Matthew
“Kingdom of heaven” — used thirty-two times in Sixty-five quotations from the Old Testament. In the first two chapters the evangelist sees the
fulfilment of five prophecies.
Two genealogies of our Lord: —
Matthew, the first: a king must have a genealogy.
Mark, none: all a servant needs is character.
Luke, the second: a perfect man must have one.
John, none: God needs none.
1: 23. “They shall call his name Emmanuel... God with us.” This gospel closes with the promise — “Lo, I am with you alway!” — Emmanuel.
2: 1. “Bethlehem” means “house of bread.” Out of Bethlehem came the “Bread of Life.”
2. God caught the magi with a star, the fishermen
with a fish.
Wise men — philosophers — were the first who came to worship Christ.
13. Obedience requires sometimes activity — “flee;” sometimes patient waiting — “be thou there.” 7 [97]
2: 14. Even in his infancy Christ suffered for us.
God sent one man into the world without sin, but none without sorrow.
3: 2. We do n’t Iwlieve in a dry-eyed faith; repentance is the tear in the eye of faith.
5. Sensational preaching. 11, 12. Those baptized with fire escape burning by fire.
16. The first time the Spirit rested upon man!
A dove the emblem of peace. Gen. 8: 11.
Of harmlessness. Matt. 10: 16.
Of purity. Song of Solomon 6: 9.
Of beauty. Ps. 68:13.
4: 5. The devil sets most of us on a pinnacle of self-confidence so that we fall.
7. “It is written again.” Do not blot out one passage of Scripture, but set another alongside of it. The Bible is self interpreting. John 19: 37. God must be trusted, not tempted.
11. The first Adam was tempted in a garden, and fell: The second Adam in a wilderness, and he came off victorious.
19. If you would be fishers of men, you must leave your old nets.
5: The Law was given on a mountain to a man of God.
The Law was expounded on a mountain by the Son of God.
5: 5. A missionary in Jamaica asked a little black boy, “Who are the meek?” He answered, “Those who give soft answers to rough questions.”
8. You must pass through the narrow gate of purity before you can see the King.
11. Who would shake those trees upon which there is no fruit?
13, 14. Salt to preserve, and light to guide. Both silent in action but great in effect.
14. Poor world! What a faint light it receives from
most Christians! The lighthouse, if its light is not burning, is u peril
instead of a safeguard.
Men do not stumble when the lamp shines
brightly.
16. It is not you that is to shine, but your light. The
moon shines by reflected light. A diamond is
dull in the dark. The brighter the light, the less people remark about
the lamp. The light abides pure, though the air be corrupted
in which it shines.
20. Soul-justifying Saviour.
Self-justifying scribes.
28. There may be guests in the house, although they look not out of the windows. So there may be lust in the heart of a man when his outward life seems pure.
5: 38. To rise above simple justice is a great question, not
, of education, but of sanctification.
44. To do evil for good is human corruption.
To do good for good is civil retribution.
To do good for evil is Christian perfection.
Plutart’h said, “A man should not allow himself to hate even his enemies, because if you indulge this passion on some occasions, it will rise of itself on others. If you hate your enemies, you will contract such a vicious habit of mind, as by degrees will break out upon those who are your friends, or those who are indifferent to you.”
Never contract a friendship with a man that is not better than thyself — this was Confucius’s advice regarding friendship.
46. As an echo returns the voice it receives, so many will return a kindness when kindness is shown.
48. We have got a good many Christians who are good
in spots, but mighty poor in other spots. The serene beauty of a holy life is the most power ful influence in the world, next to the might of God.
6: 1.” Take heed that ye do not your alms before men,
to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward
of your Father which is in heaven.” He who desires honor is not worthy of honor. The harp sounds sweetly, yet it hears not its own
melody. Good ends do not make bad actions lawful, yet bad
ends make good actions sinful.
If some bestow a little money on the repairs of a
church, it must be recorded in glazed windows. Where self is the end of our actions, Satan (not
God) is the rewarder of them. He that traffics in God’s service in order to procure
men’s praises, suffers shipwreck in the haven and
loses his wages.
2. Hypocrisy.
The gospel professed may lift a man to heaven:
but only the gospel possessed will bring him into
heaven.
We need not sound a trumpet for anything we be stow: for when the last trumpet shall sound,
every work will be revealed. Saints should be like spire-steeples, smallest where
they are highest. Religion is the best armor a man can have, but the
worst cloak. Hypocrites are like looking-glasses which present
the faces that are not in them. The hypocrite would not put on the appearance of
virtue and religion if it was not the most proper
means to gain love.
14. Christ said, “Forgive to be forgiven.”
Paul said, “Forgive because forgiven.” Eph. 4:32.
16. It is both meat and drink to a formalist to fast if others do but see him. Some professors are like hens thpt no sooner drop their eggs than they begin to chatter.
6: 26. Object lessons: fowls, lilies, grass, foxes, raven,, etc.
The river of God’s truth flows down before us pure and clear as crystal; but we take our theological stick and stir it up, until you cannot see the lxpttoni. Oh, for the simplicity of Christ in all our instructions — the simplicity He practised when standing among the people, He took a lily, and said, ’ There is a lesson of the manner I will clothe you; “and, pointing to a raven, said, “There is a lesson of the way I will feed you; consider the lilies — behold the fowls of the air.” Providence — that does the housework of the universe; busy, kindly, thoughtful, the hospitable word, that makes things ready for us, cares for all our life, busies itself about us, and that says to us, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered!”
Two gates — strait, and wide;
Two ways — broad, and narrow;
Two classes — many, and few;
Two destinations — life, and destruction
Two trees — good, and corrupt;
Two fruits — good, and evil;
Two things done to trees — hewn down, and cast
out;
Two houses;
Two foundations — rock, and sand;
Two builders — wise, and foolish;
Two storms;
Two results — the one house stood, the other fell.
: 2. He that blovrs into a heap of dust is in danger of putting out his own eyes.
7. Many pray like boys who knock at doors and then run away.
13. If a man goes into the evil way, the great enemy of souls goes after him and blots out his foot prints.
16. “Shake the tree,’’ said Luther, “and you will see
if there is any fruit.”
When the wheels of a clock move within, the hands on the dial move without.
19. If ye be not fruit-bearing plants, ye will become burning brands.
24. Build on the Rock, and fear no shock.
“Upon a rock.” R. V.: “upon the rock.” A bed of limestone underlies all Palestine, and Christ speaks of the man who digged down to it.
; Four typical miracles: —
Leprosy, typifying guilt.
Palsy, impotence.
Fever,” passion.
Demoniacy,” slavery of sin.
10. Christ marveled at unbelief. Mark 6: 6. How is it ye have no faith?” 4: 40. Oh, thou of little faith. Matt. 14: 31.
Great is thy faith. Matt. 15: 28.
, So great faith.” 8: 10.
8: 17. The key to Christ’s atoning death:” Himself took
our infirmities and bare our sicknesses.”
24. “He was asleep” — Christ’s humanity. 26. “He rebuked the winds” — His divinity.
25. Lord — We. )
Save — Perish, j
When a man really wants the Saviour, he does not need any one to teach him how to pray.
9: 9. It was a great victory to win a promising business
man.
36. What are the “multitudes” that Jesus sees to-day, from his throne in glory? Eight hundred millions heathen, two hundred millions Mohammedans, etc.
10: 8. The motive — free grace.
The measure — free giving.
The Christian’s commission — “Raise the dead.”
How? “Go, preach.” V. 7.
Who are the dead? All. 1 Cor. 15: 22.
Why are they “-dead”? Because they are
“alienated from God.” Eph. 4: 18. To what to be raised? To “sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Eph. 2: 6.
9. Faith is better than funds for the life that now is, and for the life that is to come.
38. A saint is often under a cross; never under a curse.
11: 29. The eastern yoke is made for two necks. If Christ
is with us, we are blessed. There is no room for a third neck. 2 Cor. 6:14.
The only description of Christ’s heart — “lowly.” The burden of law remains eternally the same, but the inspiration of grace enables men to bear it. Something to do — “Come unto me.” Something to take — His yoke. Something to leave — Your burden. Something to find — Rest.
“Learn of me.” If the life of Christ be not your pattern, the death of Christ will never be your pardon. What He was by nature, we should be by grace.
30. He that deems the yoke of Christ heavy, will not
find his crown easy.
When Christ takes the burden of guilt off a sinner’s shoulders, He places the yoke of obedience upon his neck.
12: 31. Those who think they have committed the unpardonable sin seldom worry themselves about other sins.
45. If godly sorrow takes possession of the house, it will quickly shut sin out.
13:23. Understanding the Word with the heart (v. 15) is the result of the Spirit’s dealing, and indicates regeneration. 1 Cor. 2: 10, 16.
45. The “pearl of great price” is the church. Jesus Christ is the merchantman and gave all topurchase the pearl. Could not pay a higher price. Not “pearls,” but the “pearl.” Brought from great depths, into changed surroundings, at risk of diver’s life; noted for purity; no need of polishing; perfect when found. The church is the pearl. Believers are “jewels.”
14: 4. John the Baptist was an uncompromising preacher.
9. The head of John the Baptist was a high price for u few moments’ entertainment.
31. “0 thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Peter had enough faith to keep him from drowning, but not from doubting.
15: The woman’s faith overcame His — Silence. V. 23.
Sovereignty. V. 24.
Severity. V. 26.
25. Christ heard the woman when she dropped the title,
“Son of David” (v. 22). She was a Gentile. A prayer of three links, connecting earth with heaven: “LORD — HELP — ME.”
27. Do n’t be satisfied with crumbs. Go for the whole loaf.
16; 13 17. The answers of opinion and of revelation. % Why did Jesus come into the world? 1 John 3: 5, 8; John 1: 29; 1 Tim. 1: 15; Luke 19: 10, etc.
13. It makes a great difference to men what they think of Jesus.
16: 15. It makes less difference to a ruaii what others think of Jesus than what he thinks.
16. A great confession.
22. A great collapse.
22, 23. The devil hates to consider the death of Jesus,
knowing that it is so important.
26. The devil gained the whole world and lost his soul.
Who would change places with him? Pleasure, Profit, and Preferment are the wicked man’s trinity: and his carnal self is these in unity.
17: 2. The law was given with thuuderings, lightnings, and darkness. Christ was manifested in glory and peace.
5.” This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” God here quotes three Old Testament texts: —
a. This is my beloved Son. Ps. 2: 7.
b. In whom I am well pleased. Isa. 42: 1.
c. Hear ye him. Dent. 18:15.
This was the last time God spoke to men. He who refuses to hear the voice of Jesus Christ shall never see his face.
18: 3. “As little children.” Not foolish, not playful; but gentle, obedient, truthful, pure, trusting.
5. The pastor who leads the lambs will be able to lead the sheep. Every time you lay your hand on a child’s head, you lay it on his mother’s heart.
18: 7. He that sin a is weak; but he that leads others into sin is devilish.
19:21. “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” It was the force of these words that moved Francis of Assisi to give up the world and become tho power he was in the Church.
22. Wealth is no harm: but the inability to give it up
is deadly.
23. Christian men often become rich, but rich men
seldom become Christians.
28. Now the world judges the godly. Hereafter the godly shall judge the world.
20: 27. A humble saint looks most like a citizen of heaven.
21: 37. Men would never have known that they would put God to death, unless Christ had been born.
23: 27. Whitewashed, not washed white in the blood.
Some very good-looking people are deformed on the inside.
24: 2. John does not mention the destruction of Jerusalem,
as he wrote after it had taken place.
18. In the ruins of Pompeii there was found the petrified body of a woman in the act of snatching her jewels.
22. “The elect” are the “whosoever will’s”: the non-elect “are the “whosoever wont’s.”
24: 42. The Lord’s exhortations to holiness are never based
on the fear of death, but on the hope of his return, and its unexpectedness.
We know the duty (” watch “), but not the day. 47. The promotion God gives is not like earthly promotion, wherein the eminence of one excludes that of another — but rather like the diffusion of love in which the more each has, the more there is for all.
49. Unkinduess to the Lord’s people, and fellowship with the ungodly, are two great marks of hypocrites.
25: 15. Many thousands of watchsprings can be made out
of a pound of iron. See that you improve faith fully the talent God has given you.
21. Not “well done good and successful” servant, but
‘•’•faithful” servant.
God has three kinds of servants in the world — (1) slaves, who serve him from a principle of fear; (2) hirelings, who serve him for the sake of wages; (3) sons, who serve him under the influence of love.
34. The Church was chosen before the foundation of
the world. Eph. 1:4; Titus 1:2. The Jews* (here) “from the foundation of the world.”
35. Many love at their tongue’s end; but the godly
love at their fingers’ end.
26: 20. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of a departed
Friend, a prophecy of a returning Friend, and a parable of a present Friend.
26: 56. Christ’s circle gradually narrowed down. F pt,, the multitudes left him; then, many so-called disciples; lastly, the twelve.
27: Christ’s innocence attested by: — Judas. V. 4.
Pilate’s wife. V.!’.».
Pilate. V. 24.
Herod. Luke 23: 15.
Thief. Luke 23: 41.
Centurion. Luke 23: 47.
33. On Golgotha there were skulls of all sizes.
35. The soldiers took from Jesus his garments, but
He laid aside the robe of flesh of his own will.
36. Twelve views of the cross. Luke 23: 48.
The soldiers saw in Christ :i criminal, with
cruelty. The women saw in Christ a lpenefactor, with
sorrow.
His mother saw in Christ a son, with anguish. The disciples saw in Christ blighted hopes, with
perplexity. The first thief saw in Christ a malefactor, with
hardness. The second thief saw in Christ a King, with
penitence.
The centurion saw in Christ divinity, with conviction. The priests saw in Christ an impostor, with
mockery.
Angels saw in Christ love, with wonder.
Devils saw in Christ the seed of woman, with dismay.
Jehovah saw in Christ obedience, with affection.
The passers-by saw in Christ nothing, with indifference. The cross cannot be explained. To nail our poor
theories on that tree but shows how our love has
cooled and stiffened and expired.
57. None of the Gospels forget to mention Joseph of Arimathaea.
63. Christ’s enemies remembered what his disciples forgot: “We remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days, I Avil! rise again. ‘’
28:19,20. “Go ye... I am with you.” In other words,
“Come with me to this work.”
God only had one Son, and he sent him on a foreign mission.