yet they were the first leaders and the real organizers of the
most important society the world has known, and their names are yet to be
graven on the foundations of the holy city, the light of which is to fill
the earth with glory.
2. The Great Sermon. Ch. 6:20-49
20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed
_are_ ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed _are_
ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed _are_ ye that
weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall
hate you, and when they shall separate you _from their company_,
and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of
man’s sake. 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap _for joy_: for
behold, your reward is great in heaven; for in the same manner did
their fathers unto the prophets. 24 But woe unto you that are
rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you, ye
that are full now! for ye shall hunger. Woe _unto you_, ye that
laugh now for ye shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe _unto you_, when all
men shall speak well of you! for in the same manner did their
fathers to the false prophets.
27 But I say unto you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to
them that hate you, 28 bless them that curse you, pray for them
that despitefully use you. 29 To him that smiteth thee on the
_one_ cheek offer also the other; and from him that taketh away
thy cloak withhold not thy coat also. 30 Give to every one that
asketh thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not
again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to
them likewise. 32 And if ye love them that love you, what thank
have ye? for even sinners love those that love them. 33 And if ye
do good to them that do good to you, what thank have ye? for even
sinners do the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to
receive, what thank have ye? even sinners lend to sinners, to
receive again as much. 35 But love your enemies, and do _them_
good, and lend, never despairing; and your reward shall be great,
and ye shall be sons of the Most High: for he is kind toward the
unthankful and evil. 36 Be ye merciful, even as your Father is
merciful. 37 And judge not, and ye shall not be judged: and
condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: release, and ye shall
be released: 38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good
measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they
give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be
measured to you again.
39 And he spake also a parable unto them, Can the blind guide the
blind? shall they not both fall into a pit? 40 The disciple is not
above his teacher: but every one when he is perfected shall be as
his teacher. 41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy
brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own
eye? 42 Or how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me cast
out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not
the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first
the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to
cast out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye. 43 For there is no
good tree that bringeth forth corrupt fruit; nor again a corrupt
tree that bringeth forth good fruit. 44 For each tree is known by
its own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a
bramble bush gather they grapes. 45 The good man out of the good
treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and the
evil _man_ out of the evil _treasure_ bringeth forth that which is
evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I
say? 47 Every one that cometh unto me, and heareth my words, and
doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: 48 he is like a
man building a house, who digged and went deep, and laid a
foundation upon the rock: and when a flood arose, the stream brake
against that house, and could not shake it: because it had been
well builded. 49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man
that built a house upon the earth without a foundation; against
which the stream brake, and straightway it fell in; and the ruin
of that house was great.
It might seem difficult to prove that the Sermon on the Mount is the same
as this discourse which has been called by some the Sermon on the Plain.
The exact relation between the sermon reported by Matthew and this great
address recorded by Luke has long been a subject of debate. It is quite
probable, however, that they are identical. After Jesus had chosen the
twelve apostles on the summit of the mountain where he had spent the
night, he descended to a level place on the mountain side and there met
the multitude and delivered the sermon which holds first place among all
the discourses in the world.
If this address is the same as the Sermon on the Mount, it is to be noted
that each account begins with beatitudes and closes with a warning, while
the main body of the discourse differs only in the aspect of truth
emphasized by the two writers. In Matthew the essence of the Christian
life is described as true righteousness in distinction from the formalism
of the Pharisees. In Luke the essence of righteousness is found in love.
Matthew was writing with Jewish Christians in mind. The Gospel of Luke was
for the world and many of his readers would not have appreciated the
distinction which Matthew was emphasizing. The word which would describe
the sermon as recorded by Matthew is spirituality, but the substance of
the Christian life as here indicated by Luke is charity.
The Beatitudes here recorded are four in number, while Matthew mentions
eight or nine; but Luke adds four woes, each one of which is in striking
contrast with the parallel Beatitude, vs. 20-26. The sermon begins,
therefore, by pronouncing blessings upon the followers of Christ and
contrasted woes upon those who reject him. Those who are declared to be
blessed are the poor, the hungry, the mourners, and the despised; while
woes are pronounced upon the rich, the satisfied, the joyous, and the
praised. It is, of course, understood that there are spiritual
implications in these different terms. Poverty, hunger, sorrow, reproach,
have no merit in themselves and issue in present and eternal blessedness
only when accompanied by humility, trust, and patience, and when endured
for the sake of Christ. So, too, there is no wrong in riches and
satisfaction and laughter and praise unless these are accompanied by the
selfishness and greed and frivolity and unworthiness with which they are
so often identified. By these blessings and woes the Master indicated the
real character as well as the abiding blessedness of those who are his
true disciples.
The burden of the discourse, vs. 27-45, sets forth the Christian life as
being in essence a life of love. This sermon on love might be accompanied
properly by the “hymn of love” composed by Paul, 1 Cor., ch. 13, and by
the “Scripture lesson” on love written by John, 1 John 4:7-21.
First then, in place of all revenge, vs. 27-30, Jesus established the
Golden Rule: “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them
likewise.” V. 31. Then, in contrast with the self-interest and desire for
recompense which so often passes among men as charity, vs. 32-34, he
pointed to the perfect example of God and intimated that his mercy should
incline us to kindly judgments of our fellows, assuring us of the
boundless liberality with which our Father will reward our unselfish love.
Vs. 35-38.
The second portion of the main discussion, vs. 39-45, dwells still more
definitely upon the fault of unkindly judgments to which Jesus had just
referred and which constitutes such a common infraction of the law of
love. A man who is unkind in his criticisms and unconscious of his own
faults cannot help his fellow man; he is like a blind man trying to lead
the blind, like one in whose eye there is a beam trying to help one in
whose eye there is a mote. As good fruit is produced only by good trees,
only out of hearts full of love can real helpfulness come.
To warn men against calling themselves Christians while they do not
observe the law of love, and to encourage his disciples in faithfully
keeping his commandments, Jesus concluded this sermon with the familiar
figure of the two houses, founded one upon the sand and the other upon the
rock. Amid the storms and tempests and floods of the time of judgment,
only the latter will stand secure.
3. The Centurion of Capernaum. Ch. 7:1-10
1 After he had ended all his sayings in the ears of the people, he
entered into Capernaum.
2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was
sick and at the point of death. 3 And when he heard concerning
Jesus, he sent unto him elders of the Jews, asking him that he
would come and save his servant. 4 And they, when they came to
Jesus, besought him earnestly, saying, He is worthy that thou
shouldest do this for him; 5 for he loveth our nation, and himself
built us our synagogue. 6 And Jesus went with them. And when he
was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him,
saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself; for I am not worthy
that thou shouldest come under my roof: 7 wherefore neither
thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say the word, and
my servant shall be healed. 8 For I also am a man set under
authority, having under myself soldiers: and I say to this one,
Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my
servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 9 And when Jesus heard these
things, he marvelled at him, and turned and said unto the
multitude that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so
great faith, no, not in Israel. 10 And they that were sent,
returning to the house, found the servant whole.
No more perfect picture of faith has been recorded than that in which Luke
sketches the centurion of Capernaum who sent to Jesus the request to heal
a favorite servant then lying at the door of death. This military
commander, a heathen by birth, was evidently a man of the same high
character as is attributed in the New Testament to all soldiers of a
similar rank. It may be helpful to notice some features of his faith which
was so great that our Lord “marvelled at him.” First of all, the centurion
was confident that Jesus could cure, because of what he had heard
concerning our Lord. This is the very essence of faith, namely belief
founded upon evidence. Faith is not credulity or fancy or caprice; it is a
purely rational exercise of the mind; it is reasoning from the reports of
credible witnesses. The centurion had heard enough of the power and
goodness of Jesus to convince him of his ability to heal. Unbelief in the
face of evidence is stupidity or sin.
Again, the centurion revealed the sincerity of true faith. He had accepted
light as far as this had been revealed. He had been attracted by the pure
worship of Judaism and had shown his sympathy with its adherents by
building for them a synagogue. When one lives in accordance with the light
he has, more light is sure to break.
Then again, he revealed the humility of faith. He regarded himself as
unworthy to come into the presence of Jesus to present his request; and
when Jesus offered to come to his home, he sent word that he was not
worthy to have the Master come under his roof.
Most explicitly of all, he expressed the trust in Christ and the
dependence upon his power which characterize true faith. He said that it
was unnecessary for Jesus to come to his house; as a soldier and an
officer he knew what could be accomplished by a word of command; he knew
what it was to obey and to be obeyed, and he had accredited to Jesus such
control over the unseen powers of disease that he sent his surprising
message, “But say the word, and my servant shall be healed.” It was just
this aspect of his faith which so impressed our Lord, and it is such
humble trust that he still regards with favor and is certain to reward. It
is not strange that they “that were sent, returning to the house, found
the servant whole,” or that Luke rejoiced to tell this story which reveals
belief in Christ on the part of one who was found outside of Israel, a
belief which was prophetic of the blessings which faith was to bring to
men of all the nations in the world.
4. Jesus Raising the Widow’s Son. Ch. 7:11-17
11 And it came to pass soon afterwards, that he went to a city
called Nain; and his disciples went with him, and a great
multitude. 12 Now when he drew near to the gate of the city,
behold, there was carried out one that was dead, the only son of
his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city were
with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her,
and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came nigh and touched the
bier: and the bearers stood still. And he said, Young man, I say
unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to
speak. And he gave him to his mother. 16 And fear took hold on
all: and they glorified God, saying, A great prophet is arisen
among us: and, God hath visited his people. 17 And this report
went forth concerning him in the whole of Judæa, and all the
region round about.
If it was the purpose of Luke to impress upon his readers the sympathy and
tenderness of the Man Christ Jesus, it is easy to understand why he alone
of all the evangelists records this touching story of the raising from the
dead of the son of the widow of Nain. No picture could be more full of
pity and compassion. Jesus had not been asked to perform the miracle; he
was moved wholly by the mute appeal of human sorrow and distress. As he
drew near to the gate of the little city, he met the sad procession
wending its way out to the place of burial. He was touched by the tears of
the lonely mother who had lost her only son; moved with deep compassion he
spoke to her the word of hope, “Weep not.” Then he came near and touched
the bier on which the lifeless body was being borne. It was a sign more
eloquent than a spoken word. Then came the command: “Young man, I say unto
thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave
him to his mother.” In view of such miracles, possibly we dwell too
exclusively upon their purpose as authenticating the mission of Jesus, or
as demonstrating his divine message. These purposes are real, but we must
never forget that such works were also manifestations of the nature of the
ministry of Jesus and revelations of the very heart of God. Such recitals
dry the tears of mourners and bind up broken hearts and inspire the
despondent with eternal hope. Surely Jesus is the Lord of life and he will
yet wipe away all tears from the eyes of those that trust him.
5. Jesus Praising John. Ch. 7:18-35
18 And the disciples of John told him of all these things. 19 and
John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to the Lord,
saying, Art thou he that cometh, or look we for another? 20 And
when the men were come unto him, they said, John the Baptist hath
sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that cometh, or look we for
another? 21 In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and
evil spirits; and on many that were blind he bestowed sight. 22
And, he answered and said unto them, Go and tell John the things
which ye have seen and heard; the blind receive their sight, the
lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead
are raised up, the poor have good tidings preached to them. 23 And
blessed is he, whosoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in
me.
24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to say
unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the
wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind? 25 But what
went ye out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they
that are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings’
courts. 26 But what went ye out to see? a prophet? Yea, I say unto
you, and much more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is
written,
Behold, I send my messenger before thy face,
Who shall prepare thy way before thee.
28 I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there is none
greater than John: yet he that is but little in the kingdom of God
is greater than he. 29 And all the people when they heard, and the
publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected for themselves the
counsel of God, being not baptized of him. 31 Whereunto then shall
I liken the men of this generation, and to what are they like? 32
They are like unto children that sit in the marketplace, and call
one to another; who say, We piped unto you, and ye did not dance;
we wailed, and ye did not weep. 33 For John the Baptist is came
eating no bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a demon. 34
The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold, a
gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and
sinners! 35 And wisdom is justified of all her children.
Due to the darkness of his dungeon or to the long delay of Jesus in
fulfilling his cherished hopes, the mind of John the Baptist became
clouded with doubt and he sent messengers to Jesus to ask whether or not
he was really the Messiah whom John had declared him to be, “Art thou he
that cometh, or look we for another?” John had not lost faith in God or in
his promises; he believed that if Jesus were not the Messiah, the Messiah
was still to come.
The Master lovingly reassured his great herald by sending back the report
of the mighty works which he was accomplishing. John was already familiar
with these acts but the recital must have dispelled his fears. Jesus
sympathizes with us also in our hours of darkness, but his relief usually
consists in reminding us of facts we already know concerning his power and
love and presence and the truths of his written Word.
Jesus, however, does not praise us for our doubts; he sent to John a
gentle and loving rebuke: “And blessed is he, whosoever shall find no
occasion of stumbling in me.” This benediction he pronounces upon all who
in spite of darkness, imprisonment, delay, and mystery still confidently
put their trust in him.
It was upon this occasion when John seems to have failed that Jesus
pronounced upon him unparalleled praise, declaring that “among them that
are born of women there is none greater than John.” He vindicated this
deliberate judgment and thereby, showed wherein true greatness lies. He
spoke first of the character of John and then of his career. He praised
the man and then the messenger. He described his moral and then his
official greatness.
His expression as to the character of John is voiced by two questions, to
each of which a negative answer of course must be given: first, “What went
ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?” Surely
true greatness does not lie in the moral cowardice which bends before
every breeze; quite on the contrary, John was like a rock which no storm
could move.
Then there was a second question: “What went ye out to see? a man clothed
in soft raiment?” Surely greatness does not lie along the line of
self-gratification and indulgence. John endured all hardships and was
oblivious to all human delights because he was so devoted to his divine
task. Courage and consecration—these constitute prime factors in moral
greatness.
The real greatness of John consisted, however, in his mission. Jesus
declared that he was the messenger whom Malachi had predicted should
prepare the way of the Lord. Other prophets had appeared and had predicted
the coming of the Messiah. It was given to John not only to declare that
the Christ would come, but to point to him and to say, “Behold, the Lamb
of God! ... this is the Son of God.” No greater dignity had ever been
conferred upon a human soul; and no higher privilege can now be enjoyed
than that of turning the thoughts and hearts of men to Jesus Christ, the
Saviour of the world. The present followers of Christ have a larger
knowledge of him than was possessed by John. What their relative positions
will be in the glory of the perfected Kingdom will depend upon the
comparative faithfulness with which they serve their Master.
The praise of John is sharply contrasted with the condemnation of the
Pharisees which Jesus now turned to express. He declared that these
professed leaders were like children sitting in the market place,
complaining one to another that they are willing to play neither at mock
funerals nor at mock weddings, for when John came they refused to follow
him because his aspect and message were too severe, and when Christ came
they criticized him as being too genial, “a friend of publicans and
sinners.” The trouble with the Pharisees was that they made an excuse of
the demeanor of John and the conduct of Jesus for refusing what was
essential in their mission and message. They were unwilling to repent at
the command of John or to put their trust in Christ in response to his
promise of grace and life. Thus some men are still refusing to accept the
salvation which is offered because of something in Christianity which is
purely external, while they fail to appreciate its true essence; but there
were those in the days of Jesus, and there are those to-day who are
willing to accept both the call to repentance and the offer of life, “And
wisdom is justified of all her children.”
6. A Sinful Woman Forgiven. Ch. 7:36-50
36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with
him. And he entered into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to
meat. 37 And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and
when she knew that he was sitting at meat in the Pharisee’s house,
she brought an alabaster cruse of ointment, 38 and standing behind
at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears,
and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and
anointed them with ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee that had
bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if
he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of
woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner. 40 And
Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto
thee. And he saith, Teacher, say on. 41 A certain lender had two
debtors: the one owed five hundred shillings, and the other fifty.
42 When they had not _wherewith_ to pay, he forgave them both.
Which of them therefore will love him most? 43 Simon answered and
said, He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most. And he said unto
him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44 And turning to the woman, he
said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house,
thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath wetted my feet
with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. 45 Thou gavest me no
kiss: but she, since the time I came in, hath not ceased to kiss
my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but she hath
anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her
sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to
whom little is forgiven, _the same_ loveth little. 48 And he said
unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with
him began to say within themselves, Who is this that even
forgiveth sins? 50 And he said unto the woman, Thy faith hath
saved thee; go in peace.
The Gospel of Luke appears to place special emphasis upon the grace and
forgiveness manifested by Jesus. It alone records his sympathy with the
sorrowing widow of Nain, and it is also alone in expressing the sympathy
which Jesus felt for the sinful woman who anointed his feet in the house
of Simon, the Pharisee. It is a picture, however, not only of the loving
mercy of our Lord, but of the unbounded gratitude felt by one who truly
appreciated the priceless gift of his pardoning grace.
By an unfortunate error of interpretation this woman has been confused
with Mary of Magdala or with Mary of Bethany. These three persons should
be, however, absolutely distinct. It is true that Jesus delivered the
first of these from demoniac possession, and that the second, like the
woman in this story, anointed his feet with perfume, but there is every
reason for believing that of the three only this woman was reputed to be a
sinner. She seems to have met Jesus on some previous occasion, to have
repented of her sins, and to have received from the Lord his word of
forgiveness.
It was her gratitude which gave her courage to enter unbidden into the
house of Simon, where Jesus was being entertained as a guest. She had come
to anoint his feet but as she beheld him, she thought again of her sins
and her hot tears of penitence fell upon the feet of her Lord. She hastily
unbound her hair and with it dried his feet and then poured upon them a
flask of fragrant ointment. No truer expression could have been given to
her gratitude and passionate devotion. The fact that Jesus allowed a woman
of such notorious character to express her love for him made Simon
conclude that Jesus could not be a prophet, for otherwise he would have
been able to discern the nature of so depraved a woman.
By his reply Jesus showed his ability to read even the secret thoughts of
his host. The words of Jesus not only answered the silent criticism of
Simon but also rebuked him for his own impenitence and lack of faith.
Jesus proposed to his host a parable of two forgiven debtors, illustrating
the fact that gratitude depends upon the realization of the amount which
has been forgiven, and then he applied this principle to Simon and to the
woman whom Simon had been regarding with scorn. Jesus showed how keenly he
had felt the lack of love shown him by his host, and he contrasted it with
the affection shown by the woman. When he had entered the house Simon had
neglected the customary service of providing a bath for his feet; the
woman had washed his feet with her tears. Simon had withheld the kiss with
which a host usually welcomed his guests; the woman had passionately
kissed his feet. Simon had not furnished the perfume with which it was
usual to anoint an honored guest; the woman had come to the house with the
special purpose of pouring fragrant oil upon the feet of her Lord.
In view of the parable the message of Jesus is plain, “Wherefore I say
unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much; but
to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” Jesus did not mean to
say that until now she had not been pardoned, nor yet that her pardon was
conditioned upon her love. He meant that her love resulted from her
pardon, and his words have been rightfully interpreted thus: “I say unto
thee that her many sins are forgiven, as thou mayest infer from this
exhibition of her love.” The remainder of the sentence was devoted to
Simon, “To whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” The words do
not prove that Simon had been pardoned; they rather indicate that his lack
of love had proved his lack of penitence and so of forgiveness. Jesus then
turned to the woman with a word of benediction: “Thy sins are forgiven.”
He thus assured her of the pardon previously granted, but still more he
vindicated her in the eyes of the guests and assured them of the new life
upon which the woman already had entered. They marveled as they heard him
pronouncing pardon. That is a divine function; but the ideal Man whose
sympathy Luke records was likewise the Son of God. Last of all, Jesus
turned to the woman with the final word of blessing: “Thy faith hath saved
thee; go in peace.” This is a clear statement of the fact that faith had
secured pardon and pardon had awakened gratitude and gratitude had been
expressed by a deed of devoted love. Such a penitent can rightfully go
away “into peace,” that is, to its present and continual enjoyment.
7. The Ministering Women. Ch. 8:1-3
1 And it came to pass soon afterwards, that he went about through
cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good tidings of
the kingdom of God, and with him the twelve, 2 and certain women
who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary that was
called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and
Joanna the wife of Chuzas Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many
others, who ministered unto them of their substance.
Luke writes the Gospel of womanhood. He alone records those tender
incidents in the lives of Elisabeth, Mary, and Anna which are associated
with the infancy of Jesus; he alone tells us of the widow of Nain whose
son Jesus restored to life; of the woman bowed down by Satan but relieved
by Jesus; of the penitent sinner who anointed his feet; of the domestic
scene in the home of Mary and Martha; of the woman who congratulated the
mother of Jesus; and of the women who condoled with him on his way to the
cross. Perhaps most significant of all is the statement of Luke that as
Jesus and his apostles moved about Galilee preaching the gospel, they were
attended by a company of women “who ministered unto them of their
substance.”
Among these women Luke mentions “Mary that was called Magdalene,” probably
so designated from the town of Magdala where formerly she had lived. By
this title she was distinguished from Mary the mother of Jesus, from Mary
of Bethany, and from other women of this same name.
It is a cruel error to confuse her with the sinful woman of whom Luke has
just been writing. Mary had suffered from demon possession, as here
stated, but there is nothing in the Gospels to indicate that she had ever
been a woman of notoriously evil life.
Luke also mentions Joanna, whose husband, Chuzas, had charge of the
household and personal estates of King Herod, evidently then a woman of
some social standing; but of her and her companions nothing further is
known, excepting this important fact, that their motive in ministering to
the Master was that of gratitude; they “had been healed of evil spirits
and infirmities.”
This statement by Luke is brief but illuminating. It throws light upon an
interesting question to which no other answer is given in the Gospels: How
did Jesus and his followers secure financial support during the years of
his ministry? Evidently those who had received from him spiritual help
gladly supplied his temporal wants and rendered to him all needful
service. Thus this passage indicates not only what Jesus did for women,
but what women did for him. It suggests a question: Who can estimate how
far the gifts and sacrifices of grateful women have been making possible,
through the passing ages, the preaching of the gospel in all the world?
8. The Parable of the Sower. Ch. 8:4-18
4 And when a great multitude came together, and they of every city
resorted unto him, he spake by a parable: 5 The sower went forth
to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and
it was trodden under foot, and the birds of the heaven devoured
it. 6 And other fell on the rock; and as soon as it grew, it
withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And other fell amidst
the thorns; and the thorns grew with it, and choked it. 8 And
other fell into the good ground, and grew, and brought forth fruit
a hundredfold. As he said these things, he cried, He that hath
ears to hear, let him hear.
9 And his disciples asked him what this parable might be. 10 And
he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom
of God: but to the rest in parables; that seeing they may not see,
and hearing they may not understand.
11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 And
those by the way side are they that have heard; then cometh the
devil, and taketh away the word from their heart, that they may
not believe and be saved. 13 And those on the rock _are_ they who,
when they have heard, receive the word with joy; and these have no
root, who for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall
away. 14 And that which fell among the thorns, these are they that
have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares
and riches and pleasures of _this_ life, and bring no fruit to
perfection. 15 And that in the good ground, these are such as in
an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it fast, and
bring forth fruit with patience.
16 And no man, when he hath lighted a lamp, covereth it with a
vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but putteth it on a stand, that
they that enter in may see the light. 17 For nothing is hid, that
shall not be made manifest; nor _anything_ secret, that shall not
be known and come to light. 18 Take heed therefore how ye hear:
for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not,
from him shall be taken away even that which he thinketh he hath.
Because of its greater length and more elaborate workmanship and greater
fullness of detail, this story of the sower is rightly regarded as the
first parable of our Lord, even though he had previously used brief
illustrations which were designated by the same name. Parables henceforth
formed a prominent part of his teaching, and that he was now beginning a
somewhat new method of instruction is evident from the fact that the
disciples now asked him to explain his meaning, v. 9, and from the fact
that he here gave the reason for the use of all his parables. This reason
is twofold: these inimitable illustrations would enable those who were
attentive and rightly disposed toward him to remember more easily the
teachings of the Master; while to inattentive or hostile minds the meaning
would be veiled. V. 10. This twofold purpose met the demands of the crisis
which had arisen, due on the one hand to the increasing popularity of
Jesus’ teachings and on the other to the murderous hatred and dark plots
of the Pharisees and scribes.
The parable of the Sower thus forms a proper introduction to all the
parables for they are vehicles of truth, and our Lord here made it clear
that the effect of truth depends upon the spiritual state of the hearers.
This is sometimes called the parable of the Soils, for it illustrates the
various states of heart found among men to whom the Christian message
comes.
In some cases “the word of God,” whether preached by Christ or by his
followers, falls on hearts which are pictured by the hard-trodden footpath
which runs through the field of grain. No possible impression can be made.
The Word finds no entrance and Satan snatches it away as a bird picks up
the grain which falls by the wayside. Faith and salvation cannot result.
Other hearers are compared to the thin layer of earth which covers a ledge
of stone. Seed which falls into such soil springs up most quickly because
warmed by the underlying rock; but as the roots cannot strike downward,
the grain soon withers beneath the scorching sun. So there are hearers who
receive with joy the message of life, but when subjected to the
persecution and trials which followers of Christ must endure, they quickly
desert his cause.
Other hearers are compared to seed which falls where thorns are growing.
This seed springs into life but it has not room for development. It is
robbed by the thorns of its needed nourishment. Thus some Christians are
so preoccupied by “cares and riches and pleasures” that they can bear no
spiritual fruit.
There are those, however, who are like seed which fell on “good ground”
and “brought forth fruit a hundredfold;” they receive the truth “in an
honest and good heart” and patiently and perseveringly they produce in
their lives a golden harvest of grain.
The great message of the parable is summarized in the words of our Lord,
“Take heed therefore how ye hear.” V. 18. The purpose of his parables, as
of all his teachings, was to give spiritual light. Those who love him and
obey his word will have their understanding quickened and their knowledge
increased; but one who is careless or disobedient to the truth, will lose
“even that which he thinketh he hath.” It is a great privilege to hear the
gospel of Christ, but it involves a great responsibility as well.
9. Kinship with Jesus. Ch. 8:19-21
19 And there came to him his mother and brethren, and they could
not come at him for the crowd. 20 And it was told him, Thy mother
and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. 21 But he
answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these
that hear the word of God, and do it.
It is only from the other Gospels that we learn the exact nature and
purpose of the visit paid to Jesus by his mother and brethren. Luke does
not reveal the fact that it occasioned one of the most delicate and
difficult dilemmas by which our Lord was ever confronted. The real purpose
of these relatives was to interrupt his work. They feared that his mind
was unbalanced and they wished to take him home. Should Jesus repudiate
them, or should he allow his work needlessly to be interrupted? This
situation Luke does not sketch, but he does state clearly the impressive
message which Jesus found occasion to deliver. When Jesus was told that
these relatives desired to see him, he pointed to his disciples with the
reply, “My mother and my brethren are these that hear the word of God, and
do it.” Thus Luke connects this incident with the parable of the Sower
which he has just related. The parable shows the need of careful attention
to the gospel truth, and, according to Luke’s account of this incident,
the same fact is emphasized, namely, the blessed result of heeding the
divine Word. According to the statement of Christ, such obedience to him
and such true discipleship as was shown by his followers results in a
relationship with him more intimate and close than is secured by any human
ties. This spiritual kinship is more vital than any relationship of blood
or of nature. It results in a fellowship, at once blessed and forever
abiding, which is possible for all. The reply of our Lord could not have
offended his brethren even though it did contain a delicate rebuke. Only
those have a right to claim relationship with him who submit to him as
their Lord and are ready to do his will.
10. Jesus Stilling the Storm. Ch. 8:22-25
22 Now it came to pass on one of those days, that he entered into
a boat, himself and his disciples; and he said unto them, Let us
go over unto the other side of the lake: and they launched forth.
23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm
of wind on the lake; and they were filling _with water_, and were
in jeopardy. 24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying,
Master, master, we perish. And he awoke, and rebuked the wind and
the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25
And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And being afraid they
marvelled, saying one to another, Who then is this, that he
commandeth even the winds and the water, and they obey him?
Storms were common on the surface of the little lake which Jesus so often
crossed with his disciples; and storms are still frequent in the lives of
his followers. To accompany the Master does not exempt us from struggles
and tempests, from dark skies and angry waves. This, however, was no usual
storm. Even the sturdy fishermen of Galilee, who were familiar with all
the changeful moods of that inland sea, were filled with terror. Jesus at
the time was quietly resting and had fallen asleep in what seemed to his
followers to be an hour of greatest peril.
Their fear may have been foolish but it was wise in them to come to the
Master in their moment of pressing need. They awoke him with the cry,
“Master, master, we perish.” The followers of Christ are not saved from
encountering storms but in the hour of peril they should be comforted by
his presence and they can ever turn to him for relief. “He awoke, and
rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there
was a calm.” Then when he had rebuked the disordered elements Jesus turned
to rebuke his followers, “Where is your faith?” He did not find fault with
them for awakening him, or for crying out for help; he rebuked only their
lack of trust which should have relieved them from distress of mind while
he was so near and so abundantly able to save. Such a miracle must have
strengthened their faith but its first effect was to fill them with wonder
and with awe. Every new manifestation of his power came as a surprise to
these disciples, and now for the first time they saw his control over the
blind forces of nature; thus once again they felt themselves in the
presence not only of a perfect Man—but of One who was divine.
11. A Demoniac Healed. Ch. 8:26-39
26 And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over
against Galilee. 27 And when he was come forth upon the land,
there met him a certain man out of the city, who had demons; and
for a long time he had worn no clothes, and abode not in _any_
house, but in the tombs. 28 And when he saw Jesus, he cried out,
and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I
to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the Most High God? I beseech
thee, torment me not. 29 For he was commanding the unclean spirit
to come out from the man. For often-times it had seized him: and
he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters; and
breaking the bands asunder, he was driven of the demon into the
desert. 30 And Jesus asked him, What is thy name? And he said,
Legion; for many demons were entered into him. 31 And they
entreated him that he would not command them to depart into the
abyss. 32 Now there was there a herd of many swine feeding on the
mountain: and they entreated him that he would give them leave to
enter into them. And he gave them leave. 33 And the demons came
out from the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd rushed
down the steep into the lake, and were drowned. 34 And when they
that fed them saw what had come to pass, they fled, and told it in
the city and in the country. 35 And they went out to see what had
come to pass; and they came to Jesus, and found the man, from whom
the demons were gone out, sitting, clothed and in his right mind,
at the feet of Jesus: and they were afraid. 36 And they that saw
it told them how he that was possessed with demons was made whole.
37 And all the people of the country of the Gerasenes round about
asked him to depart from them; for they were holden with great
fear: and he entered into a boat, and returned. 38 But the man
from whom the demons were gone out prayed him that he might be
with him: but he sent him away, saying, 39 Return to thy house,
and declare how great things God hath done for thee. And he went
his way, publishing throughout the whole city how great things
Jesus had done for him.
The sufferings of a demoniac were so similar to those of mental disease
that by many they are regarded as identical. Those who observe the
distinction are faced with a further problem as to whether demon
possession exists at the present day. What is most important of all is to
note the exact parallel existing between the demoniacs described in the
New Testament and those persons who at all times are tormented by envy and
lust and anger and greed and other evil passions which dominate the human
soul.
On the eastern shore of the Lake of Gennesaret Jesus was encountered by a
man whose suffering and nakedness are types of the anguish and
shamelessness of sin. He could not be controlled; he was dwelling among
the tombs, and these, too, are pictures of the helplessness and loneliness
and hopelessness which evil passions produce. Most of all it is
interesting to note that while the demon cried out in dread, the man drew
near to Jesus, really hoping for help. The experience was like that of
those who suffer from mental disease where a dual consciousness is
manifested. Likewise most of us have experienced such a conflict of
desires; we have longed for liberty at the very moment when we have felt
the controlling power of some passion. Some tell us that we must cease to
love the sin before Christ will give us help, but this picture sketched by
Luke gives a more hopeful message. It intimates that as we cry out for
relief, or even before we speak, Jesus sees the heart and recognizes the
longing and assures release.
Jesus asked the sufferer for his name. He wished the real man to be
awakened and to be conscious of the distinction between himself and the
evil spirit by which he was possessed. The reply of the demoniac was full
of pathos. He declared that his name was “Legion,” the reason assigned
being that “many demons were entered into him.” His case was particularly
desperate; but the evil spirits realized that they stood before One whose
power was absolute. Certain that they were to be expelled from the
sufferer, they asked permission to enter into a herd of swine which was
feeding on the mountain side. A question has often been raised as to why
Jesus granted this request. Probably one reason was that the sight which
followed assured the sufferer of his cure; another may have been that the
destruction of the herd would give to the men of the region an arresting
message both of their own peril and of the power of Christ. However, when
“They went out to see what had come to pass,” they were full of terror and
they requested Jesus to leave their land. They were evidently more
concerned for the beasts which had been lost than for the soul that had
been saved, when they saw their countryman sitting clothed and in his
right mind as a disciple at the feet of Jesus. Their request was granted;
our Lord never continues the gracious manifestations of his presence when
these are not desired. However, he refused the request of the man whom he
had healed. The latter wished to accompany Jesus as he entered the boat to
cross to the other side of the lake; but Jesus bade him to remain as a
witness for Christ in his own home and among his own people. It is ever
the desire of the Master that the testimony of those who have known his
power should be given first to those by whom they are best known.
12. The Daughter of Jairus and the Woman with an Issue of Blood. Ch.
8:40-56
40 And as Jesus returned, the multitude welcomed him; for they
were all waiting for him. 41 And behold, there came a man named
Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at
Jesus’ feet, and besought him to come into his house; 42 for he
had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was
dying. But as he went the multitudes thronged him.
43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, who had
spent all her living upon physicians, and could not be healed of
any, 44 came behind him, and touched the border of his garment:
and immediately the issue of her blood stanched. 45 And Jesus
said, Who is it that touched me? And when all denied, Peter said,
and they that were with him, Master, the multitudes press thee and
crush _thee_. 46 But Jesus said, Some one did touch me; for I
perceived that power had gone forth from me. 47 And when the woman
saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down
before him declared in the presence of all the people for what
cause she touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48 And
he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in
peace.
49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the
synagogue’s _house_, saying, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the
Teacher. 50 But Jesus hearing it, answered him, Fear not: only
believe, and she shall be made whole. 51 And when he came to the
house, he suffered not any man to enter in with him, save Peter,
and John, and James, and the father of the maiden and her mother.
52 And all were weeping, and bewailing her: but he said, Weep not;
for she is not dead, but sleepeth. 53 And they laughed him to
scorn, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he, taking her by the
hand, called, saying, Maiden, arise. 55 And her spirit returned,
and she rose up immediately: and he commanded that _something_ be
given her to eat. 56 And her parents were amazed: but he charged
them to tell no man what had been done.
As Jesus returned to Capernaum after curing the demoniac across the lake,
he was welcomed by a great multitude in the midst of which were two
sufferers for whom the Saviour showed his sympathy as he perfected their
faith and relieved their distress. They were strangely contrasted in
circumstances, alike only in their desperate need. One was Jairus, a man
of prominence in his community, “a ruler of the synagogue,” a person of
comparative wealth and power and social position, whose home for twelve
years had been brightened by the presence of a little daughter, an only
child, who was now lying at the point of death.
The other was a woman, poor, weak, ceremonially unclean, friendless, who
for twelve years had been suffering from an incurable disease and who knew
that by no human power could her life be prolonged.
As Jesus was starting for the home of Jairus this woman came up behind
him, touched the border of his garment, and was instantly healed. Her
faith was imperfect but it was real. She had supposed the power of Christ
to be merely magical and mechanical. Jesus showed that it is inseparable
from divine knowledge and love. He had felt the touch of her trembling
finger. He had distinguished it from the press of the jostling throng; and
now for her own sake he required the woman “in the presence of all the
people” to acknowledge her cure. Jesus would have us know that faith is a
dependence upon his gracious person and purpose, and also that only after
public confession of our relation to him can we receive the assurance that
we are saved and can hear his blessed word, “Thy faith hath made thee
whole; go in peace.”
The faith of Jairus was likewise imperfect. It was more intelligent than
the faith of the woman but it fell short of that revealed by the centurion
in the same city who felt it unnecessary for Jesus to come to his house
but only to speak a word and a cure would be effected. Nevertheless this
faith was genuine and so Jesus strengthened it and rewarded it. The very
fact that Jesus started toward his home was reassuring to the father, but
his faith was tested by the delay caused in curing the woman. However, it
was also strengthened by this proof of divine wisdom and power. Most
terribly was his faith tested by the message which then reached him, “Thy
daughter is dead; trouble not the Teacher.” Yet again, it was confirmed by
the word of Jesus, “Fear not: only believe, and she shall be made whole.”
As he entered the house, Jesus spoke another word which rebuked the
faithless mourners and cheered the agonized parents, “Weep not; for she is
not dead, but sleepeth.” He meant that in his presence and in virtue of
his power death loses its reality and is robbed of its victory. Nor has
the word lost its meaning and its comfort for the followers of Christ
during all the subsequent years.
Jesus showed clearly what he meant as he took into the death chamber his
three closest friends and the two trembling parents, as he stood before
the sleeping child and “taking her by the hand, called, saying Maiden,
arise. And her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately: and he
commanded that something be given her to eat.” The record indicates the
supreme thoughtfulness and tenderness of the Master. He took with him only
three disciples for he would not have the awakened child terrified by the
sight of more strangers. When the miracle had been performed he requested
that the little girl should be given food; this was for her own comfort
but also to break for the parents the spell of awe and terror which had
been cast upon them by the presence of death, and also as a proof not only
that life had returned but also that complete recovery from disease had
been secured. One other command is recorded, “He charged them to tell no
man what had been done.” The three disciples would be competent witnesses
of the miracle but a widespread report by the parents and their friends
might arouse such an outburst of excitement as to interrupt his work and
precipitate a crisis before the earthly ministry of our Lord was complete.
D. The Fourth Period. Ch. 9:1-50
1. The Mission of the Twelve. Ch. 9:1-9
1 And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and
authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent
them forth to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. 3
And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither
staff, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats. 4
And into whatsoever house ye enter, there abide, and thence
depart. 5 And as many as receive you not, when ye depart from that
city, shake off the dust from your feet for a testimony against
them. 6 And they departed, and went throughout the villages,
preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done: and he was
much perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was
risen from the dead; 8 and by some, that Elijah had appeared; and
by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. 9 And
Herod said, John I beheaded: but who is this, about whom I hear
such things? And he sought to see him.
As Jesus sent forth his twelve disciples on their first mission he was
entering the closing period of his ministry in Galilee. Until now the
apostles had been his companions; henceforth they were to be more strictly
messengers and representatives. Jesus foresaw his approaching rejection
and death, but before leaving for Jerusalem and the cross he wished to
offer himself once more to the people of Galilee among whom he had long
been laboring; and for this purpose he sent out the Twelve. Their
circumstances and the directions given them by Jesus were peculiar to the
time and occasion. However, these commands are not without application to
the messengers of the Master in all ages of the world. They were given
“power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.” Such
miraculous gifts were limited to their own day and were designed as
credentials of their mission. It is true, however, that those who
represent Christ must ever be concerned for the mental and physical
conditions of mankind, even though the great purpose is to bring a message
of spiritual import. The latter was, of course, the great purpose of the
apostles. They went forth “to preach the kingdom of God,” as well as “to
heal the sick.”
When Christ commanded the disciples to take nothing for their journey, he
did not intend to impose needless hardships or even to suggest peculiar
denial. He rather intimated the principle that his heralds must not be
encumbered with worldly cares and burdens and that those who proclaim his
gospel may expect to be supported by those to whom the message is
preached.
In advising the disciples to remain in the first home where they were
properly received, he indicated the wisdom of having a fixed center for
their work, of being content with their entertainment and surroundings,
and of avoiding social complications which might hinder their work. They
were instructed, in case they were not received and welcomed as the
messengers of Christ, to show their just displeasure as they departed from
the place, by shaking off the dust from their feet, an Oriental custom
which in this case indicated the disavowal of any possible relationship
with the enemies of their Lord.
“And they departed, and went throughout the villages, preaching the
gospel, and healing everywhere.” These were the supreme representatives of
the great band of heroes who have continued the work and have made known
their message in all times and lands. They were prepared by the divine
instruction of their Master. It has been said that there is something
greater than preaching; it is to prepare preachers. Surely none were ever
so trained and none ever accomplished their work so well; but it is
possible for every follower of Christ to have some part in making known
the gospel of his grace.
The great success of the disciples and the tremendous excitement produced
by their mission is indicated by the fact that the reports of their work
reached Herod the king and made him tremble on his throne. It was not that
he feared what Jesus might do; it was rather because there was something
in the rumor which awakened his sleeping conscience and filled him with a
secret alarm and dread. “It was said by some, that John was risen from the
dead.” Herod had beheaded John, but the memory of his foul deed could not
be buried; now he was wondering what might be the real nature of the
miracles which were being reported and of the Man in whose name they were
wrought. He “sought to see” Jesus. That was mere curiosity. He probably
wished to see some miracles performed. Before long an opportunity was to
be given him to stand face to face with the divine Man, but it was to be
on an unexpected occasion when the latter would stand before him as a
prisoner, when Herod might offer him protection or release; but when the
occasion came he was disappointed by the silence of the Lord and allowed
him to go away to crucifixion and death. One who beheaded John need not
have hoped to understand Jesus. One who violates his own conscience to-day
and refuses solemn warnings to repent, need not expect that Christ will be
revealed to him in his beauty and grace and saving power.
2. The Five Thousand Fed. Ch. 9:10-17
10 And the apostles, when they were returned, declared unto him
what things they had done. And he took them, and withdrew apart to
a city called Bethsaida. 11 But the multitudes perceiving it
followed him: and he welcomed them, and spake to them of the
kingdom of God, and them that had need of healing he cured. 12 And
the day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said unto
him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages
and country round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are
here in a desert place. 13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to
eat. And they said, We have no more than five loaves and two
fishes; except we should go and buy food for all this people. 14
For they were about five thousand men. And he said unto his
disciples, Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each. 15
And they did so, and made them all sit down. 16 And he took the
five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he
blessed them, and brake; and gave to the disciples to set before
the multitude. 17 And they ate, and were all filled: and there was
taken up that which remained over to them of broken pieces, twelve
baskets.
The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle recorded by all four
evangelists, in fact the only incident of the Galilæan ministry of our
Lord common to them all. Here this ministry attains its climax. This was
the hour of the greatest popularity of Jesus; the multitudes would have
offered him a crown, but he saw before him the shadow of the cross.
The Twelve had returned weary with labor but elated by success. Jesus
desired for them a season of retirement, of rest, and instruction. They
withdrew to a secluded place beyond Bethsaida on the east shore of the
lake; but there they were discovered by the eager multitudes. Jesus showed
his infinite sympathy by cordially welcoming the crowds which had intruded
upon his privacy and interrupted his plans; he gladdened their hearts with
the gospel message and healed their diseases. And as the day declined he
pitied their hunger and met their needs by miraculously multiplying five
loaves and two fishes which the disciples had secured.
For the disciples of to-day there are serious messages in this familiar
story; perhaps none is more obvious than that of the measureless
compassion of Christ. With something of his sympathy we should look upon
the multitudes perishing for lack of physical and spiritual food. Their
call for help should not be regarded as an interruption but as a guide in
shaping our personal plans. While of ourselves we are unable to give
relief, yet if our all is offered to the Master, it will be multiplied
marvelously by his divine power. The miracle seems to have been wrought as
Jesus looked up in prayer. We must surely look to him and seek his
blessing in our service. We must allow no broken fragments to be lost;
some families could live on what other families waste; then, too, the
followers of Christ must learn a true economy of time and talents and
wealth if the Bread of life is to be brought to a famishing world.
3. Jesus Predicting his Death. Ch. 9:18-27
18 And it came to pass, as he was praying apart, the disciples
were with him: and he asked them, saying, Who do the multitudes
say that I am? 19 And they answering said, John the Baptist; but
others _say_, Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets is
risen again. 20 And he said unto them, But who say ye that I am?
And Peter answering said, The Christ of God. 21 But he charged
them, and commanded _them_ to tell this to no man; 22 saying, The
Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders
and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be
raised up. 23 And he said unto all, If any man would come after me
let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
24 for whosoever would save his life shall lose it; but whosoever
shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For
what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or
forfeit his own self? 26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and
of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he
cometh in his own glory, and _the glory_ of the Father, and of the
holy angels. 27 But I tell you of a truth, There are some of them
that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they
see the kingdom of God.
The first clear prediction of his death was made by Jesus directly after
he had heard the famous confession of Peter. The latter was occasioned by
a question Jesus himself had asked, “Who do the multitudes say that I am?”
The answer is exactly that given by multitudes in modern days, “And they
answering said, John the Baptist; but others say, Elijah; and others, that
one of the old prophets is risen again;” that is to say, a reformer, a
great preacher, a messenger of God. Such an estimate of himself never
satisfied our Lord and so he asked pointedly: “But who say ye that I am?
And Peter answering said, The Christ of God.” This is the great
affirmation concerning Christ which the world to-day needs to hear; but at
that time Jesus earnestly commanded his disciples to “tell this to no
man.” The message would then have been misunderstood and the disciples
themselves needed first to learn the truth concerning the death and
resurrection of Jesus. No man to-day is qualified to testify for Christ
who does not know the meaning of his atoning death and “the power of his
resurrection.”
Then Jesus told his disciples of the absolute necessity of his approaching
sufferings and assured them that on the third day he would be raised up.
This prediction of death must have astonished the disciples; quite as
surprising was the further statement that every follower of Christ must
likewise take up his cross daily, and the cross was not merely a symbol of
suffering and shame; it was the instrument of death. Every Christian,
therefore, must die daily to self and yield himself wholly to the service
of Christ. Such self-denial and sacrifice and obedience will result in the
only experience worthy of the name “life;” to refuse is to forfeit “life;”
and the loss will be eternal for those who are ashamed to follow the
Master now will be rejected by him when he returns “in his own glory, and
the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels.” Of this future glory of
the coming Christ, three of the disciples were to catch a foregleam only
eight days later on the Mount of Transfiguration, and Jesus therefore
adds, “There are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste
of death, till they see the kingdom of God.”
4. The Transfiguration. Ch. 9:28-36
28 And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that
he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the
mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the fashion of his
countenance was altered, and his raiment _became_ white _and_
dazzling. 30 And behold, there talked with him two men, who were
Moses and Elijah; 31 who appeared in glory, and spake of his
decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now
Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: but when
they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that
stood with him. 33 And it came to pass, as they were parting from
him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here:
and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for
Moses, and one for Elijah: not knowing what he said. 34 And while
he said these things, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them:
and they feared as they entered into the cloud. 35 And a voice
came out of the cloud, saying, This is my Son, my chosen: hear ye
him. 36 And when the voice came, Jesus was found alone. And they
held their peace, and told no man in those days any of the things
which they had seen.
The transfiguration of Christ was closely associated with the predictions
both of his death and of his return in glory. It prepared him and also his
disciples for the former and it was a symbol and a foretaste of the
latter. Just what the physical experience may have been, it is difficult
to conjecture. It was not like that of Moses on Mount Sinai when his face
glowed with reflected light. In the case of Jesus the glory was from
within. A divine splendor shone forth irradiating the body and even the
garments of our Lord.
Luke tells us that this occurred as Jesus was praying; and it is more than
a mere figure of speech to say that when in prayer his followers find, in
some measure, what it is to be transfigured into his likeness from one
degree of glory to another by the power of his indwelling Spirit.
Jesus had been accompanied on the mountain top by only Peter, James, and
John; but suddenly “There talked with him two men, who were Moses and
Elijah; who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he was about
to accomplish at Jerusalem.” This, then, was the high purpose of the
event; it was to interpret to the mind of Christ more perfectly the
meaning of his death, and to encourage him to endure its anguish by this
glimpse of the glory that would follow. It is easy to understand why Moses
and Elijah should be selected for so august a conference. One had been
regarded as the symbol of law and the other of prophecy, and both law and
prophecy pointed forward to Calvary; and again both Moses and Elijah had
received a special revelation of the grace of God, and he was to manifest
his grace supremely in the death of his Son.
It is not strange that Peter longed to linger in such heavenly
companionship, and in bewilderment absurdly proposed the erection on the
mountain of three booths for the comfort of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.
“While he said these things, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them:
... and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my Son, my chosen:
hear ye him.” There was no need of detaining Moses and Elijah; if the
Master remained with his disciples, that was enough. Henceforth all that
the Law and the Prophets had foreshadowed would be completely revealed and
embodied in Jesus Christ. Part of that revelation was made in his death;
the full revelation will come when he returns in that glory of which the
Mount of Transfiguration gave a foregleam.
5. The Demoniac Boy. Ch. 9:37-45
37 And it came to pass, on the next day, when they were come down
from the mountain, a great multitude met him. 38 And behold, a man
from the multitude cried, saying, Teacher, I beseech thee to look
upon my son; for he is mine only child: 39 and behold, a spirit
taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he
foameth, and it hardly departeth from him, bruising him sorely. 40
And I besought thy disciples to cast it out; and they could not.
41 And Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse
generation, how long shall I be with you, and bear with you? bring
hither thy son. 42 And as he was yet a coming, the demon dashed
him down, and tare _him_ grievously. But Jesus rebuked the unclean
spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43
And they were all astonished at the majesty of God.
But while all were marvelling at all the things which he did, he
said unto his disciples, 44 Let these words sink into your ears:
for the Son of man shall be delivered up into the hands of men. 45
But they understood not this saying, and it was concealed from
them, that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to
ask him about this saying.
It is not strange that artists love to paint the contrast between the
picture of Jesus on the mountain encompassed by glory and of the demoniac
boy surrounded by the multitudes on the plain; yet it requires no canvas
or artificial color to heighten the contrast presented by the historian in
his simple story. Jesus long before had learned what it was to exchange
the glories of heaven for the shadows and sufferings of earth and the
compassion which drew him from the skies was never withheld, even at times
when he naturally might have been absorbed in thoughts concerning his
coming suffering and redeeming work. He was instantly moved with tender
pity as he heard the agonizing words of the father and saw the distress of
the son. However, he was even more moved by the unbelief and sin and
anguish and godlessness of the world which he had come to save, and of
which this scene was but a symbol and a picture. “O faithless and perverse
generation,” he cried, “how long shall I be with you, and bear with you?”
Can it not be said reverently that the contrasted experiences of the
mountain and the plain made Jesus for the moment homesick for heaven? Yet
Jesus neither hesitated nor delayed in the path of duty or in the presence
of human need. He “rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy, and
gave him back to his father.”
While all were wondering and astonished at his divine power and marvelous
works, he turned to his disciples to impress upon them the dark secret
which was resting on his soul. He told them that the time was near when he
was to be given up to suffer and to die; “But they understood not this
saying.” Here was a Man whose sympathy was tender toward all; but who
sympathized with him? How often some one of his followers has borne a
burden of hidden sorrow, even in the company of friends and when
surrounded by admiring throngs!
6. Jesus Rebuking Pride and Bigotry. Ch. 9:46-50
46 And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the
greatest. 47 But when Jesus saw the reasoning of their heart, he
took a little child, and set him by his side, 48 and said unto
them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name
receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that
sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same is great.
49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out
demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not
with us. 50 But Jesus said unto him, Forbid _him_ not: for he that
is not against you is for you.
This was no new dispute in which the followers of Jesus were engaged. The
question was as to which of them should be the greatest in his Kingdom.
There was something admirable in the discussion, for it revealed their
faith. To them the Master was yet to be King of kings and Lord of lords,
and they desired to have places nearest to his throne. Our conception of
his Kingdom may be more correct, but if its glories were as real to us as
they were to them, if we had faith enough to see this Kingdom in its real
importance, we, too, might at times question what our relative places in
this Kingdom are or will be.
However, Jesus rebuked them, for there is no place for pride among the
followers of Christ. Our nearness to him is not won by selfish effort or
granted by arbitrary decree; it is conditioned upon the humble service we
may render in his name. “He took a little child, and set him by his side;”
not because a child is a picture of humility—most children are
self-conscious and absurdly proud—but because the care of a child is a
symbol of humble service, and it was this spirit which Jesus praised. To
care for a child, or for men and women who like children are in need of
our help and sympathy and support, if done for the sake of Christ and in
the name of Christ, is a service rendered to the Master himself and not
only to him but also to his Father. The willingness to undertake such
humble service is the measure of true greatness.
The mention of service in the mind of the Master reminded John of a recent
incident which he felt to be quite to his credit; so “John answered and
said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade
him, because he followeth not with us.” There was something admirable in
the spirit and action of John. He was so devoted to Christ that he wished
everyone professing his name to join the company of disciples, to live and
to labor and to suffer with them. There is always something admirable in
loyalty to a denomination or a sect. If one has found what he believes to
be the highest form of Christian life and service, if one feels that he is
treading the surest and shortest road to heaven, it is certainly
commendable in him to wish others to share his peculiar blessedness.
Jesus, however, rebuked him, and said, “Forbid him not: for he that is not
against you is for you.” After all, there is no place for bigotry among
the followers of Christ. We may love and admire our sect or society, but
we are never to stop the work of a fellow Christian however much he may
differ from us. There are only two questions to ask: First, Is he casting
out demons? That is to say, is he really accomplishing good? Second, Is he
doing the work in the name of a divine, crucified, risen Christ? If so,
“Forbid him not.” We must not expect all Christians to repeat the same
creed or to enjoy the same ritual or to accept the same polity or to
employ the same methods of work. We should remember the word of the
Master, “He that is not against you is for you.”
V. THE JOURNEYS TOWARD JERUSALEM. CHS. 9:51 TO 19:28
A. The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21
1. The Inhospitable Samaritans. Ch. 9:51-56
51 And it came to pass, when the days were well-nigh come that he
should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to
Jerusalem, 52 and sent messengers before his face: and they went,
and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for
him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was _as
though he were_ going to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples
James and John saw _this_, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we bid
fire to come down from heaven, and consume them? 55 But he turned,
and rebuked them. 56 And they went to another village.
The record of the last journeys of our Lord toward Jerusalem forms a
unique feature in the Gospel of Luke. In the other Gospels some of these
incidents are included but they occupy only one or two chapters; here,
however, they fill ten chapters with events most of which are no where
else related.
The direction of the journeying was first eastward through the borders of
Galilee and Samaria, then across the Jordan and then southward through the
region of Perea. This region is not so designated in the Bible but is
described by the phrase, “beyond the Jordan,” and as most of these
incidents occurred there, this period of the life of Jesus is commonly
called his “Perean ministry.” Luke here emphasizes the divine prevision
and at the same time the human courage of our Lord. He indicates that
Jesus saw plainly his coming death and also his glorious ascension, but
that he unfalteringly moved forward to the intervening agonies of the
cross.
The first incident of these journeys was in a village of the Samaritans.
Certain messengers had gone before to prepare entertainment for the large
company which followed Jesus, but the Samaritans would not receive him;
then his disciples, James and John, suggested that they should “bid fire
to come down from heaven and consume them.” There was something admirable
in the indignation of these disciples. The Samaritans were moved by a
narrow and provincial prejudice and they were offering to Jesus a
gratuitous insult. It sometimes seems that the genius for indignation has
disappeared, and it is refreshing to see men who feel deeply any
disrespect to Christ, any injury to his cause.
But Jesus rebuked his disciples, “And they went to another village.” There
may be place for righteous indignation, but there is no place among the
followers of Christ for anger, for intolerance, or for revenge. This is
not a time of judgment, but of grace. It is not for us to attempt to
administer vengeance, but to preach the gospel of love.
2. Jesus Rebuking Rashness, Insincerity, and Indecision. Ch. 9:57-62
57 And as they went on the way, a certain man said unto him, I
will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto
him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven _have_
nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59 And
he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me
first to go and bury my father. 60 But he said unto him, Leave the
dead to bury their own dead; but go thou and publish abroad the
kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, I will follow thee,
Lord; but first suffer me to bid farewell to them that are at my
house. 62 But Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to
the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
These three incidents show how carefully Jesus was sifting those who
wished to become his followers and how deeply he appreciated the fact that
he was passing through this region for the last time. The first of the
three men with whom Jesus spoke was being swept along by his emotions, by
the sight of the crowd which was following the Master, and by the thought
that it would be a great privilege to be in such company. He had not for a
moment realized that it might involve sacrifice and pain to become a
disciple of the Master. It was for this reason that Jesus turned to him
with a statement which implies a rebuke and suggests that the Master
realized the thoughtlessness and rashness which were prompting this
professed follower. “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven
have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Of course
Jesus is eager to have men vow their allegiance to him and openly
acknowledge their discipleship; but among his followers there is no place
for rashness. He would have us count the cost.
In the case of the next man, when he was bidden to follow Christ, he
offered an excuse, “Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.” This
was a natural request and it seemed that a tender duty made it necessary
for him to decline the invitation of the Master. There seems something
rather severe in the reply, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but go
thou and publish abroad the kingdom of God.” It is evident that Jesus had
looked into the heart of this man and saw that he was making a selfish
excuse out of a sacred duty. If his reply was sincere, it none the less
merited a reproof, for a more sacred duty than caring for the dead was
laid upon him by the invitation of the living Christ. No tie, however
tender, can be regarded as a sufficient excuse for refusing to become a
follower of Christ. Jesus was passing that way for the last time. Prompt
obedience was absolutely necessary. Those who were spiritually “dead” and
who had not heard the summons of the Master could provide the needed
burial; but it was possible for the one who had been called by Christ to
perform a more sacred task: he could begin to proclaim the gospel of
salvation and of life.
In the case of the third possible disciple, there was no carelessness; he
had counted the cost; it was not his intention to make any excuse; he was
sincere and definite in his intention, but he wished to delay. He was not
quite certain that it was best just then to leave his family and his
friends. At least he wished to delay long enough to return to his home and
to bid them farewell. But Jesus rebuked him; “No man, having put his hand
to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Such
hesitation indicates that one has not appreciated the glory and privilege
involved in the call of Christ or that he still weighs against it the
sacrifices it involves. He is self-condemned. There is no place for
indecision among those who are to be heirs of the Kingdom of God.
3. The Mission of the Seventy. Ch. 10:1-24
1 Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy others, and
sent them two and two before his face into every city and place,
whither he himself was about to come. 2 And he said unto them, The
harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few: pray ye
therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers
into his harvest. 3 Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as
lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no wallet, no
shoes; and salute no man on the way. 5 And into whatsoever house
ye shall enter, first say, Peace _be_ to this house. 6 And if a
son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not,
it shall turn to you again. 7 And in that same house remain,
eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is
worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. 8 And into
whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as
are set before you: 9 and heal the sick that are therein, and say
unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 10 But into
whatsoever city ye shall enter, and they receive you not, go out
into the streets thereof and say, 11 Even the dust from your city,
that cleaveth to our feet, we wipe off against you: nevertheless
know this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh. 12 I say unto
you, It shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for
that city. 13 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida!
for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which
were done in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in
sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre
and Sidon in the judgment, than for you. 15 And thou, Capernaum,
shalt thou be exalted unto heaven? thou shalt be brought down unto
Hades. 16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that rejecteth
you rejecteth me; and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent
me.
17 And the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the
demons are subject unto us in thy name. 18 And he said unto them,
I beheld Satan fallen as lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have
given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over
all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt
you. 20 Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are
subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in
heaven.
21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, I
thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst
hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst
reveal them unto babes: yea, Father; for so it was well-pleasing
in thy sight. 22 All things have been delivered unto me of my
Father: and no one knoweth who the Son is, save the Father; and
who the Father is, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son
willeth to reveal _him_. 23 And turning to the disciples, he said
privately, Blessed _are_ the eyes which see the things that ye
see: 24 for I say unto you, that many prophets and kings desired
to see the things which ye see, and saw them not; and to hear the
things which ye hear, and heard them not.
The sending out of the seventy messengers who were to prepare the way for
the ministry of Jesus is recorded by Luke alone. This is in harmony with
the fact that only in this Gospel do we read of the extended journeys
toward Jerusalem made by our Lord on the occasion of which the Seventy
were sent forth. The work was for only a limited time and their office was
temporary; but in his instructions to them Jesus suggested many principles
of life which apply to his followers in all the ages. He first intimated
the reason for their being chosen. It was because the harvest field in
which they were to work was so great and the laborers so few. He intimated
that before the world can receive the message which the Seventy were sent
to deliver, they and their successors must earnestly pray the Lord of the
harvest to send forth more laborers into the field. This is a prayer which
all who serve the Master may offer earnestly and at all times. The work
seems to be only begun. Our sympathy with the Master will make us yearn to
see the work accomplished with more speed, which can only be possible when
larger numbers of laborers are secured. V. 2.
Jesus told his messengers that as they went forth they must expect to meet
with dangers. “I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves.” They
were, however, to encumber themselves with nothing superfluous and they
were to waste no time in idle ceremonies; they must journey as men who are
impelled by one supreme motive. Vs. 3, 4.
As they entered a home they were to offer the peace which the gospel can
give, but if rejected, they were to believe that their very message would
return to them with added force. Thus our Lord signified that no word
spoken for his sake is really wasted. Vs. 5, 6.
They were to continue in the home which received them, content with what
was given, offering relief to those in distress and using every
opportunity to proclaim the message of grace. Vs. 7-9.
Where their message was refused, and they were not received by city or
town, they were to turn away, shaking off the dust of their feet, thus
intimating by an Oriental symbol that they had no connection with the
enemies of Christ. At no time is the reception of the gospel message
universal. There are always some who refuse to accept its gracious offer.
Vs. 10-12.
The thought of those who would surely reject his messengers reminded Jesus
of the cities which had already rejected him, and he paused for a moment
to speak solemnly of their guilty unbelief. He referred to Chorazin and
Bethsaida, declaring that in the Day of Judgment it would be more
tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for these cities, for even the heathen
world would have repented in the face of such evidence of his divine
mission as Jesus had given to the cities of Israel. He referred
particularly to Capernaum, to its peculiar privileges and to its
consequently greater condemnation. Jesus was stating the abiding principle
that unusual opportunities involve unusual responsibilities. He emphasized
the seriousness of rejecting his messengers by stating that in despising
them men are really despising himself and that those who reject Jesus are
rejecting his Father who sent him., vs. 13-16.
In order to complete the story of the Seventy, Luke proceeds at once to
describe their return. They came back elated, with the report that even
the demons were subject to them. Our Lord replied by a statement that in
the overthrow of these messengers of Satan he saw the ultimate defeat of
the Prince of darkness and of all the forces of evil, and he declared that
he was giving to his messengers power over all that might oppose or might
threaten to destroy them. Yet, he added, their chief joy should not be in
their ability to perform these works of wonder, but rather in their having
a part in his triumphant cause and in receiving his salvation. Vs. 17-20.
At this time our Lord himself shared in the exultation of his followers
and returned thanks to the Father for what he was accomplishing through
the humble messengers whom Jesus had chosen, so that the results were a
manifestation of divine power. He added a striking claim which indicates
that the ideal Man is likewise the true Son of God who alone can reveal
the Father to men. Then lastly, as he turned to his disciples, he
congratulated them upon their great privilege, assuring them that “many
prophets and kings” desired to see the things which they were seeing as
his servants and as the instruments of his power. He intimated something
of the exalted joy which through all the coming years his followers would
feel as they realized their privilege of serving such a Master, and of
revealing him to men. Vs. 21-24.
4. The Good Samaritan. Ch. 10:25-37
25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him,
saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 And
he said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and
with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. 28 And he said
unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who
is my neighbor? 30 Jesus made answer and said, A certain man was
going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers,
who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half
dead. 31 And by chance a certain priest was going down that way:
and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And in
like manner a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him,
passed by on other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he
journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he was moved
with compassion, 34 and came to him, and bound up his wounds,
pouring on _them_ oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast,
and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the
morrow he took out two shillings, and gave them to the host, and
said, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, I, when
I come back again, will repay thee. 36 Which of these three,
thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the
robbers? 37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus
said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
The parable of the Good Samaritan was spoken to a certain lawyer who,
trusting to his knowledge of the Old Testament, and of its subtle
interpretations by the rabbis, came to Jesus hoping to dispute with him
and to defeat him in debate. He asked Jesus this question, “Teacher, what
shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He evidently thought that Jesus would
prescribe some new rites or ceremonies or would in some other way
disparage the Law. He was startled, then, to have Jesus reply, “What is
written in the law?” This answer robbed the enemy of his own weapon. He,
however, made a skillful reply, and declared that the Law is summarized in
the requirement to love God and man. Jesus again replied, “Thou hast
answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” There was no shadow of
evasion or deception in the statement of Jesus. Perfect love to God and to
man is surely the way of life; but who can show such perfect love? Jesus
came not to destroy this requirement of the Law but to reveal its complete
fulfillment, to secure pardon for those who were guilty of its infraction,
and to give power to those who felt their need.
The reply of Jesus not only defeated the lawyer; it smote his conscience.
He realized that he himself had never fulfilled the requirement of the Law
he knew so well. He therefore attempted to justify himself by limiting the
sphere to which the law of love applies. This is always the experience of
those who seek to save themselves while rejecting the salvation of Christ.
No one in his own power can fulfill the demands of this perfect law;
either we must secure aid outside ourselves and trust in a loving Saviour,
or else we must in some way lessen the demands which the law makes. The
lawyer suggested that it is impossible to love everyone, even though it be
required to love our neighbors, and to justify himself he asked the
question, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied by the story of the man,
evidently a Jew, who went down the steep road from Jerusalem to Jericho
and, as he passed through the narrow gorge, was beset by robbers who
stripped him of his garments and his possessions and left him half dead.
The first to approach this pitiful sufferer was a priest, a man whose
profession and task in life would induce him to perform a deed of mercy,
but in fear of thieves or in blind oblivion to the need of the wounded
man, he passed by on the other side. Next came a Levite, one whose office
was that of a helper to the priests, a man who supposedly would be less
burdened by official duties and would have more time to extend relief; but
he likewise passed by. At last came a Samaritan, a man of an alien race
and of a despised religion, but he showed compassion; he bound up the
wounds of the sufferer and placed him on his beast and brought him to an
inn and paid for his entertainment. He showed the spirit of love. Thus
Jesus indicated that our neighbor is not only one who “lives near” but one
who needs our help, as well as one who helps our need. He demonstrated the
truth that the law of love is not limited by rank or station or race or
creed. Nor is it limited to man. One must likewise love God with all the
heart, and thus he will surely love and serve the Son in whom the love of
God is made perfect.
5. Martha and Mary. Ch. 10:38-42
38 Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain
village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her
house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the
Lord’s feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about
much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou
not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her
therefore that she help me. 41 But the Lord answered and said unto
her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many
things: 42 but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good
part, which shall not be taken away from her.
The unfailing human interest of Luke is nowhere more perfectly expressed
than by this exquisite scene in the home at Bethany. It is to be regretted
that it has become the occasion for endless debate as to the relative
merits of Martha and Mary. Some imagine that the former was unloving but
energetic and efficient, and that the latter was affectionate, but
sentimental and indolent. In reality both sisters had admirable qualities;
both loved the Master and longed to please him; but on this occasion
Martha, in her very eagerness to serve, had overburdened herself in the
preparation of an elaborate meal, while Mary, with truer intuition of what
Jesus wished, “sat at the Lord’s feet, and heard his word.” She knew that
he desired, not for his own sake, but for theirs, to reveal himself and to
deliver his heavenly message, and thus according to the fine art of
hospitality, she considered first the wish of her guest and was thus doing
more to entertain the Master than was her sister.
“Martha was cumbered about much serving;” she was distracted by the many
things she was trying to do. It is possible for a follower of Christ to
attempt too much; sometimes this is due to a sense of self-importance and
of pride. It may result in such a mood of irritation and temper as was
shown by Martha when in criticizing her sisters he humiliated her by
rebuking her in the presence of their Guest, and by addressing the remark
to him rebuked him as well, “Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did
leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” In his reply
Jesus showed his affection by tenderly repeating her name, but he rebuked
her spirit and revealed its cause, “Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and
troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen
the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” There was no need
for an elaborate meal; but few things or one would have sufficed; yet one
thing was needful, and that Mary had chosen, for while the Master does
appreciate all that we undertake for him, he knows that our first need is
to sit at his feet and learn his will; then in our tasks we shall be calm
and peaceful and kindly, and at last our service may attain the
perfectness of that of Mary when in a later scene she poured upon the feet
of Jesus the ointment, the perfume of which still fills the world.
6. Jesus’ Teaching Concerning Prayer. Ch. 11:1-13
1 And it came to pass, as he was praying in a certain place, that
when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us
to pray, even as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said
unto them, When ye pray, say, Father, Hallowed be thy name. Thy
kingdom come. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive
us our sins; for we ourselves also forgive every one that is
indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation.
5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and
shall go unto him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me
three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey,
and I have nothing to set before him; 7 and he from within shall
answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my
children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee? 8 I say
unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his
friend, yet because of his importunity he will arise and give him
as many as he needeth. 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be
given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened
unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that
seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11
And of which of you that is a father shall his son ask a loaf, and
he give him a stone? or a fish, and he for a fish give him a
serpent? 12 Or _if_ he shall ask an egg, will he give him a
scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts
unto your children, how much more shall _your_ heavenly Father
give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
When the disciples came to the Master with the request, “Lord, teach us to
pray,” they had already, for some time, been with Christ in the school of
prayer, and they had been impressed by that most valuable of object
lessons, namely, the example of Christ himself. If in our minds doubt ever
arises as to the reality and efficacy of prayer, we need only turn to the
Gospel of Luke to be reminded that our Lord spent long hours in
intercession and that he prayed at every crisis in his life. Surely we
shall not be misled if we follow in his steps!
What the disciples wished, however, was some special form or formula for
prayer, such as John the Baptist seems to have given his followers. Jesus
replied by granting them a matchless model and then by encouraging them in
the assurance that prayer will surely be heard. This “Lord’s Prayer,” more
fully recorded by Matthew, was not intended as a form which must be used
rigidly on all occasions, but as a type which should mold all prayer,
however free and varied and spontaneous it may be.
The first word, “Father,” suggests the filial spirit in which all
believers should draw near to God, and it intimates much of the
encouragement which Jesus gave his disciples in the verses which
immediately follow this prayer.
The prayer contains five petitions, two relating to the cause of God in
the world, and three to personal needs of the petitioners. The first is a
request that the “name” of God, his revelation, or our conception of God,
be so reverenced, or so exalted, on earth as it is in heaven. The second
is a parallel request, namely, that his Kingdom may come. This Kingdom is
to be external, visible, glorious; it depends upon the inward
transformation of individuals, but it will yet appear in a perfected
social order, and in the universal reign of Christ. The next petition is
for “bread sufficient for our needs,” and it implies our right to pray for
all that concerns our physical welfare. We are then taught to pray for
pardon, as we come to God in a spirit of forgiveness toward others; and
lastly, to ask for continual protection from the snares of the Adversary
and from all the powers of evil.
To encourage his disciples in such petitions Jesus gave them the story of
the man whose ceaseless, almost shameless, asking secured for him the
answer to his request for needed bread. Jesus implied, however, that there
is, on the part of God, no such reluctance to be overcome, so that all who
“ask” of him will receive what they need; if they “seek” relief he will
grant it, if they “knock,” even at “midnight,” he will open the door
without delay.
Further still Jesus encouraged prayer by again reminding his hearers that
they were praying to a Father. Human parents reply to the requests of
their children, not by mocking them or with injurious gifts, not by giving
a stone when bread is asked, or a serpent for a fish, or a scorpion
instead of an egg. If then, with all our imperfections and limitations, we
know how to give good gifts to our children, much more can we expect our
heavenly Father to give his Holy Spirit, and so all other good if lesser
gifts, to them that ask him. Thus again we see that the blessed name of
“Father” is the key to the lesson. If we approach him as children it will
be with confidence, but also with submission, as we know that, whether he
gives or withholds, his reply will be an expression of infinite mercy and
of fatherly love.
7. Jesus Rebuking Blasphemy and Unbelief. Ch. 11:14-36
14 And he was casting out a demon _that was_ dumb. And it came to
pass, when the demon was gone out, the dumb man spake; and the
multitudes marvelled. 15 But some of them said, By Beelzebub the
prince of the demons casteth he out demons. 16 And others, trying
_him_, sought of him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their
thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is
brought to desolation; and a house _divided_ against a house
falleth. 18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how
shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out demons by
Beelzebub. 19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do
your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. 20
But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom
of God come upon you. 21 When the strong _man_ fully armed
guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace: 22 but when a
stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh
from him his whole armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his
spoils. 23 He that is not with me is against me; and he that
gathereth not with me scattereth. 24 The unclean spirit when he is
gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking
rest; and finding none, he saith, I will turn back unto my house
whence I came out. 25 And when he is come, he findeth it swept and
garnished. 26 Then goeth he, and taketh _to him_ seven other
spirits more evil than himself; and they enter in and dwell there:
and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first.
27 And it came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman
out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said unto him,
Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the breasts which thou
didst suck. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear
the word of God, and keep it.
29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, he
began to say, This generation is an evil generation: it seeketh
after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign
of Jonah. 30 For even as Jonah became a sign unto the Ninevites,
so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. 31 The queen
of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this
generation, and shall condemn them: for she came from the ends of
the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, a greater
than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh shall stand up in the
judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they
repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a greater than
Jonah is here.
33 No man, when he hath lighted a lamp, putteth it in a cellar,
neither under the bushel, but on the stand, that they which enter
in may see the light. 34 The lamp of thy body is thine eye: when
thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but
when it is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. 35 Look
therefore whether the light that is in thee be not darkness. 36 If
therefore thy whole body be full of light, having no part dark, it
shall be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright
shining doth give thee light.
The first of these two discourses, vs. 14-26, was given by Jesus in reply
to the charge that he wrought his miracles by Satanic power, v. 15; the
second, vs. 29-36, was an answer to the demand that he should compel his
enemies to believe in him by giving them “a sign from heaven,” v. 16.
Jesus had just cast out a demon. His enemies did not attempt to deny that
a miracle had been performed; but, in order to discredit him with the
people, they explained the miracle on the ground that Jesus must be in
league with the Devil. He replied by showing the absurdity of suggesting
that the Devil was casting out devils, or “demons,” for in that case his
power would be like a kingdom “divided against itself” and so certain to
be “brought to desolation,” or like a house thus divided and sure to fall.
Vs. 17, 18. He then turned the charge against themselves: some of their
countrymen claimed the power to cast out demons; Jesus did not discuss the
reality of these reputed cures but pointedly asked by what power they were
effected; is it also demonic power? v. 19. Jesus then declared definitely
that his miracles were being wrought by divine power and that their
character was a certain proof that he was representing not the kingdom of
the Devil but “the kingdom of God.” V. 20. Instead of aiding the Devil, he
was despoiling him. He described the Devil as though a strong man, fully
armed and guarding his goods, but Jesus himself was a “stronger than he,”
and was taking away his armor and delivering his captives by miracles of
grace. Vs. 21, 22. In this conflict there can be no neutrality; one must
be on the side either of the Devil or of Christ. V. 23.
Jesus then rebuked his enemies by the parable of the Unclean Spirit. The
demon of unbelief had once possessed the Jews, and had been manifested in
the form of idolatry; it had been cast out, but it had returned with more
terrible manifestations of hypocrisy, covetousness, hatred, fanaticism,
and pride. Such had been the fate of the nation; and such is the
experience of an individual who turns from sin and rebels against Satan
but fails to accept the Lordship of Christ. The empty heart is in peril.
Reformation is not regeneration. One must beware of the demon of unbelief.
Vs. 24-26.
At this juncture a “woman out of the multitude” interrupted with an
expression of congratulation for the mother of Jesus. In reply Jesus
intimated that his mother might rightly be called “blessed,” but that the
woman had missed the real point; it was a privilege to sustain to Christ
such a close human and natural relationship, but better far to possess
that spiritual kinship which is indicated by faith and by obedience to
God. Vs. 27, 28.
Jesus continued to rebuke the unbelief of the Jews as he now turned to
answer directly the demand for “a sign from heaven.” He declared that such
a sign would be given, in his resurrection from the dead. This miracle
would be wrought without any human intervention; it would be a direct act
of God and would fulfill the conditions of “a sign from heaven;” it would
be the counterpart of the miraculous deliverance of Jonah from the sea.
However, the very demand for such a sign was an impertinence and an
insult; it reflected discredit upon the divine character of the miracles
which Jesus had already wrought. It failed to recognize the nature of his
teachings, which surpassed the wisdom of Solomon and the startling message
of Jonah. The eagerness of the heathen queen to hear, the willingness of
the Ninevites to repent, rebuked the stubborn unbelief of the Jews who
refused to accept “a greater than Solomon,” “a greater than Jonah.” Vs.
29-32.
Finally Jesus showed that their guilty unbelief was not due to lack of
evidence or to the need of a new “sign,” but to their indifference and
their impenitence. As a lamp is designed to light a house, and as the eye
is intended to illumine the body, so the soul which is right with God
possesses the faculty of spiritual sight. This sight is dimmed and
destroyed by sin. The inability of the Jews to believe was not due to lack
of “signs” and proofs, but to lack of sight. No amount of light will help
a blind man. Those who turn to Christ in repentance and faith and love
will find him to be the Light of the world, and their whole souls will
become radiant with divine splendor. Vs. 33-36.
8. Pharisaism Exposed and Denounced. Ch. 11:37-54
37 Now as he spake, a Pharisee asketh him to dine with him: and he
went in, and sat down to meat. 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he
marvelled that he had not first bathed himself before dinner. 39
And the Lord said unto him, Now ye the Pharisees cleanse the
outside of the cup and of the platter; but your inward part is
full of extortion and wickedness. 40 Ye foolish ones, did not he
that made the outside make the inside also? 41 But give for alms
those things which are within; and behold, all things are clean
unto you.
42 But woe unto you Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and every
herb, and pass over justice and the love of God: but these ought
ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 43 Woe unto
you Pharisees! for ye love the chief seats in the synagogues, and
the salutations in the marketplaces. 44 Woe unto you! for ye are
as the tombs which appear not, and the men that walk over _them_
know it not.
45 And one of the lawyers answering saith unto him, Teacher, in
saying this thou reproachest us also. 46 And he said, Woe unto you
lawyers also! for ye load men with burdens grievous to be borne,
and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.
47 Woe unto you! for ye build the tombs of the prophets, and your
fathers killed them. 48 So ye are witnesses and consent unto the
works of your fathers: for they killed them, and ye build _their
tombs_. 49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send unto
them prophets and apostles; and _some_ of them they shall kill and
persecute; 50 that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed
from the foundation of the world, may be required of this
generation; 51 from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zachariah,
who perished between the altar and the sanctuary: yea, I say unto
you, it shall be required of this generation. 52 Woe unto you
lawyers! for ye took away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in
yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
53 And when he was come out from thence, the scribes and the
Pharisees began to press upon _him_ vehemently, and to provoke him
to speak of many things; 54 laying wait for him, to catch
something out of his mouth.
The conflict between Jesus and his enemies here reached its climax. He
rebuked their hypocrisy, and pronounced upon them six solemn woes. His
words are full of warning for his followers in all ages; religion ever
tends to become a matter of form and ritual; hypocrisy is often
unconscious; its practice is almost universal.
A Pharisee whose heart was foul with sinful thoughts wondered that Jesus
had sat down to eat without first washing his hands according to the
Jewish ritual. No such ceremony was required by the Law, but only by the
traditions upon which the Pharisees laid such stress. Jesus declared that
to wash the body while the heart is impure is as absurd as to cleanse the
outside of an unclean cup or platter. He declared that God who made the
body created the soul also, and that God is more concerned with the latter
than with the former. He insisted that while it may be well to wash the
hands, a better preparation for a meal would consist in filling the heart
with love, which might be expressed in gifts to the poor. It was much more
important that the Pharisee should take the hatred from his heart, than
that Jesus should wash his hands. Vs. 37-41.
Hypocrisy, however, is ever concerned with external forms while
disregarding realities. Therefore Jesus pronounced a woe upon the
Pharisees for tithing the small garden herbs while neglecting justice
toward men and love toward God, for observing some minute religious rite
while breaking all the Ten Commandments. Yet he did not condemn them for
caring for these trifles, but for neglecting things essential. “These
ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” V. 42. Jesus
further rebuked the vanity and the desire for prominence and public
recognition which is at once a mark and a cloak of hypocrisy. V. 43. He
further compared the evil influence of hypocrites to the defiling contact
with a grave, which is level with the ground, upon which one may
unconsciously tread and so become ceremonially unclean. Men are not on
their guard against those who make loud boasts of religion. V. 44.
At this juncture a lawyer interrupted Jesus with the statement that these
severe denunciations seemed to include him and his associates. It was true
that most lawyers were Pharisees, but they were the professional teachers
of this sect, the recognized leaders of the party; and in denouncing all
Pharisees Jesus seemed to include even these proud expounders of the Law.
Jesus replied that religious teachers who are insincere, or who allow
their religion to become a mere matter of form, are most of all to be
rebuked. He pronounced upon them three woes: the first, for extracting
from the Law minute and burdensome requirements which they were not
careful to observe themselves. It is a grievous fault for students and
scholars to make religion a matter of weariness and distaste, instead of a
delight to the common people. Vs. 45, 46.
Secondly, Jesus rebuked their heartless cruelty and fanaticism. Teachers
of religion are ever tempted to become bitter partisans, and even to have
a share in killing the very prophets and apostles of God. The hatred of
Jesus shown by his enemies was like that of their fathers who had killed
the divine messengers of old. The blood of these martyrs, from the first
to the last mentioned in the Hebrew Bible was yet to be required of the
nation, and those who rejected Jesus would partake in the judgment as they
were partakers of the crime, vs. 47-51.
Lastly, the lawyers were rebuked for keeping back the knowledge of God, by
their false interpretations of Scripture and their disregard of the real
spiritual needs of the people. Such teachers of religion are like men who
hold the key to a sacred temple; they themselves will not enter and they
keep back all who would. It is a solemn responsibility to be a professed
teacher of divine truth; and to be at once a “lawyer” and a “hypocrite,”
is to merit these solemn woes which fell from the lips of Christ. So
enraged were his hearers that they threatened him with physical violence.
Hypocrites hate to be exposed. Wise men are glad to be warned and to
repent before it is too late. He who spoke these bitter words of rebuke is
ready to pardon and to purify and to lead his followers in the paths of
service and of peace. Vs. 52-54.
9. Faithful Testimony Encouraged. Ch. 12:1-12
1 In the mean time, when the many thousands of the multitude were
gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another, he
began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the
leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 But there is
nothing covered up, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that
shall not be known. 3 Wherefore whatsoever ye have said in the
darkness shall be heard in the light; and what ye have spoken in
the ear in the inner chambers shall be proclaimed upon the
housetops. 4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them
that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
5 But I will warn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, who after he
hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you,
Fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pence? and not one
of them is forgotten in the sight of God. 7 But the very hairs of
your head are all numbered. Fear not: ye are of more value than
many sparrows. 8 And I say unto you, Every one who shall confess
me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the
angels of God: but he that denieth me in the presence of men shall
be denied in the presence of the angels of God. 10 And every one
who shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be
forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy
Spirit it shall not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you before
the synagogues, and the rulers, and the authorities, be not
anxious how or what ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12 for
the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour what ye ought to
say.
When Jesus had bitterly rebuked the public religious teachers of his day
he turned to his disciples and spoke words of cheer which have
strengthened his followers in all days. Such encouragement was needed; the
bitter hatred of his enemies now threatened the life of Jesus, and made it
evident that his disciples could expect no kinder treatment than their
Lord. Then, too, Jesus had shown the special guilt of those who professed
to be guides in matters of religion; his disciples therefore needed
courage to continue their public witness both because of the great
responsibility involved and because it would bring upon them the hatred of
men. He encouraged them, first, by the assurance that the corrupting
influence of the Pharisees would come to an end; their hypocrisy would be
mercilessly unmasked; their power would cease; while on the other hand the
witness of the disciples would not always be confined to places of
obscurity but would be heard in all the world. Vs. 1-3. How truly has this
prophecy been fulfilled! Compare the present influence of Hillel or
Gamaliel with that of Peter or John. No one can measure the power for good
possessed by the humblest witness for Christ.
Jesus further encouraged his disciples by assuring them of the loving care
of God. They should look to him in reverent trust; this would give
confidence and strength and free them from the fear of man. Their enemies
could harm only the body; God controls the eternal destiny of souls, and
to him even the body is precious, and he is concerned with the most minute
details of our lives. If he notes the fall of a sparrow, he must know the
peril and need of every one who is testifying for his Son. Vs. 4-7.
Then again for faithful witnesses there remain great rewards, in spite of
what they now may suffer from men. As they now acknowledge Jesus Christ as
Saviour and Lord, so in the glories of heaven he will acknowledge them as
his true and loyal warriors who merit and will share the blessedness of
his triumphant reign. Vs. 8, 9. On the other hand, those who blaspheme his
name by ascribing his power to a Satanic source, ch. 11:15, will be
regarded as guilty of an unpardonable sin. This would not apply to such as
in ignorance rejected Jesus, but to those who had full opportunity of
knowing him, and who then scoffed at his claims and maliciously insulted
his divine Person, and made of him an impostor and associated him with the
powers of evil. V. 10.
Last of all, in spite of opposition and threats of all the earthly powers,
and in the presence of the most imposing tribunals, the witnesses of Jesus
never need fear, and must never allow themselves to be silenced. The Holy
Spirit, whom their enemies opposed and blasphemed, would speak through
them; he would teach them both how and what to say, vs. 11, 12. This
promise was not designed to encourage indolence or lack of possible
preparation, but to assure the Christian witness that a divine Presence
would ever give him needed wisdom and strength and grace.
It is a grave responsibility to testify for Christ, but it is the duty of
everyone who bears his name; and in this service he can be assured that
the influence will be measureless, the protection unfailing, the reward
heavenly, the sustaining grace divine.
10. A Warning Against Covetousness. Ch. 12:13-21
13 And one out of the multitude said unto him, Teacher, bid my
brother divide the inheritance with me. 14 But he said unto him,
Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 15 And he said
unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness:
for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things
which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying,
The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 and
he reasoned within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I
have not where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I
do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I
bestow all my grain and my goods, 19 And I will say to my soul,
Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine
ease, eat, drink, be merry 20 But God said unto him, Thou foolish
one, this night is thy soul required of thee; and the things which
thou hast prepared, whose shall they be? 21 So is he that layeth
up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
The parable of the Rich Fool was related by our Lord to teach that riches
neither form the real content nor assure the continuance of life, so that
it is the sheerest folly to seek for gold while forgetting God.
A man had come to Jesus with the request, “Teacher, bid my brother divide
the inheritance with me.” The reply implied that the Master regarded his
work as spiritual, and that he was not willing to invade the sphere of
civil law or to usurp the place of regularly appointed authorities, “Man,
who made me a judge or a divider over you?”
Possibly this reply contains a message for the modern day and warns us
against confusing the functions of the Church with those of the State. The
sphere of the Church is spiritual, and its province is not to determine
questions which are commercial and political. The Church, however, does
provide and inculcate principles which are involved in all moral questions
and which determine justice and right in every sphere of human life. Thus
Jesus refused to “divide the inheritance,” but he pierced to the root of
the request and saw that the man was neglecting the civil law and seeking
the support of a religious teacher because he was moved by avarice; and it
is this same “love of money” which lies at the root of most of the
injustice and inequity and cruelty which burden the world to-day.
Therefore Jesus turned to the multitude with the warning: “Take heed, and
keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in
the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” To enforce his message
Jesus told the story of the rich man who was heaping up goods for selfish
enjoyment in future years, and who was suddenly confronted by the
necessity which death brings of leaving to others all that he had amassed.
His foolishness consisted in forgetting that fortune and life itself are
dependent upon the will of God, and that a man really owns nothing but
owes everything to God, and that the real value of life consists in the
unselfish use of wealth and of opportunity according to the will of God.
How his vain words, “my fruits,” “my barns,” “my grains,” “my goods,” “my
soul,” are contrasted with the solemn message: “This night is thy soul
required of thee.”
“So is he,” continued Jesus, “that layeth up treasure for himself, and is
not rich toward God.” It is the sheerest folly to forget that riches
neither form the real content nor assure the continuance of life; it is
madness to heap up goods while neglecting God.
11. The Cure of Anxiety. Ch. 12:22-34
22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Be
not anxious for _your_ life, what ye shall eat; nor yet for your
body, what ye shall put on. 23 For the life is more than the food,
and the body than the raiment. 24 Consider the ravens, that they
sow not, neither reap; which have no store-chamber nor barn; and
God feedeth them: of how much more value are ye than the birds! 25
And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit unto the measure
of his life? 26 If then ye are not able to do even that which is
least, why are ye anxious concerning the rest? 27 Consider the
lilies, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I
say unto you, Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like
one of these. 28 But if God doth so clothe the grass in the field,
which to-day is and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more
_shall he clothe_ you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye
what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of
doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world
seek after: but your Father knoweth that ye have need of these
things. 31 Yet seek ye his kingdom, and these things shall be
added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s
good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that which ye have,
and give alms; make for yourselves purses which wax not old, a
treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief draweth
near, neither moth destroyeth. 34 For where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.
In addressing the crowds Jesus warned them against covetousness by
speaking to them the parable of the Foolish Rich Man who trusted in his
goods and forgot God; he now turned to his disciples to urge them to
forget their worries by trust in God. While a Christian must not be
selfishly absorbed in amassing wealth, he need not be anxious about even
the necessities of life. The reason is that “the life is more than the
food, and the body than the raiment,” and therefore God who gave life and
made the body will surely provide food and clothing; he who did the
greater will not fail to do the less.
For an example of such providential care Jesus points to the birds:
without the “fruits” and the “barns” and the “goods,” which failed to
prolong the life of the rich man, the ravens continue to live; “God
feedeth them: of how much more value are ye than the birds!” Of course we
are to be diligent and industrious and to exercise thrift and foresight;
but we are not to be anxious. Worry will not prolong life; on the other
hand, it is worry and not work that kills. Therefore, if anxiety shortens
life, it surely will not supply the necessities of life; trust God for
food. Vs. 24-26.
So, too, as for clothing; if God robes in such beautiful colors the
perishable flowers of the field, will he not provide garments for his own
children? To be anxious about these necessities is to imitate the heathen
who know nothing of God’s providential care. We show ourselves to be his
children by our trust in him. Vs. 27-30.
However, while we are not to be absorbed in seeking wealth, as the foolish
rich man, or to be anxious about food and raiment, as are men of the
world, there is something about which we should feel a deep concern, and
that is the Kingdom of God. If we seek and labor for its coming, we can be
sure that our Father will supply our temporal needs. Even though at times
we may be in peril and in want, we can be certain that we are to share at
last the blessedness of that Kingdom. Vs. 31, 32. Therefore we should not
be absorbed in gathering the goods that perish, but by deeds of sacrifice
and works of charity, inspired by gratitude to God and love to men, we are
to lay up “treasure in the heavens” which will never be stolen or
destroyed; and as the heart always follows its treasure, our thoughts will
be turned upward toward God; trust in his power and love will banish our
anxiety and free us from care. Vs. 33, 34.
12. An Exhortation to Watchfulness. Ch. 12:35-48
35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning; 36 and
be ye yourselves like unto men looking for their lord, when he
shall return from the marriage feast; that, when he cometh and
knocketh, they may straightway open unto him. 37 Blessed are those
servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily
I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down
to meat, and shall come and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in
the second watch, and if in the third, and find _them_ so, blessed
are those _servants_. 39 But know this, that if the master of the
house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have
watched, and not have left his house to be broken through. 40 Be
ye also ready: for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man
cometh.
41 And Peter said, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or
even unto all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and
wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give
them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that
servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a
truth I say unto you, that he will set him over all that he hath.
45 But if that servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth
his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and the
maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 the lord
of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in
an hour when he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and
appoint his portion with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant, who
knew his lord’s will, and made not ready, nor did according to his
will, shall be beaten with many _stripes_; 48 but he that knew
not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few
_stripes_. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be
required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the
more.
Our Lord had been warning his disciples against allowing their minds to be
absorbed in the selfish acquisition of wealth, and against being anxious
about needed food and clothing; they were to be supremely concerned about
his Kingdom which would appear in glory at the time of his return. As to
the events preceding this return, as to its circumstances and results, he
taught them more definitely just before his death; here he simply enjoined
upon them the attitude of watchfulness, implying that if his coming was
occupying their thoughts they would be kept at once from worldliness and
from worry, and would be diligent in serving him.
He illustrated this attitude of heart and mind by two parables, the
parable of the Returning Lord and the parable of the Thief. In the former,
the master has been attending a marriage, his servants are awake and
clothed, the house is lighted, and all are ready to receive him. So
delighted is he on his arrival to find them faithful that he is ready to
give any expression to his joy; he even is willing to cause them to sit
down and to partake of the banquet they have prepared for him.
The second parable illustrates the truth that as the time when a thief
will come is unknown, therefore the only way to act is to be ready at all
times for his approach; therefore, our Saviour added, “Be ye also ready:
for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
The Master here as elsewhere indicated that his return was to be delayed;
his absence was to be like a long night; much must transpire, much be done
before he would reappear, but his followers must ever be prepared for his
return. This did not mean that they were to be nervously expectant nor
were they to be saying that the day of his coming was just at hand; rather
they were to be at their places of duty, faithfully performing their
tasks, and absorbed in the work which the Master had given them to do.
This attitude of watchfulness, and of interest in the return of Christ,
should particularly characterize teachers and leaders. This is the force
of the question which Peter now asked. He inquired whether all believers
would share equally in the blessings of the Lord’s return; would not
those, like the apostles, who had been most prominent in his service
receive from him a greater reward? Jesus replied that larger privileges
imply greater temptations and greater responsibilities. If a Christian
minister has been faithful in feeding his people with spiritual food, he
will be rewarded with even higher opportunities for service; but if the
long delay of his Lord’s return shall make him forgetful and unmindful of
its reality, if he shall use his high position selfishly or shall use his
power unkindly, then when the Master appears he will be punished with the
utmost severity.
The chief advantage of a religious leader lies in his opportunity for
knowing more fully the teachings of Christ; his superior knowledge,
therefore, will be the ground of his more terrible punishment in case of
unfaithfulness; the principle is abiding and applies in every sphere. “To
whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.”
Thus Christ taught that in the future there will be degrees and gradations
both of punishments and rewards.
13. The Divisive Influence of Christ. Ch. 12:49-59
49 I came to cast fire upon the earth; and what do I desire, if it
is already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with;
and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! 51 Think ye that
I come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather
division: 52 for there shall be from henceforth five in one house
divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 They shall
be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother
against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother in law
against her daughter in law, and daughter in law against her
mother in law.
54 And he said to the multitudes also, When ye see a cloud rising
in the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it
cometh to pass. 55 And when _ye see_ a south wind blowing, ye say,
There will be a scorching heat; and it cometh to pass. 56 Ye
hypocrites, ye know how to interpret the face of the earth and the
heaven; but how is it that ye know not how to interpret this time?
57 And why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? 58 For
as thou art going with thine adversary before the magistrate, on
the way give diligence to be quit of him; lest haply he drag thee
unto the judge, and the judge shall deliver thee to the officer,
and the officer shall cast thee into prison. 59 I say unto thee,
Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou have paid the
very last mite.
Jesus had been warning the crowds against the peril of selfish enjoyment
and urging his followers to watch and to labor for his return and his
Kingdom; but he did not want them to be deceived and to suppose that this
Kingdom could be established without conflict and delay. The present age
was to be one of strife and division, and the Master himself was to be
their innocent cause. Some day he would return to bring justice and
holiness and righteousness to complete victory, and then he would be
indeed the Prince of peace.
Now, however, his coming into the world had cast upon the earth the
burning brand of division and strife. This was so inevitable that Jesus
had no regret that the fire was already kindled; but it would not burst
into a conflagration until Jesus had been crucified, and he felt a
pathetic impatience to have that dreadful experience accomplished. As
Jesus emerged from that baptism of fire he would be the torch which would
set the world ablaze with conflict and separation. This division would
occur even in a home circle of five: father and mother would be divided
against son and daughter and daughter-in-law.
Thus Christ, and specifically his cross, is now dividing the world. Happy
are those who interpret his message and understand his mission and turn to
him in repentance and faith!
The multitudes, however, were still unbelieving, and Jesus rebuked their
stupid ignorance. He declared that they could so interpret the signs of
weather as to predict correctly rain or drought, but they could not see in
his words and works the proofs that he was the Christ, the Saviour of the
world. However, he warned them to repent before it was too late. They
would have wisdom enough to agree with an adversary while on the way to a
courtroom before sentence had been pronounced, much more should they see
that it was the part of wisdom to seek peace with God before the day of
mercy and grace had passed.
14. A Call to Repentance. Ch. 13:1-9
1 Now there were some present at that very season who told him of
the Galilæans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their
sacrifices. 2 And he answered and said unto them, Think ye that
these Galilæans were sinners above all the Galilæans, because they
have suffered these things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye
repent, ye shall all in like manner perish. 4 Or those eighteen,
upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that
they were offenders above all the men that dwell in Jerusalem? 5 I
tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish.
6 And he spake this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted
in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit thereon, and found
none. 7 And he said unto the vinedresser, Behold, these three
years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it
down; why doth it also cumber the ground? 8 And he answering said
unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig
about it, and dung it: 9 and if it bear fruit thenceforth, _well_;
but if not, thou shalt cut it down.
At the very time when Jesus was urging upon his hearers their need of
repentance, a report was made of a cruel slaughter of Galilæans at the
hand of Pilate. It was expected that Jesus would declare the poor
sufferers to have merited their fate, and that he would fall into the
common fallacy of supposing that exceptional suffering is a proof of
exceptional guilt on the part of men. Jesus, however, replied that
temporary exemption from suffering is a mark of special grace on the part
of God. All impenitent men are certain to suffer, and deserve to suffer;
if judgment has not fallen the delay should be regarded as a merciful
opportunity to repent.
Jesus enforced the same truth by referring to a recent calamity in which
eighteen men had been crushed by the fall of a tower. Their fate was not
to be regarded as a sign of their special sinfulness, but as a warning to
others that they would likewise suffer unless they repented of their sins.
The Master had in mind the entire Jewish nation and he further enforced
his call to repentance by the parable of the Fruitless Fig Tree. This was
a true type of Israel, but also a symbol of every impenitent soul. God
mercifully preserves and blesses and spares, but the day of mercy will
end. The nation, as the individual, which produces no fruit of penitence
and of righteousness is certain to be cut down. While the opportunity is
given, repentance must be shown. “Now is the acceptable time; ... now is a
day of salvation.”
15. A Cure on the Sabbath. Ch. 13:10-21
10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath
day. 11 And behold, a woman that had a spirit of infirmity
eighteen years: and she was bowed together, and could in no wise
lift herself up. 12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her, and
said to her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. 13 And
he laid his hands upon her: and immediately she was made straight,
and glorified God. 14 And the ruler of the synagogue, being moved
with indignation because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, answered
and said to the multitude, There are six days in which men ought
to work: in them therefore, come and be healed, and not on the day
of the sabbath. 15 But the Lord answered him, and said, Ye
hypocrites, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox
or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? 16 And
ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had
bound, lo, _these_ eighteen years, to have been loosed from this
bond on the day of the sabbath? 17 And as he said these things,
all his adversaries were put to shame: and all the multitude
rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
18 He said therefore, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and
whereunto shall I liken it? 19 It is like unto a grain of mustard
seed, which a man took, and cast into his own garden; and it grew,
and became a tree; and the birds of the heaven lodged in the
branches thereof.
20 And again he said, Where unto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
21 It is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three
measures of meal, till it was all leavened.
A true follower of Christ will worship in public on the Sabbath Day, for
this was the custom of our Lord. On one of these days he found occasion to
reveal his sympathy and power by releasing a poor woman who for eighteen
years had been bound by “a spirit of infirmity,” just as on such occasions
his word to-day brings deliverance to souls bound by the power of sin.
It was his sympathy which prompted this act and further led him to relieve
the consciences of his hearers from the burden of traditions placed upon
them by false interpretations of the Law. When the ruler of the synagogue
criticized Jesus, by addressing those whom the woman represented, on the
ground that such healing broke the law of Sabbath rest, his hypocrisy and
that of his sympathizers was unmasked by the reply that where
self-interest prompted, they interpreted the Law so liberally as to allow
them on the Sabbath to loose their cattle which had been bound but a few
hours, while they refused to allow Jesus to relieve a daughter of Abraham
whom Satan had bound for years. They were pretending to be zealous for the
Law while denying its essential principle of love. Their real breach of
the Law was shown both by their lack of sympathy for the woman and their
hatred of Christ. Their interpretation of the Law was shown to be absurd,
for it prevented an act of mercy which, on the Sabbath, was not only
allowable but necessary. Jesus never intimated that he would abolish the
Sabbath; he only designed to restore to it the true spirit of worship and
love and liberty and joy.
In view of this gracious work of power the multitude rejoiced; and Jesus
spoke the parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven, the former to
indicate that his power yet was to extend over all the earth and the
latter that it was to transform all human life. Some readers interpret the
former parable as indicating the unsubstantial forms that Christianity at
times assumes, and the latter the false doctrine which at times permeates
the Church. Whichever interpretation one accepts, it is hardly wise to
base upon it any theories as to the order of events related to the coming
and Kingdom of Christ. All will agree that small beginnings and invisible
forces are not to be despised or distrusted by the followers of the Christ
who some day will deliver the whole suffering creation “from the bondage
of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.”
B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10
1. The Narrow Door. Ch. 13:22-30
22 And he went on his way through cities and villages, teaching,
and journeying on unto Jerusalem. 23 And one said unto him, Lord,
are they few that are saved? And he said unto them, 24 Strive to
enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek
to enter in, and shall not be able. 25 When once the master of the
house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to
stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us;
and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are;
26 then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy
presence, and thou didst teach in our streets; 27 and he shall
say, I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye
workers of iniquity. 28 There shall be the weeping and the
gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and
Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and yourselves
cast forth without. 29 And they shall come from the east and west,
and from the north and south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of
God. 30 And behold, there are last who shall be first, and there
are first who shall be last.
This is the first in a new series of incidents on the last journeys of
Jesus toward Jerusalem. He realized the seriousness of the situation. He
knew that he was offering his salvation to the people for the last time,
and therefore he was making an effort to reach every possible city and
village with his message.
Some one among his hearers asked him the question, “Lord, are they few
that are saved?” He did not reply directly but his answer implied that
many Jews who expected to be saved would be lost and many Gentiles whom
the Jews expected to be lost would be saved. Jesus likened the blessings
of his Kingdom to a banquet served in a palace. The door into this palace
is narrow, and many who are invited refuse to pass in thereby; after a
time this door is shut, and then those who before have refused to enter,
intreat the Master of the house to reopen it, but in vain; they are
forever excluded, and are overwhelmed with remorse and chagrin. The narrow
door is that of repentance and faith in Christ; the opportunity for
entrance is present but not endless; those who reject Christ will be
excluded from his Kingdom; among these will be many whose folly will be
specially apparent. In the parable they are represented as pleading for
entrance, and on the very ground which condemned them. They are pictured
as saying that they had known Christ well; they had eaten in his presence
and he had taught in their streets. Why, then, had they not accepted him?
These privileges only increase their guilt; and the Lord refused to
recognize them as his own. Thus did Jesus describe the exclusion from his
Kingdom of many Jews; and he added the equally surprising statement of the
reception of Gentiles: “They shall come from the east and west, and from
the north and south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.”
Thus Jesus gave a very practical turn to the question which had been asked
in mere curiosity. It is not important to know exactly how many will be
saved; it is for each who hears the gospel to place himself in that
number, now and at any cost. It is not enough that one lives in a
Christian land, and in a religious home, and possesses knowledge of saving
truth; each must repent and accept Christ for himself. The sad truth is
that many who, like the Jews, have the largest religious opportunities are
the furthest from salvation: “There are last who shall be first, and there
are first who shall be last.”
2. The Message to Herod and the Lament Over Jerusalem. Ch. 13:31-35
31 In that very hour there came certain Pharisees, saying to him,
Get thee out, and go hence: for Herod would fain kill thee. 32 And
he said unto them, Go and say to that fox, Behold, I cast out
demons and perform cures to-day and to-morrow, and the third _day_
I am perfected. 33 Nevertheless I must go on my way to-day and
to-morrow and the _day_ following: for it cannot be that a prophet
perish out of Jerusalem. 34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth
the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often
would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen
_gathereth_ her own brood under her wings, and ye would not! 35
Behold, your house is left unto you _desolate_: and I say unto
you, Ye shall not see me, until ye shall say, Blessed _is_ he that
cometh in the name of the Lord.
A report reached Jesus that Herod was threatening his life. This report
was brought by the Pharisees who hoped that it would terrify the followers
of Jesus and induce him to flee to Jerusalem where he would fall into the
hands of the Jewish rulers.
Instead, Jesus sent to the king a message of defiance and irony; it has no
note of insolence, but reveals the courage and indignation of a true man.
“Go and say to that fox”—Jesus thus addressed Herod because he saw the
craftiness of the king. Herod did not wish the disrepute of killing
another prophet so soon after the death of John, but he wished his realm
to be rid of one whom he regarded as a dangerous leader; so he did not
arrest Jesus but tried to put him to flight. The Pharisees were asked to
bear this message to the king because Jesus saw that they were one with
the king in the malicious cunning of their report.
“Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures to-day and to-morrow and the
third day I am perfected.” Thus Jesus declared that his time and task were
divinely allotted; no king could shorten the time till the task was done.
When his work was complete, then in his death and resurrection the glory
and grace and power of Jesus would be made perfect. “Nevertheless I must
go on my way.” Jesus was to leave Galilee and Perea, the realm of Herod,
not because he feared the king, but in fulfillment of his task which would
take him to Jerusalem. The explicit reference to Jerusalem was made in a
tone of solemn irony, “For it cannot be that a prophet perish out of
Jerusalem;” that city had a monopoly in murdering prophets; it would be
quite improper for Jesus to be killed in any other place.
However, the reference to Jerusalem led Jesus to pronounce a lament of
touching pathos over the city he truly loved. He saw that his rejection
and death would hasten the destruction of the city. He saw its doom
already hovering over it like a bird of prey. He gladly would have given
his divine salvation and protection, but his people would not accept him.
Now they would be left to their own defense, that is to say, to the ruin
which he alone could have averted. Henceforth they would not see him in
his saving power until as a suffering and repentant nation they would
finally welcome his return as that of their true Saviour and Lord. How
Jesus always yearns to bless and to deliver, and how often he is spurned
and rejected by those who need him the most!
3. Jesus as a Sabbath Guest. Ch. 14:1-24
1 And it came to pass, when he went into the house of one of the
rulers of the Pharisees on a sabbath to eat bread, that they were
watching him. 2 And behold, there was before him a certain man
that had the dropsy. 3 And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers
and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath, or
not? 4 But they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him,
and let him go. 5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have
an ass or an ox fallen into a well, and will not straightway draw
him up on a sabbath day? 6 And they could not answer again unto
these things.
7 And he spake a parable unto those that were bidden, when he
marked how they chose out the chief seats; saying unto them, 8
When thou art bidden of any man to a marriage feast, sit not down
in the chief seat; lest haply a more honorable man than thou be
bidden of him, 9 and he that bade thee and him shall come and say
to thee, Give this man place; and then thou shalt begin with shame
to take the lowest place. 10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit
down in the lowest place; that when he that hath bidden thee
cometh, he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou
have glory in the presence of all that sit at meat with thee. 11
For everyone that exalteth himself shall be humbled; and he that
humbleth himself shall be exalted.
12 And he said to him also that had bidden him, When thou makest a
dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, nor
thy kinsmen, nor rich neighbors; lest haply they also bid thee
again, and a recompense be made thee. 13 But when thou makest a
feast, bid the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: 14 and thou
shalt be blessed; because they have not _wherewith_ to recompense
thee: for thou shalt be recompensed in the resurrection of the
just.
15 And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these
things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in
the kingdom of God. 16 But he said unto him, A certain man made a
great supper; and he bade many: 17 and he sent forth his servants
at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for _all_
things are now ready. 18 And they all with one _consent_ began to
make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a field, and I
must needs go out and see it; I pray thee have me excused. 19 And
another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove
them; I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have
married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 And the servant
came, and told his lord these things. Then the master of the house
being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets
and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor and maimed and
blind and lame. 22 And the servant said, Lord, what thou didst
command is done, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto
the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and constrain
_them_ to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say unto
you, that none of those men that were bidden shall taste of my
supper.
Luke pictures our Lord not as a severe ascetic but as a man of human
sympathies and social instincts, mingling freely with his fellow men,
worshiping with them in their synagogues and eating with them in their
homes. No domestic scene in the life of our Lord is sketched with more
detail than that of the Sabbath feast in the house of a Pharisee. Jesus is
pictured as entering with the guests, noting the ranks of society to which
they belong, and taking a leading part in their conversation. Yet he never
for a moment forgot his mission; he seized every opportunity for
delivering some needed message. Here his tones were unusually severe, for
he was among persons who, while formally courteous, were in their hearts
hostile to him; but he showed to all his unfailing grace, and his desire
for their highest good.
While the guests were assembling Jesus saw a man suffering from disease.
He knew that the Pharisees were watching him and would object to his
effecting a cure upon the Sabbath Day and he therefore turned to ask
whether a cure would be lawful. When they hesitated to reply, he healed
the sufferer and then rebuked their hypocrisy, and warned against all
insincerity in religion by reminding these formalists that they would not
hesitate on the Sabbath to rescue a beast they owned; should they regard
it as sinful to deliver a human being from distress? Jesus never
encouraged breaking the Sabbath law, but he taught that this law must be
interpreted by love.
When the guests were seated and Jesus saw how they chose for themselves
the most desirable places, he took occasion to rebuke selfish ambition and
to give a lesson in humility. Evidently, when Jesus advised a guest to
“sit down in the lowest place; that when he that hath bidden thee cometh,
he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher,” he was not merely teaching good
manners or worldly wisdom, nor was he advising the pride that masquerades
as humility. He was stating the great law that among his followers true
lowliness and conscious unworthiness in the sight of God are the real
conditions of advancement and honor; “For every one that exalteth himself
shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Then as Jesus looked around upon the company he took occasion to teach a
lesson in true charity. He told his host—and there was something of
playfulness in his voice—that in selecting guests one should invite not
only the rich, lest he might be so unfortunate (?) as to receive an
invitation in return, but also the poor, who could not return the favor.
Here again, Jesus was not giving merely rules of social hospitality; he
was illustrating the great spiritual principle of unselfish motives in all
deeds of kindness. We are not to confer benefits with a view to receiving
benefits in return.
However, Jesus did not mean literally to forbid inviting rich guests to
our homes or to insist that all feasts must be confined to paupers, but to
teach that no service is to be rendered with the mere hope of personal
gain. It is proper and pleasant, it may be even profitable, to entertain
“friends” or “brethren” or “kinsmen” or “rich neighbors;” but in none of
these cases is such entertainment a ground of merit for they may “bid thee
again;” but if kindness is shown to the poor or rich simply for their good
and with no thought of personal gain either present or future, the deed
will not be without its reward: “for thou shalt be recompensed in the
resurrection of the just.”
Possibly this reference or some similar reference called forth from one of
the guests the exclamation, “Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the
kingdom of God.” Jesus took the occasion to give the parable of the Great
Supper, by which he illustrated the sinful folly of refusing to accept his
offer of salvation. In this story those who were bidden to the feast at
first feigned a willingness to come, but subsequently, by their refusal
and their flimsy excuses, they showed their complete absorption in selfish
interests and their utter disregard for their host. However, their places
were filled with other guests, some of them poor and helpless, from their
own city; others were vagrants from the highways and hedges beyond. Thus
Jesus plainly pictured the refusal by the rulers and Pharisees of his
offered salvation and its acceptance, first by publicans and sinners, and
then by despised Gentiles.
There was, however, a message for each one who heard the story, and there
is a message to-day for anyone who is rejecting Christ. The Pharisees, by
inviting Jesus to dine, pretended to feel some sympathy for him as a
prophet, while in their hearts they hated him; and the very man whose
pious and sentimental remark about “the kingdom of God” occasioned the
parable, was unwilling to accept the invitation to “eat bread in the
kingdom of God” which Jesus was presenting.
So there are those to-day who show an outward respect for Christian truth
and talk sentimentally about the Kingdom of God, who, however, are so
absorbed in selfish interests and have so little real love for God that
they refuse the offer of salvation, while social outcasts and despised
heathen gladly accept the invitation to life and divine fellowship and
eternal joy.
4. Counting the Cost. Ch. 14:25-35
25 Now there went with him great multitudes: and he turned, and
said unto them, 26 If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his
own father, and mother, and wife and children, and brethren, and
sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27
Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot
be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower,
doth not first sit down and count the cost, whether he have
_wherewith_ to complete it? 29 Lest haply, when he hath laid a
foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to
mock him, 30 saying, This man began to build, and was not able to
finish. 31 Or what king, as he goeth to encounter another king in
war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able
with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty
thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he
sendeth an ambassage, and asketh conditions of peace. 33 So
therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he
hath, he cannot be my disciple. 34 Salt therefore is good: but if
even the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
35 It is fit neither for the land nor for the dunghill: _men_ cast
it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
As Jesus was journeying on toward Jerusalem the attending crowds were
increasing in size and in excitement. The people imagined that he was
about to establish a kingdom in pomp and splendor and power, and in these
glories they expected to share. To remove the misunderstanding, Jesus
turned to declare the true conditions of discipleship. His followers must
expect sacrifice and suffering and be willing to part with all they
possessed, even with life itself. When he declared that they must hate
their kindred and their own lives, he of course meant that they must love
them less than they loved him, regarding them with aversion only in so far
as they were opposed to him or stood in the way of his service. To be his
disciple one must be willing to “bear his own cross,” which was a symbol
of suffering and of death; one must continually yield his will to the will
of Christ, no matter what hardship or loss might be involved.
Jesus did not wish to discourage men from following him, but warned them
first to count the cost. This he illustrated by referring to the folly of
laying the foundation for a building without first estimating the entire
expense and one’s ability to meet it; he also stated, as a further
illustration, the rashness of entering a war without first calculating
what sacrifices must be made to win. Jesus did not mean that it is better
not to begin the Christian life than to begin and fail, but that it is not
wise even to begin unless one first realizes that it involves a readiness
to renounce everything which the service of Christ may demand. “So
therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he
cannot be my disciple.”
Nothing could be more useless than a worldly and selfish and willful
follower of Christ; he is like salt that has lost its savor; he lacks the
very essence of discipleship; he can be of no possible service to his
Lord.
5. The Prodigal Son. Ch. 15
1 Now all the publicans and sinners were drawing near unto him to
hear him. 2 And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured,
saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3 And he spake unto them this parable saying, 4 What man of you,
having a hundred sheep, and having lost one of them, doth not
leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that
which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he
layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home,
he calleth together his friends and his neighbors, saying unto
them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7
I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one
sinner that repenteth, _more_ than over ninety and nine righteous
persons, who need no repentance.
8 Or what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one
piece, doth not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and seek
diligently until she find it? 9 And when she hath found it, she
calleth together her friends and neighbors, saying, Rejoice with
me, for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Even so, I say
unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over
one sinner that repenteth.
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 and the younger of
them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of _thy_
substance that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together
and took his journey into a far country; and there he wasted his
substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there
arose a mighty famine in that country; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that
country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he
would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did
eat: and no man gave unto him. 17 But when he came to himself he
said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and
to spare, and I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to
my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against
heaven, and in thy sight: 19 I am no more worthy to be called thy
son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and
came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw
him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck,
and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have
sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be
called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring
forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on
his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 and bring the fatted calf,
_and_ kill it, and let us eat, and make merry: 24 for this my son
was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they
began to be merry. 25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as
he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26
And he called to him one of the servants, and inquired what these
things might be. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and
thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received
him safe and sound. 28 But he was angry, and would not go in: and
his father came out, and entreated him. 29 But he answered and
said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, and I
never transgressed a commandment of thine; and _yet_ thou never
gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30 but
when this thy son came, who hath devoured thy living with harlots,
thou killedst for him the fatted calf. 31 And he said unto him,
Son, thou art ever with me, and all that is mine is thine. 32 But
it was meet to make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was
dead, and is alive _again_; and _was_ lost, and is found.
The precious and matchless parable of the Prodigal Son belongs naturally
to Luke. Its literary charm, its tender beauty, its deep human interest,
its breadth of sympathy, its perfect picture of the grace and love of God,
all are in peculiar accord with the purpose and genius of this Gospel.
The parable is linked with two others, the teachings of which it includes
and completes: the parables of the Lost Sheep and of the Lost Coin. The
occasion of all three parables was the censure passed by the Pharisees
upon Jesus because of his association with social outcasts and his cordial
welcome to penitent sinners. Jesus rebuked his enemies by showing that it
is natural to rejoice in the recovery of a lost sheep or a lost coin or a
lost son: much more, then, must God rejoice in the recovery of a lost
soul. Evidently they who fail to share his joy must be out of sympathy and
fellowship with him.
The first parable reveals the love of God in depicting his compassion for
the distress and helplessness of the sinner. The second shows how precious
a lost soul is in the sight of the loving God. Both of them picture his
yearning and patient effort for the recovery of the sinner and his
abounding joy in the restoration of the lost. The statement that “there
shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over
ninety and nine righteous persons, who need no repentance,” is not to be
interpreted too literally. It does not mean that God finds more
satisfaction in a repentant sinner than in a sinless saint. Jesus was here
referring definitely to the penitent publicans and to the self-righteous
Pharisees. God did not take delight in the sins of the former, nor did he
regard the state of the latter as perfect, even taking the Pharisees at
their best and regarding them as faithful to the laws of God. Whatever its
motive, morality is always better than lawlessness and impurity. However,
a repentant sinner who understands the grace and mercy of God is always
more pleasing to him than the Pharisee, proud, critical, and unloving,
however correct he may be in his moral behavior.
This truth is made more plain in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Here we
have perfectly described the experience of the repentant sinner and also
the unsympathetic attitude of the disdainful Pharisee. The first is
represented in the story by the prodigal and the second by the conduct of
his elder brother.
In describing the waywardness of this younger son, Jesus gave a complete
picture of the character and consequences of sin. Some have thought that
the parable of the Lost Sheep indicates that sin is due in part to
ignorance and folly and that the parable of the Lost Coin shows that it
may be occasioned by misfortune or accident. The parable of the Prodigal
Son, however, shows that it is usually due to willful choice and to a
desire for indulgence. Its results are sketched in appalling colors. We
are shown all its disillusion, suffering, slavery, and despair. As a
picture of the inevitable consequences of sin, no touch could be added to
the scene of the prodigal in the far country when he had spent all, when
the famine had arisen, when he had sold himself to feed swine and was
unable to be satisfied even with the coarse food he was providing for
beasts.
Nor is there any more beautiful picture of repentance than was drawn when
the Master described the prodigal as “he came to himself,” his sin had not
been mere folly, it had been madness. He remembered a former time of joy
and plenty in his early home. He realized his present desperate need; he
resolved to arise and go to his father. Most of all, he saw that his
offense had been not only against a loving, earthly parent but against
God, and that he was wholly undeserving of fellowship with his father.
Repentance is not only sorrow for sin; it is an acknowledgment that the
offense has been committed against a holy God; it is a change of heart
toward him, and a resolution for a new life which manifests itself in
definite action. “He arose, and came to his father.”
Strictly speaking, this is the end of the parable of the Prodigal Son. In
another sense the most beautiful part immediately follows. It is a
description of the matchless love shown by God to every repentant soul.
The father had never ceased to love the prodigal or to hope and yearn for
his return. He had been eagerly looking for his wayward son. The first
sight of the prodigal filled his heart with compassion; he “ran, and fell
on his neck, and kissed him.” The prodigal was ready to confess his fault,
but the father scarcely heard his words as he commanded the servants to
“bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on
his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring the fatted calf, and kill it,
and let us eat, and make merry.” It is a picture not only of pardon but of
complete restoration. It assures the sinner that as he turns to God he
will be received into the closest fellowship of a son and heir and that
his return will give joy to the heart of God who will regard him as one
that “was dead, and is alive again,” as one who “was lost, and is found.”
The picture of the elder son is exquisitely sketched. It was
unquestionably intended to describe the loveless Pharisees who envied the
joy of the repentant publicans and sinners. It furthermore brings a
message to all persons in every age to whom religion is merely a matter of
unwilling obedience and of loveless faithfulness to the laws of God. It
depicts souls out of fellowship with God, feeling no real joy in his
service and sharing none of his gladness in the salvation of lost souls.
The elder brother knew nothing of the experience of a true son. He was
merely a slave. When the prodigal returned he was not watching with his
father, he was “in the field;” when he learned that his brother had been
welcomed to the home he was filled with anger. He refused to enter the
house and when his father came out to entreat him, he accused him of
partiality and unkindness. His words described admirably the
self-righteousness of the Pharisees, “I never transgressed a commandment
of thine;” they also show how little he appreciated his true privileges,
“thou never gavest me a kid.” The reply of his father intimates the
possibilities which he never had appreciated and the privileges which he
never had enjoyed, “Son, thou art ever with me, and all that is mine is
thine.” It had always been possible for the Pharisees to enjoy the grace
and mercy and love of God; but to them religion had been a mere burdensome
round of rites and duties. It had given no satisfaction, no gladness, to
their hearts. Something of their experience is paralleled even by
Christians of the present day. Failing to appreciate the gracious pardon
of God and his willingness to supply every spiritual need, forgetting the
possibility of living in daily communion and fellowship with him, knowing
nothing of his joys in the salvation and repentance of lost souls, they
are seeking in their own strength, wearily and joylessly, to do the things
that they believe to be right and to obey the commands of God, but their
lives are like those of servants, not like the free, joyous, loving
experience of true sons.
Possibly the most artistic touch in the parable is its abrupt close. We do
not know whether the elder son yielded to the entreaty of his father or
not. It was an appeal to the Pharisees; would they accept the grace of God
and further his plans for the salvation of the lost, or would they
continue to criticize and envy the repentant sinner? Shall we live as
servants or as sons?
6. The Unrighteous Steward. Ch. 16:1-13
1 And he said also unto the disciples, There was a certain rich
man, who had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he
was wasting his goods. 2 And he called him, and said unto him,
What is this that I hear of thee? render the account of thy
stewardship; for thou canst be no longer steward. 3 And the
steward said within himself, What shall I do, seeing that my lord
taketh away the stewardship from me? I have not strength to dig;
to beg I am ashamed. 4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am
put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
5 And calling to him each one of his lord’s debtors, he said to
the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? 6 And he said, A
hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bond, and
sit down quickly and write fifty. 7 Then said he to another, And
how much owest thou? And he said, A hundred measures of wheat. He
saith unto him, Take thy bond, and write fourscore.
8 And his lord commended the unrighteous steward because he had
done wisely: for the sons of this world are for their own
generation wiser than the sons of the light. 9 And I say unto you,
Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of
unrighteousness; that, when it shall fail, they may receive you
into the eternal tabernacles. 10 He that is faithful in a very
little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a
very little is unrighteous also in much. 11 If therefore ye have
not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to
your trust the true _riches_? 12 And if ye have not been faithful
in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your
own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate
the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and
despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
The parable of the Unrighteous Steward is often regarded as the most
perplexing of all the parables of our Lord. It seems to picture a man who
robbed his master and received his master’s praise and was pointed to by
Jesus as an example for his followers; further, it seems to indicate that
a place in heaven can be purchased with money. A more careful reading
shows that the praise was bestowed, not for dishonesty, but for prudence
and foresight, that our Lord would have his followers imitate these good
qualities in a bad man, and further that it is possible to use wealth so
generously as to secure endless satisfaction and joy.
The story is that of a steward or a trustee who was in charge of the
property of a rich landowner. Report had reached his master of the
extravagance and dishonesty of this servant. An account was demanded and
he was certain to lose his position. However, he seized on the opportunity
which was still his so to use the wealth intrusted to him as to secure
friends who would provide a home for him when his stewardship had been
lost.
The story is intended to illustrate the stewardship of wealth. No money is
really owned by a follower of Christ; it is simply intrusted to him to be
wisely used in accordance with the will of the Master. For its use a
strict account must some day be made. It will, therefore, be the part of
wisdom and of prudence so to use that which is now intrusted that in the
eternity to come there will be no regret but only joy for the way in which
wealth was employed. In the parable the steward was guilty of fraud, as he
reduced the debts of those who owed money to his master. He was really
using for his future benefit money which was not his own. Of course the
Christian is to act with scrupulous honesty; nevertheless, as he benefits
others by his generous gifts, he really is using money which belongs to
the Lord, but of course he is using it in accordance with the will of his
Master.
In applying the parable, Jesus indicated that the right use of money,
which seeks the welfare of others, applies not only to the rich but also
to the poor, “He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in
much.”
Jesus further indicated that the stewardship which all Christians now
enjoy is a training for larger service in the life to come. “If therefore
ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to
your trust the true riches?”
The motive which inspires fidelity as stewards is that of love. The
difficulty with the dishonest servant was that he was disloyal to his
master and was really seeking to serve himself. One who really loves his
Lord will be faithful in the use of that which is intrusted to him. The
danger of stewards is that of divided allegiance. “No servant can serve
two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else
he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and
mammon.”
7. The Rich Man and Lazarus. Ch. 16:14-31
14 And the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these
things; and they scoffed at him. 15 And he said unto them, Ye are
they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth
your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination
in the sight of God. 16 The law and the prophets _were_ until
John: from that time the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached,
and every man entereth violently into it. 17 But it is easier for
heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to
fall.
18 Every one that putteth away his wife, and marrieth another,
committeth adultery: and he that marrieth one that is put away
from a husband committeth adultery.
19 Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple
and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day: 20 and a certain
beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 and
desiring to be fed with the _crumbs_ that fell from the rich man’s
table; yea, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it
came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away
by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: and the rich man also died,
and was buried. 23 And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in
torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send
Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool
my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame. 25 But Abraham said,
Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good
things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is
comforted, and thou art in anguish. 26 And besides all this,
between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that
would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may
cross over from thence to us. 27 And he said, I pray thee
therefore, father, that thou wouldst send him to my father’s
house; 28 for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them,
lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 But Abraham
saith, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30
And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one go to them from the
dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not
Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one
rise from the dead.
The parable of the Unrighteous Steward was intended to teach the
possibility of the right use of wealth. The parable of the Rich Man and
Lazarus was designed by our Lord to warn his hearers against its abuse.
Between the two parables Luke records a number of sayings, the connection
of which cannot be determined beyond question but they seem to have been
quoted by him as an introduction to the second of these parables, vs.
14-18. They contain a rebuke of the Pharisees for their besetting sin of
avarice and a statement of the unfailing authority of the Law, the letter
of which they observed, but by the spirit of which they were condemned.
These Pharisees ridiculed our Lord for teaching the absolute necessity of
generosity and benevolence and the unselfish use of wealth. Our Lord
replied that while these enemies of his might receive the approval of men,
God read their hearts and many who received human praise were but
abominable in the sight of God. Jesus stated that while the gospel message
did differ from the Law and while many were eagerly accepting its blessed
privileges, it did not set aside the Law, but only showed how its demands
could be met. When he stated that “one tittle of the law” could not fall,
he referred to the minute projections which distinguish Hebrew letters,
and meant that the slightest requirement of the Law was sacred and
abiding. He illustrated these truths by a reference to the Seventh
Commandment, and insisted that adultery did not lose its sinful character
because of any interpretation of the Law such as was put upon it by those
who were teaching lax theories of divorce. It was still sinful, even when
justified by civil enactment. Thus Jesus was reminding the Pharisees that
the Law might abide and be sacred even when legalists who observed its
letter were condemned.
In the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, Jesus by no means taught that
it is sinful to be rich or that the poor are all saved. He did mean to
suggest the solemn peril of the selfish use of wealth. The sin of the rich
man did not consist either in the way in which he had acquired his wealth
or in the fact that he possessed it, nor yet in any breach of moral law,
but in the plain statement that while he was living in selfish luxury one
who was in sore need lay unrelieved at his door. The rich man is commonly
called Dives, the Latin name for “a man of wealth.” Lazarus is the only
person in any parable of our Lord to whom a special name is given. It is
just possible that the name was intended to indicate the character of the
man as one who trusted in the help of God. The story shows not only the
contrast between the two men in the present life, but the still greater
contrast in the life that is to come. The picture is not to be interpreted
with absurd literalness; but it does contain a serious warning, and behind
its figures of speech are solemn realities. It does indicate the remorse
and the anguish which forever may be experienced by those who upon earth
make only a selfish and heartless use of wealth and position and
opportunity. The consequences are shown to be as endless as they are
distressing. A time of reversal is to come, a time of judgment and
retribution.
It is evident that Jesus was especially warning the Pharisees; the rich
man was a representative of this class who were notorious for their
scrupulous observance of law and for their lives of selfish luxury and
indulgence. The rich man addressed Abraham as his father, and was
addressed by Abraham as his son. This is an intimation that the most
orthodox Jew might be lost and come at last to a place of torment.
As the rich man requested that a special warning be sent to his brethren,
it is possible that he was expressing his sympathy; more probably he was
making an excuse and intimating that had he been given more light he would
not have so grievously sinned. The reply is, therefore, very significant,
“If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded,
if one rise from the dead.” It was an answer to the Pharisees for their
continual request that Jesus should give some striking sign by which they
would recognize his divine mission. Our Lord indicated that a striking
prodigy or miracle will never convince those whose hearts are not right
with God. He declared further that the Law and the Prophets plainly set
forth the divine requirement of love. One who fails to observe this
supreme law in the use of wealth and of all similar opportunities and
privileges is under condemnation and is in peril of eternal pain.
8. Warnings to the Disciples. Ch. 17:1-10
1 And he said unto his disciples, It is impossible but that
occasions of stumbling should come; but woe unto him, through whom
they come! 2 It were well for him if a millstone were hanged about
his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he
should cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 Take heed to
yourselves: if thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent,
forgive him. 4 And if he sin against thee seven times in the day,
and seven times turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt
forgive him.
5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 6 And
the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye
would say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou rooted up, and be thou
planted in the sea; and it would obey you. 7 But who is there of
you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say unto
him, when he is come in from the field, Come straightway and sit
down to meat; 8 and will not rather say unto him, Make ready
wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have
eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9 Doth
he thank the servant because he did the things that were
commanded? 10 Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the
things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants;
we have done that which it was our duty to do.
After the severe rebuke given by our Lord to the Pharisees in view of
their selfish abuse of wealth, Luke records four apparently disconnected
warnings given to the disciples. The first, vs. 1, 2, was against the
peril of causing others to sin. In this world of selfishness and of evil
desire, our Lord declared, it is inevitable that such offenses will be
committed, but he pronounced a solemn woe upon anyone guilty of this
grievous fault. He declared that it would be better for such a person to
be drowned in the sea rather than to allow himself to become guilty of
such a sin. The death of the body is far preferable to the death of the
soul. Therefore, Jesus warned his followers lest they might lead anyone
astray or causes anyone to stumble, particularly such as might be in years
or experience less mature than themselves. No age of the Church has been
without its tragedies in which power and influence have been selfishly
used to mislead innocent souls, and no life is beyond the possibility of
placing stumblingblocks in the paths of others or of exerting even
unconsciously influences which may cause others to sin.
In the second warning, here recorded by Luke, vs. 3, 4, Jesus guarded his
disciples against lack of charity. He intimated that his followers should
be ready always to forgive. He did not advise weakness or indifference to
sin; he suggested that a brother who offends may deserve and should
receive a rebuke. It is proper that he should be made to feel and to
appreciate his fault. Nevertheless, he is to be treated with kindness and
if he sincerely repents, he is to be forgiven freely. Even if he repeats
his sin with frequency, no revenge is to be harbored against him. Jesus
suggested that his offense might be committed “seven times in the day,” by
which he meant an unlimited repetition of the fault; even then if his
repentance is sincere, forgiveness must not be denied.
The twelve apostles, probably in view of the particular responsibilities
which rested upon them, turned to their Master with the petition, “Lord,
increase our faith.” The reply contains a solemn warning, that there is
need of such increase, a far greater need than the petitioners realized.
Nevertheless, there is also in the reply a gracious promise. They were
lovingly rebuked for their lack of faith, but they were reassured by a
revelation of the unlimited power of faith. Our Lord asserted that if they
possessed real faith, even so small as to be compared with one of the most
minute objects in nature, namely, “a grain of mustard seed,” they would be
able by a word to accomplish incredible results, speaking figuratively, to
cause a mulberry tree to be rooted up and planted in the sea. The
followers of Christ to-day need to be reminded of these same truths,
namely, of the narrow limits to which faith is usually confined and the
unbounded possibilities which might be theirs if their trust in Christ
were more simple, more unquestioning, and more real. Vs. 5, 6.
The fourth warning here recorded rebukes the pride, the self-confidence,
the desire for praise and for reward, which too often characterize the
followers of Christ. Jesus taught that no human works, however perfect,
give a claim upon God, but are merely the fulfillment of duty. This truth
is set forth in the parable of the Unprofitable Servant. Vs. 7-10. The
word “unprofitable” does not mean worthless, but merely implies one who
has not gone beyond his obligation or duty. The picture is that of a slave
who has labored faithfully in the field and who when the day is done
merely continues in the evening to accomplish his appointed tasks. His
master does not show any particular gratitude to one who is doing that
which he is expected to do. He does not especially praise his servant for
doing the things commanded.
So in the case of every man, a life of the most blameless holiness and
love is no more than God requires. It is no ground on which a special
reward can be demanded. It is no reason for expecting promotion or praise.
To do less would be to neglect an obvious duty, and to do more than duty
is impossible. While this parable rebukes all pride and cuts off all merit
of works, it is nevertheless true that in other parables our Lord taught
the certainty of rewards which he is to grant faithful servants not as a
matter of compulsion on his part but in loving grace.
C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28
1. The Samaritan Leper. Ch. 17:11-19
11 And it came to pass, as they were on the way to Jerusalem, that
he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as
he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were
lepers, who stood afar off: 13 and they lifted up their voices,
saying, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 14 And when he saw them,
he said unto them, Go and show yourselves unto the priests. And it
came to pass, as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of
them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, with a loud
voice glorifying God; 16 and he fell upon his face at his feet,
giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answering
said, Were not the ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 Were
there none found that returned to give glory to God, save this
stranger? 19 And he said unto him, Arise, and go thy way: thy
faith hath made thee whole.
The healing of ten lepers begins the closing cycle of incidents which
marked the last journeys of Jesus toward Jerusalem. It is quite like Luke
to record this miracle, for the chief feature of the story is the
gratitude and the blessing of a Samaritan, and Luke is ever describing
Jesus as the Saviour, not only of the Jews, but of the whole human race.
There is in this miracle, however, another peculiar feature; before the
lepers were cured they were bidden to go to the priests and to declare
that the cure had been effected, and “As they went, they were cleansed.”
It required no little faith to start upon that journey; but they started,
and their faith was rewarded. So to-day when men come to Christ with their
request to be delivered from sin, he commands them to act as though the
petition already were granted, and with the act of faith comes the answer
to the prayer. The command of Christ involved a promise and upon his
promises we can always rely with absolute safety.
One of the lepers “When he saw that he was healed, turned back, with a
loud voice glorifying God; and he fell upon his face at his feet, giving
thanks: and he was a Samaritan.” There is something of surprise and
sadness in the question of Jesus as he saw this restored leper lying at
his feet: “Were not the ten cleansed? but where are the nine? Were there
none found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger?” It is
always surprising to find that ingratitude is so common among men. Nine
out of ten probably will forget every favor they may receive. It is rare
that one realizes and acknowledges his debt. Still more sad it is to see
so few among those who have accepted the salvation of Christ showing real
gratitude in lives of joyous service and declaring that they are
constrained to live for him who died for them.
There was, however, for the Samaritan a glad word of blessed assurance and
promise, “Arise, and go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” Jesus
either meant to call attention to the means of the cure, namely faith in
himself, and so to nurture that germ of new life into fuller trust in his
divine person; or he meant to say that the faith which first had secured
the healing of the body and which was manifested in the man’s return and
his gratitude now secured for him the salvation of his soul. In either
case we are reminded that gratitude is often found where least it is
expected; that it is always pleasing to our Lord; and that it is the
certain condition of further blessedness and joy.
2. The Coming of the Kingdom. Ch. 17:20-37
20 And being asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God
cometh, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not
with observation: 21 neither shall they say, Lo, here! or, There!
for lo, the kingdom of God is within you.
22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye
shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye
shall not see it. 23 And they shall say to you, Lo, there! Lo,
here! go not away, nor follow after _them_: 24 for as the
lightning, when it lighteneth out of the one part under the
heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall the Son
of man be in his day. 25 But first must he suffer many things and
be rejected of this generation. 26 And as it came to pass in the
days of Noah, even so shall it be also in the days of the Son of
man. 27 They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in
marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the
flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise even as it came to
pass in the days of Lot; they ate, they drank, they bought, they
sold, they planted, they builded; 29 but in the day that Lot went
out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and
destroyed them all: 30 after the same manner shall it be in the
day that the Son of man is revealed. 31 In that day, he that shall
be on the housetop, and his goods in the house, let him not go
down to take them away: and let him that is in the field likewise
not return back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whosoever shall seek
to gain his life shall lose it: but whosoever shall lose _his
life_ shall preserve it. 34 I say unto you, In that night there
shall be two men on one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other
shall be left. 35 There shall be two women grinding together; the
one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. 37 And they
answering say unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Where
the body _is_, thither will the eagles also be gathered together.
Either in mere curiosity or with a desire for debate the Pharisees
approached Jesus with a question as to when the Kingdom of God would come.
Jesus replied that it would not come in such manner as they were
expecting, nor would it appear as a visible development of which they
could say, “It is here,” or “there,” for, in the person of the King, it
was already “in the midst” of them and they did not recognize it. Thus
when Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you,” he could hardly have
meant that it was in the hearts of the hostile and godless Pharisees; nor
is the familiar and beautiful conception of the Kingdom as “a reign of God
in human hearts” thus expressed in the New Testament. Jesus more probably
meant that in his own person and work the Kingdom was present. The essence
of this Kingdom is always spiritual and consists in “righteousness and
peace and joy.” It is to have, however, a future, visible manifestation at
the appearing of the King. The question as to the time and manner of its
coming is not to be asked either to satisfy mere curiosity or to arouse
controversy; for men of the world, like the Pharisees, the important fact
is that Christ, who is ever a divine and spiritual presence, is to be
accepted as Master and Lord; his service always issues in new and more
blessed life.
To the disciples, who trusted him, it was possible for Jesus to answer
more in detail the question as to the coming of the Kingdom which is to be
inaugurated in splendor on his return. He told them that they must expect
first a period of long delay in which their weary hearts would often yearn
for a single day of the coming glory and that many deceivers would point
to places and times of his appearing. However, when he did appear it would
be with suddenness and unmistakable splendor, like the lightning which in
an instant flashes across the whole heaven.
First, however, this King who will then come to reign must suffer and die;
and the world which has rejected him will not be expecting his return.
When he does reappear the race will be in the same carnal security,
careless and indifferent and absorbed in the usual occupations of life, as
were the men in the time of the Flood or the inhabitants of Sodom in the
day of its doom.
On the contrary, those who are to share the glories of the Kingdom must be
looking for their returning Lord. Their proper attitude of mind is
pictured by a series of acts; one who is on the housetop is not to come
down to secure his goods; one in the field will not return to his house;
they will not look backward, but will go forth eagerly to meet their
Master in whom alone is their safety and their hope.
It will be a time of certain separations even for those most closely
related; for example, two men will be sleeping in the same bed: one will
be taken and the other left; two women will be sharing a common task: one
will be taken and the other left. This word “taken” is the same beautiful
expression found in the Gospel of John, where is recorded Jesus’ promise,
“I ... will receive you unto myself.” It speaks of the peace and joy and
blessedness of those who gladly welcome the coming of the King.
At a question from the disciples as to where such judgment would take
place, our Lord replied that it will be universal; wherever the carcass is
there the vultures will be gathered together; where there is corruption
and sin, there will judgment fall. Yet this judgment will be followed by
the splendor of the Kingdom for which the followers of Christ watch and
pray and labor and wait.
3. The Unrighteous Judge. Ch. 18:1-8
1 And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought
always to pray, and not to faint; 2 saying, There was in a city a
judge, who feared not God, and regarded not man: 3 and there was a
widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me
of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward
he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5
yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest she
wear me out by her continual coming. 6 And the Lord said, Hear
what the unrighteous judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his
elect, that cry to him day and night, and _yet_ he is
longsuffering over them? 8 I say unto you, that he will avenge
them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he
find faith on the earth?
The parable of the Unrighteous Judge was spoken in direct connection with
the instructions given to the disciples by their Master in reference to
his return. It is, therefore, not merely a general exhortation to prayer,
but to prayer for the coming of Christ, and more specifically to the
confident expectation of this event and of the blessedness which will
result.
It does, however, contain a very real encouragement to prayer and for all
Christians and at all times. The argument is this: If an unjust judge, who
has regard for neither God nor man, would yield to the importunity of an
unknown widow because he feared that she would annoy him by her repeated
requests, how much more will a just God be ready to reward the persevering
petitions of his own loved ones who cry to him continually!
In spite of all the mysteries involved, the followers of Christ should
pray without ceasing, and with all importunity should present their
petitions with the assurance that God does hear and in his own time will
answer.
The particular force of the parable relates, however, to the Church in her
conscious weakness and loneliness, in the age between the crucifixion and
the second coming of Christ. Jesus had just given a description of the
world at the time of his return. He had pictured the prevalent
carelessness and indifference and absorption in earthly pursuits, and now
he wished to encourage his followers to be patient and to turn their
hearts toward him in expectation and prayer. The widow in the parable is
not so much requesting that an enemy should be punished as that she should
be given her property rights for which she is applying to the judge. So
the Church is pictured, not simply as crying for vengeance upon
persecutors, but rather as longing and praying for all those blessings
which have been promised and which will be received at the coming of the
Lord.
There is a deep mournfulness in the question which Jesus asked after
expounding his parable, “Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall
he find faith on the earth?” Will there still remain those who are true to
Christ, who love him and are looking for his return? The very question is
a solemn warning against the peril of being overcome by prevalent
worldliness and unbelief. However, the answer is not to be given in a
spirit of hopelessness and pessimism and despair. The Church will always
have her adversaries, she ever will need to be on her guard against the
worldly influences by which she is surrounded. However, there will always
be those who are true to him who has chosen them out of the world, and
after long days of weary waiting their hearts will rejoice in the sudden
appearing of the righteous judge who will bring with him glories brighter
than they have dared to ask or to expect.
4. The Pharisee and the Publican. Ch. 18:9-14
9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in
themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee,
and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus
with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men,
extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I
fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get. 13 But
the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his
eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou
merciful to me a sinner. 14 I say unto you, This man went down to
his house justified rather than the other: for every one that
exalteth himself shall be humbled: but he that humbleth himself
shall be exalted.
The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican was designed to teach
humility not only in prayer but in every estimate of oneself and in every
approach to God. It further contrasts the religion of form with the
religion of the heart. It shows that the way of penitence is the only path
to pardon and to peace.
It was not addressed to Pharisees, although it is a severe exposure of the
hypocrisy and self-deception of Pharisaism of every kind. Jesus seems
rather to have had in mind some of his own followers; but whatever their
class or profession, Pharisees have their representatives in every age and
land. They are described as “certain who trusted in themselves that they
were righteous, and set all others at nought.”
Such, indeed, was the Pharisee here described. He had gone up to the
Temple to pray; he stood in some conspicuous place; he addressed God but
he uttered no true prayer. He began by saying, “I thank thee,” but he
really addressed himself. He rejoiced that in comparison with other men he
formed a class by himself. He declared all others to be “extortioners,
unjust, adulterers,” and as an example of such sinners he pointed to the
poor publican at whom he was looking instead of looking to God. He boasted
that he had refrained from the sins of other men and also that he had
performed more good deeds than the law required. Moses instituted no
obligatory fast; but the Pharisee fasted twice in the week. Moses exempted
certain things from the tithe; the Pharisee had tithed his entire income.
In other words, he had been better than God required. He had placed God
under obligation to him. How little does such a man understand the real
holiness of God, of the requirements of that law the essence of which is
love!
In striking contrast the publican was standing at a respectful distance
from the supposed saint whose formal piety had impressed his fellow men.
He did not venture even to look toward heaven. He beat upon his breast, as
a sign of mourning, and cried out in anguish, “God, be thou merciful to me
a sinner.” The original words seem to imply that he regarded himself as
likewise distinct from all other men. He felt and confessed himself to be
“the sinner;” but as he acknowledged his guilt and turned to God in
penitence, he was accepted as righteous in the sight of God and received
pardon and peace.
There can be no misunderstanding as to the lesson which the Master wished
to impress. “This man went down to his house justified rather than the
other.” A sense of guilt and a yearning for pardon and a cry to God for
mercy—this is the very beginning of a new life; and however far one may
progress in holiness there is ever need of similar humility. The nearer
one is to God, the more conscious is he of his sinfulness and the less
likely to boast of his own moral attainments. The more one acknowledges
his unworthiness, the better is he prepared to serve his Master and his
fellow men. The pride of Pharisaism on the part of nations, as well as in
the lives of individuals, stands in the way of helpfulness and brotherhood
and the favor of God. What is needed to-day is universal repentance, a
manifestation of the humble and the contrite heart; “For every one that
exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be
exalted.”
5. Jesus Receiving Little Children. Ch. 18:15-17
15 And they were bringing unto him also their babes, that he
should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked
them. 16 But Jesus called them unto him saying, Suffer the little
children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such
belongeth the kingdom of God. 17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever
shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall
in no wise enter therein.
This charming picture of Jesus blessing little children is sketched by
Matthew and Mark as well as by Luke. Its attractiveness has given it a
place on the canvas of many an artist. Its symbolic message is being
accepted by the modern Church, “They were bringing unto him also their
babes.” The parents were probably carrying these children in their arms.
They realized that not only the lepers and the infirm needed the touch of
Christ, but that the power of the Master would bring blessing to the
children as well.
This touch may properly picture that personal relation and spiritual
contact with Christ which to-day, with equal eagerness, should be sought
for their children by all parents. “When the disciples saw it, they
rebuked them.” They seemed to have felt that children were too
insignificant to be allowed to interfere with the work or to demand the
attention of Christ. At this present time there are many things which tend
to keep parents from bringing their children to the Master: custom and
carelessness and indifference and fear and diffidence; even friends seem
to play the part of those “disciples” and to conspire to prevent and
rebuke those who really long to see their children brought into a
sanctifying relationship to the Lord. No problem of to-day is more
important than the removal of such barriers and obstacles. The Christian
nurture of children is the supreme need of the times. “But Jesus called
them unto him, saying, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and
forbid them not.” This reply of the Master has cast an unfading halo about
the faces of all children. Their innocence and their need made a special
appeal to the Master. Should it not affect us in like manner, and should
we not feel that no work is more Christlike and none more blessed than the
care of these little ones whom our Lord so truly loves? We are the real
servants of our Master only as we feel the appeal of childhood and as we
seek to supply to children their physical and mental and spiritual needs.
“For to such belongeth the kingdom of God.” It is theirs by right. It
belongs not only to those particular children whom Jesus was then
blessing, not only to all children in general, but to all of whatever age
who are childlike in their trust and dependence and purity. All those who
are intrusted to the care of the Master and who accept his saving grace
will find a place in his Kingdom.
As the crowds gazed in wonder and sympathy on this tender scene, our Lord
added this word of warning, “Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of
God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.”
6. The Rich Ruler. Ch. 18:18-30
18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Teacher, what shall
I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why
callest thou me good? none is good, save one, _even_ God. 20 Thou
knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do
not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and mother.
21 And he said, All these things have I observed from my youth up.
22 And when Jesus heard it, he said unto him, One thing thou
lackest yet: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the
poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
23 But when he heard these things, he became exceedingly
sorrowful; for he was very rich. 24 And Jesus seeing him said, How
hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
25 For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle’s
eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And
they that heard it said, Then who can be saved? 27 But he said,
The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. 28
And Peter said, Lo, we have left our own, and followed thee. 29
And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that
hath left house, or wife, or brethren or parents, or children, for
the kingdom of God’s sake, 30 who shall not receive manifold more
in this time, and in the world to come eternal life.
In contrast with the penitent publican and with the loving trust of little
children which Luke has been depicting, there steps upon the scene a young
man, rich, upright, morally earnest, but apparently unconscious of the
sinful greed which threatened his soul and of that trust in riches which
might prevent his entering the Kingdom of God. In spite of his riches, his
youth, his position, and his power, his heart was not satisfied. He had
come to Jesus with the question, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit
eternal life?” Jesus at once rebuked him, “Why callest thou me good? none
is good, save one, even God.” By this reproof Jesus was neither defending
his own divinity nor denying his sinlessness. He wished to convince the
young man of his moral need. He intimated that the thoughtless use of the
word “good,” addressed to one whom he regarded as a human teacher, was a
proof that the young man had a superficial view of goodness. Judged by a
divine standard the young inquirer could not claim to be good, nor can any
man regard himself as righteous in the light of divine holiness.
In order to awaken the conscience and to disturb the complacent
self-righteousness of the young inquirer, Jesus now tested him in the
light of the commandments in which God has revealed his holy will. The
youth at once replied, “All these things have I observed from my youth
up.” Jesus now applied the deep probe which showed that the man had never
observed the spirit of the Law, even though he believed that he had kept
the letter. Jesus disclosed the real selfishness of the heart as he
proposed a supreme test: “One thing thou lackest yet: sell all that thou
hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in
heaven: and come, follow me.” In this sentence Jesus convicted the man of
having broken the Law, the essential requirement of which was to love his
neighbor as himself.
Jesus promised an eternal recompense for sacrifice, and he offers by his
personal companionship the influence and power which will make the keeping
of the Law more possible and complete. No one can claim to be righteous
when judged by the commandments as interpreted by Christ. Our only hope is
to come to him for guidance and help. He will lay bare the secret
selfishness of our hearts, and will develop the spirit of love and service
which forms the essence of eternal life, and in heaven he will ultimately
recompense his followers for every loss.
Jesus does not demand that all who obey him must literally leave their
worldly possessions. In his command to the rich ruler he was dealing with
a specific case. He does demand, however, that each one shall give up
anything which prevents open, honest discipleship and fellowship with
himself. In the case of this inquirer the obstacle was his wealth. It was
impossible for him to retain it and yet to follow Christ. The Master made
plain to him that his goodness had been superficial and inadequate. He
showed him that love of money was the canker which had been hidden in his
soul. He plainly placed before him the necessity of choosing between his
wealth and the eternal life which Jesus alone can give. No wonder that
when the young ruler heard the stern requirements and realized for the
first time that he was controlled by his wealth, “He became exceeding
sorrowful; for he was very rich.” He kept his wealth and he rejected his
Saviour. He saw the possibility of eternal life, but he was not willing to
pay the price. He retained his riches, but he lost his soul.
As Jesus looked upon him in pity, he startled his disciples by the
statement of a truth which the scene had illustrated: “How hardly shall
they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” This was
particularly surprising to the Jews. They imagined that wealth was a
positive proof of divine favor. What then did Jesus mean? He did not
intend to teach that wealth is sinful or that private property is a social
wrong. He meant that riches may possibly keep their possessor from
Christian discipleship and that one who seeks to satisfy himself with such
wealth as keeps him from Christ can never enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus
even added a pardonable hyperbole, “It is easier for a camel to enter in
through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of
God.” One who would enter that Kingdom must become as a little child; he
must abandon all trust in self, and be willing to sacrifice anything which
prevents his becoming an obedient servant of Christ. When the disciples
heard this, they were astonished and asked, “Then who can be saved?” Our
Lord replied, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with
God.” It does require resolution and decision and sacrifice, but God is
ready to supply all needed grace. His spirit can strengthen those who turn
to him in their conscious need and with a real desire for a higher life.
As the rich man moved away sorrowfully in his costly robes, Peter looked
upon him with apparent scorn, and turned to Jesus with the self-complacent
remark, “Lo, we have left our own, and followed thee.” The reply of Jesus
was not intended to encourage men to follow him in hope of gain. His
salvation is a matter of grace. We are not to think that by any sacrifice
of worldly goods we can purchase eternal life. However, the tender words
of the Master do remind us that a rich recompense will be received for all
that we may surrender in becoming his disciples. Even in this present time
one receives a hundredfold reward, not in literal kind but in experiences
which now satisfy the soul and “in the world to come eternal life.”
7. Jesus Again Foretelling His Death. Ch. 18:31-34
31 And he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we
go up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through
the prophets shall be accomplished unto the Son of man. 32 For he
shall be delivered up unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and
shamefully treated, and spit upon: 33 and they shall scourge and
kill him: and the third day he shall rise again. 34 And they
understood none of these things; and this saying was hid from
them, and they perceived not the things that were said.
As Jesus moved southward through Perea, nearing the end of his last
journey to Jerusalem, he was accompanied by admiring multitudes, but his
own heart was heavy with the knowledge of the suffering that awaited him
and he clearly saw before him the outline of the cross. Many of his
followers to-day share his experience in part; even in surroundings which
all observers envy, their hearts are crushed by secret sorrows and by the
knowledge of approaching pain.
Those who then were nearest to him were quite unconscious of his thoughts
or his need of sympathy. Then for the third time Jesus clearly predicted
his approaching death. He declared that his sufferings were to be in
accordance with written prophecy and now more clearly than ever he
described the details of all the anguish he must endure. He was to be
“delivered up unto the Gentiles” and therefore to be crucified, and with
all the sickening accompaniments of mockery and spitting and scourging, he
was to be killed.
Such a clear vision of what awaited him enhances for us the revelation of
his matchless heroism as he moved forward with unfaltering tread, giving
an inspiring example to each one who may be asked to take up the cross and
come after him.
Such knowledge reveals one who consciously was more than man, such a
confidence that he was fulfilling the prophecies of the inspired
Scriptures shows that he regarded himself as the Saviour of the world.
Such a willingness to suffer demonstrates the fact that he believed his
atoning death to be an essential part of his redeeming work.
The grave, however, was by no means his goal. With absolute definiteness
he declared that on the third day he would rise again. This vision of
triumph was in part the explanation of his courage. It was in virtue of
such a resurrection victory that he could be the Saviour of mankind.
His disciples, however, understood none of these things; with threefold
emphasis Luke describes their dullness of apprehension. They did not
believe that his death was necessary and for them the resurrection was not
even a dream. Their lack of expectation only made them more credible
witnesses of that resurrection when it did occur. However, would not a
clearer vision, unclouded by false notions of their own, have enabled them
to understand their Master and to bring some cheer to his lonely soul; and
does he not always desire his followers to accept his predictions with
implicit faith and to rest upon his promises with triumphant hope?
8. The Blind Man at Jericho. Ch. 18:35-43
35 And it came to pass, as he drew nigh unto Jericho, a certain
blind man sat by the way side begging: 36 and hearing a multitude
going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 And they told him, that
Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. 38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou
son of David, have mercy on me. 39 And they that went before
rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the
more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. 40 And
Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he
was come near, he asked him, 41 What wilt thou that I should do
unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. 42 And
Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath made thee
whole. 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him,
glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise
unto God.
As for the last time Jesus was journeying through Jericho, he healed a
blind man whom Mark in his record names Bartimæus. This miracle was a
proof of divine power and an expression of human sympathy, but it was also
a parable of the ability which Jesus alone has of giving sight to the
morally blind and of imparting that spiritual vision which is absolutely
necessary if men are to live in right relations to one another and to God.
In certain minor details Luke’s account differs from those of Matthew and
Mark. The former mentions two blind men and agrees with Mark in stating
that the miracle occurred as Jesus was leaving the city. Possibly Mark and
Luke refer to the best known of the two men and Luke may designate the
older of the two towns which bore the name of Jericho. All agree, however,
in picturing the pitiful condition of the helpless man who because of his
blindness was reduced to beggary and was a true symbol of the misery to
which one is brought by the lack of spiritual sight.
Then there is the picture of the obstacles to be overcome, of the doubts
and difficulties that lie in the way of those who seek to come under the
healing influence of our Lord. “They that went before rebuked him, that he
should hold his peace.” Often do those who yearn for light and healing
hear words which dishearten and suggestions which lead to hopelessness and
despair!
Again there is the picture of eager determination and of unshaken faith.
“He cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.”
He had been told that “Jesus of Nazareth” was passing by. He, however,
called him “Jesus, thou son of David.” He recognized the Prophet of
Nazareth as the promised Messiah, the Saviour of the world, and when
rebuked for crying to him for mercy, he continued steadfast in his faith
and his confident trust that Jesus would sympathize and heal.
Lastly, there is the picture of complete relief. The blind man was not
disappointed. Jesus said unto him, “Receive thy sight: thy faith hath made
thee whole.” How many likewise have found Christ able and willing to give
them spiritual vision! Their eyes have been opened to behold things unseen
and eternal and they have been enabled to follow the Master with joyful
footsteps as they journey toward the celestial city where they will see
the King in his beauty and will be like him when they “see him even as he
is.”
Such miracles of grace rejoice the hearts not only of those who are
healed; they occasion gratitude and joy to countless others also as they
are assured of the sympathy and grace and divine power of the Saviour. As
Luke here states, “All the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto
God.”
9. The Conversion of Zacchaeus. Ch. 19:1-10
1 And he entered and was passing through Jericho. 2 And behold, a
man called by name Zacchæus; and he was a chief publican, and he
was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not
for the crowd, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran on
before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was
to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked
up, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for
to-day I must abide at thy house. 6 And he made haste and came
down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all
murmured, saying, He is gone in to lodge with a man that is a
sinner. 8 And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord, Behold,
Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor: and if I have
wrongfully exacted aught of any man, I restore fourfold. 9 And
Jesus said unto him, To-day is salvation come to this house,
forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man
came to seek and to save that which was lost.
“And he entered and was passing through Jericho,” a city famous alike for
faith and unbelief. “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down,” and in
blind unbelief they were rebuilt and the curse which had been pronounced
came upon the defiant builder. As Jesus passed through the city he was to
witness faith and unbelief, the latter to be shown by multitudes, the
former by a single man named Zacchæus. This name signifies “holiness” but
it was a poor designation of the man. Those who knew him best called him a
“sinner,” and they were probably right. “He was a chief publican, and he
was rich.” A man might be a publican and be honest, but he would probably
be poor. Zacchæus’ task was that of a taxgatherer, and when it is
remembered that these officials made their wealth by extortion and
dishonesty, to say the least, it was suspicious when a taxgatherer was
rich.
“He sought to see Jesus who he was.” It may have been curiosity, but there
was a certain eagerness in his desire. He possibly had heard of the great
Prophet who was so kind in his treatment of publicans and sinners.
However, he could not see Jesus “for the crowd, because he was little of
stature.” Obstacles often arise in the way of those whose attention is
first turned toward Christ. If, however, they are earnest in their desire,
they are certain to learn more of him.
The earnestness of Zacchæus was shown as “he ran on before, and climbed up
into a sycomore tree to see him.” There was something undignified in the
action of this little man of wealth, but his eagerness received an
unexpected reward, for “When Jesus came to the place he looked up, and
said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must
abide at thy house.” This is the only time so far as we know that Jesus
invited himself to be a guest, but we are certain that he is ever ready to
abide with those whose hearts are open to receive him. It has been said
that Zacchæus was converted before he had reached the ground. There can be
no doubt that a great change came into his heart as he realized how fully
Jesus knew him and anticipated what the Saviour could do for him; and his
faith and hope were manifest at once. “He made haste, and came down, and
received him joyfully.”
What did the crowd say? Exactly what the world always says when a man is
turning to Christ and seeking to begin a new life. Men always call to mind
the dark past from which the rescued man is turning. “They all murmured,
saying, He is gone in to lodge with a man that is a sinner.”
What did Zacchæus say? What every man says who has found the grace which
Christ bestows and who realizes that a new life can begin only with
repentance and resolution. “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to
the poor.” Thus he determined, as a Christian, to do far more than was
required by the Jewish Law; that Law required a tenth; Zacchæus promised
that half of all his income would be used in the service of the Lord. “And
if I have wrongfully exacted aught of any man, I restore fourfold.” There
can be little doubt that any publican would find large opportunities for
such restoration; and nothing more definitely indicates true repentance
than the desire to make amends for the past.
What did Jesus say? This is most important of all, “To-day is salvation
come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” By his
faith the publican of Jericho showed himself to be a true son of Abraham,
the “father of the faithful.” His trust in Christ secured for him that
salvation which is offered to all, even to the lowest and most hopeless
and despised. “For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was
lost.”
10. The Parable of the Pounds. Ch. 19:11-28
11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable,
because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and _because_ they supposed that
the kingdom of God was immediately to appear. 12 He said
therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive
for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called ten
servants of his, and gave them ten pounds, and said unto them,
Trade ye _herewith_ till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him,
and sent an ambassage after him, saying, We will not that this man
reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, when he was come back
again, having received the kingdom, that he commanded these
servants, unto whom he had given the money, to be called to him,
that he might know what they had gained by trading. 16 And the
first came before him, saying, Lord, thy pound hath made ten
pounds more. 17 And he said unto him, Well done, thou good
servant: because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have
thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying,
Thy pound, Lord, hath made five pounds. 19 And he said unto him
also, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying,
Lord, behold, _here_ is thy pound, which I kept laid up in a
napkin: 21 for I feared thee, because thou art an austere man:
thou takest up that which thou layedst not down, and reapest that
which thou didst not sow. 22 He saith unto him, Out of thine own
mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I
am an austere man, taking up that which I laid not down, and
reaping that which I did not sow; 23 then wherefore gavest thou
not my money into the bank, and I at my coming should have
required it with interest? 24 And he said unto them that stood by,
Take away from him the pound, and give it unto him that hath the
ten pounds. 25 And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.
26 I say unto you, that unto every one that hath shall be given;
but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken
away from him. 27 But these mine enemies, that would not that I
should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
28 And when he had thus spoken, he went on before, going up to
Jerusalem.
Jesus felt impelled to deliver the parable of the Pounds because of the
mistaken belief among the crowds that on his arrival in Jerusalem he would
establish his Kingdom. He well knew that he was to be rejected and
crucified, and that a long interval of time would elapse before his return
in triumph. In this parable he definitely predicted this rejection and
warned the unbelieving Jews of their peril. On the other hand he
encouraged his disciples to wait with patience for his return, to watch
for his coming, and to be engaged diligently in his service, promising to
the faithful, abundant and gracious rewards.
This parable of the Pounds should be studied in connection with the
parables of the Unprofitable Servant, ch. 17:7-10, the Laborers in the
Vineyard, Matt. 20:1-16, and the Talents, Matt. 25:14-30. The first
teaches that no reward can be claimed as a matter of merit; in view of all
that the Master has given us, even pouring out his life for our
redemption, we never by the most faithful service could begin to pay the
debt we owe; even the most loyal devotion would be no ground for claiming
a reward.
The parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard likewise warns us against a
mercenary spirit in which we might serve the Master for the sake of a
reward, bargaining for so much labor for so much pay, jealous of those who
may receive as much as ourselves, though deserving, as we believe, less.
However, while no reward may be deserved, and while the hope of reward
should not be the motive for service, the Master has assured us that, in
absolute grace and with perfect justice, rewards will be granted to those
who are found faithful when he returns. The parable of the Talents teaches
that while opportunities and abilities for the service of Christ may
differ, those who are equally faithful will receive equal rewards. The
parable of the Pounds tells us that when opportunities are the same,
greater faithfulness will receive greater reward.
This latter parable was delivered, as Luke tells us, because Jesus “was
nigh to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was
immediately to appear.” Jesus therefore compared himself with a nobleman
who went into a far country, “to receive for himself a kingdom, and to
return.” Jesus was always indicating the fact that there would be a long
delay after his ascension before he would return, and that meanwhile his
followers should be faithful to the opportunities granted them for serving
their Master. In this parable Jesus pictured these opportunities under the
figure of pounds, that is, sums of money amounting to something like
sixteen dollars each. In comparison with a “talent” this was an
insignificant sum. Our Lord wished to suggest that to every one of his
followers something is intrusted which may be used for the advancement of
his cause.
Jesus knew that the Jews were not only to reject him but were to continue
in unbelief after his departure; thus in the parable he stated that “his
citizens hated him, and sent an ambassage after him, saying, We will not
that this man reign over us.” The main portion of the picture, however, is
concerned with the return of the nobleman and the reward of his servants.
This reward was proportioned to fidelity during the time of his absence.
By way of example, one who had so used his pound as to gain ten pounds was
made the ruler over ten cities; and one who had gained five, was appointed
over five cities. The reward for service is thus shown to be larger
service. Faithfulness in that which is very small is a preparation for
larger responsibilities and more glorious tasks. This is true in the
present, and the principle will be the same in the future.
One man was found, however, who had made no use of his pound. He had kept
it “laid up in a napkin.” His excuse was that he feared his master and he
said, almost boastfully, that he had not lost what had been intrusted to
him. He was giving back that which he had been given him. The nobleman,
however, properly rebuked this unfaithful servant in the very terms which
he himself had used. If the master was known to be so strict, the servant
should have been prepared to give a better account of his stewardship. It
is true that one cause for unfaithfulness is an ignorance of the true
nature of our Lord. Some are really afraid to undertake Christian service
because they do not know, what the parable could not indicate, namely,
that he who intrusts us with opportunities and abilities will give us
grace, if we seek to do our best and with a real desire to advance the
interests of our Lord, try to use the little which we have. Thus the
nobleman rebuked the unfaithful servant for not having done the least
which was possible. He could have placed the money in the bank and then if
nothing more, the master would have received the interest on the loan.
There is always something which every servant of Christ can do for him.
There is never any real excuse for idleness and inactivity and failure to
achieve something in the cause of Christ.
The pound was taken from the unfaithful servant and given to him who had
secured the ten pounds, because our Lord wished to illustrate the truth
that with our opportunities and privileges and gifts, the principle, use
or lose, always applies. The right employment of even small gifts results
in their enlargement, but failure to appreciate and employ that which we
possess results in its ultimate loss. “Unto every one that hath shall be
given; but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken
away from him.”
The parable closes with a solemn warning to those who reject Christ. It is
not only perilous to be unfaithful in his service but pitiful to be found
in the class of those who refuse to acknowledge him as Lord. Jesus
describes in these last words not only the destruction of Jerusalem, but
the penalty of all who share in rejecting his rule. “But these mine
enemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and
slay them before me.”
The time of his departure was at hand. The nation was about to reject him.
The nobleman was just to start for the far country, for “When he had thus
spoken, he went on before, going up to Jerusalem.”
VI. THE CLOSING MINISTRY. CHS. 19:29 TO 21:38
A. The Triumphal Entry. Ch. 19:29-48
29 And it came to pass, when he drew nigh unto Bethphage and
Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the
disciples, 30 saying, Go your way into the village over against
_you_; in which as ye enter ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no
man ever yet sat: loose him, and bring him. 31 And if anyone ask
you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say, The Lord hath need of
him. 32 And they that were sent went away, and found even as he
had said unto them. 33 And as they were loosing the colt, the
owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? 34 And they
said, The Lord hath need of him. 35 And they brought him to Jesus:
and they threw their garments upon the colt, and set Jesus
thereon. 36 And as he went, they spread their garments in the way.
37 And as he was now drawing nigh, _even_ at the descent of the
mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to
rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works
which they had seen; 38 saying, Blessed _is_ the King that cometh
in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the
highest. 39 And some of the Pharisees from the multitude said unto
him, Teacher, rebuke thy disciples. 40 And he answered and said, I
tell you that, if these shall hold their peace, the stones will
cry out.
41 And when he drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it, 42
saying, If thou hadst known in this day, even thou, the things
which belong unto peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. 43
For the days shall come upon thee, when thine enemies shall cast
up a bank about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on
every side, 44 and shall dash thee to the ground, and thy children
within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon
another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
45 And he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that
sold, 46 saying unto them, It is written, And my house shall be a
house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of robbers.
47 And he was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests
and the scribes and the principal men of the people sought to
destroy him: 48 and they could not find what they might do; for
the people all hung upon him, listening.
The story of Luke is never lacking in human interest, but no scene is more
suffused with sentiment, none more vivid with color, than that which
pictures Jesus entering Jerusalem in triumph. We see our Lord mounted as a
king, surrounded by acclaiming multitudes, sweeping over the brow of
Olivet, while his attendant disciples spread their garments in the way and
hail him as the Messiah. We see him lamenting over the doomed city and
hear the harsh tones of the rulers who are plotting his death. With all
these shouts of joy and sobs of grief and mutterings of malice, surely no
scene is so full of emotion and none can illustrate more strikingly the
relation between religious feeling and religious faith.
An appeal to the eye and ear and heart may awaken sentiment and prepare
the way for the surrender of the will. There is to-day a proper place for
music and architecture and eloquence as aids to devotion. In the case of
the triumphal entry, Jesus planned every detail. He sent two disciples to
secure the colt on which he was to ride; he allowed the disciples to place
on the colt their garments, and as he rode toward the city he accepted the
acclamations of the crowd. When the Pharisees criticized Jesus for
permitting such praise and arousing such excitement, he declared that such
homage to himself was not only proper but necessary, and that if the
multitudes were silenced the very stones would “cry out” to welcome and to
honor him. Jesus was offering himself as King for the last time, and
therefore his offer was to be made in the most impressive way. He appealed
to the imagination. He stirred the emotions. He did not mean that he was
to be such a king as the people supposed; the borrowed colt, the garments
of peasants, the banners of leafy branches were not to be the permanent
furnishings of a court. He wished to secure the submission of their wills,
the complete surrender of their lives, and therefore he made this
stirring, dramatic, emotional appeal to the multitudes. He knew that
religious feeling is an aid to religious faith.
However, religious feeling is not to be confused with religious faith.
Emotion is no substitute for conviction. Jesus was not deceived. As he
caught sight of the sacred city and heard the bitter criticism of the
Pharisees, he realized the stubborn unbelief he was to encounter; he saw
his rejection and death and the consequent destruction of Jerusalem and he
pronounced his pathetic lament, “If thou hadst known in this day, even
thou, the things which belong unto peace!” He predicted the ghastly
horrors of the coming siege and the desolation of Zion and declared that
it was due to inability to see that he had come as a Saviour and that his
ministry had been a gracious visitation which might have resulted in
repentance and in continued life for the nation. It is the sad, sad lament
for what might have been.
Jesus entered the Temple and rebuked the rulers for allowing the house of
God to be desecrated by degrading traffic. As the story closes we see
Jesus standing in the center of the scene, on one hand the rulers plotting
against his life, and on his other the multitudes hanging admiringly upon
his words. Only too soon the rulers were to persuade the crowds to cry out
for his crucifixion, and we are reminded that religious feeling
unaccompanied by conviction may soon be chilled into indifference and
hate.
There were those, however, like the disciples, who never forgot this scene
of triumph. Its fuller meaning was appreciated in later years and as their
trust in Christ strengthened, they looked back with ever deeper emotions
upon the experiences of that memorable day; for it is true that religious
feeling is after all a natural and inevitable consequence of religious
faith.
B. The Question As To Authority. Ch. 20:1-8
1 And it came to pass, on one of the days, as he was teaching the
people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, there came upon
him the chief priests and the scribes with the elders; 2 and they
spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou
these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? 3 And he
answered and said unto them I also will ask you a question; and
tell me: 4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? 5
And they reasoned with themselves, saying, if we shall say, From
heaven; he will say, Why did ye not believe him? 6 But if we shall
say, From men; all the people will stone us: for they are
persuaded that John was a prophet. 7 And they answered, that they
knew not whence _it was_. 8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell
I you by what authority I do these things.
After his triumphal entry into the city, Jesus continued to be the popular
idol of the multitudes that thronged Jerusalem at the passover season. It
was this popularity which delayed the designs of the rulers, as they had
determined to put Jesus to death. They must first discredit him with the
people. With this in view they sent a deputation from their chief court,
the sanhedrin, to entrap Jesus in his talk or to bring him into conflict
with the Jewish or Roman rulers. They challenged him to state by what
authority he was receiving such honors as the Messiah, or driving the
traders from the Temple, or performing his miracles. Their question was
framed with subtle skill, “By what authority doest thou these things? or
who is he that gave thee this authority?” They placed Jesus in a dilemma;
if he should claim that authority had been delegated to him, then he might
be accused of disloyalty and of schism, in supplanting the recognized
“authorities” of the Jewish state; if he should claim inherent divine
authority, as identified with God, he might be condemned for blasphemy.
Jesus silenced his enemies with a question which involved them in a
counter dilemma: “The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?”
They could not say “from heaven,” for they had rejected John; they dared
not say “from men,” for they feared the people by whom John was regarded
as a prophet. So they tried to escape by cowardly replying that they did
not know. Agnosticism is usually cowardly and deserving of little respect.
But Jesus did more than silence them; he answered them. His question was
no irrelevant riddle by which he met a difficulty and delayed the
necessity of a reply. He definitely implied that the authority of John was
divine and that his own authority was the same; but as they were afraid to
deny the divine authority of John they were also powerless to deny that of
Jesus; and further he implied that if they had accepted the message of
John, they would be prepared to accept Jesus. It is true that if we are
afraid to accept the logical conclusions of our doubts and denials, we
never can hope to discover truth.
Jesus further rebuked and exposed his enemies. When they said that they
did not know, Jesus knew, and they knew, and the crowds knew, that they
were not honest; the Lord had laid bare their hypocrisy; he had made it
perfectly evident that the real question at issue was not authority but
obedience. The enemies of Jesus pretended that they wanted to know more of
his credentials; they really wanted to discredit and entrap him. The
modern enemies of our Lord declare that they want more proofs, more
evidence; what they really lack is love for God and submission to his
will. Those who do not repent when John preaches, will not believe when
Jesus offers to save. The world needs to-day, not more proof of divine
authority, but more obedience to the divine will.
Jesus absolutely discredited his enemies in the sight of the people. They
were the constituted authorities in all matters civil and religious, and
yet they were made to confess publicly that they were not competent to
judge a clear, familiar, important case relating to religious authority.
They really abdicated their position. They, therefore, were disqualified
to pass an opinion on the exactly parallel case of the authority of Jesus.
Jesus had defeated them with their own weapon. No wonder that
subsequently, when on trial before such judges, he refused to answer them
a word. He had shown their incompetence, their insincerity, their
unbelief. Honest doubters are deserving of sympathy; but professed seekers
after truth, who are unwilling to accept the consequences of belief,
should expect to receive no further light. An increasing knowledge of
divine realities is conditioned upon humble submission of the heart and
the will to what already has been revealed.
C. The Parable Of The Husbandmen. Ch. 20:9-18
9 And he began to speak unto the people this parable: A man
planted a vineyard, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into
another country for a long time. 10 And at the season he sent unto
the husbandmen a servant, that they should give him of the fruit
of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away
empty. 11 And he sent yet another servant: and him also they beat,
and handled him shamefully, and sent him away empty. 12 And he
sent yet a third: and him also they wounded, and cast him forth.
13 And the lord of the vineyard said, What shall I do? I will send
my beloved son; it may be they will reverence him. 14 But when the
husbandmen saw him, they reasoned with one another, saying, This
is the heir; let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. 15
And they cast him forth out of the vineyard, and killed him. What
therefore will the lord of the vineyard do unto them? 16 He will
come and destroy these husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto
others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid. 17 But he
looked upon them, and said, What then is this that is written,
The stone which the builders rejected,
The same was made the head of the corner?
18 Every one that falleth on that stone shall be broken to pieces;
but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will scatter him as dust.
To the malicious challenge of his enemies Jesus had already replied,
claiming for himself divine authority and condemning the rulers for their
guilty unbelief. He now added a parable, more clearly stating his claims
and more solemnly rebuking these hostile rulers and pronouncing judgment
upon the nation they represented. He told the story of a householder who
established and equipped a vineyard and let it out to tenants. He lived at
a distance and expected as rent a certain portion of the vintage. When he
sent for the fruit, however, his messengers were abused and killed; at
last his own son was sent and was slain. He determined to come and to
exact justice and to deliver his vineyard to tenants who were more worthy.
The parable was so plain that the enemies of Jesus perfectly understood
its meaning. The householder was his Father; the vineyard was Israel; the
husbandmen were the rulers to whom the nation had been intrusted; the
servants were the prophets sent to summon the people to repent and to
render to God the fruits of righteousness; the son was Jesus himself, who
thus claimed a unique relation to God, distinct from the prophets and from
all human messengers; the death of the heir was his own approaching
crucifixion; the return of the householder was the coming visitation of
divine judgment, the rejection of Israel, and the call of the Gentiles. It
was aside from the present purpose of Jesus to refer to the individual
Jews who would accept him and to the future conversion of the nation of
which Paul wrote. He wished now to emphasize his own rejection and the
guilt and punishment of the nation. He declared, however, that this death
would issue in his exaltation and triumph; that he was “the stone which
the builders rejected,” which “was made the head of the corner.” He also
warned his enemies that all who, in unbelief, should stumble on that
stone, all who should reject him, would be “broken to pieces,” and all who
should attempt to drag down that stone would be ground and scattered as
dust.
D. The Question As To Paying Tribute. Ch. 20:19-26
19 And the scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on
him in that very hour; and they feared the people: for they
perceived that he spake this parable against them. 20 And they
watched him, and sent forth spies, who feigned themselves to be
righteous, that they might take hold of his speech, so as to
deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor.
21 And they asked him, saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest
and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person _of any_, but
of a truth teachest the way of God: 22 Is it lawful for us to give
tribute unto Cæsar, or not? 23 But he perceived their craftiness,
and said unto them, 24 Show me a denarius. Whose image and
superscription hath it? And they said, Cæsar’s. 25 And he said
unto them, Then render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and
unto God the things that are God’s. 26 And they were not able to
take hold of the saying before the people: and they marvelled at
his answer, and held their peace.
The rulers had been defeated, discredited, and disgraced but they had not
been discouraged. In their first question they failed utterly to bring
Jesus into any unlawful opposition to the religious courts. They now
attempted by a new question to draw from him an answer which either would
make him unpopular with the people or would bring him under the
condemnation of the civil ruler. They asked him a question relative to the
payment of tribute to the Roman Government. The more conservative Jews
held that God was the ruler of Israel and that possibly it was wrong to
pay taxes to support a heathen state. The more liberal party sided with
the Herods, who owed their power to Rome. Therefore the enemies of Jesus
sent to him representatives of both parties, Pharisees and Herodians, so
that if he should avoid offending one party he would displease the other.
They approached Jesus with the flattering assurance that he was so
truthful and courageous that he would not hesitate to express his true
convictions; and then they proposed their artful question: “Is it lawful
for us to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?” Should Jesus say, “Yes”? Then
he would cease to be a popular idol, for the people loathed the hateful
oppression of Rome. Should Jesus say, “No”? Then his enemies would hurry
him away to the Roman governor and the cross, as a traitor and a rebel.
The dilemma seemed complete; yet Jesus not only escaped the snare, but, in
his reply, he enunciated a law for all time. “Render unto Cæsar the things
that are Cæsar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.”
To make plain his meaning, Jesus first called for a Roman coin, and asked
whose image and superscription it bore. The reply, of course, was
“Cæsar’s.” Jesus therefore declared that those who accept the protection
of a government and the privileges provided by a government, are under
obligation to support that government. Christianity never should be
identified with any political party or social theory; but Christians ever
should take their stand for loyalty, for order, and for law.
It is not the whole of life, however, to “render unto Cæsar the things
that are Cæsar’s;” one must also render “unto God the things that are
God’s.” The latter higher allegiance includes the former. The enemies of
Jesus suggested a conflict of duties; he showed that there was perfect
harmony. He intimated, however, that there was danger of forgetting God,
and our obligations to him of trust, service, worship, love. The true
basis for citizenship is devotion to God, and no political theory or party
allegiance can be taken as a substitute for loyalty to him. The enemies of
Jesus were answered and rebuked, and his followers were given guidance for
all the coming years.
E. The Question As To The Resurrection. Ch. 20:27-40
27 And there came to him certain of the Sadducees, they that say
that there is no resurrection; 28 and they asked him saying,
Teacher, Moses wrote unto us, that if a man’s brother die, having
a wife, and he be childless, his brother should take the wife, and
raise up seed unto his brother. 29 There were therefore seven
brethren: and the first took a wife, and died childless; 30 and
the second; 31 and the third took her; and likewise the seven also
left no children, and died. 32 Afterward the woman also died. 33
In the resurrection therefore whose wife of them shall she be? for
the seven had her to wife. 34 And Jesus said unto them, The sons
of this world marry, and are given in marriage: 35 but they that
are accounted worthy to attain to that world, and the resurrection
from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36 for
neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels;
and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37 But that
the dead are raised, even Moses showed, _in the place concerning_
the Bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God
of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is not the God of the
dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. 39 And certain of
the scribes answering said, Teacher, thou hast well said. 40 For
they durst not any more ask him any question.
Jesus had foiled the scribes and the chief priests in their plan to entrap
him in his public teaching. He was now attacked by the Sadducees who were
the priestly and most powerful party among the Jews. They denied the
immortality of the soul and believed neither in angels nor in spirits;
they represented the modern materialists. It is to be noted that the
question with which they approached Jesus was not one which referred only
to immortality but specifically to the resurrection of the body. They
proposed the case of a woman married successively to seven brothers from
each of whom she was separated by death; and they asked, “In the
resurrection therefore whose wife of them shall she be? for the seven had
her to wife.” They hoped that Jesus would either deny the orthodox belief
as to the resurrection or would make some statement which would contradict
the Law of Moses in accordance with which the successive marriages were
made. They implied that this accepted Law was inconsistent with the belief
in a resurrection.
In his reply Jesus declared that in the resurrection life will be
regulated by larger laws than are known in this present age. Those who
will share the glory of that age, and who will experience the blessedness
of “the resurrection from the dead” will be immortal in soul and body.
Marriage, which is now necessary for a continuance of the race, will no
longer exist. The relationships in that life will be higher than even the
most sacred relationship of the present life. Those who have a part in
this resurrection will be “equal unto the angels,” not in all particulars,
but in the fact that their state will be deathless. In that larger sense
they will be “sons of God” and “sons of the resurrection,” for death will
have lost its power over them.
Such a reply should be carefully weighed by men of the present day who
deny miracles and refuse to believe in resurrection and immortality. Many
beliefs which are now ridiculed because they seem to contradict
established laws of science will some day be vindicated by the discovery
of higher and more inclusive laws than are now known.
In his answer Jesus already had rebuked the Sadducees for denying the
existence of angels. He next established the fact of the resurrection by a
quotation from the very Law on which they had depended to show that
resurrection was impossible. He recalled the words recorded by Moses in
reference to “the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of
Jacob.” He then added, “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
Jesus meant to establish the fact of the continued existence of the dead;
yet not merely this, but to prove the resurrection of the dead. The latter
was the question at issue. The word “living,” as used by our Lord,
indicates those who are enjoying a normal life, not that of disembodied
spirits, but of immortal spirits clothed with deathless bodies. Therefore
Jesus added, “for all live unto him.” In the mind and purpose of God all
are to be raised from the dead and to enjoy that complete and blessed
existence which resurrection implies. The confident expectation of such a
future state is based on our relation to God. If he is truly our God and
we are his people, the triumph of death is not real and permanent but will
be ended by the glorious immortality of the body and of the soul.
F. The Question Of Jesus. Ch. 20:41-44
41 And he said unto them, How say they that the Christ is David’s
son? 42 For David himself saith in the book of Psalms,
The Lord said unto my Lord,
Sit thou on my right hand,
43 Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet.
David therefore calleth him Lord, and how is he his son?
Jesus had defeated his enemies in debate. They had come to him with a
series of crafty questions designed to discredit him as a public teacher
and to secure some ground for his arrest. To each of these questions he
had given a reply by which his foes had been unmasked and condemned. He
then asked them a question. It was intended not only forever to silence
his foes, though it accomplished this, for henceforth no man ventured to
meet him in public discussion; nor yet did Jesus desire further to
humiliate his enemies. In the presence of the people he had already shown
them to be ridiculous, contemptible, impotent, and insincere. His real
motive was to ask a question, the answer to which would embody the chief
of all his claims, namely, the claim that he is divine. It was of supreme
importance that this claim should be made at exactly this time. He knew
that the rulers had been unable to find a charge on which to arraign him
before either the ecclesiastical or the civil court. He realized that they
would dare to make no other attempt in public, but he clearly foresaw the
fact that, through the treachery of Judas, he would be arrested and,
before both these courts, would be arraigned on the charge of blasphemy.
His enemies would accuse him of claiming to be not only the Messiah but
also divine. On this occasion, therefore, in the presence both of the
rulers and the people, he made the defense which never can be broken or
forgotten as he definitely demonstrated from Scripture that the Messiah
was described by the inspired writers as a divine Being. All that Jesus
claimed for himself, as recorded in the Gospel of John, was included in
the answer which was implied by the question which he now asked. Even for
the present day it involves the supreme problem in the sphere of
philosophy and religion. This problem concerns the person of Christ. Is he
to be regarded as Man or God, or at once God and Man? Where is he to be
placed in the scale of being; or, as Jesus voiced the problem, how could
David speak of the coming Messiah as both his son and his Lord? There was
but one answer. There can be but one. The Messiah was to be divine. The
son of David is also the Son of God. The incarnation is the only solution
of our most serious difficulties in the realm of religious belief. By his
question Jesus not only silenced his enemies; he also showed their
insincerity in condemning him to death and their rejection of the inspired
Scriptures in their unwillingness to believe the testimony concerning the
person of the Messiah. Jesus unquestionably claimed to be the divine
Saviour of the world. The ideal Man is also the incarnate God.
G. The Warning Against The Scribes. Ch. 20:45-47
45 And in the hearing of all the people he said unto his
disciples, 46 Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long
robes, and love salutations in the marketplaces, and chief seats
in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts; 47 who devour
widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall
receive greater condemnation.
As the long day of public controversy drew to its close, it was not
strange that Jesus turned to warn the people against these enemies who had
been seeking to defeat him and who were determined upon his death. These
professed guides could not be followed safely. These rulers had shown
themselves to be unworthy of their place and power. The people must look
elsewhere for true teachers. They must find other men to interpret for
them the will of God.
The scribes were the professional teachers of the day, the trained
expositors of the Law. Most of them were Pharisees. They were of all men
the most bitter enemies of Christ; they were jealous of his power; they
were angered at his claims; and finally they had been goaded to
desperation by their humiliating defeat at his hands. Upon these men Jesus
pronounced the most stern condemnation. His words are recorded at length
by Matthew. In the brief summary of the discourse made by Mark and by Luke
we find only a few short sentences which sketch three principal features
in the character of these unworthy leaders of religious thought. The first
is their vanity, their ambition for display and for high position, and
their love of flattery. The second is their cruel avarice, expressed by
our Lord in the suggestive clause, “who devour widows’ houses.” The third
was their shameful hypocrisy; they are described as men who “for a
pretence make long prayers.” It has always been remarked that the most
bitter denunciations of Jesus were addressed to the men whose outward
lives were most respectable and whose religious professions were most
loud. This does not mean, however, that open vice and flagrant sin are
better than selfish and proud morality; but it does remind us that great
religious privileges and the possession of revealed truth involve solemn
responsibilities and that hypocrisy and pretense are abominations in the
sight of God.
H. The Widow’s Mites. Ch. 21:1-4
1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men that were casting their
gifts into the treasury. 2 And he saw a certain poor widow casting
in thither two mites. 3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you,
This poor widow cast in more than they all: 4 for all these did of
their superfluity cast in unto the gifts; but she of her want did
cast in all the living that she had.
What a contrast this charming sketch supplies to the picture which Jesus
drew of the Pharisees! In the eyes of the world the service of the poor
widow was meager and worthless, while the gifts of the hypocrites were
costly and great; in the eyes of the Lord their offerings were
comparatively worthless and she gave more than they all. As a matter of
fact, she had brought but two small coins, worth less than a half cent,
but they were all that she had. With this scene in mind we should be
careful not to call our offerings “mites” unless they are all that we
possess; we should be encouraged, however, to know that our Lord looks
upon the heart and estimates the gift by the motive and the love and the
sacrifice involved; above all, we should be reminded that we can best
measure our offerings not by what we give but by how much we keep. The
influence of the woman is still moving multitudes toward the treasury of
the Lord.
I. The Destruction Of Jerusalem And The Coming Of Christ. Ch. 21:5-38
During the days of his ministry Jesus frequently predicted his death and
also his return to glory. He saw clearly before him a cross but on the
distant horizon a throne. Again and again he had warned the Jews that
their rejection of him and of his call to repentance would result in the
destruction of Jerusalem and in the anguish of their race, and quite as
frequently he had told his disciples that while indeed he was to die and
rise again, a long period of time would pass before he would return in
glory to establish his Kingdom. The great, final discourse relating to the
future was delivered at the close of his last day of public controversy
and teaching. As Jesus sat with his disciples on the slope of the Mount of
Olives, as he looked westward and saw the sun sinking behind the majestic
buildings of the sacred city, he realized that in truth the night was
gathering over the nation, that his own day of earthly ministry was done,
and that the true dawning would not break for the world until the Son of
righteousness should arise in true glory, until he himself would return to
fill the earth with the peace and joy and splendor of his universal reign.
He, therefore, told his disciples with much detail the story of the
approaching destruction of Jerusalem and of his own return after the long
years of faithful service and of eager waiting which were appointed for
his followers.
This prophetic discourse of Jesus is difficult to interpret; first of all,
because it is phrased in figurative terms, the exact meaning of which is
not always apparent. Again it appears that we have only a partial report
of the prophecies then spoken by our Lord; it is necessary to compare the
records of Matthew and Mark with the statements here given by Luke, and
then to remember that we have probably only a fraction of the whole
discourse. In the third place, it is evident that our Lord was describing
not one event, but two. He was prophesying the literal overthrow of the
holy city by the armies of Rome, but he was using the colors of this
tragic scene to paint the picture of his own return in glory. So
interwoven are these two series of predictions that it is not always
evident whether the reference is to the nearer or to the more remote of
these events. While we may note with some definiteness the general outline
of the prophecy and while there need be little doubt as to its two
outstanding features, namely, the destruction of the city and the return
of our Lord, the study of this chapter should be undertaken with humility,
and our conclusions should be stated with caution and with reserve. The
result need not be bewilderment or despair; it should be encouragement and
more confident expectation of the coming of Christ and the ultimate
triumph of his cause.
1. The Present Age. Ch. 21:5-19
5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly
stones and offerings, he said, 6 As for these things which ye
behold, the days will come, in which there shall not be left here
one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 7 And they
asked him, saying, Teacher, when therefore shall these things be?
and what _shall_ be the sign when these things are about to come
to pass? 8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not led astray: for
many shall come in my name, saying, I am _he_; and, The time is at
hand: go ye not after them. 9 And when ye shall hear of wars and
tumults, be not terrified: for these things must needs come to
pass first; but the end is not immediately.
10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and
kingdom against kingdom; 11 and there shall be great earthquakes,
and in divers places famines and pestilences; and there shall be
terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these
things, they shall lay their hands on you, and shall persecute
you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you
before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 It shall turn
out unto you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts,
not to meditate beforehand how to answer: 15 for I will give you a
mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to
withstand or to gainsay. 16 But ye shall be delivered up even by
parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends; and _some_ of
you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated
of all men for my name’s sake. 18 And not a hair of your head
shall perish. 19 In your patience ye shall win your souls.
The occasion of this prophetic message was the question asked by the
disciples, as they gazed on the splendor of the Temple, concerning the
destruction of which Jesus had spoken as he declared that the days would
come “in which there shall not be left here one stone upon another, that
shall not be thrown down. And they asked him, saying, Teacher, when
therefore shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when these
things are about to come to pass?” In the words of Matthew, they also
asked, “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the
world?”
First of all, then, Jesus sketched for his disciples the character of this
present age down to its very end, and described the experiences of his
followers urging them to be faithful to him amidst all the commotions and
trials of the coming years until he should return. According to his
description the age will be characterized by the appearance of many
deceivers who will claim the allegiance of his followers and assume to
take the place of Christ. Furthermore, there will be wars and tumults but
by these believers are not to be terrified. It is always a temptation of
shallow minds to interpret every unusual event as a sign of the
approaching end of the world. Our Lord assured his disciples that all
through the passing years such events would happen without warranting the
conclusion that the great event is near; as he declared, “The end is not
immediately;” there would be a long period of delay; there would be a
political commotion, “Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom
against kingdom.” There would also be earthquakes, famines, pestilences,
and “great signs from heaven,” but these again must be regarded as
characteristics of the present age and not as signs of its approaching
end.
Furthermore, the followers of Christ must suffer bitter persecution and be
brought before kings and governors for his name’s sake. They must continue
steadfast in their testimony. They need not be troubled as to the exact
form of their witness but must trust the unseen Master to give them all
needed wisdom as they speak boldly in his name.
Most distressing of all, they must suffer from the treachery of “parents
and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends” and some of them must taste the
bitter cup of martyrdom; they will be hated of all men, yet their souls
will not perish. By their steadfast endurance they will win eternal
salvation. It is true, the picture is one of great hardship and distress
but its message has encouraged sufferers who in all ages have been
faithful in their testimony and have found the comfort and inspiration
which is possible for all as they look for the coming and Kingdom of
Christ.
2. The Destruction of Jerusalem. Ch. 21:20-24
20 But when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that
her desolation is at hand. 21 Then let them that are in Judæa flee
unto the mountains; and let them that are in the midst of her
depart out; and let not them that are in the country enter
therein. 22 For these are days of vengeance, that all things are
written may be fulfilled. 23 Woe unto them that are with child and
them that give suck in those days! for there shall be great
distress upon the land, and wrath unto this people. 24 And they
shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into
all the nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the
Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
As our Lord scanned the future he now fixed his eyes first of all upon
that dreadful event which in some of its features foreshadowed the end of
that age which he had been describing. On more than one occasion he had
predicted the destruction of Jerusalem. He now declared that the definite
sign of the descending doom would be the siege of the city: “When ye see
Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at
hand.” He warned those within the city to flee to the mountains and
declared that those who were in the country should not turn to the city
for safety, because the days of vengeance will have come and the
prophecies of punishment upon the guilty nation will be about to be
fulfilled. It would be a time of unparalleled distress and horror; as
Jesus declared, “They shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be
led captive into all the nations.” How literally his words were fulfilled
is a familiar fact of history. It would be difficult to recall another
scene of equally hideous carnage. It is estimated that a million Jews fell
victims to the slaughter and outrage of the soldiers under Titus, and that
unnumbered thousands were led as captives to Egypt and other lands.
Last of all Jesus predicted that Jerusalem would be “trodden down of the
Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” The first phrase
denotes something more than mere domination and Gentile control; it
indicates something of indignity and disgrace and humiliation and this
state of the holy city is to continue until “the times of the Gentiles”
are fulfilled, which probably means during all the ages of Gentile
control, and further, during all the seasons of grace in which the gospel
is being preached to the Gentile world, indeed, until the return of our
Lord. “Gentiles” are plainly contrasted with Jews, and not with
Christians. The mere fact that the sacred city has passed into control of
Christian powers is no proof that the age is near its end; for this end
there will be definite signs as Jesus himself proceeded to declare.
However, as one turns from this lurid picture of the destruction of the
historic city, and remembers how exactly these prophecies came to pass, it
should be with a new confidence in the further predictions made by Christ
and with a new belief that the more significant events of which he next
proceeded to speak will be fulfilled likewise with exactness and in all
their promised glory.
3. The Coming of Christ. Ch. 21:25-28
25 And there shall be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and
upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring
of the sea and the billows; 26 men fainting for fear, and for
expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the
powers of the heavens shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see
the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28
But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up
your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh.
Immediately before the return of our Lord, as the age draws to its close,
there are to be certain signs so definite, so startling, and so
terrifying, that they will leave no doubt that the predicted event is
immediately to follow. They are described, however, in terms which may be
largely figurative: “signs in the sun and moon and stars; and upon the
earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and
the billows; men fainting for fear ... for the powers of the heavens shall
be shaken;” then will occur the event toward which all the ages are
moving, for which the weary world has waited and by which the work of the
Church will be crowned and her hopes fulfilled, namely, the personal,
glorious appearing of the crucified, risen, ascended Lord. It may be a
time of distress for the impenitent but for believers it will be a time of
hope and expectation. When the signs of which Jesus spoke “begin to come
to pass,” then, according to the words of Jesus, his followers may
hopefully lift up their heads to greet their Deliverer, for their
redemption will be at hand. The coming of Christ will be an event
unexpected by the world, but Christians will be so definitely warned that
they can be looking for the promised deliverance and for the predicted
glory.
4. The Encouragement to Hope and Vigilance. Ch. 21:29-36
29 And he spake to them a parable: Behold the fig tree, and all
the trees: 30 when they now shoot forth, ye see it and know of
your own selves that the summer is now nigh. 31 Even so ye also,
when ye see these things coming to pass, know ye that the kingdom
of God is nigh. 32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall
not pass away, till all things be accomplished. 33 Heaven and
earth, shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
34 But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be
overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this
life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: 35 for _so_
shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the
earth. 36 But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that
ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass,
and to stand before the Son of man.
In speaking of his return in glory, Jesus mentioned certain definite signs
by which his followers will know that his coming is near. To explain more
clearly the purpose of these “signs,” Jesus spoke a brief parable in which
he compared their appearance to the foliage put forth in the springtime
which becomes a certain harbinger of the summer. Many have supposed that
Jesus indicated Israel by his reference to “the fig tree” and have
concluded that a revival of Judaism and a return of the Jews to Palestine
will be a certain indication that the present age is drawing to its close.
Whatever may be predicted elsewhere concerning the Jews, there is no such
reference here, for Jesus not only said, “Behold the fig tree,” but also,
“all the trees.” His meaning is perfectly plain. He did not refer to
nations under the figure of trees, but he declared that as the foliage is
a sure precursor of summer, so the signs of which he spoke are a certain
indication of his imminent return. “Even so ye also, when ye see these
things coming to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh,” the
Kingdom which is to be established in glory at the appearing of our Lord.
Jesus further awakened the expectation of his hearers by the statement,
“This generation shall not pass away, till all things be accomplished.” It
is improbable, as again many have supposed, that Jesus referred to the
Hebrew race by the term “this generation.” The words are almost certainly
to be interpreted in their usual significance and “all things” to be
“accomplished” refers to the destruction of Jerusalem regarded as the type
and symbol of the return of Christ. These two events are thus closely
related in this prophetic discourse and the literal fulfillment of the
first gives to believers a more confident assurance of the certain
occurrence of the latter: “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words
shall not pass away.” The hope that our Lord will come is not based on
human conjectures, but on his own unfailing predictions. All that is
material and temporal may cease to exist, but his promises are eternal.
In view of such glorious prophecies the heart of the Christian is ever to
be set upon the gracious realities relating to the coming of the Master.
The followers of Christ must be on their guard lest they be overcome by
the influences which Jesus described as characterizing the days
immediately preceding his return. There will be temptation to
self-indulgence and indifference and absorption in worldly cares.
Believers are warned to be on their watch lest the coming of Christ
overtake them unexpectedly, as indeed it will come upon others. They are
urged to watch and to pray that they may be able to escape from those
judgments which will break upon a guilty world, and may be counted worthy
to take their places in the glorious Kingdom of their Lord.
5. The Historic Statement. Ch. 21:37, 38
37 And every day he was teaching in the temple; and every night he
went out, and lodged in the mount that was called Olivet. 38 And
all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, to
hear him.
Luke closes his account of the discourse delivered by Jesus in reference
to his return by a statement which summarizes the general conditions which
marked the final events of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He states that Jesus
passed his days teaching in the Temple and spent the nights under the open
skies on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, and that the people were so
eager to hear him that they resorted to the Temple early each morning.
This statement is rather in the nature of a review. It marks a transition
in the narrative. In reality, Jesus seems to have returned to the city
only once more, when he was arrested and led forth to die. Luke prepares
us for these last events. The story has reached its climax.
VII. THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION. CHS. 22 TO 24
A. The Treachery Of Judas. Ch. 22:1-6
1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the
Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they
might put him to death; for they feared the people.
3 And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, being of
the number of the twelve. 4 And he went away, and communed with
the chief priests and captains, how he might deliver him unto
them. 5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. 6
And he consented, and sought opportunity to deliver him unto them
in the absence of the multitude.
The statement that “the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is
called the Passover,” forms a fitting preface to the story of the passion,
for the Hebrew feast commemorated the deliverance of Israel when the angel
of death passed over the homes which were marked with blood, and now a
greater redemption was to be purchased by the blood of Christ, and those
who would accept his salvation were to put away sin from their lives, even
as leaven was excluded from Hebrew homes during all the days of the feast.
The rulers of the Jews had already determined upon the death of Jesus.
Their problem lay in his immense popularity. They were determining to
delay until after the feast, when the great crowds would have left the
city, when suddenly help came to them from a most unexpected quarter.
Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve immediate followers of Jesus, offered to
betray his Master into the hands of the rulers at such a time and place as
they desired, namely, “in the absence of the multitude.” Of course the
chief priests and the officers of the Temple guard “were glad” and
contracted to pay the money demanded by the traitor for his treachery.
Luke states that Judas acted under the direction of Satan. We are not to
conclude, however, that he was a demoniac or that he lacked control of his
faculties. His act was deliberate, unsolicited, and without excuse. The
explanation is that he long had been cherishing his lust for gold. He had
listened to the suggestion of Satan and now he yielded himself to his foul
service. The alarming truth is that the treachery of Judas was not the act
of a unique monster, but only an example of what, finally, may be done by
any man who, in daily fellowship with Jesus, does not renounce his one
besetting sin. To resist continually the gracious influence of the Saviour
is to fall the more rapidly under the complete power of Satan.
B. The Last Supper. Ch. 22:7-38
7 And the day of unleavened bread came, on which the passover must
be sacrificed. 8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and make
ready for us the passover, that we may eat. 9 And they said unto
him, Where wilt thou that we make ready? 10 And he said unto them,
Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall meet you a
man bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house
whereinto he goeth. 11 And ye shall say unto the Master of the
house, The Teacher saith unto thee, Where is the guest-chamber,
where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? 12 And he will
show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. 13 And
they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready
the passover.
14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the apostles with
him. 15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat
this passover with you before I suffer: 16 For I say unto you, I
shall not eat it, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 17
And he received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, Take
this, and divide it among yourselves: 18 for I say unto you, I
shall not drink from henceforth of the fruit of the vine, until
the kingdom of God shall come. 19 And he took bread, and when he
had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is
my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20
And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the
new covenant in my blood, _even_ that which is poured out for you.
21 But behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the
table. 22 For the Son of man indeed goeth, as it hath been
determined: but woe unto that man through whom he is betrayed! 23
And they began to question among themselves, which of them it was
that should do this thing.
24 And there rose also a contention among them, which of them was
accounted to be the greatest. 25 And he said unto them, The kings
of the Gentiles have lordship over them; and they that have
authority over them are called Benefactors. 26 But ye _shall_ not
_be_ so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as
the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For
which is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is
not he that sitteth at meat? but I am in the midst of you as he
that serveth. 28 But ye are they that have continued with me in my
temptations; 29 and I appoint unto you a kingdom, even as my
Father appointed unto me, 30 that ye may eat and drink at my table
in my kingdom; and ye shall sit on thrones judging the twelve
tribes of Israel. 31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have
you, that he might sift you as wheat: 32 but I made supplication
for thee, that thy faith fail not; and do thou, when once thou
hast turned again, establish thy brethren. 33 And he said unto
him, Lord, with thee I am ready to go both to prison and to death.
34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this
day, until thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
35 And he said unto them, When I sent you forth without purse, and
wallet, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing. 36
And he said unto them, But now, he that that hath a purse, let him
take it, and likewise a wallet; and he that hath none, let him
sell his cloak, and buy a sword. 37 For I say unto you, that this
which is written must be fulfilled in me, And he was reckoned with
transgressors: for that which concerneth me hath fulfillment. 38
And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto
them, It is enough.
The last meal of which Jesus partook with his disciples was a passover
feast, and it was the occasion of the establishment of that sacrament
which is known as the Lord’s Supper. The passover called to mind a
national deliverance in the past and pointed forward to a greater
deliverance to come, which was effected by the death of Christ. The Lord’s
Supper points us backward to the great redemption he achieved by his
atoning death, and forward to the fuller redemption he will accomplish in
his return. The “Last Supper” may rightly be reviewed in connection with
the Christian sacrament, and the story here recorded may intimate to us
how this sacrament may be most helpfully observed.
1. It must be for us a time of retirement. So far as possible we must
exclude all distracting thoughts and fix our minds upon Christ and his
redeeming love. Jesus made such provision for his disciples. He sent Peter
and John to the city to prepare a room in which he might partake of the
passover with his disciples, but he was careful to provide against any
possible interruption. He did not mention to the disciples the place of
meeting. Had he done so, Judas would have disclosed the place to the
enemies who would have arrested Jesus in the midst of the supper. Our Lord
was careful to say to the two disciples that as they entered the city
there would meet them “a man bearing a pitcher of water;” they were to
follow him into the house and were there to prepare the passover.
According to the account of the other evangelists, it seems that after the
passover feast had been eaten and before Jesus established his memorial
supper, he dismissed Judas from the circle. Surely it must be our endeavor
to shut out from our hearts all traitorous and intrusive thoughts, that
during the sacred service we may be consciously alone with our Lord.
2. It is to be a time of communion. Our Lord had eagerly looked forward to
those hours to be spent with his disciples in unbroken fellowship. He had
much to tell them. He knew it was to be a season of tender farewell, and
he wished to strengthen them by messages of cheer and of hope. Probably in
the whole Bible there are no chapters more familiar, more tender, more
helpful, than those written by John containing the words spoken by our
Lord in the upper room on the occasion of this Last Supper. To those whose
hearts are prepared, the unseen Lord is surely present and ready to speak,
through the appointed symbols and by his Spirit, truths which will inspire
strength and joy.
3. It is to be a season of gratitude. The sacrament has often been called
the “Eucharist,” the service of “thanksgiving,” for we then call to mind
the infinite benefits secured for us by the atoning death of our Lord.
This is the supreme purpose of the feast. Jesus stated this clearly when
establishing it; the bread was to call to mind his body broken for us, and
the wine was to be a symbol of his blood, which as he said to his
disciples, was to be poured out for them. This supper is therefore to be a
memorial of redeeming grace; it is to show forth the Lord’s death, as he
himself said, “This do in remembrance of me.”
4. It is to be a time of hope. Even under the shadow of the cross our Lord
pointed his disciples to the glory of his throne; while their hearts were
torn by the thought of separation, he reminded them of a reunion when they
would eat and drink together “in the kingdom of God.” He declared that
they were to have a time of temptation, but if they suffered with him,
they would also reign with him. “I appoint unto you a kingdom, even as my
Father appointed unto me, that ye may eat and drink at my table in my
kingdom.” Thus the communion season is a time when we especially look
forward to glad reunions with those who have passed on before. We cheer
our hearts with visions of coming glory. Under the darkest shadows we look
for the opening skies and for the return of Christ; we “proclaim the
Lord’s death till he come.”
5. It is a time of consecration. While the disciples were seated at the
table they were disputing as to which of them was greatest. Our Saviour
gave them a memorable example when he stooped down and washed their feet,
and then most impressively he explained to them the character of true
greatness and showed that its essence lay in service; to quote his own
words, “He that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger;
and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.” As we turn from the table of
our Lord it should ever be with a desire to go forth in his name and to do
anything in our power to serve our fellow men, and to follow in his
footsteps who came “not to be ministered unto but to minister, and to give
his life a ransom for many.”
6. It should be a time of humility, when we realize anew our weakness and
our dependence upon Christ and his sustaining grace. Jesus found it
necessary to warn his disciples concerning their coming temptations and
trials, and particularly to foretell the fall of Peter. Turning to the
impulsive, affectionate, fickle disciple, who seems to have been the
leader of the apostolic band, he told him that Satan had desired to have
the disciples, to sift them as wheat, but that Jesus himself had made
special prayer for Peter that his faith should not fail, even though Jesus
foresaw that for a time his courage would give way and that he would deny
his Master. He urged Peter, however, to repent after his fall and to
encourage his fellow disciples. Such a statement of the weakness and
unfaithfulness which Peter was to manifest seemed incredible to him and he
protested, “Lord, with thee I am ready to go both to prison and to death.”
But Jesus sadly replied, “I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this
day, until thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.”
It is impossible to observe the Lord’s Supper without memories of past
failure, and it is only too true that similar experiences of weakness will
be shown in days to come. Every such disloyalty gives pain to our Lord,
but if our hearts are really yielded to him, our faults will be followed
by true repentance. If we really trust in him, he is ready to pardon; as
he prayed for Peter, so he is praying for us; though we at times stumble,
he will not allow us utterly to fall. He is able to save “to the uttermost
... seeing he ever liveth to make intercession” for us.
7. This should be a time of new resolution. We should be humble and
trustful in view of past and of possible future failures, but we should
determine to stand firmly in the strength which the Master supplies. He
told his followers in the upper room of the changed conditions which they
were to meet when he had been taken from them. The enemies who would take
his life would surely not treat his disciples with kindness. He assured
them that they were now to be left more to their own resources and that
they were to meet with the most bitter hostility. He even suggested that
it would be necessary for each one to buy a sword. They took his words
with absurd literalness and they said, “Lord, behold, here are two
swords.” It was with sad irony that Jesus replied, “It is enough.” Of
course, he did not mean that his followers are to use violence or are to
extend the gospel by means of force. He only wished us to be warned and to
resolve anew that in the spiritual conflict which awaits us we shall be
true to him as loyal soldiers of the cross. We go forth to battle, but on
some brighter morrow we shall be seated with him at a heavenly feast with
banquet and song.
C. The Agony In Gethsemane. Ch. 22:39-46
39 And he came out, and went, as his custom was, unto the mount of
Olives; and the disciples also followed him. 40 And when he was at
the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into
temptation. 41 And he was parted from them about a stone’s cast;
and he kneeled down and prayed, 42 saying, Father, if thou be
willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but
thine, be done. 43 And there appeared unto him an angel from
heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more
earnestly; and his sweat became as it were great drops of blood
falling down upon the ground. 45 And when he rose up from his
prayer, he came unto the disciples, and found them sleeping for
sorrow, 46 and said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, that
ye enter not into temptation.
From the quiet fellowship in the upper room Jesus with his disciples,
under the shadow of the night, went forth to the Garden of Gethsemane, a
favorite resort on the slope of the Mount of Olives, and he there
experienced that unequaled anguish of soul which is commonly known as his
“agony.” To enter the sacred privacy of that scene even in imagination
seems to be an intrusion, and yet some glimpses have been revealed for our
instruction and encouragement as his disciples.
There can be no doubt that this distress which seized him was due to his
clear vision of the death he was to endure on the following day; and this
very agony adds beyond measure to the meaning and the mystery of that
death. For any sensitive soul to shrink from pain and anguish is but
natural and pardonable; yet if Jesus suffered such incomparable agony
simply in view of physical torture, he was less heroic than many of his
followers have been. If, however, in the hour of death, he was to be so
identified with sin as to become the Redeemer of the world; if he was “to
give his life a ransom for many;” if his experience as the Lamb of God was
to be absolutely unique; if he was to endure the hiding of his Father’s
face, then we can understand why it was that in the dark hour of
anticipation his soul was sorrowful “even unto death.” The agony of our
Lord must never be supposed to reflect upon his human heroism; it is
rather a proof of his divine atonement. The “cup” which Jesus was asked to
drink consisted of death as “the Bearer of sin.”
In this hour of most bitter trial Jesus found relief in prayer. He had
come to Gethsemane that he might be alone with God. He had exhorted his
disciples to follow his example. When the agony most fiercely gripped his
lonely heart he still prayed and he was heard. The cup was not removed,
but “There appeared unto him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.” He
was given grace to drain the cup to its very dregs and death lost its
sting and the grave its terror. He was fitted for perfect sympathy with
those who are called upon to face the mystery of “unanswered prayer.” “He
became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation.”
Jesus prayed in faith; and the very essence of such believing prayer is
the willingness to obey. This was the petition which comes to us as an
example, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” He won his
victory by complete submission to the will of his Father. Henceforth there
was no more struggle. He turned with unfaltering step to meet betrayal and
agony and death. The hour struck and he was ready. “He was well content.”
D. The Arrest Of Jesus. Ch. 22:47-53
47 While he yet spake, behold, a multitude, and he that was called
Judas, one of the twelve, went before them; and he drew near unto
Jesus to kiss him. 48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest
thou the Son of man with a kiss? 49 And when they that were about
him saw what would follow, they said, Lord, shall we smite with
the sword? 50 And a certain one of them smote the servant of the
high priest, and struck off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered
and said, Suffer ye _them_ thus far. And he touched his ear, and
healed him. 52 And Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains
of the temple, and elders, that were come against him, Are ye come
out, as against a robber, with swords and staves? 53 When I was
daily with you in the temple, ye stretched not forth your hands
against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
The manner in which Judas concluded his foul crime was in perfect keeping
with its essential baseness. He led a multitude armed with swords and
clubs into the Garden where his Master was wont to retire for prayer, and
there betrayed him with a kiss, a sign which had been agreed upon in order
that, in the deep shadows, one of the disciples might not be mistaken for
the Master and arrested in his place. A kiss was a usual sign of
friendship, but the manner of Judas and the rebuke of Jesus indicate that
it was given with a false semblance of deep affection and was thus the
more repulsive to the Lord. Acts of disloyalty to Christ are even more
distressing to him in surroundings which are sacred and when committed by
those who have made loud protestations of love.
The fearless composure of the Master is now contrasted with the conduct of
his followers. They asked whether they should defend him with the sword,
and before he could reply, Peter rashly smote the servant of the high
priest and cut off his right ear. To this act Jesus made reply, “Suffer ye
them thus far;” the exact meaning is not certain, but probably he was
addressing his disciples to prevent further violence. He then touched the
ear of the servant and healed him. Only Luke, “the beloved physician,”
mentions this “unique miracle of surgery.” The incident has its message
for disciples in all ages. Violence and cruelty in the defense of the
cause of Christ misrepresent him to the world. The act of Peter gave
countenance to charges which would be preferred against Jesus, and further
resistance would have compromised the position of his Lord. However well
intended, such rash defenses weaken the cause they are designed to
promote.
Jesus turned to rebuke his enemies and resented the fact that they had
come against him as against a robber with swords and clubs. He reminded
them that daily he had taught in public. Their coming with violence, in
secrecy; and under the cover of night, was a proof that the arrest was
false and that it could not be justified. There had been abundant
opportunities during many days to seize him in public when he was
unprotected. Their present course bore its own condemnation; but he added
mournfully, “This is your hour, and the power of darkness.” In the mystery
of his providence God was allowing this iniquity. He was giving this
temporary authority to the forces of evil. It was to be a brief hour, but
those who willingly put it to such a use would incur eternal condemnation.
Nothing is more solemn than the possibility of using for evil ends the
liberty allotted us of God.
E. Peter’s Denial. Ch. 22:54-62
54 And they seized him, and led him _away_, and brought him into
the high priest’s house. But Peter followed afar off. 55 And when
they had kindled a fire in the midst of the court, and had sat
down together, Peter sat in the midst of them. 56 And a certain
maid seeing him as he sat in the light _of the fire_, and looking
stedfastly upon him, said, This man also was with him. 57 But he
denied, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58 And after a little while
another saw him, and said, Thou also art _one_ of them. But Peter
said, Man, I am not. 59 And after the space of about one hour
another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this man also was
with him; for he is a Galilæan. 60 But Peter said, Man, I know not
what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock
crew. 61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter
remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said unto him, Before
the cock crow this day thou shalt deny me thrice. 62 And he went
out, and wept bitterly.
Peter really loved Jesus and his faith in him never failed; but in the
hour of trial, which Jesus had predicted, Peter lost courage and denied
his Lord. His sin, however, was unlike that of Judas. The latter was the
final step in a downward course. The former was an act of cowardice in a
career of moral development which resulted in blessing and service to all
the followers of Christ.
The fall of Peter may be traced to his self-confidence. When he protested
that he would be true to Christ, even though all should forsake him, he
was sincere and expressed the true feeling of his heart, but he betrayed
his pride. The immediate result was his failure to obey the Master and to
watch and pray as he had been bidden; and consequently he was surprised
and stunned by the arrest of Jesus, and like the other disciples, after a
rash stroke in his defense, he forsook Jesus and fled. He followed Jesus
to the palace of the high priest but hoped to conceal his discipleship and
to be regarded as one of the excited crowd.
Every follower of Christ is in mortal danger when confident of his moral
strength and especially when at the same time he is ashamed to be publicly
known as a disciple, and most of all when he feels, as Peter probably
felt, that confessed loyalty to Christ can under the circumstances be of
no special help to his Lord. At such a time when the cause of Jesus seemed
hopeless, when the courage of Peter was gone, when he was wearied by the
long night of sleeplessness, when cold and lonely, the unexpected attack
was made and Peter suffered his tragic defeat.
It may be easy to point the finger of scorn at the great apostle, but
there are few followers of Christ who at times of less severe testing have
not as truly denied their Lord, by word or deed, with cowardice and deceit
and passion. Three times Peter repeated his denial and then he heard the
crowing of a cock. The incident was insignificant in itself, but it
recalled the word of his Master; it made Peter conscious of his disgrace
but it called him to himself, and then as he turned toward the palace, for
a moment he caught sight of his Lord. We may be unable to conjecture what
was expressed in the face of Jesus as at that moment he “looked upon
Peter.” There may have been something of rebuke, but probably there was
more of unutterable sorrow and of tender sympathy. We read that as “Peter
remembered the word of the Lord, ... he went out, and wept bitterly.”
Surely these were tears of repentance and they prepared the way for pardon
and for peace. To many a fallen follower of Christ there has come some
minute providence recalling hours of glad fellowship and messages of
solemn warning, and the heart has been turned toward the Master, and true
repentance has been felt in realizing the pain which the disloyalty has
brought to the loving Lord.
The consciousness has brought bitter tears and hours of regret and of
anguish, but they have been followed by a brighter morning, by a meeting
with the risen Christ, by a new confession of love, by words of peace, and
by a truer life of deeper devotion to his cause.
F. Jesus Before The Jewish Rulers. Ch. 22:63-71
63 And the men that held _Jesus_ mocked him, and beat him. 64 And
they blindfolded him, and asked him, saying, Prophesy: who is he
that struck thee? 65 And many other things spake they against him,
reviling him.
66 And as soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the
people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and
they led him away into their council, saying, 67 If thou art the
Christ, tell us. But he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not
believe: 68 and if I ask _you_, ye will not answer. 69 But from
henceforth shall the Son of man be seated at the right hand of the
power of God. 70 And they all said, Art thou then the Son of God?
And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. 71 And they said, What
further need have we of witness? for we ourselves have heard from
his own mouth.
After Jesus had been denied by Peter, he was grossly insulted and abused
by his captors. He was mocked and beaten and reviled. Those responsible
for these indignities were the Jewish rulers, the most cultured and
refined and professedly religious men of their day; but the beast within
man is more powerful than we commonly suppose. When Christ is rejected,
when his teachings are despised, when his Spirit is opposed, then it is
only a question of time and of occasion when hatred or malice or lust or
anger awaken in man the passions and ferocity of the brute.
When the morning dawned, Jesus was led away to be arraigned formally
before the sanhedrin, the supreme ecclesiastical court of the Jews. He was
supposed to be on trial for his life; in reality the council was being
judged, and in its guilt the entire nation was involved. The rulers
convicted themselves of prejudice, dishonesty, and malice. They did not
seek to learn the truth that justice might be done; they sought to find
some evidence on which Jesus might be condemned.
When every attempt to convict Jesus had failed, they finally charged him
in the words: “If thou art the Christ, tell us.” Jesus’ reply shows how
fully he appreciated their blind hatred and their unwillingness to be
just; he told them that no statement he might make would be believed, and
that no explanation or defense he might offer would be accepted;
nevertheless, he would answer their question, with the statement that his
exaltation to the place of divine power was about to take place. Then they
asked him directly, “Art thou then the Son of God?” He answered with all
distinctness, “Ye say that I am.” Then they at once decreed that he was
worthy of death. They had prejudged the case. They were unwilling to
consider whether his claim to be the Son of God was true; they only wished
to be sure that he made the claim. When they had made sure of this, they
agreed that he must die as a blasphemer. Their logic was so far true.
There is no other alternative. In the presence of Christ there can be no
neutrality. Either he was an impostor who deserves our contempt, or else
he is the divine Son of God whom we must worship and obey. Every soul must
choose between the sanhedrin and the Church.
G. Jesus Before Pilate. Ch. 23:1-25
1 And the whole company of them rose up, and brought him before
Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this man
perverting our nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar,
and saying that he himself is Christ a king. 3 And Pilate asked
him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him
and said, Thou sayest. 4 And Pilate said unto the chief priests
and the multitudes, I find no fault in this man. 5 But they were
the more urgent, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching
throughout all Judæa, and beginning from Galilee even unto this
place. 6 But when Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man were a
Galilæan. 7 And when he knew that he was of Herod’s jurisdiction,
he sent him unto Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in these
days.
8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was of a
long time desirous to see him, because he had heard concerning
him; and he hoped to see some miracle done by him. 9 And he
questioned him in many words; but he answered him nothing. 10 And
the chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him.
11 And Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and mocked him,
and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate. 12
And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day:
for before they were at enmity between themselves.
13 And Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and
the people, 14 and said unto them, Ye brought unto me this man, as
one that perverteth the people: and behold, I, having examined him
before you, found no fault in this man touching those things
whereof ye accuse him: 15 no, nor yet Herod: for he sent him back
unto us; and behold, nothing worthy of death hath been done by
him. 16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him. 18 But
they cried out all together, saying, Away with this man, and
release unto us Barabbas—19 one who for a certain insurrection
made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison. 20 And
Pilate spake unto them again, desiring to release Jesus; 21 but
they shouted, saying, Crucify, crucify him. 22 And he said unto
them the third time, Why, what evil hath this man done? I have
found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him and
release him. 23 But they were urgent with loud voices, asking that
he might be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 And Pilate
gave sentence that what they asked for should be done. 25 And he
released him that for insurrection and murder had been cast into
prison, whom they asked for; but Jesus he delivered up to their
will.
The Jews had been deprived by their Roman conquerors of the right to
inflict capital punishment. When, therefore, their chief council had
decided that Jesus was worthy of death, the rulers brought him to Pilate,
the Roman governor, that he might confirm their sentence and execute the
cruel penalty of crucifixion. The trial before Pilate developed into a
disgraceful contest between the murderous and determined Jewish rulers and
the weak and vacillating Roman governor, who was at last compelled to act
contrary to his conscience and his desire and to submit his will to that
of the subjects whom he detested.
Luke gives only a bare outline of the story, which is sketched best by the
apostle John. Enough, however, is given to show the infamous baseness of
the Jews and the futile endeavors of Pilate to avoid the judicial murder
which he finally committed. The Jewish rulers had asked Pilate to
pronounce sentence without hearing the charge; this Pilate properly
refused to do. When the accusation was made, Luke shows most clearly how
craftily the decision of the Jewish court was perverted, and how forcibly
the false charge was presented. Jesus had been convicted of claiming to be
the divine Messiah. It was the claim of deity, and thus of blasphemy, on
which he was condemned. The Jews knew that this would make no impression
on Pilate. However, the office of Messiah did imply rule and authority,
and therefore the claim of Jesus was distorted into a political offense
and he was charged with sedition, with forbidding tribute to Cæsar, and
with claiming to be a king.
How absurd all these accusations were, Pilate soon learned; he probably
was not a little suspicious of the sudden zeal for their Roman tyrants
shown by these rebellious Jews. However, he lacked the courage of his
convictions; he declared Jesus to be innocent, but fearing to offend the
rulers and the crowds whom they had won to their will, he hesitated to
release Jesus. That was a fatal step; the only thing to do is to act with
decision and promptness as soon as one sees what is right. It is surely
true in matters of conscience that “he who hesitates is lost.”
Then Pilate did what all weak men are apt to do: he attempted to avoid
making a decision; he tried to shift the responsibility; he learned that
Jesus was from Galilee, and so Pilate sent Jesus to be judged by King
Herod, within whose realm Galilee lay. Herod was then in Jerusalem, and he
was eager to see Jesus, of whom he had heard so much, and he hoped that
his curiosity might be gratified by seeing Jesus perform some miracle.
However, when appearing before Herod, Jesus refused even to answer him by
a single word. Jesus has a message for every penitent, and a miracle for
every believer; but for the murderer of John and for the shallow, sinful
profligate there is only silence and contempt.
To wreak upon Jesus a petty revenge, Herod mocked Jesus by clothing him
with royal apparel, and sent him back thus arrayed to Pilate. It was a
cruel jest, but it was an acquittal of Jesus as guilty of no political
offense. Thus Pilate was forced to act as judge; others cannot decide for
us questions of conscience. When compelled to act, Pilate attempted a
second maneuver familiar to all weak souls; he proposed to compromise. He
would do what was wrong but he would avoid the crime of murder. He offered
to scourge Jesus, whom he declared to be absolutely innocent, or to
release him as a notable criminal, as one such was usually released at
this feast. On the one hand, he would be subjecting Jesus to the most
agonizing bodily torture; on the other, he would brand Jesus as a
malefactor who had deserved death. Compromise in a case of conscience is
always a sign of weakness, and the enemy is sure to press his advantage.
As the rulers saw Pilate yielding thus far, they asked for the release of
a notorious murderer by the name of Barabbas; and as they saw Jesus coming
forth from the scourging, torn and bleeding, they cried out for his life,
“Crucify him, crucify him.” As Pilate hesitated, the rulers used their
most deadly weapon; they suggested that they would report Pilate to the
emperor as shielding a political revolutionist; they would imperil the
position and life of the governor. This attack Pilate could not withstand;
when some personal loss was involved conscience was no longer to be
considered. He decided to do what he knew to be wrong; he “gave sentence
that what they asked for should be done;” and so doing he placed himself
near the head of that long list of moral cowards who share his eternal
infamy for fearing to do the right.
The degradation of the Jewish rulers was even greater. With all their
knowledge of the moral law, they who professed to be special
representatives of God put to death his Son, and chose a murderer instead
of the Saviour. To the tragedy of such a choice Luke refers with horror in
the only personal comment he makes upon the scene. V. 25. Are not
thousands, however, making that same choice to-day? There can be no
neutral ground; indecision is impossible: one must choose either Barabbas
or Christ.
H. The Crucifixion. Ch. 23:26-38
26 And when they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon of
Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid on him the cross, to
bear it after Jesus.
27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of
women who bewailed and lamented him. 28 But Jesus turning unto
them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for
yourselves, and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are
coming, in which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the
wombs that never bare, and the breasts that never gave suck. 30
Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to
the hills, Cover us. 31 For if they do these things in the green
tree, what shall be done in the dry?
32 And there were also two others, malefactors, led with him to be
put to death.
33 And when they came unto the place which is called The skull,
there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right
hand and the other on the left. 34 And Jesus said, Father, forgive
them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments
among them, they cast lots. 35 And the people stood beholding. And
the rulers also scoffed at him, saying, He saved others; let him
save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen. 36 And the
soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, offering him vinegar, 37
and saying, If thou art the King of the Jews, save thyself. 38 And
there was also a superscription over him, THIS IS THE KING OF THE
JEWS.
The Gospel narratives spare us the distressing details of the crucifixion;
this was the most cruel and agonizing form of death; but the facts are
written with surprising delicacy and reserve. As Jesus was being led from
the city a certain Simon of Cyrene was pressed into the service of bearing
his cross. The cause of this action is purely a matter of conjecture. Its
result was to give Simon immortal fame and apparently to secure for him
eternal salvation; for it seems that this experience, and the knowledge of
Christ gained at Calvary, resulted in the conversion of Simon and his
household, Mark 15:21; Rom. 16:13. In a figure, he was the first of that
long line of men and women who have taken up the cross and followed
Christ. Of course this is a mere symbol, and the actual contrasts are
vital. In reality no one can share the burden of the cross which our
Saviour bore. His sufferings, and his alone, made atonement for sin. Then
again no one can be compelled to take up the cross. There are burdens in
life which cannot be evaded but one can refuse the cross. It is a type of
the voluntary suffering endured for the sake of Christ; it is a symbol of
the complete sacrifice of self and the complete submission to his will
which is necessary for all who share in the redeeming benefits of his
death.
Luke alone records the incident of the women who, wailing and lamenting,
followed Jesus out of the city. It is quite fitting that in this Gospel,
in which womanhood is so exalted, a place should be found for this
picture. It is not to be supposed that these were the loyal friends who
had followed Jesus on his journeys and helped to supply his needs; these
were rather residents of Jerusalem whose hearts were bleeding with sorrow
for the loving Prophet who was being led forth to an agonizing death. Our
Lord turned to these women with a message of sympathy and told them that
they were not to weep for him but for themselves and their children. He
was not rebuking them for their compassion; he rather meant to indicate
that while his sufferings were pitiful, their own were more worthy of
tears, for they were to be even more intense. He had in mind the
destruction of the city due to its impenitence and made certain by its
rejection of the Redeemer. Jesus declared that the days would come when
childlessness would be a ground for congratulation because of the
universal distress. He predicted that the horror would be so great that
men would call upon the mountains to fall on them and the hills to cover
them, preferring such forms of death to the torments which threatened from
the armies of Rome. Jesus added a proverb, the force of which is evident
even though its exact application may not be clear: “For if they do these
things in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” In other words,
if the sufferings of Christ were so great, what would be the sufferings of
the Jews! If the Romans were putting to death him whom they regarded as
innocent, what would they do to the inhabitants of the rebellious and
hated city? It is quite in accordance with the character of Luke to note
how Jesus, in this very hour of his anguish, thought rather of others than
of himself and pronounced this prophesy, not in resentment, but in
infinite tenderness and pity.
While the actual sufferings of the crucifixion are not described, Luke
tells us of the cruel mockery to which Jesus was subjected. He states that
two malefactors were crucified with Jesus, “one on the right hand and the
other on the left.” This was evidently designed to add to the disgrace and
humiliation of his cruel death. The place of the crucifixion was called
“The skull,” probably because it was a bare, rounded hill located outside
the city gates.
Of the seven words spoken by Jesus on the cross, Luke records three, all
of them characterized by love and trust. The first is found in no other
Gospel. As Jesus tasted the first bitterness of his anguish he was heard
to pray, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” He did not
have in mind simply the soldiers who were involuntary instruments of his
death, but rather the Jews who had not fully recognized the enormity of
their crime. For them Jesus felt no hatred in his heart. He yearned for
their repentance and their salvation. This prayer was a revelation of the
matchless grace and mercy of this ideal Man. Luke adds the details of the
mockery to which the other evangelists likewise refer. The crowds stood
gazing upon the Sufferer but the rulers and the soldiers cruelly mocked
him; the former scoffed at him saying, “He saved others; let him save
himself.” In reality, had he saved himself, he never could have saved
others. He died for the very men who were deriding him, to make possible
their salvation. The soldiers made sport of him by casting lots for his
garments and by offering him drink and hailing him as “King of the Jews.”
This last title had been placed on the cross above the head of Jesus. It
was put there by Pilate in bitter irony. It was his way of taking revenge
upon the rulers who, contrary to his conscience, had compelled him to put
to death an innocent Man. In place of this superscription the eye of faith
sees another, “Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the
world!”
I. The Penitent Thief. Ch. 23:39-43
39 And one of the malefactors that were hanged railed on him,
saying, Art not thou the Christ? save thyself and us. 40 But the
other answered, and rebuking him said, Dost thou not even fear
God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed
justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man
hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said, Jesus, remember me when
thou comest in thy kingdom. 43 And he said unto him, Verily I say
unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.
This story which enshrines for us the second saying of our Lord upon the
cross has often been regarded as one of the most significant narratives in
the Gospels: first, because it gives us such a picture of the unique
person of Christ; here was a dying man who at the same time was a
forgiving God. Then, here is a picture of the transforming power of Christ
who in an instant of time changed a robber into a saint. Most of all, we
have here a message of the conditions of salvation which are ever the
same, namely, repentance and faith. The first of these conditions is
strikingly illustrated from the fact that the repentant thief was thinking
of God and remembering that it was against a divine Being that he had
sinned. Of this fact he reminded his companion, intimating that they might
properly fear him into whose august presence they were so soon to be
ushered. It is the very essence of repentance to regard sin, not as a
mistake or a weakness, or as an injury to men, but as rebellion and insult
against God. His penitence was further shown in his recognition that the
penalty which he was suffering was just, and in his recognition of the
innocent sufferings of Christ.
His faith was as remarkable as his repentance. He saw in the bleeding,
dying Sufferer, One who is yet to return as universal King, and to him he
addressed his prayer: “Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy
kingdom.” We do not know the source of such faith. The robber may have
heard part of the trial of Jesus; he did hear him praying for his enemies;
but whatever gave rise to his belief and trust, he regarded Jesus as a
Saviour and Lord who was yet to reign and who could bring him to eternal
glory. This story thus reveals to us the truth that salvation is
conditioned upon repentance and faith. However, it contains other
important messages also. It declares that salvation is independent of
sacraments. The thief had never been baptized, nor had he partaken of the
Lord’s Supper. It is obvious that had he lived he would have carried out
the requirements of his Lord by accepting these sacraments. He did, in
fact, boldly confess his faith in the presence of a hostile crowd and amid
the taunts and jeers of rulers and soldiers, yet he was saved without any
formal rites.
It is further evident that salvation is independent of good works. The
thief was pardoned before he had lived a single, righteous, innocent day.
Of course, good works follow faith; they evidence its reality; but faith
precedes and results in holiness. A life of goodness is an expression of
gratitude for salvation already begun.
It is further evident that there is no “sleep of the soul.” The body may
sleep, but consciousness persists after death. The word of the Master was,
“To-day shalt thou be ... in Paradise.” Again it is evident that there is
no “purgatory.” If any man ever needed discipline and “purifying fires,”
it was this penitent robber. Out of a life of sin and shame he passed
immediately into a state of blessedness. This was the promise: “To-day
shalt thou be with me in Paradise.”
Again it may be remarked that salvation is not universal. There were two
robbers; only one was saved. Jesus had heard them both speaking of him. He
did not say “ye,” but “Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with
me in Paradise.”
Last of all, it may be noted that the very essence of the joy which lies
beyond death consists in personal communion with Christ. The heart of the
promise to the dying thief was this: “Thou shalt be with me.” This is our
blessed assurance, that to depart is “to be with Christ,” which is “very
far better.”
J. The Death And Burial. Ch. 23:44-56
44 And it was now about the sixth hour, and a darkness came over
the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 the sun’s light failing:
and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46 And Jesus,
crying with a loud voice, said, Father, into thy hands I commend
my spirit: and having said this, he gave up the ghost. 47 And when
the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying,
Certainly this was a righteous man. 48 And all the multitudes that
came together to this sight, when they beheld the things that were
done, returned smiting their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintance,
and the women that followed with him from Galilee, stood afar off,
seeing these things.
50 And behold, a man named Joseph, who was a councillor, a good
and righteous man 51 (he had not consented to their counsel and
deed), _a man_ of Arimathæa, a city of the Jews, who was looking
for the kingdom of God: 52 this man went to Pilate, and asked for
the body of Jesus. 53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in a
linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was hewn in stone, where
never man had yet lain. 54 And it was the day of the Preparation,
and the sabbath drew on. 55 And the women who had come with him
out of Galilee, followed after, and beheld the tomb, and how his
body was laid. 56 And they returned and prepared spices and
ointments.
And on the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
The death of Christ was an event of such supreme importance that it
properly was accompanied by supernatural signs of deep significance. Of
these Luke mentions two. The first was the darkened skies, a fit symbol of
the blackest crime in all the history of man. The second was the rending
of the Temple veil, a type of the “new and living way” opened into the
presence of God for all believers. Thus these two signs correspond to the
human and the divine aspects of this atoning death, and indicate the
heinousness of sin and the purpose of redeeming grace.
The last word spoken by Jesus on the cross was an expression of perfect
trust and peace. He had shown his sympathy for others by his prayer, by
his promise to the penitent thief, and by his provision for his mother; by
three other words he had revealed his sufferings of mind and body and
their result in a completed redemption: “My God, my God ...”; “I thirst;”
“it is finished.” He now breathed out his soul in a sentence of absolute
confidence taken from the psalmist and recorded by Luke alone: “Father,
into thy hands I commend my spirit.” It was the supreme utterance of
faith. The earthly ministry of the Son of God had ended.
Luke notes the effects produced by the manner of Jesus’ death, and by the
accompanying signs upon the Roman centurion, the Jewish multitudes, and
the Christian disciples. The soldier was so impressed that he “glorified
God,” giving his testimony to the fact that the One whom he had crucified
as a criminal was a “righteous man.” Possibly he may be regarded as a type
of that host of believing Gentiles, of whom Luke liked to write, who were
yet to enlist under the banner of the cross.
The crowds of Jews had little real desire for the crucifixion of Jesus;
they had been hounded by their rulers to cry out for his death, but they
now returned to the city “smiting their breasts” in an agony of remorse, a
prophecy of Israel’s future repentance and mourning as they “look on him
whom they pierced.”
Most pathetic of all was that group of saddened disciples who “stood afar
off” gazing in bewilderment upon the scene; but for them the meaning of
that cross would begin to dawn as they should meet their risen Lord. For
none of his followers has the cross lost its mystery; yet to them all it
has become a symbol of triumph and of hope.
The body of Jesus was given burial by Joseph of Arimathæa, a man whom
Matthew designates as rich, Mark as a “councillor of honorable estate,”
and Luke as “good and righteous.” Thus together they describe an ideal man
from the Jewish and Roman and Greek point of view. Perhaps he is to be
criticized for not having identified himself before this more publicly
with the cause of Christ; but Luke makes not the slightest unfavorable
reflection upon his character. He declares definitely that this powerful
and influential member of the sanhedrin “had not consented” to the
“counsel and deed” of the rulers who had compassed the death of Jesus; and
now in the hour when his Master was most deeply dishonored, he risked the
scorn of the people and the hatred of the rulers and begged from Pilate
the body of Jesus, which he wrapped in linen cloth and lay reverently in
his own new, rock-hewn tomb. It was a deed of loving devotion, and adds a
gratifying contrast and a touch of tenderness to the story of the cross.
Other loving hearts longed to have a part in this expression of affection.
The women who had followed Jesus out of Galilee, noted the place of his
burial and purchased perfumes to embalm the body of their Lord. However,
as the declining sun marked the beginning, at eventide, of the Sabbath,
they rested until the first day of the week, and then they found that
their task was needless. It was well to show affection for the crucified
Master, it is a greater privilege to serve a risen Lord.
K. The Empty Tomb. Ch. 24:1-12
1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came unto
the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 And they
found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 And they entered in,
and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it came to pass,
while they were perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by
them in dazzling apparel: 5 and as they were affrighted and bowed
down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye
the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen:
remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, 7
saying that the Son of man must be delivered up into the hands of
sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. 8 And
they remembered his words, 9 and returned from the tomb, and told
all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest. 10 Now they
were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the _mother_ of James:
and the other women with them told these things unto the apostles.
11 And these words appeared in their sight as idle talk; and they
disbelieved them. 12 But Peter arose, and ran unto the tomb; and
stooping and looking in, he seeth the linen cloths by themselves;
and he departed to his home, wondering at that which was come to
pass.
After seeing where Jesus was buried the women who had followed him from
Galilee and had ministered to him, began preparing spices and ointments
with which to embalm his body. However, as the day drew to its close,
because this Friday evening was the beginning of a Jewish Sabbath, they
rested from their labor of love until Sunday, “the first day of the week,”
and then “at early dawn” they came to the tomb, but were astonished to
find that the body of Jesus was gone.
There are several explanations of this empty tomb, but only one which is
credible and which accords with the facts. Some persons profess to believe
that Jesus did not die, that he only swooned upon the cross, that he
regained consciousness after being laid in the tomb, that he escaped and
then appeared to his disciples; but Jesus had declared that he was to die
and was to rise again on the third day, and he afterwards made his
disciples believe that such an experience had been his; this theory,
therefore, cannot be held without denying the honesty and morality of our
Lord.
A second theory maintains that “his disciples came by night, and stole”
away his body; but these disciples continually declared that he rose from
the dead on the third day; according to this theory, then, these disciples
were impostors; but this can be believed by no one familiar with their
subsequent lives and influence.
It is as impossible to believe the third theory namely, that the enemies
of Jesus stole his body, for had that body been in their possession, how
gladly they would have produced it and thus forever have silenced the
disciples who declared that Jesus was alive and that his resurrection
proved these enemies had put to death an innocent Man, their divine
Messiah.
The only true explanation of this empty tomb is that given to the
wondering women by two angels: “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He
is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet
in Galilee.” This startling statement of the angels embodies the substance
of the message delivered by the apostles. The truth it declares forms the
corner stone of Christian faith. The resurrection of our Lord is vitally
connected with all the realities which relate to his person and work and
to the life of his followers.
When, however, the fact of the resurrection had been reported to the
apostles, they regarded the words of the women “as idle talk, and they
disbelieved them.” This incredulity on the part of the apostles shows the
absolute absurdity of another theory advanced by those who deny the
resurrection of our Lord, namely, the theory that his followers so eagerly
expected him to rise from the dead that their fevered brains finally
imagined that he had so risen and they testified to what was only a
product of their own fancy. In reality the disciples did not expect Jesus
to rise, and, as here recorded, when the truth was reported to them, they
refused to accept it until proof upon proof had been given them and doubt
and unbelief became absolutely impossible. They were prepared, however,
for further proofs by the fact that the tomb in which the body was laid
had been found empty. There is even more weighty evidence of the
resurrection; but those who deny this supremely important event must give
first some rational account of this empty tomb.
L. The Walk To Emmaus. Ch. 24:13-35
13 And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village
named Emmaus, which was threescore furlongs from Jerusalem. 24 And
they communed with each other of all these things which had
happened. 15 And it came to pass, while they communed and
questioned together, that Jesus himself drew near, and went with
them. 16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17 And he said unto them, What communications are these that ye
have one with another, as ye walk? And they stood still, looking
sad. 18 And one of them, named Cleopas, answering said unto him,
Dost thou alone sojourn in Jerusalem and not know the things which
are come to pass there in these days? 19 And he said unto them,
What things? And they said unto him, The things concerning Jesus
the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God
and all the people: 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers
delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21
But we hoped that it was he who should redeem Israel. Yea and
besides all this, it is now the third day since these things came
to pass. 22 Moreover certain women of our company amazed us,
having been early at the tomb; 23 and when they found not his body
they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, who
said that he was alive. 24 And certain of them that were with us
went to the tomb, and found it even so as the women had said: but
him they saw not. 25 And he said unto them, O foolish men, and
slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26
Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter
into his glory? 27 And beginning from Moses and from all the
prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things
concerning himself. 28 And they drew nigh unto the village,
whither they were going: and he made as though he would go
further. 29 And they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for
it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in
to abide with them. 30 And it came to pass, when he had sat down
with them to meat, he took the bread and blessed; and breaking
_it_ he gave to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew
him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 And they said one to
another, Was not our heart burning within us, while he spake to us
in the way, while he opened to us the scriptures? 33 And they rose
up that very hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven
gathered together, and them that were with them, 34 saying, The
Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 35 And they
rehearsed the things _that happened_ in the way, and how he was
known of them in the breaking of the bread.
No man saw Christ rise; but many saw the risen Christ. He appeared to Mary
and to Peter and to James and to “the eleven” and to more than five
hundred disciples at one time; but of the appearances on the day of his
resurrection none is recorded with more dramatic vividness and more
definiteness of detail than that related by Luke when Jesus walked with
two disciples toward Emmaus.
This village was probably situated some seven miles northwest of
Jerusalem. Thither these two men were moving with sad and discouraged
hearts when Jesus joined them and drew from them expressions of their
disappointment and despair. The One on whom they had set their hopes of
redemption for Israel had been put to death, and although he had spoken
mysteriously of a resurrection on the third day, the day was passing, and
he had not been seen, although it was true that reports had reached them
of a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Such in substance seem
to have been their words, in no small measure a confession of obstinate
unbelief. They had little expectation that the Lord would fulfill his own
promises; the third day of which he had spoken was not ended and yet they
were hopelessly turning their backs upon Jerusalem; heavenly messengers
had sent them an announcement of cheer which they refused to receive.
It was not strange, therefore, that Jesus rebuked them: “O foolish men,
and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!
Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his
glory?” It is noticeable that Jesus did not chide them for refusing to
accept his own words, or those of their friends, or those of angels; they
were rebuked for not believing the Old Testament. They had accepted it in
part; as men often accept just so much as suits their prejudices and
tastes and notions; but they failed to believe in all that the prophets
had spoken, and particularly the predictions of Jesus’ atoning death, and
of his return to the heavenly glory which he would share when he ascended.
They listened in wonder to his explanation of the Scriptures, and finally
as they were sitting at meat with him they discovered that they were in
the actual presence of their living Lord. As he disappeared from sight,
they hastened back to the disciples in Jerusalem and found them already
wondering at the news that earlier in the day Jesus had appeared to Peter.
No story tells us more impressively the truth that a divine Saviour walks
beside us all the way of our earthly journey. It is pathetic that our eyes
are so often dimmed by unbelief that we fail to realize his presence. We
walk and are sad while we might be rejoicing in his companionship. It may
be as the Scriptures are opened to us, or as we meet to break bread in his
name, that our blindness will be removed; and surely when the journey ends
and we enter the home toward which we are moving, we shall see him face to
face, and the vision will not fade in deepening twilight, but grow more
glorious through the eternal day.
M. Jesus Appearing To The Apostles. Ch. 24:36-43
36 And as they spake these things, he himself stood in the midst
of them, and saith unto them, Peace _be_ unto you. 37 But they
were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they beheld a
spirit. 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and
wherefore do questionings arise in your heart? 39 See my hands and
my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit
hath not flesh and bones, as ye behold me having. 40 And when he
had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while
they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said unto them,
Have ye here anything to eat? 42 And they gave him a piece of a
broiled fish. 43 And he took it, and ate before them.
The incidents of the day on which Jesus rose from the dead, as recorded by
Luke, form not only a sequence in time, but also move in logical order.
The empty tomb can be explained by no other theory than that of a
resurrection; but this was only negative proof. To it was added the actual
appearance of Jesus to two disciples on their way to Emmaus. Yet this was
not evidence enough. Some persons might believe that such an appearance
had been a mere vision, a phantom, a ghost; therefore, as Luke relates the
appearance of Jesus to the eleven disciples in the upper room, after night
had fallen, he lays stress upon the fact that Jesus appeared in bodily
form. When the disciples saw him they thought that they did see a mere
specter, an apparition, a spirit, just as many persons have thought, even
to the present day; but to forever dispel such a false impression, Jesus,
by every possible appeal to the senses, made it evident that he possessed
not an “immaterial,” or “spiritual,” or “celestial” body, but the
identical body of flesh and blood which on Friday had been crucified and
laid in the tomb; in that actual body, scarred by the cruel nails, a body
capable of eating food, a material body which could be touched and felt,
he appeared to his disciples. Moreover, he solemnly declared that he was
not a disembodied spirit; he showed them the wounds in his hands and feet;
he declared that a spirit does not have flesh and bones which they saw he
had; and finally, to remove every lingering doubt, he took “a piece of a
broiled fish” and “ate before them.” The appearances and disappearances of
Jesus after his resurrection may have been mysterious or miraculous as was
his walking upon the sea in the days of his previous ministry; but he gave
his disciples to understand by every conceivable, sensible sign that he
had risen from the dead in his actual, physical, human body. The theory
that the resurrection can be explained as a hallucination, a vision, or an
apparition is forever silenced by the testimony of Luke, the careful
historian, the intelligent physician. Upon the foundation of the
established fact of a literal, bodily resurrection, this superstructure of
our Christian faith firmly stands.
N. The Last Words. Ch. 24:44-49
44 And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto
you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be
fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the
prophets, and the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their
mind, that they might understand the scriptures; 46 and he said
unto them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and
rise again from the dead the third day; 47 and that repentance and
remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the
nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 Ye are witnesses of these
things. 49 And behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon
you: but tarry ye in the city, until ye be clothed with power from
on high.
It need not be supposed that the last words of Jesus as recorded by Luke
were spoken on the day of the resurrection or at any one time or place.
They more probably indicate the general substance of those teachings which
are given by the risen Christ to his disciples during the forty days
between his resurrection and his ascension.
They are luminous with truths which are needed by the disciples of Christ
to-day. Among them are such facts as these: The Scriptures contain
authoritative messages concerning Christ; these messages can be understood
only by those who believe in Christ and are guided by him; the essential
truths concerning Christ center in the facts of his death and
resurrection; in virtue of the salvation thus secured, repentance and
forgiveness of sins can be preached; this salvation is to be proclaimed in
all the world; the followers of Christ are the messengers by whom this
good news is to be made known; the power for such proclamation is imparted
by the Spirit of Christ who was manifested in new power on the Day of
Pentecost, and who is now an abiding Presence and a source of limitless
strength to all who seek to do the will of Christ and to glorify his name.
O. The Ascension. Ch. 24:50-53
50 And he led them out until _they were_ over against Bethany: and
he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass,
while he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up
into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem
with great joy: 53 and were continually in the temple, blessing
God.
The ascension of our Lord was an event quite distinct from the
resurrection; it occurred nearly six weeks later, and indicates a number
of supremely important truths.
1. Jesus then withdrew from the sphere of the seen and physical to the
sphere of the unseen and spiritual. He did not pass up or down through
vast spaces of the skies. We are not to think of him as far away. He is an
unseen, divine Presence, superior to the limitations of time and space,
and capable of being manifest in any period or place. The ascension should
make us feel that Jesus is near rather than far away.
2. Jesus then assumed universal power; not at the time of his
resurrection, but at the time of his ascension, he was seated “on the
right hand of the Majesty on high.” This indicates divine omnipotence. It
is the continual representation of the New Testament that Jesus Christ has
all authority in heaven and on earth. The ascension should therefore
remind us of the limitless power of Christ.
3. It was therefore at the time of the ascension that Jesus entered “into
his glory.” Then it was that his body was transformed, made deathless,
“spiritual,” celestial, immortal; and then he again began to share the
divine glory which he had with the Father “before the world was.” The
ascension, therefore, is a pledge and type of the glory which yet awaits
his followers. It is an assurance that he yet will fulfill his promises
and will again appear; emerging from the sphere of the unseen he will be
manifested to all mankind as both the ideal Man and as the Saviour of the
world.
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