Christ having justified his own conduct from the censure of Pharisesal pride, justifies all his disciples for not observing unnecessary sufferings; and vindicates them for plucking the ears of corn on the sabbath-day to satisfy their hunger. 1. The disciples of John, who, after their master's example, failed often; and the Pharises, who placed great dependance on this bodily exercise, expects their wonder that Jesus rejoined no such rigid rules on his disciples as they published. So ready are those who fancy their own strictest meritorious, to censure all who come short of their standard of excellence. Christ answers their question, and vindicates his disciples; they were but beginners, and it was improper to put them on the more difficult exercises of self-denial, least they should be discouraged thereby, and contract a disgust to the service. Besides, during his presence with them, like a newly married bride, it became them to rejoice: it would be time enough when he should be taken from them, to mourn and fast. Thus should we learn not to exact too much from young converts, and the lambs of the flock; and especially in fasting we should consider the great end and use of it, and that of relief, it is no farther good, than these are obtained. 2. The Phariseses soon seized another occasion of offence, from the disciples plucking the ears of corn on the sabbath-day, as they passed through the fields. Rigidly scrupulous, as many others like them still are, about the form of godliness, and severe in judging all who do not coincide with them; yet blind to the deep-rooted evil and abominations of their hearts. Christ vindicates them by a precedent the Phariseses will not dispute, and reasons with them by arguments they cannot disprove. David had done what deemed a much more exceptional thing in eating the shew-bread; and Abhathar, who succeeded his father soon after as high-priest, had consented to it, because ceremonial observances must give way to the great law of charity and self-preservation. Besides, the very institution of the sabbath was designed for man's benefit, to give rest to his body, and time to spend in the immediate service of God, and caring for his soul; and therefore doth not require him to abstain from what is more immediately necessary for the support and preservation of his life: the provision for which was a law of nature, and subsisted previous to the institution of the Sabbath. The Messiah, therefore, who can best interpret his own laws, and is Lord of the Sabbath, has an undoubted right to permit this liberty to his disciples, as such refreshment of their bodies will enable them more effectually to discharge the duties of the holy day. Note, (1.) Our Sabbath should be our delight; and therefore must not, by unreasonable strictness, be made a burden. (2.) Though we are allowed to eat and drink, as shall best enable us for the service of the Sabbath, it is a gross violation of the day, by indulging our appetite to supply our faculties, and render body and soul utterly unfit for the exercises of devotion. 3. Multitudes attended him, and appeared deeply afflicted with John's disbarredness, confiding their sins, and abiding to be admitted to his baptism. The word of the gospel is powerful. The doctrines of repentance and faith, when urged upon the heart, awaken the conscience: and all who truly preach Jesus Christ will affordly see the success of their minifications. They who have never known themselves instrumental to the convincing and converting one sinner, have demonstrative evidence before them, that they are not the messengers of Christ, and do not preach his truth. 9. "And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. 11. And there came a voice from heaven, saying, "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 12. And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. 13. And he was there in the wilderness's forty days pretenced of Satan, and was with the wild beasts, and the angels minifited unto him. 9. 9—13. The account of Christ's ministry and temptations Matthew hath recorded more at large, ch. in iv. 1. He was baptized of John in Jordan. Not that he had any sins to confite, though in the likeness of fearful faith; but he would comply with every infiltrated ordinance of God: and now also he was eminently to be pointed out as the Messiah, and to enter upon his mission. Accordingly the heavens were opened, the Holy Ghost visibly descended upon him, and God himself by an audible voice bore testimony to him as his Son, and declared his perfect satisfaction in the undertaking in which he was engaged. Note, (1.) If God is ever well-pleased with us, it can only be in and through his dear Son. (2.) Whenever we are truly baptized into Christ, the Spirit of God will as really be communicated to us as it visibly descended upon him. 2. He immediately entered upon his temptation, led by the Holy Spirit from the brink of Jordan into the howling wilderness, to make his abode with beasts, whilst Satan sharpened every poisoned arrow in his quiver against him; but, to his bitter disappointment, though in this lonely desert, he found all his arm folded by this second Adam, which even in Eden he had practised with such success upon the first. Thus forty days Christ bore with all the temper's malice, and baffled all his wiles; till Satan, despairing, at last quitted the field, unable to make the least impression: and then the angelic hosts, who had with admiration beheld the dreadful conflict, appeared to congratulate the Saviour's victory, and to minister to his hunger. Note, (1.) Every converted soul must prepare for temptation. (2.) Solitude often proves a dangerous snare. (3.) Christ knows what fore temptations mean. He tenderly compassionates his suffering people, and is near to furcour and defend them. (4.) The angels minister to the heirs of salvation: yes, the Lord upon their right hand is their defence, and keepeth them, that the wicked one toucheth them not. 14. "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. 15. And saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand!" report ye, and believe the gospel. 16. "Now, as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew his brother, calling a net into the sea: (for they were fishers). 17. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. 19. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship, mending their nets. 20. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship, with the hired servants, and went after him. 21. And they went into Capernaum, and straightway on the sabbath-day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the fortress. 9. 14—22. When John's ministry was finished by his imprisonment, Christ came into Galilee, and there, 1. He preached the gospel of the kingdom of God, inviting all his countrymen to come and partake of the inestimable blessings of that dispensation of grace which he was commissioned to publish; the time being fulfilled which had been marked out for the appearing of the Messiah by the prophets, and decreed in the concels of God; and therefore, as his kingdom was immediately to be erected, he exhorted all his hearers to repent, and believe the gospel, to discover, acknowledge, and beware their offences against God's holy Jew; to renounce their vain confidences in themselves; to change their mistaken Sentiments concerning the nature of the Messiah's kingdom; and, instantly turning to him, to receive the glad tidings he brought of the salvation he came to procure for them, even pardon, peace, righteousness, and eternal life, the gift of God through the sacrifice and obedience to death of his Son. Note, (1.) The gospel will be glad tidings to none who do not see and feel their misery and guilt; and, instead of flattering themselves in their own eyes, now change their minds, and stand convinced of their lost estate. (2.) Faith in the gospel word entitles us to claim the fulfilment of all the promises: nor is it any presumption, repelling all confidence in ourselves, to be confident of the Saviour's love and faithfulness. 2. He called four of his disciples to a more constant attendance upon him, that they might be better qualified for the work in which he designed to employ them. (1.) They were fishers; for the kingdom of Jesus was not to be erected by the wisdom of men, but by the power of God. (2.) He found them at their vacation. Honest industry in his fight is highly commendable. (3.) They were two pair of brothers: and that in an additional happiness, when they, who are to near to each other in blood, are united together in one Lord. (4.) They left all to follow Christ. When he calls we must count nothing too dear to part with for his sake. 3. With these disciples, his attendants, he entered into Capernaum, and on the sabbath preached in the synagogue, to the astonishment of the auditory; such a divine power and authority attended his teaching, as the people had never found under their scribes and rabbies. Note, The gospel word is mighty and powerful. No marvel then if the preachers of it are distinguished from the infidel doctors of moral virtue, philosophical disquisitions, or empty formality. 23. "And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, 24. Saying, Let us alone, what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth?" Art thou come to destroy us? "I know thee who thou art," the holy One of God. 25. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 26. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27. And they were all amazed, inasmuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. 28. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. 9. 23—28. Christ confirmed his mission by his miracles. And, to give the greater weight to his discourse, we find him here. 1. Citing out a devil from one possessed, He is called an unclean spirit; for he is such in his own nature; by his suggestions he defiles the consciences of men, and, by the temptations he prefers before them, induces them into all impunity of body and soul. Dreading the pretence and power of Jesus, he cried out, using the man's organs of speech, saying, let us come, what have we to do with this? They knew themselves unable to contend, and therefore tremble at the thought of being dispossessed of their prey: but, to do him all the mischief in their power, this send them to reproach to call him Jesus of Nazareth: and though he adds, I know that who thus art, the holy One of God, there was probably the most malicious delight couched under that fair confession, even to raise a suspicion of confederacy between Jesus and Satan. Christ therefore discovers him, disdaining to receive a testimony from him, and disappointing his malicious designs: with a sharp rebuke he bids him instantly quit his prey, and leave the body which he had possessed, and, though furious at being dispossessed, with a fearful outcry, as if he would have rent the man in pieces, or designing to terrify the spectators, he departs; compelled, though with reluctance, to yield to the commanding voice of Jesus. Note, (1.) Though such possessions may not now be found, how many, under the influence of an unclean spirit, are still led captive by the devil at his will? (2.) The grace of Jesus is still the same, and he can and does subdue the strongest power of Satan in the sinner's heart. (3.) Many a poor soul, when Christ first approaches him with the gospel word, is grievously hartsified, and cries out, as if his misery was now greater than ever before; but these terrors are the forerunners of peace and joy in believing. 2. The people were all amazed at what they heard and saw, and could not help saying one to another, What thing is this? Never was such astonishing power before exerted? What new doctrine is this? delivered with such majesty, and confirmed by such miracles. He asks not to covert, by chance and insecutions; but with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they obey him, unable to make the least resistance. Hereupon the fame of his preaching and miracles began to be exceedingly spread through all the region round about Galilee. Note, Christ's doctrine was not new, but the old doctrine which 3 X had had been from the beginning; but had for a long time been for forgotten and neglected, that it appeared now quite uncommon. As in these days, the doctrines of the gospel are by many called new doctrines, because, alas! we have for a long season in general to grievously departed from them. 19. And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30. But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and soon they tell him of her. 31. And he came and took her by the hand, and lift her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she re-timed into them. 32. And at even, when the sun did see, they brought unto him all that were dissected, and them that were possessed with devils. 33. And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils, and suffered not the devils; to speak, because they knew him. 35. And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. 36. And Simon, and they that were with him, followed after him. 37. And when they had found him, they laid unto him, All men seek for thee. 38. And he laid unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. 39. And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils. Wherever Jesus went he left the glorious marks of his power and grace. 1. Soon after he had retired from the synagogue to Simon's house to take some refreshment, some of the company informed him of the illness of Peter's mother, confined to her bed with a fever. Immediately he arose, went to her bed-side, lifted her up, and instantly the fever left her. The cure was perfect; not to touch as any weakness remained; but the immediately rose, and waited on Jesus and the gentle. Now, When we have experienced the Redeemer's healing grace, it becomes us to shew our gratitude by immediately employing the strength he hath given us in his service. 2. A multitude of other cures were wrought by him the same day. For no sooner was the Sabbath ended (before which they might scruple to carry the sick to him) than the door was crowded with patients, and not one went away without a cure; and many devils were ejected by his word, whom he permitted not to say that they knew him (as the words may best be rendered) not chusing to have them speak ought concerning him, but it should give occasion to suggest there was a confederacy between him and them. 3. After some needful repose, very early in the morning, long before break of day, he retired to a solitary place, that he might, uninterrupted, enjoy sweet communion with his Father in Rome, and pour out his soul in prayer before him. Note, (1.) Early rising is as profitable to the soul as the body; with both is alike hurtful to both. (2.) When our spirits are most fresh and vigorous, it is then the properest time to retire for prayer and communion with God. 4. Peter and his companions no sooner milled him in the morning than they fought him out, and desired him to return to Capernaum, there being so great enquiries made after him. But Christ could not confine himself there; the rest of the country must share his ministrations, being sent for this purpose to go about preaching and working miracles through the whole land: and accordingly he did so, his disciples attending him in his travels, hearing his divine teaching, and beholding the wonders of his power and love. 40. And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will, be thou clean. 42. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. 43. And he finally charged him, and forthwith sent him away; 44. And saith unto him, 'See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things' which Moses commanded for a testimony unto them. 45. But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomniest that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.