Copyright©MonergismBooks

ExpositoryThoughtsontheGospels

byJ.C.Ryle

TableofContents

ExpositoryThoughtsonMatthew

ExpositoryThoughtsonMark

ExpositoryThoughtsonLuke

ExpositoryThoughtsonJohn

TheGospelofMatthew

Preface

Matthewchapter1

Matthewchapter2

Matthewchapter3

Matthewchapter4

Matthewchapter5

Matthewchapter6

Matthewchapter7

Matthewchapter8

Matthewchapter9

Matthewchapter10

Matthewchapter11

Matthewchapter12

Matthewchapter13

Matthewchapter14

Matthewchapter15

Matthewchapter16

Matthewchapter17

Matthewchapter18

Matthewchapter19

Matthewchapter20

Matthewchapter21

Matthewchapter22

Matthewchapter23

Matthewchapter24

Matthewchapter25

Matthewchapter26

Matthewchapter27

Matthewchapter28

TheGospelofMark

Preface

Markchapter1

Markchapter2

Markchapter3

Markchapter4

Markchapter5

Markchapter6

Markchapter7

Markchapter8

Markchapter9

Markchapter10

Markchapter11

Markchapter12

Markchapter13

Markchapter14

Markchapter15

Markchapter16

ExpositoryThoughtsonLuke

Preface

Lukechapter1

Lukechapter2

Lukechapter3

Lukechapter4

Lukechapter5

Lukechapter6

Lukechapter7

Lukechapter8

Lukechapter9

Lukechapter10

Lukechapter11

Lukechapter12

Lukechapter13

Lukechapter14

Lukechapter15

Lukechapter16

Lukechapter17

Lukechapter18

Lukechapter19

Lukechapter20

Lukechapter21

Lukechapter22

Lukechapter23

Lukechapter24

ExpositoryThoughtsonJohn

Preface

Johnchapter11:1-51:6-131:141:15-181:19-281:29-341:35-421:43-51

Johnchapter22:1-112:12-25

Johnchapter33:1-83:9-213:22-36

Johnchapter44:1-64:7-264:27-304:31-424:43-54

Johnchapter55:1-155:16-235:24-295:30-395:40-47

Johnchapter66:1-146:15-216:22-276:28-346:35-406:41-516:52-596:60-656:66-71

Johnchapter77:1-137:14-247:25-36

7:37-397:40-53

Johnchapter88:1-118:12-208:21-308:31-368:37-478:48-59

Johnchapter99:1-129:13-259:26-41

Johnchapter1010:1-910:10-1810:19-3010:31-42

Johnchapter1111:1-611:7-1611:17-2911:30-3711:38-4611:47-57

Johnchapter1212:1-1112:12-1912:20-2612:27-3312:34-4312:44-50

Johnchapter1313:1-513:6-1513:16-2013:21-3013:31-38

Johnchapter1414:1-314:4-1114:12-1714:18-2014:21-2614:27-31

Johnchapter1515:1-615:7-1115:12-1615:17-2115:22-27

Johnchapter1616:1-716:8-1516:16-2416:25-33

Johnchapter1717:1-817:9-1617:17-26

Johnchapter1818:1-118:12-2718:28-40

Johnchapter1919:1-1619:17-2719:28-3719:38-42

Johnchapter2020:1-1020:11-1820:19-2320:24-31

Johnchapter2121:1-1421:15-1721:18-25

ExpositoryThoughtsOnMatthew-Preface

INsendingforththefirstvolumeofanewExpositoryworkupontheGospels,Ifeelitnecessary,inordertopreventmisapprehension,tooffersomeexplanationofthecharactoranddesignofthework.

The"EXPOSITORYTHOUGHTS,"whicharenowbeforethereader,arenotalearnedcriticalcommentary.IdonotprofesstoexpoundeveryverseoftheGospels,tograpplewitheverydifficulty,toattemptthesolutionofeveryhardtext,andtoexamineeverydisputedreadingortranslation.

The"EXPOSITORYTHOUGHTS"arenotacontinuousandhomileticexposition,containingpracticalremarksoneveryverse,likethecommentariesofBrentiusandGaulter.

TheplanIhaveadoptedindrawingupthe"ExpositoryThoughts"isasfollows:Ihavedividedthesacredtextintosectionsorpassages,averagingabouttwelveversesineach.Ihavethensuppliedacontinuousseriesofshort,plain"Expositions"ofeachofthesepassages.IneachExpositionIhavegenerallybegunbystatingasbrieflyaspossiblethemainscopeandpurposeofthepassageunderconsideration.Ihavethenselectedtwo,three,orfourprominentpointsinthepassage,singledthemoutfromtherest,dweltexclusivelyonthem,andendeavouredtoenforcethemplainlyandvigorouslyonthereader'sattention.Thepointsselectedwillbefoundtobesometimesdoctinal,andsometimespractical.Theonlyruleinselectionhasbeentoseizeonthereallyleadingpointsofthepassage.

InstyleandcompositionIfranklyavowthatIhavestudied,asfaraspossible,tobeplainandpointed,andtochoosewhatanolddivinecalls"pickedandpacked"words.Ihavetriedtoplacemyselfinthepositionofonewhoisreadingaloudtoothers,andmustarresttheirattention,ifhecan.IhavesaidtomyselfinwritingeachExposition,"Iamaddressingamixedcompany,andIhavebutashorttime."--Keepingthisinview,Ihaveconstantlyleftunsaidmanythingsthatmighthavebeensaid,andhaveendeavouredtodwellchieflyonthethingsneedfultosalvation.Ihavedeliberatelypassedovermanysubjectsofsecondaryimportance,inordertosaysomethingthatmightstrikeandstickinconsciences.Ihavefeltthatafewpoints,wellrememberedandfasteneddown,arebetterthenaquantityoftruthlyingloosely,andthinlyscatteredoverthemind.

Afewnotes,explainingdifficultpassages,haveoccasionallybeenaddedtotheExposition.Ihavethoughtitgoodtoaddthesenotesfortheinformationofreaderswhomayfeelawishtoknowwhatcanbesaidaboutthe"deepthings"ofScripture,andmayhavenoCommentaryoftheirown.

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CommentariesandExpositionsofScripturearesonumerousinthepresentday,thatIfeelitnecessarytosaysomethingabouttheclassofreaderswhomIhavespeciallyhadinviewinputtingforththeseEXPOSITORYTHOUGHTS.

Inthefirstplace,Iindulgethehopethattheworkmaybefoundsuitableforuseatfamilyprayers.Thesupplyofworksadaptedforthispurposehasneveryetbeenequaltothedemand.

Inthenextplace,Icannothelphopingthattheworkmayproveanaidtothosewhovisitthesickandthepoor.Thenumberofpersonswhovisithospitals,sick-rooms,andcottages,withanearnestdesiretodospiritualgood,isnowverygreat.Thereisreasontobelievethatproperbooksforreadingonsuchoccasionsaremuchwanted.

Last,butnotleast,Itrustthattheworkmaynotbefoundunprofitableforprivatereading,asacompaniontotheGospels.TherearenotafewwhosecallingsandengagementsmakeitimpossibleforthemtoreadlargecommentariesandexpositionsofGod'sWord.Iahvethoughtthatsuchmayfindithelpfultotheirmemoriestohaveafewleadingpointssetbeforetheirmindsinconnectionwithwhattheyread.

Inowsendforththevolume,withanearnestprayerthatitmaytendtothepromotionofpureandundefiledreligion,helptoextendtheknowledgeofChrist,andbeahumbleinstrumentinaidofthegloriousworkofconvertingandedifyingimmortalsouls.

Matthewchapter1

MATTHEW1:1-17

Thebookof thegenealogyofJesusChrist, thesonofDavid, thesonof

Abraham.AbrahambecamethefatherofIsaac.Isaacbecamethefatherof Jacob. Jacob became the father of Judah and his brothers. Judahbecame the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez became thefatherofHezron.Hezron became the father ofRam.Rambecame thefather of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon.Nahshon became the father of Salmon. Salmon became the father ofBoazbyRahab.BoazbecamethefatherofObedbyRuth.Obedbecamethe father of Jesse. Jesse became the father of David the king. Davidbecame the fatherofSolomonbyherwhohadbeen thewife ofUriah.SolomonbecamethefatherofRehoboam.Rehoboambecamethefatherof Abijah. Abijah became the father of Asa. Asa became the father ofJehoshaphat.Jehoshaphatbecamethe fatherofJoram.Jorambecamethe father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham. Jothambecame the father of Ahaz. Ahaz became the father of Hezekiah.HezekiahbecamethefatherofManasseh.ManassehbecamethefatherofAmon.AmonbecamethefatherofJosiah.JosiahbecamethefatherofJechoniahandhisbrothers,atthetimeoftheexiletoBabylon.Aftertheexile to Babylon, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel. Shealtielbecame the father of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel became the father ofAbiud.AbiudbecamethefatherofEliakim.EliakimbecamethefatherofAzor. Azor became the father of Sadoc. Sadoc became the father ofAchim. Achim became the father of Eliud. Eliud became the father ofEleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan. Matthan became thefather of Jacob. Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband ofMary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. So all thegenerations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; fromDavid to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations; and from thecarryingawaytoBabylontotheChrist,fourteengenerations.

These verses begin the New Testament. Let us always read them withseriousandsolemnfeelings.Thebookbeforeuscontainsnotthewordofmen,butofGod.EveryverseinitwaswrittenbyinspirationoftheHolySpirit.

Let us thank God daily for giving us the Scriptures. The poorestEnglishmanwhounderstandshisBible,knowsmoreaboutreligionthanthewisestphilosophersofGreeceandRome.

Let us remember our deep responsibility.We shall all be judged at thelast day according to our light. Towhomsoevermuch is given, of themmuchwillberequired.

Let us read our Bibles reverently and diligently, with an honestdetermination tobelieve andpractice allwe find in them. It isno lightmatterhowweusethisbook.Eternallifeordeathdependsonthespiritinwhichitisused.

AboveallletushumblyprayfortheteachingoftheHolySpirit.Healonecanapplytruthtoourhearts,andmakeusprofitbywhatweread.

TheNewTestamentbeginswith the life,death,and resurrectionofourLordJesusChrist.NopartoftheBibleissoimportantasthis,andnopartissofullandcomplete.FourdistinctGospelstellusthestoryofChrist'sdoing and dying. Four times over we read the precious account of Hisworksandwords.Howthankfulweoughttobeforthis!ToknowChristislife eternal. To believe in Christ is to have peace with God. To followChrististobeatrueChristian.TobewithChristwillbeheavenitself.WecanneverheartoomuchaboutJesusChrist.

TheGospelofMatthewbeginswitha long listofnames.Sixteenversesare takenupwith tracingapedigree fromAbrahamtoDavid,andfromDavidtothefamilyinwhichJesuswasborn.Letnoonethinkthattheseversesareuseless.Nothing isuseless increation.The leastmosses,andthesmallestinsects,servesomegoodend.NothingisuselessintheBible.Everywordofitisinspired.Thechaptersandverseswhichseematfirstsight unprofitable, are all given for some good purpose. Look again atthese sixteen verses, and you will see in them useful and instructivelessons.

Learn fromthis listofnames, thatGodalwayskeepsHisword.Hehadpromised,thatinAbraham'sseedallthenationsoftheearthshouldbeblessed.HehadpromisedtoraiseupaSaviorofthefamilyofDavid.(Gen. 12:3; Isaiah 11:1.) These sixteen verses prove, that Jesuswas theson of David and the son of Abraham, and that God's promise wasfulfilled.Thoughtless andungodlypeople should remember this lesson,andbeafraid.Whatevertheymaythink,GodwillkeepHisword.If they

repentnot,theywillsurelyperish.TrueChristiansshouldrememberthislesson, and take comfort.TheirFather inheavenwill be true to allHisengagements.Hehassaid,thatHewillsaveallbelieversinChrist.IfHehassaidit,Hewillcertainlydoit."HeisnotamanthatHeshouldlie.""Heremainsfaithful--HecannotdenyHimself."(2Tim.2:13.)

Learnnextfromthislistofnames,thesinfulnessandcorruptionofhumannature.Observehowmanygodlyparentsinthiscataloguehadwicked and ungodly sons. The names of Rehoboam, and Joram, andAmon, and Jechoniah, should teach us humbling lessons. They had allpious fathers. But they were all wicked men. Grace does not run infamilies.Itneedssomethingmore thangoodexamplesandgoodadvicetomakeus children ofGod.Thosewho are born again are not born ofblood,norofthewilloftheflesh,norofthewillofman,butofGod,(John1:13.)Prayingparentsshouldpraynightandday,thattheirchildrenmaybebornoftheSpirit.

Learn lastly from this list of names, how great is the mercy andcompassion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Think how defiled anduncleanournatureis;andthenthinkwhatacondescensionitwasinHimtobebornofawoman,and"madeinthelikenessofmen."Someofthenameswereadinthiscatalogueremindusofshamefulandsadhistories.SomeofthenamesarethoseofpeoplenevermentionedelsewhereintheBible. But at the end of all comes the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.ThoughHe is theeternalGod,HehumbledHimself tobecomeman, inorder toprovide salvation for sinners. "Thoughhewas rich, yet foroursakeshebecamepoor."

Weshouldalwaysreadthiscataloguewiththankfulfeelings.Weseeherethatnoonewhopartakes of humannature canbebeyond the reachofChrist'ssympathyandcompassion.OursinsmayhavebeenasblackandgreatasthoseofanywhomMatthewnames.Buttheycannotshutusoutofheaven,ifwerepentandbelievethegospel.IfJesuswasnotashamedtobebornofawoman,whosepedigreecontainedsuchnamesasthosewehave read today,we need not think thatHewill be ashamed to call usbrethren,andtogiveuseternallife.

MATTHEW1:18-25

NowthebirthofJesusChristwaslikethis;forafterhismother,Mary,was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was foundpregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, being a righteousman,andnotwillingtomakeherapublicexample,intendedtoputherawaysecretly.Butwhenhethoughtaboutthesethings,behold,anangeloftheLordappearedtohiminadream,saying,"Joseph,sonofDavid,don't be afraid to take to yourselfMary, yourwife, for that which isconceived inher is of theHolySpirit. She shall bring fortha son.YoushallcallhisnameJesus,foritishewhoshallsavehispeoplefromtheirsins."

Nowall thishashappened,that itmightbefulfilledwhichwasspokenby the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Behold, the virgin shall bewith child, and shall bring forth a son. They shall call his nameImmanuel;"whichis,beinginterpreted,"Godwithus."

Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lordcommanded him, and took his wife to himself; and didn't know hersexually until she had brought forth her firstborn son.HenamedhimJesus.

These verses begin by telling us two great truths. They tell us how theLordJesusChristtookournatureuponHim,andbecameman.TheytellusalsothatHisbirthwasmiraculous.HismotherMarywasavirgin.

Theseareverymysterioussubjects.Theyaredepths,whichwehavenoline to fathom. They are truths, which we have not mind enough tocomprehend.Letusnotattempttoexplainthingswhichareabove ourfeeble reason. Let us be content to believe with reverence, and notspeculateaboutmatterswhichwecannotunderstand.Enoughforustoknow,thatwithHimwhomadetheworldnothingisimpossible.Letusrest inthewordsoftheApostles'Creed:"JesusChristwasconceivedbytheHolySpirit,andbornoftheVirginMary."

LetusobservetheconductofJosephdescribedintheseverses.Itisabeautifulexampleofgodlywisdom,andtenderconsiderationforothers.

Hesawthe"appearanceofevil"inherwhowashisespousedwife.Buthedid nothing rashly. He waited patiently to have the line of duty madeclear.InallprobabilityhelaidthematterbeforeGodinprayer."Hewhobelievesshallnotbeinhaste."(Isaiah28:16.)

The patience of Joseph was graciously rewarded. He received a directmessage from God upon the subject of his anxiety, and was at oncerelieved fromall his fears.Howgood it is towaituponGod!WhoevercasthiscaresuponGodinheartyprayer,andfoundhimfail?"InallyourwaysacknowledgeHim,andHeshalldirectyourpaths."(Prov.3:6.)

LetusobservethetwonamesgiventoourLordintheseverses.OneisJESUS: theotherEMMANUEL.OnedescribesHisoffice; theotherHisnature.Botharedeeplyinteresting.

ThenameJESUSmeans"Savior."ItisthesamenameasJoshuaintheOldTestament.ItisgiventoourLordbecause"HesavesHispeoplefromtheirsins."ThisisHisspecialoffice.Hesavesthemfromtheguiltofsin,by washing them in His own atoning blood. He saves them from thedominionofsin,byputtingintheirheartsthesanctifyingSpirit.Hesavesthemfromthepresenceofsin,whenHetakesthemoutofthisworldtorestwithHim.Hewillsavethemfromalltheconsequencesofsin,whenHeshallgivethemagloriousbodyat the lastday.BlessedandholyareChrist'speople!Fromsorrow,cross,andconflicttheyarenotsaved.Butthey are saved from sin for evermore. They are cleansed from guilt byChrist's blood. They are made fit for heaven by Christ's Spirit. This issalvation.Hewhocleavestosinisnotyetsaved.

Jesus is a very encouraging name to heavy-laden sinners.He who isKing of kings and Lord of lordsmight lawfully have taken somemorehigh-soundingtitle.ButHedoesnotdoso.Therulersofthisworldhaveoften called themselves Great, Conquerors, Bold, Magnificent, and thelike.TheSonofGod is content to callHimself Savior.The soulswhichdesire salvationmay draw near to the Father with boldness, and haveaccesswithconfidencethroughChrist.ItisHisofficeandHisdelighttoshowmercy. "For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge theworld,butthattheworldshouldbesavedthroughhim."(John3:17.)

Jesus isaname,which ispeculiarlysweetandprecious tobelievers.Ithas often done them good, when the favor of kings and princes wouldhavebeenheardofwithunconcern.Ithasgiventhemwhatmoneycannotbuy,eveninwardpeace.Ithaseasedtheirweariedconsciences,andgivenresttotheirheavyhearts.TheSongofSolomonspeakstheexperienceofmany,whenitsays,"yournameisoilpouredforth."(Cant.1:3.)Happyisthatperson,whotrustsnotmerelyinvaguenotionsofGod'smercyandgoodness,butin"Jesus."

Theothernameintheseversesisscarcelylessinterestingthanthatjustreferredto.ItisthenamewhichisgiventoourLordfromhisnature,as"Godmanifestintheflesh."HeiscalledEMMANUEL,"Godwithus."

LetustakecarethatwehaveclearviewsofourLordJesusChrist'snatureandperson.It isapointof thedeepest importance.Weshould settle itfirmlyinourminds,thatourSaviorisperfectmanaswellasperfectGod,andperfectGodaswellasperfectman.Ifweoncelosesightofthisgreatfoundationtruth,wemayrunintofearfulheresies.ThenameEmmanueltakesinthewholemystery.Jesusis"Godwithus."Hehadanaturelikeourowninallthings,sinonlyexcepted.ButthoughJesuswas"withus"inhumanfleshandblood,HewasatthesametimeveryGod.

We shall often find, as we read the Gospels, that our Savior could beweary,andhungry,andthirsty--couldweep,andgroan,andfeelpainlikeone of ourselves. In all thiswe see "theman" Christ Jesus.We see thenatureHetookonHim,whenHewasbornoftheVirginMary.

Butwe shall also find in the sameGospels that our Saviorknewmen'sheartsandthoughts--thatHehadpoweroverdevils--thatHecouldworkthe mightiest of miracles with a word--that He was ministered to byangels--that He allowed a disciple to call Him "my God,"--and that hesaid,"BeforeAbrahamwasIam,"and"IandmyFatherareone."Inallthiswesee"theeternalGod."WeseeHim"whoisoverall,God,blessedforever.Amen."(Rom.9:5.)

Wouldyouhaveastrongfoundationforyourfaithandhope?ThenkeepinconstantviewyourSavior'sdivinity.HeinwhosebloodyouaretaughttotrustistheAlmightyGod.AllpowerisHisinheavenandearth.None

canpluckyououtofHishand.IfyouareatruebelieverinJesus,letnotyourheartbetroubledorafraid.

Would you have sweet comfort in suffering and trial? Then keep inconstantviewyourSavior'shumanity.Heis themanChristJesus,wholay on the bosom of the VirginMary, as a little infant, and knows theheartofaman.Hecanbetouchedwiththefeelingofyourinfirmities.HehasHimselfexperiencedSatan'stemptations.Hehasenduredhunger.Hehas shed tears. He has felt pain. Trust Him at all times with all yoursorrows.Hewillnotdespiseyou.PouroutallyourheartbeforeHiminprayer,andkeepnothingback.HecansympathizewithHispeople.

Let these thoughts sink down into ourminds. Let us blessGod for theencouraging truths which the first chapter of the New Testamentcontains. It tellsusofOnewho "savesHispeople from their sins."Butthisisnotall.IttellsusthatthisSavioris"Emmanuel,"GodHimself,andyetGodwithus,Godmanifestinhumanfleshlikeourown.Thisisgladtidings. This is indeed good news. Let us feed on these truths in ourheartsbyfaithwiththanksgiving.

Matthewchapter2

MATTHEW2:1-12

NowwhenJesuswasborninBethlehemofJudeainthedaysofHerodthe king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying,"WhereishewhoisbornKingoftheJews?Forwesawhisstarintheeast,andhavecometoworshiphim."WhenHerodthekingheardit,hewas troubled, and all Jerusalemwith him. Gathering together all thechiefpriestsandscribesof thepeople,heasked themwhere theChristwouldbeborn.Theysaidtohim,"InBethlehemofJudea, forthus it is

writtenthrough theprophet, 'YouBethlehem, landofJudah,are innowayleastamongtheprincesofJudah:foroutofyoushallcomeforthagovernor,whoshallshepherdmypeople,Israel.'"

ThenHerodsecretlycalledthewisemen,andlearnedfromthemexactlywhattimethestarappeared.HesentthemtoBethlehem,andsaid,"Goand search diligently for the young child.When you have found him,bringmeword,sothatIalsomaycomeandworshiphim."

They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star,which they saw in the east,wentbefore them,until it cameand stoodoverwheretheyoungchildwas.Whentheysawthestar,theyrejoicedwithexceedinglygreatjoy.TheycameintothehouseandsawtheyoungchildwithMary, his mother, and they fell down andworshiped him.Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense,and myrrh. Being warned in a dream that they shouldn't return toHerod,theywentbacktotheirowncountryanotherway.

It is not known who these wisemen were. Their names and dwelling-placearealikekeptbackfromus.Weareonlytoldthattheycame"fromthe East." Whether they were Chaldeans or Arabians we cannot say.WhethertheylearnedtoexpectChristfromthetentribeswhowentintocaptivity, or from thepropheciesofDaniel,wedonotknow. Itmatterslittle who they were. The point which concerns us most is the richinstructionwhichtheirhistoryconveys.

These verses showus, thattheremaybe true servantsofGod inplaceswhereweshouldnotexpecttofindthem.TheLordJesushasmany"hiddenones"likethesewisemen.TheirhistoryonearthmaybeaslittleknownasthatofMelchizedek,andJethro,andJob.Buttheirnamesareinthebookoflife,andtheywillbefoundwithChristinthedayofHisappearing.Itiswelltorememberthis.Wemustnotlookroundtheearthandsayhastily,"allisbarren."ThegraceofGodisnottiedtoplacesandfamilies.TheHolySpiritcanleadsoulstoChristwithoutthehelpofmanyoutwardmeans.Menmaybebornindarkplacesoftheearth,likethesewisemen,andyetlikethembemade"wiseuntosalvation."Therearesometravelingtoheavenatthismoment,ofwhomthechurchandtheworld know nothing. They flourish in secret places like the lily among

thorns, and "waste their sweetness on the desert air." But Christ lovesthem,andtheyloveChrist.

Theseverses teachus, thatit isnotalwaysthosewhohavemostreligiousprivileges,whogiveChristmosthonor.Wemighthavethought that the Scribes and Pharisees would have been the first tohastentoBethlehem,onthelightestrumorthattheSaviorwasborn.Butitwasnotso.Afewunknownstrangersfromadistantlandwerethefirst,except the shepherds mentioned by Luke, to rejoice at His birth. "Hecame unto his own, and his own received him not."What a mournfulpicturethisisofhumannature!Howoftenthesamekindofthingmaybeseenamongourselves!Howoftentheverypeoplewholivenearesttothemeansofgracearethosewhoneglectthemmost!Thereisonlytoomuchtruthintheoldproverb,"Thenearer thechurchthe further fromGod."Familiarity with sacred things has a dreadful tendency to make mendespise them. There are many, who from residence and convenienceoughttobefirstandforemostintheworshipofGod,andyetarealwayslast. There are many, who might well be expected to be last, who arealwaysfirst.

Theseversesteachus,thattheremaybeknowledgeofScriptureinthehead,whilethereisnograceintheheart.MarkhowkingHerodsendstoinquireofthepriestsandelders"wheretheChristwouldbe born." Mark what a ready answer they return him, and what anacquaintancewiththeletterofScripturetheyshow.ButtheyneverwenttoBethlehem to seek for the coming Savior. Theywould not believe inHim, when He ministered among them. Their heads were better thantheirhearts.Letusallbewareofrestingsatisfiedwithhead-knowledge.Itisanexcellentthing,whenrightlyused.Butamanmayhavemuchofit,andyetperisheverlastingly.What is thestateofourhearts?This is thegreatquestion.Alittlegraceisbetterthanmanygifts.Giftsalonesavenoone.Butgraceleadsontoglory.

The conduct of the wisemen described in this chapter isa splendidexampleofspiritualdiligence.WhattroubleitmusthavecostthemtotravelfromtheirhomestotheplacewhereJesuswasborn!Howmanyweary miles they must have journeyed! The fatigues of an Easterntraveler are far greater than we in England can at all understand. The

timethatsucha journeywouldoccupymustnecessarilyhavebeenverygreat. The dangers to be encountered were neither few nor small. Butnone of these thingsmoved them. They had set their hearts on seeingHim"whowasbornKingof theJews;"andtheyneverresteduntil theysawHim.Theyprovetousthetruthoftheoldsaying,"Wherethereisawillthereisaway."

Itwouldbewell forallprofessingChristians if theyweremoreready tofollowthewisemen'sexample.Whereisourself-denial?Whatpainsdowe take about our souls? What diligence do we show about followingChrist?Whatdoesourreligioncostus?Theseareseriousquestions.Theydeserveseriousconsideration.

Last,butnotleast,theconductofthewisemenisastrikingexampleoffaith.TheybelievedinChristwhentheyhadneverseenHim--butthatwasnotall.Theybelieved inHimwhen theScribesandPhariseeswereunbelieving--butthatagainwasnotall.TheybelievedinHimwhentheysawHim a little infant onMary's knee, andworshipedHim as a king.This was the crowning point of their faith. They saw no miracles toconvincethem.Theyheardnoteachingtopersuadethem.Theybeheldnosignsofdivinityandgreatnesstooverawethem.Theysawnothingbutanew-borninfant,helplessandweak,andneedingamother'scarelikeanyoneof ourselves.Andyetwhen they saw that infant, theybelievedthattheysawthedivineSaviorof theworld. "They felldownandworshipedHim."

WereadofnogreaterfaiththanthisinthewholevolumeoftheBible.Itisafaiththatdeservestobeplacedsidebysidewiththatofthepenitentthief.Thethiefsawonedyingthedeathofamalefactor,andyetprayedtoHim,and"calledHimLord."Thewisemensawanew-bornbabeonthelapofapoorwoman,andyetworshipedHimandconfessedthatHewasChrist.Blessedindeedarethosethatcanbelieveinthisfashion!

Thisisthekindoffaith,letusremember,thatGoddelightstohonor.Wesee the proof of that at this very day. Wherever the Bible is read theconductofthesewisemenisknown,andtoldasamemorialofthem.Letuswalk in the steps of their faith. Let us not be ashamed to believe inJesus and confess Him, though all around us remain careless and

unbelieving.Havewenot a thousand-foldmore evidence than thewisemenhad, tomakeusbelieve thatJesus is theChrist?Beyonddoubtwehave.Yetwhereisourfaith?

MATTHEW2:13-23

Nowwhentheyhaddeparted,behold,anangeloftheLordappearedtoJoseph in a dream, saying, "Arise and take the young child and hismother, and flee intoEgypt, and stay thereuntil I tell you, forHerodwillseektheyoungchildtodestroyhim."

He arose and took the young child and his mother by night, anddeparted into Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod; that itmight be fulfilledwhichwas spoken by the Lord through the prophet,saying,"OutofEgyptIcalledmyson."

ThenHerod,when he saw that hewasmocked by thewisemen,wasexceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all themale childrenwhowere in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from twoyearsoldandunder,accordingtotheexacttimewhichhehadlearnedfrom the wise men. Then that which was spoken by Jeremiah theprophetwasfulfilled,saying,"AvoicewasheardinRamah,

lamentation, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for herchildren;shewouldn'tbecomforted,becausetheyarenomore."

ButwhenHerodwasdead,behold,anangeloftheLordappearedinadreamtoJoseph inEgypt,saying,"Ariseandtake theyoungchildandhis mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought theyoungchild'slifearedead."

Hearoseand took theyoung childandhismother,and came into theland of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning overJudeaintheplaceofhisfather,Herod,hewasafraidtogothere.Beingwarned inadream,hewithdrew into the regionofGalilee, and cameandlivedinacitycalledNazareth;thatitmightbefulfilledwhichwas

spokenthroughtheprophets:"HewillbecalledaNazarene."

Observe in thispassage,how true it is that therulersof thisworldare seldom friendly to the cause of God.The Lord Jesus comesdownfromheaventosavesinners,andatoncewearetoldthatHerodtheking"soughttodestroyhim."

Greatness and riches are a perilouspossession for the soul.Theyknownot what they seek who seek to have them. They leadmen intomanytemptations.Theyarelikelytofilltheheartwithpride,andtochaintheaffectionsdowntothingsbelow."Notmanymighty,notmanynoblearecalled." "A rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven withdifficulty."

Do you envy the rich and great?Does your heart say, "Oh I that I hadtheir place, and rank, and substance?" Beware of giving way to thefeeling.Theverywealthwhichyouadmiremaybegradually sinking itspossessordown intohell.A littlemoremoneymightbeyour ruin.LikeHerodyoumightrunintoeveryexcessofwickednessandcruelty."Takeheed,andbewareofcovetousness.""Becontentwithsuchthingsasyouhave."

DoyouthinkthatChrist'scausedependsonthepowerandpatronageofprinces? You are mistaken. They have seldom done much for theadvancement of true religion. They have far more frequently been theenemiesofthetruth."Putnotyourtrustinprinces."ThosewhoarelikeHerod are many. Those who are like Josiah and Edward the Sixth ofEnglandarefew.

ObservehowtheLordJesuswas"amanofsorrows"evenfromHisinfancy.TroubleawaitsHimassoonasHeenters into theworld.His life is in danger fromHerod's hatred. His mother and Joseph areobliged to takeHimawaybynight, and "flee intoEgypt." Itwasonlyatype and figure of all His experience upon earth. The waves ofhumiliationbegantobeatoverHim,evenwhenHewasanursingchild.

TheLordJesus is just theSavior that thesufferingandsorrowfulneed.Heknowswellwhatwemean,whenwetellHiminprayerofourtroubles.

Hecansympathizewithus,whenwecrytoHimundercruelpersecution.LetuskeepnothingbackfromHim.LetusmakeHimourbosomfriend.LetuspouroutourheartsbeforeHim.Hehashadgreat experienceofaffliction.

Observehowdeathcanremovethekingsofthisworldlikeothermen.Therulersofmillionshavenopowertoretainlife,whenthehouroftheirdeparturecomes.Themurdererofhelplessinfantsmusthimselfdie.JosephandMaryhearthetidingsthat"Herodisdead;"andatoncetheyreturninsafetytotheirownland.

TrueChristiansshouldneverbegreatlymovedbythepersecutionofman.Theirenemiesmaybestrong,andtheymaybeweak;butstilltheyoughtnot to be afraid. They should remember that "the triumphing of thewicked is but short."Whathasbecomeof thePharaohs andNeros andDiocletians, who at one time fiercely persecuted the people of God?WhereistheenmityofCharlestheNinthofFrance,andBloodyMaryofEngland?Theydidtheirutmosttocastthetruthdowntotheground.Butthetruthroseagainfromtheearth,andstilllives;andtheyaredead,andmoulderinginthegrave.Letnottheheartofanybelieverfail.Deathisamighty leveler, and can take any mountain out of the way of Christ'schurch. "The Lord lives" forever.His enemies are onlymen. The truthshallalwaysprevail.

Observe, in the lastplace,whatalessonofhumility is taughtusbythedwellingplaceoftheSonofGod,whenHewasonearth.HedweltwithHismotherandJoseph"inacitycalledNazareth."NazarethwasasmalltowninGalilee.Itwasanobscure,retiredplace,notsomuchas once mentioned in the Old Testament. Hebron, and Shiloh, andGibeon,andBethel,werefarmoreimportantplaces.ButtheLordJesuspassedbythemall,andchoseNazareth.Thiswashumility.

InNazareth theLord Jesus lived thirty years. Itwas thereHe grew upfrom infancy to childhood, and from childhood to boyhood, and fromboyhoodtoyouth,andfromyouthtoman'sestate.Weknowlittleofthemanner inwhichthosethirtyyearswerespent.ThatHewas"subjecttoMary and Joseph," we are expressly told. That He worked in thecarpenter's shop with Joseph, is highly probable. We only know, that

almost fivesixthsof the time that theSaviorof theworldwasonearthwas passed among the poor of this world, and passed in completeretirement.Trulythiswashumility.

LetuslearnwisdomfromourSavior'sexample.Wearefartooreadyto"seekgreatthings'' inthisworld.Letusseekthemnot.Tohaveaplace,andatitle,andapositioninsociety,isnotnearlysoimportantaspeoplethink.Itisagreatsintobecovetous,andworldly,andproud,andcarnal-minded.Butitisnosintobepoor.Itmattersnotsomuchwherewelive,aswhatwe are in the sight ofGod.Where arewe goingwhenwe die?Shallwe live forever inheaven?Theseare themain things towhichweshouldattend.

Above all, let us daily strive to copy our Savior's humility. Pride is theoldestandcommonestofsins.Humilityistherarestandmostbeautifulof graces. For humility let us labor. For humility let us pray. Ourknowledgemaybescanty.Our faithmaybeweak.Ourstrengthmaybesmall.ButifwearedisciplesofHimwho"livedinNazareth,"letusatanyratebehumble.

Matthewchapter3

MATTHEW3:1-12

In thosedays, John theBaptizer came, preaching in thewildernessofJudea,saying,"Repent,fortheKingdomofHeavenisathand!"ForthisishewhowasspokenofbyIsaiahtheprophet,saying,"Thevoiceofonecrying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord. Make hispathsstraight."

Now John himselfwore clothingmade of camel's hair,with a leatherbeltaroundhiswaist.Hisfoodwaslocustsandwildhoney.ThenpeoplefromJerusalem,allofJudea,andalltheregionaroundtheJordanwent

out tohim.Theywerebaptizedbyhim in theJordan, confessing theirsins.ButwhenhesawmanyofthePhariseesandSadduceescomingforhisbaptism,hesaidtothem,"Youoffspringofvipers,whowarnedyouto flee from thewrath to come? Therefore bring forth fruitworthy ofrepentance! Don't think to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for ourfather,' for I tellyou thatGod isable to raiseupchildren toAbrahamfrom these stones. "Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees.Therefore,everytreethatdoesn'tbringforthgoodfruitiscutdown,andcast into the fire. I indeedbaptizeyou inwater for repentance,buthewhocomesaftermeismightierthanI,whoseshoesIamnotworthytocarry.HewillbaptizeyouintheHolySpirit.Hiswinnowingfork is inhis hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He willgather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up withunquenchablefire."

TheseversesdescribetheministryofJohntheBaptist,theforerunnerofourLordJesusChrist.Itisaministrythatdeservescloseattention.Fewpreacherseverproducedsucheffects."TherewentouttohimJerusalem,andallJudea,andalltheregionroundaboutJordan."NoneeverreceivedsuchpraisefromthegreatHeadoftheChurch.Jesuscallshim"aburningand a shining light." The great Bishop of souls Himself declares, that"among thosewhoarebornofwomen therehasnot arisenonegreaterthan John the Baptist." Let us then study the leading features of hisministry.

John the Baptist spoke plainly about sin.He taught the absolutenecessityof"repentance,"beforeanyonecanbesaved.Hepreachedthatrepentancemustbeprovedbyits"fruits."Hewarnedmennottorestonoutwardprivileges,oroutwardunionwiththechurch.

This is just the teaching that we all need.We are naturally dead, andblind, and asleep in spiritual things.We are ready to content ourselveswith a mere formal religion, and to flatter ourselves, that if we go tochurchweshallbesaved.Weneedtobetold,thatexceptwe"repentandareconverted"weshallallperish.

John the Baptist spoke plainly about our Lord Jesus Christ.Hetaught people that one far "mightier than himself" was coming among

them. He was nothing more than a servant--the Coming One was theKing.Hehimselfcouldonly"baptizewithwater"--theComingOnecould"baptizewiththeHolySpirit," takeawaysins,andwouldoneday judgetheworld.

Thisagainistheveryteachingthathumannaturerequires.Weneedtobesentdirect toChrist.Weareall ready to stopshort of this.Wewant torest in our union with the church, regular use of the sacraments, anddiligentattendanceonanestablishedministry.Weought tobe told theabsolute necessity of union with Christ Himself by faith. He is theappointed fountainofmercy,grace, life,andpeace.Wemusteachhavepersonal dealings with Him about our souls.What do we know of theLord Jesus?What have we got fromHim? These are the questions onwhichoursalvationhinges.

JohntheBaptistspokeplainlyabouttheHolySpirit.HepreachedthattherewassuchathingasthebaptismoftheHolySpirit.HetaughtthatitwasthespecialofficeoftheLordJesustogiveittomen.

Thisagainisateachingwhichwegreatlyrequire.Weneedtobetoldthatforgiveness of sin is not the only thing necessary to salvation. There isanother thing yet; and that is the baptizing of our hearts by the HolySpirit.TheremustnotonlybetheworkofChristFORus,buttheworkoftheHoly Spirit IN us. Theremust not only be a title to heaven by thebloodofChrist,butapreparednessforheavenwroughtinusbytheSpiritofChrist.LetusneverrestuntilweknowsomethingbyexperienceofthebaptismoftheSpirit.Thebaptismofwaterisagreatprivilege.ButletusseetoitthatwehavealsothebaptismoftheHolySpirit.

JohntheBaptistspokeplainlyaboutthedreadfuldangeroftheimpenitent and unbelieving.He told his hearers that there was a"wrath to come."He preached of an "unquenchable fire," in which thechaffwouldonedaybeburned.

Thisagainisateachingwhichisdeeplyimportant.Weneedtobestraitlywarned,thatitisnolightmatterwhetherwerepentornot.Weneedtobereminded, that there is a hell as well as a heaven, and an everlastingpunishment for thewicked, aswell as everlasting life for the godly.We

arefearfullyapttoforgetthis.WetalkoftheloveandmercyofGod,andwedonotremembersufficientlyHisjustnessandholiness.Letusbeverycarefulonthispoint.ItisnorealkindnesstokeepbacktheterrorsoftheLord.Itisgoodforusalltobetaughtthatitispossibletobelostforever,andthatallunconvertedpeoplearehangingoverthebrinkofthepit.

Inthelastplace,JohntheBaptistspokeplainlyaboutthesafetyoftrue believers.He taught, that there was "a barn" for all who areChrist'swheat,andthattheywouldbegatheredtogetherthereinthedayofhisappearing.

Thisagainisateachingwhichhumannaturegreatlyrequires.Thebestofbelieversneedmuchencouragement.Theyareyetinthebody.Theyliveinawickedworld.Theyareoftentemptedbythedevil.Theyoughttobeoften reminded, that Jesuswill never leave themnor forsake them.Hewillguide themsafely through this life,andat lengthgive themeternalglory.Theyshallbehiddeninthedayofwrath.TheyshallbesafeasNoahintheark.

Let these things sink down deeply into our hearts.We live in a day ofmuchfalseteaching.Letusneverforgettheleadingfeaturesofafaithfulministry. Happy would it have been for the Church of Christ, if all itsministershadbeenmorelikeJohntheBaptist!

MATTHEW3:13-17

ThenJesuscamefromGalileetotheJordantoJohn,tobebaptizedbyhim.ButJohnwouldhavehinderedhim,saying,"Ineedtobebaptizedbyyou,andyoucometome?"

ButJesus,answering, said tohim, "Allow itnow, for this is the fittingwayforustofulfillallrighteousness."Thenheallowedhim.Jesus,whenhe was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, theheavenswereopenedtohim.HesawtheSpiritofGoddescendingasadove,andcomingonhim.Behold,avoiceoutoftheheavenssaid,"ThisismybelovedSon,withwhomIamwellpleased."

YouhaveheretheaccountofourLordJesusChrist'sbaptism.ThiswasHisfirststep,whenHeenteredonHisministry.WhentheJewishprieststook up their office at the age of thirty, they were washed with water.WhenourgreatHighPriestbeginsthegreatworkHecameintotheworldtoaccomplish,Heispubliclybaptized.

Letuslearnfromtheseversestoregardthesacramentofbaptismwithreverence.AnordinanceofwhichtheLordJesusHimselfpartook,isnottobelightlyesteemed.AnordinancetowhichthegreatHeadoftheChurchsubmitted,ought tobeeverhonorable in theeyesofprofessingChristians.

Therearefewsubjectsinreligiononwhichgreatermistakeshavearisenthan baptism. There are few which require so much fencing andguarding.Letusarmourmindswithtwogeneralcautions.

Let us beware on the one hand, that we do not attach aSUPERSTITIOUSimportancetothewaterofbaptism.Wemustnot expect thatwater to act as a charm.Wemust not suppose that allbaptized people as amatter of course receive the grace of God, in themoment that they are baptized. To say that all who come to baptismobtainlikeandequalbenefit--andthat itmattersnota jotwhethertheycomewith faith andprayer, or in utter carelessness, to say such thingsappearstocontradicttheplainestlessonsofScripture.

Let us beware on the other hand, that we do not DISHONOR thesacramentofbaptism.Itisdishonoredwhenitisthrustoutofsight,andneverpubliclynoticedinthecongregation.AsacramentordainedbyChristHimselfoughtnottobetreatedinthisway.Theadmissionofeverynew member into the ranks of the visible church, whether young orgrownup,isaneventwhichoughttoexcitealivelyinterestinaChristianassembly.Itisaneventthatoughttocallforththeferventprayersofallpraying people. The more deeply we are convinced that baptism andgracearenotinseparablytiedtogether,themoreweoughttofeelboundtojoininprayerforablessing,wheneveranyoneisbaptized.

ThebaptismofourLordJesusChristwasattendedbycircumstancesofpeculiar solemnity. Such a baptism never will be again, so long as the

worldstands.

We are told of the presence of all three people of the blessedTrinity.God the Son,manifest in the flesh, is baptized.God theSpiritdescendslikeadove,andlightsuponHim.GodtheFatherspeaksfromheaven with a voice. In a word we have the manifested presence ofFather, Son, and Holy Spirit. Surely we may regard this as a publicannouncement, that the work of Christ was the result of the eternalcounselsofalltheThree.ItwasthewholeTrinity,whichatthebeginningofcreationsaid,"letusmakeman."ItwasthewholeTrinityagain,whichatthebeginningoftheGospelseemedtosay,"letussaveman."

Wearetoldof"avoicefromheaven"atourLord'sbaptism.Thiswasacircumstance of singular solemnity. We read of no voice from heavenbeforethis,exceptatthegivingofthelawonSinai.Bothoccasionswereofpeculiarimportance.ItthereforeseemedgoodtoourFatherinheaventomarkbothwithpeculiarhonor.AttheintroductionbothofthelawandGospel,HeHimselfspeaks.

Howstrikinganddeeply instructiveare theFather'swords! "This ismybelovedSon, inwhom I amwell pleased."Hedeclares, in thesewords,thatJesus is thedivineSaviorsealedandappointedfromalleternitytocarryouttheworkofredemption.Heproclaims,thatHeacceptsHimastheMediatorbetweenGodandman.Heseems topublish to theworld,that He is satisfied with Him as the propitiation, the substitute, theransom-payer for the lost familyofAdam,and theHeadofa redeemedpeople.InHimHe seesHisholy "lawmagnifiedandmadehonorable."ThroughHimHecan"bejust,andyetthejustifieroftheungodly."(Rom.3:26.)

Mayweponderthesewordswell!Theyarefullofrichfoodforthought.Theyarefullofpeace,joy,comfortandconsolation,forallwhohavefledforrefugetotheLordJesusChrist,andcommittedtheirsoulstoHimforsalvation. Such may rejoice in the thought, that though in themselvessinful,yetinGod'ssighttheyarecountedrighteous.TheFatherregardsthemasmembersofHisbelovedSon.Hesees inthemnospot,andforHisson'ssakeis"wellpleased."(Ephes.1:6.)

Matthewchapter4

MATTHEW4:1-11

ThenJesuswasledupbytheSpiritintothewildernesstobetemptedbythe devil. When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he washungryafterward.The tempter cameand said tohim, "If youare theSonofGod,commandthatthesestonesbecomebread."

Butheanswered,"Itiswritten, 'Manshallnotlivebybreadalone,butbyeverywordthatproceedsoutofthemouthofGod.'"

Thenthedeviltookhimintotheholycity.Hesethimonthepinnacleofthetemple,andsaidtohim,"IfyouaretheSonofGod,throwyourselfdown,foritiswritten,'Hewillgivehisangelschargeconcerningyou.'and,'Ontheirhandstheywillbearyouup,sothatyoudon'tdashyourfootagainstastone.'"

Jesussaidtohim,"Again,itiswritten,'YoushallnottesttheLord,yourGod.'"

Again,thedeviltookhimtoanexceedinglyhighmountain,andshowedhimall the kingdomsof theworld,and theirglory.He said tohim, "Iwillgiveyouallofthesethings,ifyouwillfalldownandworshipme."

Then Jesus said to him, "Get behindme, Satan!For it iswritten, 'YoushallworshiptheLordyourGod,andhimonlyshallyouserve.'"

Thenthedevillefthim,andbehold,angelscameandservedhim.

The first event in ourLord'sministrywhichMatthew records afterHisbaptism,isHistemptation.Thisisadeepandmysterioussubject.There

ismuchinthehistoryofitwhichwecannotexplain.Buttherelieontheface of the history plain practical lessons, towhichwe shall dowell totakeheed.

Letus learn in the firstplace,whatarealandmighty enemywehave in the devil.He is not afraid to assault even the Lord JesusHimself. Three times over he attacks God's own Son. Our Savior was"temptedbythedevil."Itwasthedevilwhobroughtsinintotheworldatthebeginning.Thisishe,whovexedJob,deceivedDavid,andgavePeteraheavyfall.Thisishe,whomtheBiblecallsa"murderer,"a"liar,"anda"roaringlion."Thisishe,whoseenmitytooursoulsneverslumbersandneversleeps.This ishe,whofornearly6000yearshasbeenworkingatonework--to ruinmen andwomen, and draw them to hell. This is he,whose cunning and subtlety pass man's understanding, and who oftenappearsas"anangeloflight."

Let us all watch and pray daily against his devices. There is no enemyworsethananenemywhoisneverseenandneverdies,whoisneartouswherever we live, and goes with us wherever we go. Not least let usbeware of that levity and jesting about thedevil,which is sounhappilycommon.Letusremembereveryday,thatifwewouldbesaved,wemustnot only crucify the flesh, and overcome theworld, but also "resist thedevil."

Letuslearninthenextplace,thatwemustnotcounttemptationastrange thing. "The disciple is not greater than his master, nor theservant than his lord." If Satan came to Christ, he will also come toChristians.

Itwouldbewell forallbelievers, if theywouldrememberthis.Theyaretoo apt to forget it. They often find evil thoughts arising within theirminds,whichtheycantrulysaytheyhate.Doubts,questions,andsinfulimaginingsaresuggestedtothem,againstwhichtheirwholeinwardmanrevolts.Butletnotthesethingsdestroytheirpeace,androbthemoftheircomforts. Let them remember there is a devil, and not be surprised tofindhimnearthem.Tobetemptedisinitselfnosin.Itistheyieldingtothetemptation,andgivingitaplaceinourhearts,whichwemustfear.

Letuslearninthenextplace,thatthechiefweaponweoughttouseinresistingSatanistheBible.ThreetimesthegreatenemyofferedtemptationstoourLord.Threetimeshisofferwasrefused,withatextofScriptureasthereason,"itiswritten."

Hereisoneamongmanyreasons,whyweoughttobediligentreadersofourBibles. TheWord is the sword of the Spirit.We shall never fight agoodfight, ifwedonotuseitasourprincipalweapon.TheWordis thelampforourfeet.Weshallneverkeeptheking'shighwaytoheaven,ifwedonotjourneybyitslight.Itmaywellbefeared,thatthereisnotenoughBible-reading amongus. It is not sufficient tohave theBook.Wemustactuallyreadit,andprayoveritourselves.Itwilldousnogood,ifitonlyliesstillinourhouses.Wemustbeactuallyfamiliarwithitscontents,andhaveitstextsstoredinourmemoriesandminds.KnowledgeoftheBiblenever comes by intuition. It can only be obtained by diligent, regular,daily,attentive,wakefulreading.Dowegrudgethetimeandtroublethiswillcostus?Ifwedo,wearenotyetfitforthekingdomofGod.

Letuslearninthelastplace,whatasympathizingSaviortheLordJesusChrist is."In that he himself has suffered being tempted, he isabletohelpthosewhoaretempted."(Heb.2:18.)

ThesympathyofJesusisatruthwhichoughttobepeculiarlydeartoallbelievers.Theywill find in itamineofstrongconsolation.They shouldneverforget,thattheyhaveamightyFriendinheaven,whofeelsforthemin all their temptations, and can enter into all their spiritual anxieties.AretheyevertemptedbySatantodistrustGod'scareandgoodness?Sowas Jesus.Are they ever tempted topresumeonGod'smercy, and runintodangerwithoutwarrant?SoalsowasJesus.Aretheyevertemptedtocommit some one great private sin for the sake of some great seemingadvantage? So alsowas Jesus. Are they ever tempted to listen to somemisapplicationof Scripture, as an excuse fordoingwrong?So alsowasJesus.HeisjusttheSaviorthatatemptedpeoplerequire.LetthemfleetoHimforhelp,andspreadbeforeHimalltheirtroubles.TheywillfindHis ear ever ready to hear, and His heart ever ready to feel He canunderstandtheirsorrows.

MayweallknowthevalueofasympathizingSaviorbyexperience!There

is nothing to be compared to it in this cold and deceitfulworld. Thosewhoseektheirhappinessinthislifeonly,anddespisethereligionoftheBible,havenoideawhattruecomforttheyaremissing.

MATTHEW4:12-25

Nowwhen Jesus heard that Johnwas delivered up, hewithdrew intoGalilee.LeavingNazareth,hecameandlivedinCapernaum,whichisbythesea,intheregionofZebulunandNaphtali,thatitmightbefulfilledwhich was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, "The land ofZebulunand the landofNaphtali, toward the sea,beyond theJordan,GalileeoftheGentiles,thepeoplewhosatindarknesssawagreatlight,to thosewho sat in the regionand shadowofdeath, to them lighthasdawned."

From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, "Repent! For theKingdomofHeavenisathand."

WalkingbytheseaofGalilee,hesawtwobrothers:Simon,whoiscalledPeter,andAndrew,hisbrother,castinganetintothesea;fortheywerefishermen.Hesaidtothem,"Comeafterme,andIwillmakeyoufishersformen."

Theyimmediatelylefttheirnetsandfollowedhim.Goingonfromthere,he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John hisbrother, in the boatwith Zebedee their father,mending their nets.Hecalled them. They immediately left the boat and their father, andfollowedhim.

JesuswentaboutinallGalilee,teachingintheirsynagogues,preachingthe GoodNews of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and everysicknessamongthepeople.ThereportabouthimwentoutintoallSyria.Theybrought tohimallwhowere sick,afflictedwithvarious diseasesandtorments,possessedwithdemons,epileptics,andparalytics;andhehealed them. Great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem,JudeaandfrombeyondtheJordanfollowedhim.

WehaveintheseversesthebeginningofourLord'sministryamongmen.HeentersonHis laborsamongadarkandignorantpeople.Hechoosesmen to beHis companions and disciples.He confirmsHisministry bymiracles,whichrousetheattentionof"allSyria,"anddrawmultitudestohearHim.

LetusnoticethewayinwhichourLordcommencedHismightywork."Hebegantopreach."Thereisnoofficesohonorableasthatofthepreacher.Thereisnoworksoimportanttothesoulsofmen.ItisanofficewhichtheSonofGodwasnotashamedtotakeup.ItisanofficetowhichHeappointedHistwelveapostles.ItisanofficetowhichPaulinhisoldagespeciallydirectsTimothy'sattention.Hechargeshimwithalmosthislastbreath to "preach theword." It is themeanswhichGodhasalwaysbeenpleasedtouseaboveanyother,fortheconversionandedificationofsouls.ThebrightestdaysoftheChurchhavebeenthosewhenpreachinghasbeenhonored.ThedarkestdaysoftheChurchhavebeenthosewhenit has been lightly esteemed. Let us honor the sacraments and publicprayersoftheChurch,andreverentlyusethem.Butletusbewarethatwedonotplacethemabovepreaching.

LetusnoticethefirstdoctrinewhichtheLordJesusproclaimedtotheworld.Hebegantosay"repent!"Thenecessityof repentance isoneofthegreatfoundations,whichlieattheverybottomofChristianity.It needs to be pressed on allmankindwithout exception.High or low,rich or poor, all have sinned and are guilty before God; and all mustrepentandbeconverted,iftheywouldbesaved.Andtruerepentance isno light matter. It is a thorough change of heart about sin, a changeshowing itself in godly sorrow and humiliation--in heartfelt confessionbeforethethroneofgrace--inacompletebreakingofffromsinfulhabits,and an abiding hatred of all sin. Such repentance is the inseparablecompanionofsavingfaithinChrist.Letusprizethedoctrinehighly.Itisof the highest importance. No Christian teaching can be called sound,which does not constantly bring forward "repentance toward God andfaithtowardourLordJesusChrist."(Acts20:21.)

LetusnoticetheclassofmenwhomtheLordJesuschosetobeHisdisciples.Theywereofthepoorestandhumblestrankinlife.Peter,andAndrew,andJames,andJohn,wereall"fishermen."

ThereligionofourLordJesusChristwasnot intended for the richandlearnedalone. Itwas intended forall theworld--and themajorityofallthe world will always be the poor. Poverty and ignorance of booksexcluded thousands from the notice of the boastful philosophers of theheathenworld.TheyexcludenoonefromthehighestplaceintheserviceofChrist. Isamanhumble?Doeshe feelhis sins? Ishewilling tohearChrist'svoiceandfollowHim?Ifthisbeso,hemaybethepoorestofthepoor, but he shall be found as high as any in the kingdom of heaven.Intellectandmoneyareworthnothingwithoutgrace.

ThereligionofChristmusthavebeenfromheaven,oritnevercouldhaveprosperedandoverspreadtheearthasithasdone.Itisvainforinfidelstoattempttoanswerthisargument.Itcannotbeanswered.Areligionwhichdid not flatter the rich, the great, and the learned--a religion whichoffered no license to the carnal inclinations of man's heart--a religionwhose first teachers were poor fishermen, without wealth, rank, orpower--suchareligioncouldneverhaveturnedtheworldupsidedown,ifit had not been ofGod. Look at theRoman emperors and the heathenpriests with their splendid temples on the one side! Look at a fewunlearnedworkingmenwith theGospel on the other!Were there evertwopartiessounequallymatched?Yet theweakprovedstrong,and thestrong proved weak. Heathenism fell, and Christianity took its place.ChristianitymustbeofGod.

Letusnoticeinthelastplacethegeneralcharacterofthemiraclesbywhich our Lord confirmedHismission.Here we are told ofthem in the mass. Hereafter we shall read many of them describedparticularly. Andwhat is their character? Theyweremiracles ofmercyandkindness.OurLord"wentaboutdoinggood."

Thesemiracles aremeant to teach us our Lord's power.He that couldhealsickpeoplewithatouch,andcastoutdevilswithaword,is"abletosave to theuttermost thosewhodrawnear toGodthroughHim."Heisalmighty.

ThesemiraclesaremeanttobetypesandemblemsofourLord'sskillasaspiritualphysician.Hebeforewhomnobodilydiseaseprovedincurable,

ismightytocureeveryailmentofoursouls.ThereisnobrokenheartthatHe cannot heal. There is nowound of conscience thatHe cannot cure.Fallen,crushed,bruised,plague-strickenasweallarebysin,JesusbyHisbloodandSpiritcanmakeuswhole.OnlyletusgotoHim.

Thesemiraclesnot leastare intendedtoshowusChrist'sheart.Heisamost compassionate Savior.He rejected no onewho came toHim.Herefusednoone,howeverloathsomeanddiseased.Hehadaneartohearall,andahandtohelpall,andahearttofeelforall.ThereisnokindnesslikeHis.Hiscompassionsfailnot.

May we all remember that Jesus is "the same yesterday, today, andforever!" High in heaven at God's right hand, He is not in the leastaltered.Heisjustasabletosave,justaswillingtoreceive,justasreadytohelp, asHewas 1800 years ago.Wouldwe have spread out our needsbeforeHimthen?Letusdothesamenow.Hecan"healeverydiseaseandeverysickness."

Matthewchapter5

MATTHEW5:1-12

Seeingthemultitudes,hewentupontothemountain.Whenhehadsatdown,hisdisciplescametohim.Heopenedhismouthandtaughtthem,saying,

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.Blessedare thosewhomourn, for theyshallbe comforted.Blessedarethegentle,fortheyshallinherittheearth.Blessedarethosewhohungerand thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are themerciful,fortheyshallobtainmercy.Blessedarethepureinheart, fortheyshallseeGod.Blessedarethepeacemakers,fortheyshallbecalled

children of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted forrighteousness'sake,fortheirsistheKingdomofHeaven.

"Blessedareyouwhenpeoplereproachyou,persecuteyou,andsayallkinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and beexceedinglyglad, forgreat is your reward inheaven.For that is howtheypersecutedtheprophetswhowerebeforeyou."

The three chapters which begin with these verses deserve the specialattention of all readers of the Bible. They contain what is commonlycalledthe"sermononthemount."

Every word of the Lord Jesus ought to bemost precious to professingChristians. It is the voice of the chief Shepherd. It is the charge of thegreatBishopandHeadoftheChurch.ItistheMasterspeaking.ItisthewordofHimwho"spokeasnevermanspoke,"andbywhomweshallallbejudgedatthelastday.

WouldweknowwhatkindofpeopleChristiansought tobe?WouldweknowthecharacteratwhichChristiansoughttoaim?Wouldweknowtheoutward walk and inward habit of mind which become a follower ofJesus? Then let us often study the sermon on themount. Let us oftenponder each sentence, and prove ourselves by it. Not least let us oftenconsiderwho theyare thatare calledBLESSEDat thebeginningof thesermon.ThosewhomthegreatHighPriestblessesareblessedindeed.

TheLordJesuscalls thoseblessed,whoarepoorinspirit.Hemeansthehumble,andlowly-minded,andself-abased.Hemeansthosewhoaredeeply convincedof their own sinfulness inGod's sight.These are theywhoarenot"wiseintheirowneyesandholyintheirownsight."Theyarenot"richandincreasedwithgoods."Theydonotimaginethattheyneednothing.Theyregardthemselvesas"wretched,andmiserable,andpoor,and blind, and naked." Blessed are all such! Humility is the very firstletter in the alphabet of Christianity.Wemust begin low, if we wouldbuildhigh.

TheLord Jesus calls those blessed,whomourn.Hemeans thosewhosorrowforsin,andgrievedailyovertheirownshort-comings.Theseare

they who trouble themselves more about sin than about anything onearth. The remembrance of it is grievous to them. The burden of it isintolerable.Blessedareallsuch!"ThesacrificesofGodareabrokenandcontrite spirit." One day they shall weep no more. "They shall becomforted."

TheLordJesuscallsthoseblessed,whoaremeek.Hemeansthosewhoareofapatientandcontentedspirit.Theyarewillingtoputupwithlittlehonorherebelow.Theycanbear injurieswithout resentment.They arenotreadytotakeoffence.LikeLazarusintheparable,theyarecontenttowaitfortheirgoodthings.Blessedareallsuch!Theyareneverlosersinthelongrun.Onedaytheyshall"reignontheearth."(Rev.5:10.)

The Lord Jesus calls those blessed, who hunger and thirst afterrighteousness.He means those who desire above all things to beentirelyconformedtothemindofGod.Theylongnotsomuchtoberich,orwealthy,orlearned,astobeholy.Blessedareallsuch!Theyshallhaveenough one day. They shall "awake up after God's likeness and besatisfied."(Psalm.17:15.)

TheLordJesuscalls thoseblessed,whoaremerciful.Hemeansthosewhoarefullofcompassiontowardsothers.Theypityallwhoaresufferingeither from sin or sorrow, and are tenderly desirous to make theirsufferings less. They are full of goodworks, and endeavors todo good.Blessedareallsuch!Bothinthis lifeandthattocometheyshallreaparichreward.

TheLordJesuscalls thoseblessed,whoarepureinheart.Hemeansthose who do not aim merely at outward correctness, but at inwardholiness. They are not satisfied with a mere external show of religion.Theystrive tokeepaheartandconsciencevoidofoffence,andtoserveGodwiththespiritandtheinnerman.Blessedareallsuch!Theheartistheman."Manlooksattheoutwardappearance,buttheLordlooksattheheart." (1 Sam. 16:7.) He that is most spiritual-minded will havemostcommunionwithGod.

TheLord Jesus calls thoseblessed,who arepeacemakers.Hemeansthosewhousealltheirinfluencetopromotepeaceandcharityonearth,

inprivateandinpublic,athomeandabroad.Hemeansthosewhostrivetomake allmen love one another, by teaching thatGospelwhich says,"loveisthefulfillingofthelaw."Blessedareallsuch!TheyaredoingtheveryworkwhichtheSonofGodbegan,whenhecametoearththefirsttime,andwhichHewillfinishwhenHereturnsthesecondtime.

Lastly, the Lord Jesus calls those blessed, who are persecuted forrighteousness sake. He means those who are laughed at, mocked,despised, and ill-used,because theyendeavor to liveas trueChristians.Blessed are all such! They drink of the same cup which their Masterdrank. They are now confessing Him before men, and He will confessthem before His Father and the angels at the last day. "Great is theirreward."

Such are the eight foundation-stones,which the Lord lays down at thebeginning of the sermon on the mount. Eight great testing truths areplacedbeforeus.Maywemarkwelleachoneofthem,andlearnwisdom!

Let us learn how entirely contrary are the principles of Christ to theprinciplesoftheworld.Itisvaintodenyit.Theyarealmostdiametricallyopposed. The very characters which the Lord Jesus praises, the worlddespises. The very pride, and thoughtlessness, and high tempers, andworldliness, and selfishness, and formality, and unlovingness, whichaboundeverywhere,theLordJesuscondemns.

Let us learnhowunhappily different is the teaching ofChrist from thepractice of many professing Christians. Where shall we find men andwomenamongthosewhogotochurchesandchapels,whoarestrivingtoliveuptothepatternwehavereadoftoday?Alas!thereismuchreasontofear, that many baptized people are utterly ignorant of what the NewTestamentcontains.

Aboveallletuslearnhowholyandspiritual-mindedallbelieversshouldbe.Theyshouldneveraimatanystandardlowerthanthatofthesermonon the mount. Christianity is eminently a practical religion. Sounddoctrine is its root and foundation,butholy living shouldalwaysbe itsfruit. And if we would know what holy living is, let us often bethinkourselveswhotheyarethatJesuscalls"blessed."

MATTHEW5:13-20

"Youarethesaltoftheearth,butifthesalthaslostitsflavor,withwhatwill it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out andtrodden under the feet of men. You are the light of the world. A citylocatedonahillcan'tbehidden.Neitherdoyoulightalamp,andputitunderameasuringbasket,butonastand;anditshinestoallwhoareinthehouse.Even so, letyour light shinebeforemen; that theymay seeyourgoodworks,andglorifyyourFatherwhoisinheaven.

"Don'tthinkthatIcametodestroythelawortheprophets.Ididn'tcometodestroy,buttofulfill.Formostcertainly,Itellyou,untilheavenandearth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen strokeshall in any way pass away from the law, until all things areaccomplished. Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these leastcommandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in theKingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall becalledgreat in theKingdomofHeaven.For I tellyou thatunlessyourrighteousnessexceedsthatofthescribesandPharisees,thereisnowayyouwillenterintotheKingdomofHeaven."

IntheseversestheLordJesustreatsoftwosubjects.OneisthecharacterwhichtrueChristiansmustsupportandmaintainintheworld.TheotheristherelationbetweenHisdoctrinesandthoseoftheOldTestament.Itisofgreatimportancetohaveclearviewsonboththesesubjects.

TrueChristiansaretobeintheworldlikeSALT.Nowsalthasapeculiartasteofitsown,utterlyunlikeanythingelse.Whenmingledwithothersubstances,itpreservesthemfromcorruption.Itimpartsaportionof its taste to everything it is mixed with. It is useful so long as itpreserves its savor,butno longer.Arewe trueChristians?Thenbeholdhereourplaceanditsduties!

TrueChristiansaretobeintheworldlikeLIGHT.Nowit is thepropertyoflighttobeutterlydistinctfromdarkness.Theleastsparkinadark room can be seen at once. Of all things created light is themost

useful. It fertilizes. It guides. It cheers. Itwas the first thingcalled intobeing. Without it the world would be a gloomy blank. Are we trueChristians?Thenbeholdagainourpositionanditsresponsibilities!

Surely, if wordsmean anything, we aremeant to learn from these twofigures, that there must be something marked, distinct, and peculiarabout our character, if we are true Christians. It will never do to idlethrough life, thinkingand living likeothers, ifwemeantobeownedbyChristasHispeople.Havewegrace?Thenitmustbeseen.HavewetheSpirit?Thentheremustbefruit.Haveweanysavingreligion?Thentheremustbeadifferenceofhabits,tastes,andturnofmind,betweenusandthose who think only of the world. It is perfectly clear that trueChristianityissomethingmorethanbeingbaptizedandgoingtochurch."Salt" and "light" evidently implypeculiarity both of heart and life, offaithandpractice.Wemustdare tobesingularandunlike theworld, ifwemeantobesaved.

The relationbetweenourLord's teaching and that of theOldTestament,isclearedupbyourLordinonestrikingsentence.Hesays,"Don'tthinkthatIcametodestroythelaw,ortheprophets.Ididn'tcometodestroy,buttofulfill."Theseareremarkablewords.Theyweredeeplyimportantwhenspoken,assatisfyingthenaturalanxietyoftheJewsonthepoint.Theywillbedeeplyimportantaslongastheworldstands,asatestimony that the religion of the Old and New Testament is oneharmoniouswhole.

TheLordJesuscameto fulfill thepredictionsof theprophets,whohadlongforetoldthataSaviorwouldonedayappear.Hecame to fulfill theceremoniallaw,bybecomingthegreatsacrificeforsin, towhichall theMosaicofferingshadeverpointed.Hecameto fulfillthemoral law, byyieldingtoitaperfectobedience,whichwecouldneverhaveyielded--andbypayingthepenaltyforourbreachofitwithHisatoningblood,whichwecouldneverhavepaid. Inall thesewaysHeexalted the lawofGod,andmadeitsimportancemoreevidenteventhanithadbeenbefore.Inaword,"Hemagnifiedthelawandmadeithonorable."(Isaiah42:21.)

TherearedeeplessonsofwisdomtobelearnedfromthesewordsofourLord.Letusconsiderthemwell,andlaythemupinourhearts.

LetusbewareofdespisingtheOldTestamentunderanypretensewhatever. Let us never listen to those who bid us throw it aside as anobsolete,antiquated,uselessbook.Thereligionof theOldTestament istheembryoofChristianity.TheOldTestamentistheGospelinthebud.TheNewTestamentistheGospelinfullflower.TheOldTestamentistheGospel in the blade. TheNew Testament is the Gospel in full ear. ThesaintsintheOldTestamentsawmanythingsthroughaglassdarkly.Butthey all looked by faith to the same Savior, and were led by the sameSpirit as ourselves. These are no light matters. Much infidelity beginswithanignorantcontemptoftheOldTestament.

Letus, foranother thing,bewareofdespisingthelawof theTenCommandments.Letusnot suppose foramoment that it issetasidebytheGospel,orthatChristianshavenothingtodowithit.ThecomingofChristdidnotalterthepositionoftheTenCommandmentsonehair'sbreadth. If anything, it exalted and raised their authority. (Rom. 3:31.)ThelawoftheTenCommandmentsisGod'seternalmeasureofrightandwrong.By it, is the knowledge of sin.By it, the Spirit showsmen theirneedofChrist,anddrivesthemtoHim.Toit,ChristrefersHispeopleastheirruleandguideforholyliving.Initsrightplaceitisjustasimportantas"thegloriousGospel."Itcannotsaveus.Wecannotbejustifiedby it.But never, never let us despise it. It is a symptom of an ignorant andunhealthy state of religion, when the law is lightly esteemed. The trueChristian"delightsinGod'slaw."(Rom.7:22.)

In the lastplace, letusbewareofsupposingthattheGospelhasloweredthestandardofpersonalholiness,andthattheChristianis not intended to be as strict and particular about his daily life as theJew. This is an immense mistake, but one that is unhappily verycommon. So far from this being the case, the sanctification of theNewTestamentsaintoughttoexceedthatofhimwhohasnothingbuttheOldTestament forhisguide.Themore lightwehave, themoreweought toloveGod.ThemoreclearlyweseeourowncompleteandfullforgivenessinChrist, themore heartily ought we to work for His glory.We knowwhatitcosttoredeemusfarbetterthantheOldTestamentsaintsdid.WehavereadwhathappenedinGethsemaneandonCalvary,andtheyonlysawitdimlyandindistinctlyasathingyettocome.Mayweneverforget

our obligations! The Christian who is content with a low standard ofpersonalholinesshasgotmuchtolearn.

MATTHEW5:21-37

"You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, 'You shall notmurder;' and 'Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of thejudgment.'But I tellyou, thateveryonewho isangrywithhisbrotherwithoutacauseshallbeindangerofthejudgment;andwhoevershallsaytohisbrother,'Raca!'shallbeindangerofthecouncil;andwhoevershallsay,'Youfool!'shallbeindangerofthefireofGehenna.

"Ifthereforeyouareofferingyourgiftatthealtar,andthererememberthatyourbrotherhasanythingagainstyou,leaveyourgifttherebeforethealtar,andgoyourway.Firstbereconciledtoyourbrother,andthencomeandofferyourgift.Agreewithyouradversaryquickly,whileyouarewithhimintheway;lestperhapstheprosecutordeliveryoutothejudge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast intoprison.MostcertainlyItellyou,youshallbynomeansgetoutofthere,untilyouhavepaidthelastpenny.

"Youhaveheardthatitwassaid,'Youshallnotcommitadultery;'butItell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her hascommitted adultery with her already in his heart. If your right eyecausesyoutostumble,pluckitoutandthrowitawayfromyou.Foritismoreprofitable foryou thatoneofyourmembers shouldperish, thanforyourwholebodytobecastintoGehenna.Ifyourrighthandcausesyou to stumble, cut it off,and throw itaway fromyou.For it ismoreprofitableforyouthatoneofyourmembersshouldperish,thanforyourwholebodytobecastintoGehenna."

"Itwasalsosaid, 'Whoevershallputawayhiswife, lethimgiveherawriting of divorce,' but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife,exceptforthecauseofsexualimmorality,makesheranadulteress;andwhoevermarriesherwhensheisputawaycommitsadultery.

"Againyouhaveheard that itwassaid to themofold time, 'Youshallnotmakefalsevows,butshallperformtotheLordyourvows,'butItellyou,don't swearatall:neitherbyheaven, for it is the throne ofGod;norbytheearth,foritisthefootstoolofhisfeet;norbyJerusalem,foritisthecityofthegreatKing.Neithershallyouswearbyyourhead, foryoucan'tmakeonehairwhiteorblack.But letyour 'Yes'be 'Yes' andyour'No'be'No.'Whateverismorethantheseisoftheevilone.

These verses deserve the closest attention of all readers of theBible. ArightunderstandingofthedoctrinestheycontainliesattheveryrootofChristianity.TheLordJesushereexplainsmorefullythemeaningofHiswords,"Icamenottodestroythe law,buttofulfill."HeteachesusthatHisGospelmagnifiesthelaw,andexaltsitsauthority.Heshowsusthatthe law, as expounded by Him, was a far more spiritual and heart-searching rule thanmost of the Jews supposed.AndHeproves this byselecting three commandments out of the ten as examples of what Hemeans.

Heexpounds thesixthcommandment.Manythought that theykeptthispartofGod's law,so longastheydidnotcommitactualMURDER.TheLordJesusshows,thatitsrequirementsgomuchfurtherthanthis.Itcondemnsall angryandpassionate language, andespeciallywhen usedwithoutacause.Letusmarkthiswell.Wemaybeperfectly innocentoftakinglifeaway,andyetbeguiltyofbreakingthesixthcommandment.

Heexpounds theseventhcommandment.Many supposed that theykeptthispartofGod's law, if theydidnotactuallycommitADULTERY.TheLordJesusteaches,thatwemaybreakitinourthoughts,hearts,andimaginations,evenwhenouroutwardconductismoralandcorrect.TheGodwithwhomwehavetodolooksfarbeyondactions.Withhimevenaglanceoftheeyemaybeasin.

He expounds the thirdcommandment.Many fancied that they keptthis part of God's law, so long as they did not swear falsely, andperformed their OATHS. The Lord Jesus forbids all vain and lightswearing altogether. All swearing by created things, even when God'snameisnotbroughtforward--allcallinguponGodtowitness,exceptingonthemostsolemnoccasions,isagreatsin.

Nowallthisisveryinstructive.Itoughttoraiseveryseriousreflectionsinourminds. It calls us loudly to use great searching of heart. Andwhatdoesitteach?

It teachesustheexceedingholinessofGod.HeisamostpureandperfectBeing,whoseesfaultsandimperfections,whereman'seyesoftensee none. He reads our inward motives. He notes our words andthoughts,aswellasouractions."Herequirestruthintheinwardparts."Oh!thatmenwouldconsiderthispartofGod'scharactermorethantheydo! There would be no room for pride, and self-righteousness, andcarelessness,iftheyonlysawGod"asHeis."

Itteachesustheexceedingignoranceofmaninspiritualthings.Thereare thousandsandtenthousandsofprofessingChristians, itmaybefeared,whoknownomoreoftherequirementsofGod'slawthanthemostignorantJews.Theyknowtheletterofthetencommandmentswellenough.Theyfancy,liketheyoungruler,"allthesehaveIkeptfrommyyouth up." They never dream that it is possible to break the sixth andseventh commandments, if they do not break them by outward act ordeed. And so they live on satisfied with themselves, and quite contentwith their little bit of religion. Happy indeed are they who reallyunderstandGod'slaw!

It teaches us our exceeding need of the Lord Jesus Christ'satoningbloodtosaveus.WhatmanorwomanuponearthcaneverstandbeforesuchaGodasthis,andplead"notguilty?"Whoistherethathasevergrowntoyearsofdiscretion,andnotbrokenthecommandmentsthousands of times? "There is none righteous, no! not one."Without amighty Mediator, every one would be condemned in the judgment.Ignoranceoftherealmeaningofthelawisoneplainreasonwhysomanydo not value the Gospel, and content themselves with a little formalChristianity. They do not see the strictness and holiness of God's Tencommandments.Iftheydid,theywouldneverrestuntiltheyweresafeinChrist.

Inthelastplace,thispassageteachesustheexceedingimportanceofavoidingalloccasionsofsin.Ifwereallydesiretobeholy,wemust"takeheedtoourways,thatweoffendnotinourtongues."Wemustbe

readytomakeupquarrelsanddisagreements,lesttheygraduallyleadonto greater evils. "The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam." Wemust labor to crucify our flesh andmortify ourmembers, tomake anysacrificeandendureanybodilyinconvenienceratherthansin.Wemustkeepour lips as itwerewith abridle, and exercise anhourly strictnessoverourwords.Letmencallusprecise,iftheywill,forsodoing.Letthemsay, if theyplease, thatweare "tooparticular."Weneednotbemoved.WearemerelydoingasourLordJesusChristbidsus,and,ifthisisthecase,wehavenocausetobeashamed.

MATTHEW5:38-48

"Youhaveheardthatitwassaid, 'Aneyeforaneye,andatoothforatooth.' But I tell you, don't resist himwho is evil; butwhoever strikesyouonyourrightcheek,turntohimtheotheralso.Ifanyonesuesyoutotake away your coat, let him have your cloak also.Whoever compelsyou to go onemile, gowith him two.Give to himwho asks you, anddon'tturnawayhimwhodesirestoborrowfromyou.

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, andhate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those whocurse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those whomistreat you and persecute you, that you may be children of yourFatherwhoisinheaven.Forhemakeshissuntoriseontheevilandthegood,and sends rain on the just and the unjust. For if you love thosewholoveyou,whatrewarddoyouhave?Don'teventhetaxcollectorsdothesame?Ifyouonlygreetyourfriends,whatmoredoyoudothanothers?Don'teventhetaxcollectorsdothesame?Thereforeyoushallbeperfect,justasyourFatherinheavenisperfect."

YouhavehereourLordJesusChrist'srulesforourconductonetowardsanother.He thatwouldknowhowHeought to feelandact towardshisfellowmen,shouldoftenstudytheseverses.Theydeservetobewritteninletters of gold. They have extorted praise even from the enemies ofChristianity.Letusmarkwellwhattheycontain.

The Lord Jesus forbids everything like an unforgiving andrevengefulspirit.Areadinesstoresentinjuries--aquickness intakingoffence--a quarrelsome and contentious disposition--a keenness inassertingourrights--all,allarecontrarytothemindofChrist.Theworldmayseenoharminthesehabitsofmind.ButtheydonotcorrespondtothecharacteroftheChristian.OurMastersays,"Don'tresisthimwhoisevil."

The Lord Jesus enjoins on us a spirit of universal love andcharity.Weought toputawayallmalice.Weought to returngoodforevil, and blessing for cursing. We ought to "love even our enemies."Moreoverwearenot to love inwordonly,but indeed.Weare todenyourselves,andtaketrouble,inordertobekindandcourteous.Ifanyman"compels you to go onemile, gowithhim two."We are toputupwithmuch and bearmuch, rather than hurt another, or give offence. In allthingswearetobeunselfish.Ourthoughtmustneverbe,"howdoothersbehavetome?"but"whatwouldChristhavemetodo?"

A standard of conduct like this may seem, at first sight, extravagantlyhigh.Butwemustnevercontentourselveswithaimingatonelower.WemustobservethetwoweightyargumentsbywhichourLordbacksupthispartofHisinstruction.Theydeserveseriousattention.

Forone thing, ifwedonotaimat thespiritandtemperwhichare here recommended, we are not yet children of God. Our"Fatherinheaven"iskindtoall.Hesendsrainongoodandonevilalike.Hecauses"Hissun"toshineonallwithoutdistinction.Asonshouldbelikehis father.Butwhere is our likeness toourFather inheaven, ifwecannot showmercy and kindness to everybody?Where is the evidencethatwearenewcreatures,ifwelackcharity?Itisaltogetherlacking.Wemustyetbe"bornagain."(John3:7.)

Foranotherthing,ifwedonotaimatthespiritandtemperhererecommended,wearemanifestlyyetof theworld. Even thosewhohavenoreligioncan"lovethosewholovethem."Theycandogoodand showkindness,when their affectionor interestmoves them.But aChristianought tobe influencedbyhigherprinciples thanthese.Doweflinchfromthetest?Dowefinditimpossibletodogoodtoourenemies?

Ifthatbethecase,wemaybesurewehaveyettobeconverted.Asyetwehavenot"receivedtheSpiritofGod."(1Cor.2:12.)

There ismuch inall thiswhichcalls loudly forsolemnreflection.Thereare few passages of Scripture so calculated to raise in our mindshumblingthoughts.WehaveherealovelypictureoftheChristianasheought tobe.We cannot lookat itwithoutpainful feelings.Wemust allallowthatitdifferswidelyfromtheChristianasheis.Letuscarryawayfromittwogenerallessons.

Inthefirstplace if thespiritof these tenversesweremorecontinuallyremembered by true believers, they would recommendChristianity to theworld farmore than they do.Wemust notallowourselvestosupposethattheleastwordsinthispassagearetriflingandofsmallmoment.Theyarenotso.Itisattentiontothespiritofthispassagewhichmakesourreligionbeautiful.Itistheneglectofthethingswhichitcontainsbywhichourreligionisdeformed.Unfailingcourtesy,kindness, tenderness, and consideration for others, are some of thegreatestornaments to the character of the child ofGod.Theworld canunderstand these things, if it cannot understand doctrine. There is noreligioninrudeness,roughness,bluntness,andincivility.Theperfectionof practical Christianity consists in attending to the little duties ofholinessaswellastothegreat.

Inthesecondplace,ifthespiritofthesetenverseshadmoredominionandpower in theworld,howmuchhappier theworldwouldbethanitis.Whodoesnotknowthatquarrelings,strifes,selfishness,andunkindnesscausehalfthemiseriesbywhichmankindisvisited?WhocanfailtoseethatnothingwouldsomuchtendtoincreasehappinessasthespreadofChristianlove,suchasishererecommendedbyourLord?Letusallrememberthis.Thosewhofancythattruereligionhasanytendencytomakemenunhappy,aregreatlymistaken. It is theabsenceof it thatdoes this, and not the presence. True religion has the directly contraryeffect.Ittendstopromotepeace,andcharity,andkindness,andgoodwillamongmen.Themoremenarebroughtundertheteachingof theHolySpirit,themoretheywillloveoneanother,andthemorehappytheywillbe.

Matthewchapter6

MATTHEW6:1-8

"Be careful thatyoudon'tdoyour charitablegivingbeforemen, tobeseenby them,orelseyouhavenoreward fromyourFatherwho is inheaven.Thereforewhenyoudomercifuldeeds,don't sounda trumpetbefore yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in thestreets,thattheymaygetgloryfrommen.MostcertainlyItellyou,theyhave received their reward.Butwhenyoudomercifuldeeds,don't letyour lefthandknowwhatyourrighthanddoes,so thatyourmercifuldeedsmaybeinsecret,thenyourFatherwhoseesinsecretwillrewardyouopenly.

"When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love tostandandprayinthesynagoguesandinthecornersofthestreets,thattheymaybeseenbymen.Mostcertainly,Itellyou,theyhavereceivedtheirreward.Butyou,whenyoupray,enter intoyourinnerchamber,andhaving shutyourdoor,pray toyourFatherwho is in secret, andyourFatherwhoseesinsecretwillrewardyouopenly.Inpraying,don'tusevainrepetitions,astheGentilesdo;fortheythinkthattheywillbeheard for theirmuch speaking. Therefore don't be like them, for yourFatherknowswhatthingsyouneed,beforeyouaskhim."

In this part of the sermon on the mount the Lord Jesus gives usinstructionontwosubjects.Oneisthatofgivingalms.Theotheristhatofprayer.BothweresubjectstowhichtheJewsattachedgreatimportance.Both in themselves deserve the serious attention of all professingChristians.

Observe that our Lord takes it for granted, that all who call

themselvesHisdiscipleswillGIVEALMS.Heassumesasamatterofcourse,thattheywillthinkitasolemndutytogive,accordingtotheirmeans, to relieve theneedsofothers.TheonlypointHehandles is themanner inwhich the duty should be done. This is aweighty lesson. Itcondemns theselfishstinginessofmany in thematterofgivingmoney.Howmany are "rich towards themselves," but poor towardsGod!Howmanynever give a farthing todo good to thebodies and souls ofmen!Andhavesuchpeopleany right tobecalledChristians, in theirpresentstateofmind?Itmaybewelldoubted.AgivingSaviorshouldhavegivingdisciples.

Observe again that our Lord takes it for granted, that all who callthemselves His disciples will PRAY.He assumes this also as amatterofcourse.Heonlygivesdirectionsastothebestwayofpraying.This is another lessonwhichdeserves tobe continually remembered. ItteachesplainlythatprayerlesspeoplearenotgenuineChristians.ItisnotenoughtojoinintheprayersofthecongregationonSundays,orattendtheprayerofa familyonweek-days.Theremustbeprivateprayeralso.WithoutthiswemaybeoutwardmembersofChrist'schurch,butwearenotlivingmembersofChrist.

Butwhataretheruleslaiddownforourguidanceaboutalmsgivingandpraying? They are few and simple. But they contain much matter forthought.

In GIVING, everything like ostentation is to be abhorredandavoided.Wearenottogiveasifwewishedeverybodytoseehowliberalandcharitableweare,anddesiredthepraiseofourfellowmen.Wearetoshuneverything likedisplay.We are to give quietly, andmake as littlenoiseaspossible aboutour charities.Weare to aimat the spirit of theproverbial saying, "Don't let your left handknowwhat your right handdoes."

InPRAYING,theprincipalobjecttobesought,istobealonewithGod.Weshouldendeavortofindsomeplacewherenomortaleyeseesus,andwherewecanpouroutourheartswiththefeelingthatnooneislookingatusbutGod.This isa rulewhichmany find it verydifficult to follow.Thepoormanandtheservantoftenfinditalmostimpossibletobereally

alone. But it is a rule which we must all make great efforts to obey.Necessity,insuchcases,isoftenthemotherofinvention.Whenapersonhasa realdesire to findsomeplace,wherehecanbe in secretwithhisGod,hewillgenerallyfindaway.

Inallourduties,whethergiving,orpraying,thegreatthingtobekeptinmind is, thatwe have to do with a heart-searching and all-knowing God. Everything like formality, affectation, or mere bodilyservice,isabominableandworthlessinGod'ssight.Hetakesnoaccountof thequantityofmoneywegive,or thequantityofwordsweuse.TheonethingatwhichHisall-seeingeyelooksisthenatureofourmotives,andthestateofourhearts."OurFatherseesinsecret."

Mayweallrememberthesethings.Hereliesarock,onwhichmanyarecontinuallymaking spiritual shipwreck. They flatter themselves that allmustberightwith theirsouls, if theyonlyperformacertainamountof"religiousduties."TheyforgetthatGoddoesnotregardthequantity,butthequalityofourservice.Hisfavorisnottobebought,asmanyseemtosuppose, by the formal repetition of a number of words, or the self-righteouspaymentofasumofmoneytoacharitable institution.Whereareourhearts?Arewedoingall,whetherwegiveorpray,"astotheLord,andnottomen?"DowerealizetheeyeofGod?Dowesimplyandsolelydesire to please Him, who "sees in secret," and by whom "actions areweighed?"(1Sam.2:3.)Arewesincere?Thesearethesortofquestions,withwhichweshoulddailyplyoursouls.

MATTHEW6:9-15

Praylikethis:'OurFatherinheaven,mayyournamebekeptholy.LetyourKingdomcome.Letyourwillbedone,as inheaven, soonearth.Giveustodayourdailybread.Forgiveusourdebts,aswealsoforgiveourdebtors.Bringusnot into temptation,butdeliverus from the evilone.ForyoursistheKingdom,thepower,andthegloryforever.Amen.'

"Forifyouforgivementheirtrespasses,yourheavenlyFatherwillalsoforgiveyou.But if youdon't forgivemen their trespasses, neitherwill

yourFatherforgiveyourtrespasses."

Perhaps no part of Scripture is so well known as this. Its words arefamiliar, wherever Christianity is found. Thousands, and tens ofthousands, who never saw a Bible, or heard the pure Gospel, areacquaintedwith"OurFather,"and"Paternoster."Happywoulditbefortheworld, if this prayerwas aswell known in the spirit, as it is in theletter!

PerhapsnopartofScriptureissofull,andsosimpleatthesametime,asthis. It is the firstprayerwhichwe learn toofferup,whenweare littlechildren.Hereisitssimplicity.Itcontainsthegermofeverythingwhichthemost advanced saint can desire. Here is its fullness. The more wepondereveryword it contains, themoreweshall feel, "thisprayer isofGod."

The Lord's prayer consists of ten parts or sentences. There is onedeclaration of the Being to whom we pray. There are three prayersrespectingHisname,Hiskingdom,andHiswill.Therearefourprayersrespecting our daily needs, our sins, our weakness, and our dangers.There is one profession of our feeling towards others. There is oneconcluding ascription of praise. In all these parts we are taught to say"we," and "our."We are to remember others, as well as ourselves. Oneachofthesepartsavolumemightbewritten.Wemustcontentourselvesat present with taking up sentence by sentence, and marking out thedirectioninwhicheachsentencepoints.

The first sentence declares to whomwe are to pray--"Our Fatherwho is in heaven." We are not to cry to saints and angels, but to theeverlastingFather,theFatherofspirits,theLordofheavenandearth.Wecall Him Father, in the lowest sense, as our Creator; as Paul told theAthenians,"inhimwelive,andmove,andhaveourbeing--wearealsohisoffspring."(Acts17:28.)WecallHimFatherinthehighestsense,astheFatherof ourLordJesusChrist, reconcilingus toHimself, through thedeath of His Son. (Col. 1:20-22.) We profess that which the OldTestamentsaintsonlysawdimly, ifatall--weprofesstobeHischildrenby faith in Christ, and to have "the Spirit of adoptionwherebywe cry,Abba, Father." (Rom. 8:15.) This, wemust never forget, is the sonship

thatwemustdesire,ifwewouldbesaved.WithoutfaithinChrist'sblood,and unionwithHim, it is vain to talk of trusting in the Fatherhood ofGod.

The second sentence is a petition respecting God's name--"Mayyour name be kept holy." By the "name" of God we mean all thoseattributes under which He is revealed to us--His power, wisdom,holiness,justice,mercy,andtruth.Byaskingthattheymaybe"holy,"wemeanthattheymaybemadeknownandglorified.ThegloryofGodisthefirstthingthatGod'schildrenshoulddesire.ItistheobjectofoneofourLord'sownprayers--"Father, glorifyyourname." (John12:28.) It is thepurposeforwhichtheworldwascreated.Itistheendforwhichthesaintsarecalledandconverted.Itisthechiefthingweshouldseek,that"inallthingsGodmaybeglorified."(1Peter4:11.)

ThethirdsentenceisapetitionconcerningGod'skingdom--"Mayyour kingdom come." By His kingdom we mean first, the kingdom ofgrace which God sets up and maintains in the hearts of all livingmembers of Christ, by His Spirit and word. But we mean chiefly, thekingdomofglorywhichshallonedaybesetup,whenJesusshallcomethe second time, and "all men shall know Him from the least to thegreatest."Thisisthetimewhensin,andsorrow,andSatanshallbecastoutoftheworld.ItisthetimewhentheJewsshallbeconverted,andthefullness of theGentiles shall come in, (Rom. 11:25,) and a time that isabove all things to be desired. It therefore fills a foremost place in theLord'sprayer.WeaskthatwhichisexpressedinthewordsoftheBurialservice,"thatitmaypleaseyoutohastenyourkingdom."

ThefourthsentenceisapetitionconcerningGod'swill--"Mayyourwill be done, as in heaven, so on earth."Wehere pray thatGod's lawsmaybeobeyedbymenasperfectly,readily,andunceasingly,astheyarebyangelsinheaven.WeaskthatthosewhonowobeynotHislaws,maybetaughttoobeythem,andthatthosewhodoobeythem,mayobeythembetter.OurtruesthappinessisperfectsubmissiontoGod'swill,anditisthe highest charity to pray that allmankindmay know it, obey it, andsubmittoit.

Thefifthsentence isapetitionrespectingourowndailyneeds--"giveusthisdayourdailybread."Weareheretaughttoacknowledgeourentire dependence on God, for the supply of our daily necessities. AsIsraelrequireddailymanna,sowerequiredaily"bread."Weconfessthatwearepoor,weak,needycreatures,andbeseechHimwhoisourMakertotakecareofus.Weaskfor"bread,"asthesimplestofourneeds,andinthatwordweincludeallthatourbodiesrequire.

Thesixthsentenceisapetitionrespectingoursins--"Forgiveusourdebts."Weconfessthatwearesinners,andneeddailygrantsofpardonand forgiveness. This is a part of the Lord's prayer which deservesespeciallytoberemembered.Itcondemnsallself-righteousnessandself-justifying. We are instructed here to keep up a continual habit ofconfessionatthethroneofgrace,andacontinualhabitofseekingmercyand remission.Let thisneverbe forgotten.Weneeddaily to "washourfeet."(John13:10.)

Theseventhsentenceisaprofessionrespectingourownfeelingstowardsothers--weaskourFatherto"forgiveusourdebts,aswealsoforgiveourdebtors."Thisistheonlyprofessioninthewholeprayer,andthe only part on which our Lord comments and dwells, when He hasconcludedtheprayer.Theplainobjectofitis,toremindusthatwemustnotexpectourprayersforforgivenesstobeheard,ifwepraywithmaliceandspiteinourheartstowardsothers.Toprayinsuchaframeofmindismere formality and hypocrisy. It is evenworse than hypocrisy. It is asmuchassaying,"Donotforgivemeatall."Ourprayerisnothingwithoutcharity.Wemustnotexpecttobeforgiven,ifwecannotforgive.

Theeighthsentenceisapetitionrespectingourweakness--"Bringusnotintotemptation."Itteachesusthatweareliable,atalltimes,tobeledastray,and fall. It instructsus toconfessour infirmity,andbeseechGod toholdusup, andnot allowus to run into sin.We askHim,whoordersallthingsinheavenandearth,torestrainusfromgoingintothatwhichwouldinjureoursouls,andnevertoallowu