Mar 12 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-12 Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to think what base usage God's faithful ministers have met with in all ages, from those who have enjoyed the privileges of the church, but have not brought forth fruit answerable. God at length sent his Son, his Well-beloved; and it might be expected that he whom their Master loved, they also should respect and love; but instead of honouring him because he was the Son and Heir, they therefore hated him. But the exaltation of Christ was the Lord's doing; and it is his doing to exalt him in our hearts, and to set up his throne there; and if this be done, it cannot but be marvellous in our eyes. The Scriptures, and faithful preachers, and the coming of Christ in the flesh, call on us to render due praise to God in our lives. Let sinners beware of a proud, carnal spirit; if they revile or despise the preachers of Christ, they would have done so their Master, had they lived when he was upon earth.

‏ Mark 12

* The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen. (1-12) Question

about tribute. (13-17) Concerning the resurrection. (18-27) The

great command of the law. (28-34) Christ the Son and yet the

Lord of David. (35-40) The poor widow commended. (41-44)

1-12 Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the

Jewish church. It is sad to think what base usage God's faithful

ministers have met with in all ages, from those who have enjoyed

the privileges of the church, but have not brought forth fruit

answerable. God at length sent his Son, his Well-beloved; and it

might be expected that he whom their Master loved, they also

should respect and love; but instead of honouring him because he

was the Son and Heir, they therefore hated him. But the

exaltation of Christ was the Lord's doing; and it is his doing

to exalt him in our hearts, and to set up his throne there; and

if this be done, it cannot but be marvellous in our eyes. The

Scriptures, and faithful preachers, and the coming of Christ in

the flesh, call on us to render due praise to God in our lives.

Let sinners beware of a proud, carnal spirit; if they revile or

despise the preachers of Christ, they would have done so their

Master, had they lived when he was upon earth. 13-17 The enemies of Christ would be thought desirous to know

their duty, when really they hoped that which soever side he

took of the question, they might find occasion to accuse him.

Nothing is more likely to insnare the followers of Christ, than

bringing them to meddle with disputes about worldly politics.

Jesus avoided the snare, by referring to the submission they had

already made as a nation; and all that heard him, marvelled at

the great wisdom of his answer. Many will praise the words of a

sermon, who will not be commanded by the doctrines of it. 18-27 A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain

whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on

which it is built, is the best preservative against error.

Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the

scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the

future state in a true light. The relation between husband and

wife, though appointed in the earthly paradise, will not be

known in the heavenly one. It is no wonder if we confuse

ourselves with foolish errors, when we form our ideas of the

world of spirits by the affairs of this world of sense. It is

absurd to think that the living God should be the portion and

happiness of a man if he is for ever dead; and therefore it is

certain that Abraham's soul exists and acts, though now for a

time separate from the body. Those that deny the resurrection

greatly err, and ought to be told so. Let us seek to pass

through this dying world, with a joyful hope of eternal

happiness, and of a glorious resurrection. 28-34 Those who sincerely desire to be taught their duty,

Christ will guide in judgment, and teach his way. He tells the

scribe that the great commandment, which indeed includes all,

is, that of loving God with all our hearts. Wherever this is the

ruling principle in the soul, there is a disposition to every

other duty. Loving God with all our heart, will engage us to

every thing by which he will be pleased. The sacrifices only

represented the atonements for men's transgressions of the moral

law; they were of no power except as they expressed repentance

and faith in the promised Saviour, and as they led to moral

obedience. And because we have not thus loved God and man, but

the very reverse, therefore we are condemned sinners; we need

repentance, and we need mercy. Christ approved what the scribe

said, and encouraged him. He stood fair for further advance; for

this knowledge of the law leads to conviction of sin, to

repentance, to discovery of our need of mercy, and understanding

the way of justification by Christ. 35-40 When we attend to what the Scriptures declare, as to the

person and offices of Christ, we shall be led to confess him as

our Lord and God; to obey him as our exalted Redeemer. If the

common people hear these things gladly, while the learned and

distinguished oppose, the former are happy, and the latter to be

pitied. And as sin, disguised with a show of piety, is double

iniquity, so its doom will be doubly heavy. 41-44 Let us not forget that Jesus still sees the treasury. He

knows how much, and from what motives, men give to his cause. He

looks at the heart, and what our views are, in giving alms; and

whether we do it as unto the Lord, or only to be seen of men. It

is so rare to find any who would not blame this widow, that we

cannot expect to find many who will do like to her; and yet our

Saviour commends her, therefore we are sure that she did well

and wisely. The feeble efforts of the poor to honour their

Saviour, will be commended in that day, when the splendid

actions of unbelievers will be exposed to contempt.