01.13 - Section 13 - Notes and Outlines
Notes and Outlines 1. Matthew 1:1-25.
1. CHRIST AS MESSIAH.
1. Introduced as "Son of David," and, as such, Heir to the Throne of David. Compare Psalms 89:29 : —
"His seed will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven."
2. Also as "Son of Abraham," and, as such, Heir to all the Promises. Compare Galatians 3:16 : — "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ."
"In thee shall all nations be blest" (Galatians 3:8).
2. NOTE THAT THE GENEALOGY is divided into three parts, and traces His descent from His kingly ancestor, David, and the Receiver of the Promises, Abraham.
1 Abraham to David — Promise.
2 David to the Captivity — Declension.
3 The Captivity to Christ — Darkness.
3. FOUR WOMEN are introduced, and show God working out His purposes of grace in spite of man’s wickedness and folly.
1 Thamar — The Sin of Man.
2 Rahab — The faith of the Gentile laying hold of the promise of God.
3 Ruth — The grace that can set aside the claims of Law.
4 Bathsheba — The blessing God can bring out of even the failures of His people.
2. Matthew 2:1-23.
THREE Companies found in this chapter.
THREE Effects produced by the presence of the Lord Jesus.
1. HEROD HEARD AND WAS TROUBLED.
Herod was an Idumean, and therefore a usurper. He had no legal right to the throne of David. He was the type of man’s King — Satan, the usurper.
2. SCRIBES HEARD AND WERE INDIFFERENT. The Scribes were the doctors of the Law, and knew the sacred writings so well that they could tell the king at once where the Lord was to be born, but they did not trouble to go and see.
1 They had the Scriptures, but believed them not.
2 They had a measure of light, but loved the darkness.
3 They had the "key of knowledge" (Luke 11:52), but were ignorant of the ways of God.
3. THE WISE MEN HEARD AND REJOICED.
1. They found the "One born King of the Jews," worshipped Him, and presented their gifts.
2. Three things mentioned: 1, gold; 2, frankincense; 3, myrrh. Gold — their tribute to His essential Divinity. Frankincense — offered to Him as God manifest in flesh. Myrrh — emblematic of the suffering and death into which love led the Holy One of God. In a future day they will bring "gold and incense" but no myrrh. Compare Isaiah 60:1-22.
3. Matthew 3:1-17.
1. THE WARNING OF JOHN. A new dispensation is beginning; therefore repent in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. No time to lose: it is near.
1 Repent because men are sinners.
Repent because sinners cannot enter without a change of heart.
Repent because the kingdom is at hand.
2 Repent "because He hath appointed a day in which He will judge" (Acts 17:31).
Just now He wants to bless. The goodness of God produces Repentance. This goodness is expressed in the Gospel.
2. THE WORK OF CHRIST.
1 A Converting work. "He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost" — Laid hold of by the Spirit for blessing NOW.
2 A Separating work. If blessed now, separated from the world and saved from its doom. If Christ is rejected now, then, when "He baptizes with fire," the sinner will be separated from God for ever.
3. THE WITNESS OF THE FATHER.
1 As to His Relationship — "My Beloved Son." The Believer, through the wonderful grace of God, is brought into the same relation- ship (1 John "Now are we the Sons of God."
2 As to His perfect life below — "In whom I am well pleased." See 1 Peter 2:21, and compare 1 Timothy 4:12, "Be thou an example."
4. Matthew 4:1-25.
SEVEN MARKS OF CHRIST’S GLORY AND POWER.
1 The Voice of the Father.
2 The Descent of the Spirit.
3 The Ministry of Angels.
4 His Power over Satan.
5 His Authority over Disease.
6 The Light to them that sat in Darkness.
7 The attraction for the hearts of men.
1. THE POWER OF CHRIST to Defeat the Devil.
Satan presented Three great Temptations — "all that is in the world."
Before these our first parents and every other son of Adam’s race had failed. But Christ was tempted and emerged victorious. Compare 1 John 2:1-29, "The Lust of the Flesh" — what can I get? "The Lust of the Eye" — what can I see? "The Pride of Life" — what can others see in me 2. THE POWER OF CHRIST to Attract the Heart.
Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John FOLLOWED JESUS.
1 The secret of the attraction — LOVE.
2 The object of the attraction — HIMSELF.
3. THE POWER OF CHRIST to introduce Blessing and a new order on Earth.
1 By the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom which was at hand. Men to repent and get ready to enter.
2 By undoing the evil Satan had done. Annulling the power of the devil, and delivering his lawful captives.
5. Matthew 5:1-48.
1. The Lord describes the characteristics of those who enter the Kingdom coupled with the Blessings they will enjoy in the day of EARTHLY DISPLAY.
Characteristics.
1 Poor — Entrance to the Kingdom.
2 Mourners — Comfort.
3 Meek — Inheritance.
4 Hungerers after righteousness Satisfaction.
5 Merciful — Mercy.
6 Pure — See God.
7 Persecuted — Joy.
2. Contrast the last of the "Blesseds" with the first, where the pronoun is "they." Here it is "YE," and great is your reward IN HEAVEN. When Persecuted for CHRIST’S SAKE, Three things follow: —
1 We are drawn nearer the Lord.
2 We get a deeper sense of His love and power.
3 We shine more brightly before the world.
3. Vv. 13 and 14 show what the True Believer is In the world and To the world.
1 SALT — That which Preserves. So the disciples were to stand for the rights of God.
2 LIGHT — That which Reveals, Guides, or Warns. So Grace was to go out from disciples to a lost world, heedless of its danger and doom. The Warning. — The salt may lose its savour. The light may be put under a bushel.
6. Matthew 6:1-34. THE PRAYER THAT TEACHES TO PRAY.
Contains Six Petitions following the Invocation. Three of the Petitions are Godward; three are Manward. The last three deal with the Present, Past, and Future. THE INVOCATION: OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN
Teaches us To Whom to pray. The thought of FATHER implies Relationship, and so we are reminded of the Cost of making this possible, through Death and Resurrection. With this before us we say "OUR FATHER," and we ought to say it HUMBLY because it is God who is our Father, LOVINGLY because God is our FATHER, WITH ASSURANCE because GOD IS our Father, HOPEFULLY because All POWER is His, REVERENTLY because Hebrews 1:1-14 S in HEAVEN.
1. HALLOWED BE THY NAME. The NAME declares the measure of the Revelation. To ADAM — THE LORD GOD Creator Relationship. To ABRAHAM — GOD ALMIGHTY Power For Him. To MOSES — JEHOVAH — The Eternal, Self-existing, unchanging, Covenant-Keeping One. To CHRISTIANS — FATHER — Relationship and Love.
2. THY KINGDOM COME.
Three things in every well-governed Kingdom.
1 SECURITY — Compare Believers Present Position — "They shall never Perish."
2 LIBERTY — Compare Believers Present Position — "Ye shall be free indeed."
3 PLENTY — Compare Believers Present Position — "ALL Spiritual Blessings."
3. THY WILL BE DONE.
Seen in perfection in the Lord Jesus. Should be seen in Believers. Will be seen in the Coming day of display When, all usurpers put down, THE RIGHTFUL KING Will reign in RIGHTEOUSNESS.
7. Matthew 6:1-34. THE PRAYER THAT TEACHES TO PRAY (continued).
4. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD." — Present. The Rich who are able to buy, or the Poor who must condescend to beg, equally need to pray this petition. God has provided once for all, all the minerals men may need but for our Daily Bread we depend on the Daily Faithfulness of a Covenant-Keeping God (Genesis 9:9) in giving annually seedtime and harvest with unfailing grace.
1 So we ask with the knowledge of His Power to supply.
2 And we ask with a Sense of our need. The object. — Continue us in life to glorify Thee.
5. "FORGIVE US." — Past. The sense here is Restoration: in order that we may continue in Communion with a Father who always acts in grace. So we too must act in grace to others — "as we forgive." Forgiveness means to "Let off." The Sinner should be "detained" and "punished," but God is ready to forgive.
1 Christ died to make Forgiveness Possible.
2 All need Forgiveness.
3 We are commanded to Preach Forgiveness in His Name.
6. DELIVER US. — Future.
Expresses the need of being kept from Satan’s Power. Not to be tried as Job or Peter, lest we may become more like Peter than Job.
Paul’s beautiful and Confident testimony.
He Hath delivered (Colossians 1:13).
He Will deliver (2 Timothy 4:18).
See also He Doth deliver (Psalms 97:10).
8. Matthew 6:1-34.
"SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD" (Matthew 6:33).
1. "SEEK" a Divine Command.
Because by nature men are astray and lost. This lost condition shows itself in two ways: —
1 Opposition to God (Illustrate, Pharaoh).
2 Indifference to God (Illustrate, Gallio).
2. "FIRST" a Definite Time.
Remember now . . . in the days of thy youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1). In the morning of life.
Because seeking "other things" first 1 Grieves the Spirit.
2 Hardens the heart.
3 Sears the Conscience.
3. THE KINGDOM OF GOD — a Particular thing.
"The Kingdom of God" is opposed to the "world of Satan." The World is going on to Judgment. The Believer is going on to glory.
Each one is either in God’s Kingdom or in Satan’s World.
"What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world And lose his own soul?"
4. OTHER THINGS shall he added — a Sure Promise. Be not anxious for to-morrow. Your Father knoweth your need.
"My God shall supply all your need" (Php 4:19).
9. Matthew 7:1-29. In Matthew 6:1-34 we learn "How to give." In Matthew 7:1-29 we learn "How to get." Men say "get to give." God says "give to get." The Grace of God enables the Believer to do so.
He manifests the Grace by practising the "Golden Rule." This can only be done in the 1 Power of the New Life, by those who have 2 Entered in at the STRAIT GATE. THE LORD SAYS THERE ARE
Two GATES.
1. The Strait Gate. ENTERED by Conversion "Strive." Only those in earnest, The Few, find it.
Two WAYS.
"The Way of life."
"The Way of the Lord."
"The Way of Good Men (Proverbs 2:20).
"The Way of Wisdom" (Proverbs 4:11).
"The Way of Truth" (Psalms 119:30).
"The Way of thy Testimonies" (Psalms 119:14).
"I am the Way" (John 14:6).
Two ENDS. The END of your faith. The SALVATION of your Souls.
LIFE ETERNAL.
9. Matthew 7:1-29. — continued.
Two GATES.
2. The Wide Gate. Entered by Rejecting the Saviour and Turning away from the Cross. Held in it by —
1 Chains of Sin.
2 Fear of Men.
3 Power of Satan.
Two WAYS.
"The Way of Death" (Proverbs 14:12).
"The Way of Sinners" (Psalms 1:1-6) .
"The Way of a Fool" (Proverbs 12:15).
"The Way of the Evil Men" (Proverbs 2:12).
"The Way of Darkness" (Proverbs 13:1-25).
"The Way of the Wicked" (Proverbs 15:9).
"The Way of Destruction" (Romans 3:16) .
Two ENDS. The Great White Throne. The Judgment.
Condemnation. The Second Death.
10. Matthew 8:1-34. THE DIGNITY OF HIS PERSON.
1. THE LEPER: Picture of the DEFILEMENT and HOPELESSNESS produced by Sin.
1 He knew he was a leper. "All have sinned."
2 He heard of a Saviour. Good news to him: The Gospel is good news to sinners.
3 He believed in His Power.
4 He received the Blessing.
2. THE PALSIED MAN: Picture of the HELPLESSNESS Produced by Sin.
1 We CAN do nothing. The Work to be done completely beyond our power. Satan to be defeated — Death overcome — Judgment borne.
2 We NEED to do nothing, for the work is done. The hatred of man brought out the love of God. "I will come and heal him." "He came to seek and to save."
3. THE WOMAN SICK OF A FEVER: Picture of the UNREST produced by Sin.
"No Peace, saith my God, to the wicked" (Isaiah 57:21).
"The Way of Peace have they not known" (Romans 3:17). BUT Christ Made Peace (Colossians 1:20).
Christ Brings Peace (John 20:19).
Christ Preaches Peace (Ephesians 2:17).
Christ Is our Peace (Ephesians 2:14).
Illustrate A Purchased Peace (2 Kings 15:1-38). A National Peace (1 Kings 5:1-18). A Universal Peace (Isaiah 9:1-21).
11. Matthew 8:1-34. THE DIGNITY OF HIS PERSON.
"Man’s Day" sets in darkness and sorrow (verse 16). When earth’s sun was sinking, suffering humanity came to Christ and experienced all the grace and power of God. That power which works through the "night" and in the "morning" will display all the divine and glorious completion of His purposes of love and mercy.
Man’s day — "Morning and Evening."
God’s day — "Evening and Morning" (Genesis 1:1-31).
1. THE LORD PURPOSES TO CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE and two men are tested.
1 The first is hindered by the world.
2 The second is hindered by his relations. The foxes had holes. The birds had nests.
Christ had nowhere to lay His head. A man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
He that loveth father or mother more than ME is not worthy of Me.
2. DISCIPLESHIP — "His disciples followed Him" (Matthew 8:23). The beginning of discipleship is obedience produced in the heart by the power of love.
We "obey from the heart" because we love. So we have a chain of four links: — A heart full of Love is a heart full of joy. A heart full of Joy is a life full of power. A Life full of Power is a mouth full of praise. A mouth full of Praise is a Life full of FRUIT.
12. Matthew 9:1-38. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF HIS MISSION.
1. THE FORGIVER OF SINS (Matthew 9:2). The sin question must be faced first, when Men are brought to God.
Sins either put away or punished.
Sinners either forgiven or judged.
2. THE RECEIVER OF SINNERS (Matthew 9:10). God hates sin but loves sinners. Satan loves sin hut hates sinners. Christ died to save sinners. Holy Spirit pleads with sinners.
3. THE BRINGER OF JOY (Matthew 9:15).
Joy the normal condition of Christianity. A Man who is Forgiven, Justified, Delivered from Satan’s Power and on his way to Heaven OUGHT to be happy.
Illustrate: Matthew; Great Feast; Great Company; Great Joy (Luke 5:1-39).
4. IN THE BRIDEGROOM’S ABSENCE (Matthew 9:15). The disciples will "fast." Our attitude to the world now.
We go through it, being "Not of it" and taking nothing from it. BUT "I will see you again, and your hearts shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you" (John 16:22).
13. Matthew 9:1-38.
1. THE GIVER OF LIFE (Janus’ Daughter raised from the dead, Matthew 9:23-25).
Sinners are "Dead in sins" (Ephesians 2:5).
Believers are "Dead to Sin" (Romans 6:2).
Believers are Dead to the Law (Galatians 2:19).
Believers are Dead to the World (Colossians 3:3). BUT Alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:12).
2. THE GIVER OF LIGHT.
Sin Blinds the mind to the things of God (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Men are blind to their danger, to their need, and to the beauty of the Lord Jesus. The Gospel of God is sent to "open their eyes" (Acts 26:18).
Christ is the "True Light" (John 1:9).
Believers should walk in the Light (1 John 1:7). And be the Light of the World (Matthew 5:14).
3. THE GIVER OF SPEECH.
Unloosed Tongues Confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9).
Show forth His Praise (Psalms 51:15).
Talk of all His Wondrous Works (Psalms 105:2).
Speak of His Majesty (Psalms 145:5).
Worship God (Revelation 4:10).
14. Matthew 10:1-42. In Matthew 10:1-42. The King sends forth His Messengers to announce the Coming Kingdom. The Lord is presented in a threefold way —
1. As Son of David; 2. Son of God; 3. Son of Man.
1. THE LORD JESUS as Son of David and David’s rights.
Messiah come and the Kingdom announced. The defeat of Death, Disease, and the Devil, will mark the Kingdom when established in power. Righteousness will Reign, and there will be world-wide Blessing.
2. THE OPPOSITION to both Messiah and His Kingdom (1) By the Rulers;
(2) By the Men of that Age. This opposition was manifested in a threefold way.
1 Against the Person of Christ.
2 Against the People of Christ.
3 Against the Word of Christ.
3. THE REVELATION OF THE FATHER’S CARE.
1 Raises the Believer above the fear of men.
2 Makes him a Confessor.
3 Makes him a Cross-Bearer.
15. Matthew 11:1-30.
Matthew 10:1-42 is the King in long-suffering grace sending forth the twelve apostles to all the cities of Israel to work miracles, while He continues to teach, so that there is blessing for both the souls and bodies of men. In Matthew 10:1-42 — The Kingdom is announced with signs of Power. In Matthew 11:1-30 — The nation rejects the King. In Matthew 12:1-50 — The King rejects the nation.
1. JOHN’S QUESTION "Art Thou He?"
1 The Lord bears testimony to John.
2 The Lord’s works bear testimony to Himself.
3 John, a faithful witness suffering for Righteousness sake.
2. THE NATION’S ATTITUDE.
1 Indifferent to the Call of Grace (The Lord’s Ministry).
2 Careless as to the warnings of danger (John’s ministry).
3. THE NATION’S FUTURE.
Judgment greater than that visited —
1 Upon the sensuality of Sodom, or the Pride and Worldliness of Tyre and Sidon.
2 Because the Jews had rejected the ministry of the Lord Himself.
4. THE CALL OF GRACE — "Come unto Me. To Me the Rejected One, but 1 The One to whom ALL THINGS are delivered.
2 The Revealer of the Father.
3 The Giver of True Rest.
16. Matthew 11:1-30.
Two Invitations — "Come" — "Take." The Rest given is the result of Coming to Christ as a lost sinner and getting forgiveness. The Rest found is the result of "taking the yoke of Christ" — that is, accepting the place on earth which He took in grace — "the lowly subject One."
1. ALL YE THAT LABOUR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN. A universal Invitation. Sin is like a heavy burden.
1 It burdens the Conscience with Guilt.
2 It burdens the Heart with Grief.
3 It burdens the Mind with Regret.
4 It burdens the Body with Disease.
2. I WILL GIVE YOU REST. A Definite Promise.
1 Rest from Sin, from Doubt, from Fear.
2 Rest of Conscience because 3 Peace with God.
3. TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU AND LEARN OF ME.
Yoke — picture of Fellowship.
Grace calls believers to have fellowship with Him.
"Learn of Me" — a Divine Teacher.
"Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His Words."
4. YE SHALL FIND REST to your souls.
"I have learned" — Paul (Php 4:11).
17. Matthew 12:1-50. The Pharisees raise the Sabbath question, and thereby only expose their own pretentious hypocrisy, because, while professing to keep the Sabbath day, they condemned the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath rest was a sign of the Law of God perfectly kept; but in rejecting Christ they had broken every link with God.
1. This gives occasion for the Lord to announce the only principle upon which men can be blessed. "I will have mercy."
Mercy for Sinners. Grace for the Unworthy. Pardon for the Guilty. Salvation for the Lost.
— Through a Crucified Saviour.
2. The man with the withered hand is an illustration of a man who got blessing on this ground. Also of Israel as a nation — withered and fruitless. Only the Power of God could restore.
3. The Pharisees first Counsel to destroy Him. His Enemies plot His destruction.
He continues His works of blessing.
BUT, for the nation, the day of Grace was over.
He charged them "not to make Him known."
18. Matthew 13:1-58.
Seven Parables setting forth the
(1) Origin;
(2) Progress;
(3) Declension; and (4) Consummation of the "Kingdom of Heaven" in the absence of the King.
1. THE INTRODUCTION OF THE WORD OF TRUTH by the Lord Himself, but giving no final results. These are developed in the six following parables. "The Word" divides the hearers into Four Classes: Hard-hearted, Faint-hearted, Halfhearted, Honest-hearted.
2. THE TARES: Evil men and evil teaching introduced by the devil. Nearly all false teaching spring from two sources: —
1 Denying that Christ was really God. — Ebionism.
2 Denying that Christ was really man. — Gnosticism. Both had their origin in the first century. They are with us still.
3. THE MUSTARD TREE. An abnormal growth. Christendom has become a great world power with root in the earth; instead of maintaining the separate heavenly calling.
Roman Catholicism aims at becoming a great temporal power.
Protestantism aims at becoming a great political power.
4. THE LEAVEN. Every reference in Scripture to leaven shows that it is always a type of evil. Here it indicates the evil and unscriptural teaching which has been introduced, and is permeating the whole of professing Christendom.
5. THE TREASURE. Something valuable, to be sought, purchased, and guarded.
6. THE PEARL. Something beautiful and precious, to be displayed.
7. THE NET. The solemn events which take place at the end of this age. The Church wrapt to glory: the net drawn, and the mystery finished.
19. Matthew 13:1-58. The chapter opens with a parable introducing the Lord Himself as the "Sower," and goes on to give six similitudes of the Kingdom. These show the new aspect the Kingdom would assume in the absence of the King. Christ, come in grace to establish it, is rejected. The word of the Kingdom is sown in the hearts of men, and they are left with it in Responsibility. The First parable gives Four Results in Four Classes of Hearers.
1. THE WAYSIDE, or THE HARD-HEARTED.
Hearts are what we make them. Pharaoh hardened his heart before God hardened it.
Word not even retained in the heart.
Birds, type of Satan, catch away that which was sown.
Here the power of the devil prevails.
2. THE STONY GROUND, or THE FAINT-HEARTED.
Mere profession without conscience work. Eager to be in the forefront when Christianity is popular. When Persecution comes, eager to be somewhere else. In this case the world prevails, and it is manifest that there has been no reality.
3. THE THORNY GROUND, or THE HALF-HEARTED. The importance of definite decision. In this case it is absent. The Word is entertained, but other things come in, in greater place. "The cares" or "the deceitfulness of riches," and so the flesh prevails, and the word is "choked."
4. THE GOOD GROUND, or THE HONEST-HEARTED.
Understanding hearts understand the meaning of the Gospel and its relation to themselves.
"Keep" the Word — Faith.
Bring forth Fruit — Works.
20. Matthew 13:1-58. The Second Parable is that of The Tares among the wheat. The Lord sows the Good Seed of the Gospel.
Satan sows Error. He introduces the Imitation among the real.
1. The Unwatchfulness of Christians allowed it. "While men slept." First mentioned is "Simon the Sorcerer" (Acts 8:1-40).
2. Both are to grow together until "the harvest." To "The Servants" is committed the precious ministry of blessing through the Gospel. To the Angels (Matthew 13:49) is committed the dread service of being executors of judgment. The Beginning, Course, and End of the Two Classes may be traced as follows: —
Those Represented by "The Good Seed."
1 Receive the Gospel — God’s good news.
2 Believe the Truth —
About God.
About themselves.
3 Live for Christ — A new object. A new centre.
4 End in the Kingdom. Their place there will be according to their faithfulness here.
Those Represented by "The Tares."
1 Ignore the Gospel — Unbelief.
2 Believe Error —
Minds must believe something.
3 Live for self, the world, or Satan.
Every life lived for something.
4 End in the "burning," solemn reality — and He who knew declared it.
21. Matthew 13:1-58. The Son of Man sows the "Good Seed" — That which was capable of Reproducing itself. The Evil One sows "Tares" — That which is fit only for the fire. The Third Parable is that of The Mustard Seed. The Smallest of Seeds: The beginning of the Gospel.
Became a tree: an abnormal growth.
Birds of the Air: picture of the powers of Evil.
Lodge in its Branches: Evil men no longer outside, but within the sphere of profession. The Fourth Parable is that of The Leaven.
Evil principles at work, morally corrupting the whole mass. Of the Pharisees — Hypocrisy (Matthew 16:6). Of the Sadducees — Infidelity (Matthew 16:6). Of Herod Worldliness (Mark 8:15). The Old Leaven — Sensuality (1 Corinthians 5:7). The Fifth Parable is that of The Treasure Hid in a Field.
"The Field is the world" (Matthew 13:38).
Treasure hid in the field.
Only One knew of its Presence.
Something valuable and precious.
Picture of Believers as Christ sees them. To possess them, He buys the "field" — the world. The day is coming when He will take possession.
22. Matthew 13:1-58. The Sixth Parable is that of The one Pearl of Great Price.
If the "Treasure" conveys the thought of something valuable, the one Pearl conveys the thought of something beautiful. His love in seeking Believers looked at in their oneness as the Church (Ephesians 5:25). The Price He Paid (Php 2:5-8).
What He Purchased (Ephesians 5:25). His object in purchasing (Ephesians 5:26). The day of display (Revelation 19:7). The Seventh Parable is that of The Net cast into the Sea. The point of the Parable is the Drawing of the net.
Attention is directed to events at the end of this age.
Then "good gathered into vessels." God calling out a people for His name now (Acts 15:14).
Three things mark the end of the age— The Midnight Cry. The development of the Apostacy. The gathering of the Jew to Palestine in unbelief.
23. Matthew 14:1-36. In Matthew 14:1-36 we have the Two KINGS —
Herod in his sin. Christ in His grace. The actions of Man and the actions of the Lord.
What marked Herod’s dance (Mark 6:1-56) was the "lust of the eye" and the "lust of the flesh." BUT the Lord Jesus on the mountain top illustrates the present position of the Saviour in relation to His Own.
1. HE IS PRAYING FOR US. Because we have an enemy, and we need to realise that he is sleepless, alert, cunning, relentless, cruel.
1 He tempts us (1 Thessalonians 3:5).
2 He accuses us (Revelation 10:10).
3 He assaults us (1 Peter 5:8). But the Lord said, "I have prayed for thee."
2. HE IS WATCHING OVER US.
"He saw them toiling and rowing."
"Light and Truth" go before (Psalms 43:3).
Goodness and Mercy follow (Psalms 23:6). The Lord is thy Keeper (Psalms 121:5). The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil (Psalms 121:7).
3. HE IS COMING FOR US. In the "Fourth" Watch He Came.
Compare Matthew 24:1-51. The faithful and wise Servant was "ready to open" immediately.
Note three things about Peter’s Prayer (Matthew 14:30) —
It was an urgent need — Save.
It was a personal need — Me.
Only the Lord Jesus could meet it — Lord.
24. Matthew 15:1-39. In Matthew 12:1-50 (verse 54) we find the Lord renouncing all earthly ties. In Matthew 13:1-58 He opens to His disciples the form the Kingdom would assume in His absence. In Matthew 14:1-36 the opposition develops into open hostility, and we see man’s King taking away men’s lives — the Forerunner is slain — but God’s King saving men’s lives.
Matthew 14:1-36 shows men’s works to be evil. Matthew 15:1-39 shows WHY they are evil. The reason is — the HEART IS WRONG.
Matthew 14:1-36 shows the two Kings. Matthew 15:1-39 shows THE Two HEARTS. The heart of man with its Seven Streams of Evil (Matthew 15:19). The heart of the Lord Jesus in bringing blessing to all.
Note FOUR Points —
1. THE FORMALISM OF THE PHARISEES. A mistake all men make.
Thinking a correct exterior will do for God.
Satan can use even a religious system as a power of Evil. But the Lord brings home to the conscience.
2. THE FACT OF SIN.
"Out of the heart proceed." Hearts produce Evil because hearts are Evil.
Men think lightly of Sin. They deplore its fruits.
God speaks solemnly of Sin. He exposes its roots.
Sin separates from God, now, and produces unhappiness.
Sin fills the heart with selfishness and produces oppression.
Sin separates from God eternally and produces eternal misery.
Before it could be put away Christ must die. When men cover their sins, God uncovers them. When men uncover their sins, God covers them.
3. THE FAITH OF THE GENTILE. She felt her need. Her need brought her to Jesus. She owned she deserved nothing.
She would be thankful for anything. She got everything.
4. THE FAVOUR OF CHRIST. The Lord returns to Galilee and shows His grace in Feeding Four thousand with Seven Loaves.
Feeding Five thousand (Matthew 14:1-36) was a proof that Jehovah-Messiah was present. This Miracle was a proof that, though He was rejected by the nation, He still continued His works of mercy in their midst.
25. Matthew 16:1-28.
Matthew 15:1-39 closes with Grace to one who had no hope but in Grace. The Central thought of Matthew 16:1-28 is the revelation of the person of Christ.
1. WHAT OTHERS THOUGHT ABOUT HIM (Matthew 16:13). The Pharisees and Sadducees, blinded by the devil, reject Him. Of such, beware. The men of the age with their opinions and speculations — John, Elijah, or Jeremiah, but consciences unreached and hearts unattracted.
2. WHAT GOD-GIVEN FAITH SAW IN HIM.
Peter’s personal confession — Thou art THE CHRIST — the official glory of His Person — the Promised One — Seed of the Woman — Seed of Abraham — Son of David — Sun of Righteousness — Fulfiller of every Promise of God. THE SON of the LIVING GOD — His personal glory The Divine, Eternal, and Lifegiving Word (Php 2:1-30), (Colossians 1:1-29), (Hebrews 1:1-14), (1 John 1:1-10).
3. WHAT HE WAS ABOUT TO DO.
"I will build" — My Church. Its Foundation "upon this Rock" (1 Corinthians 10:4). Its materials (1 Peter 2:5). But before this could take place the presentation of the Kingdom had to be set aside and the Cross brought in.
4. WHAT WOULD MARK THOSE WHO FOLLOWED HIM.
Self denied. The Cross taken.
Christ confessed.
Eternal reward in the Coming Kingdom. The Man with the Cross on his back has finished with the World. The Man with the World on his back has evaded the Cross.
26. Matthew 17:1-27.
Matthew 16:1-28 is the Revelation of the Church; Matthew 17:1-27 is a glimpse of the glory of the Coming Kingdom. At the four lowest points of our Lord’s humiliation we get confirming proofs of His Divinity.
1. His Birth.
2. His Baptism.
3. His Temptation.
4. His Death.
Having been rejected by the nation, and confessed by Peter, God manifests Him in the Centre of the Shekinah glory cloud as the "Beloved Son."
1. MOSES — The Law Giver. But the result was a broken law and a condemned people. No hope for sinners under law.
2. ELIJAH — The Reformer. But Reformation cannot help sinners.
Because the past exists.
There must be Regeneration.
"My Beloved Son" is The "Transformer."
Men say "John," or "Jeremiah," or one of "the prophets."
God says, "My beloved Son, hear Him."
He brought the best news that ever came to earth. He now takes the supreme place.
4. "BE NOT AFRAID."
Men by nature are "afar" and "afraid."
Before Peace of Conscience, the Question of Sin has to be settled.
Before there can be peace of heart, the Question of Circumstances has to be settled.
"Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of."
27. Matthew 18:1-35.
"IN THE MIDST" (Matthew 18:20).
1. "IN THE MIDST" for Atonement (John 19:18).
1 The Cross brings out —
2 The Love of God.
3 The Devotedness of Christ.
4 The Malice of Satan.
5 The Hatred of Man.
6 The Righteousness of God.
7 The Awful Nature of Sin. The Guilt of the World.
2. "IN THE MIDST" for Peace and Power (John 20:19-23).
1 The first thing a believer wants to know is peace.
2 The first thing a believer wants to experience is power.
3 Christ made peace.
4 The Blood Cleanses. The Holy Spirit brings Power.
3. IN THE MIDST FOR GUIDANCE (Matthew 18:20).
One Condition on which He vouchsafes His presence, "Gathered in MY NAME."
1 The work of Christ brings us all our Blessings.
2 The Person of Christ brings us all our Reproach. But — "If reproached for the Name of Christ, Happy are ye" (1 Peter 4:9).
4. "IN THE MIDST" for Judgment (Revelation 5:1-14).
Christ on the throne. The Rejected One of Earth Exalted in Heaven.
"Seven Horns" — Divine Power.
"Seven Eyes" — Divine Discrimination.
"Seven Spirits" — Divine Intelligence.
Note the Various Thrones: —
1. The Throne of Holiness (Ezekiel 10:1-22);
2. The Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:1-16);
3. The Throne of Glory (Matthew 25:1-46);
4. The Throne of Judgment (Revelation 20:1-15).
28. Matthew 18:1-35.
FORGIVENESS IN THREE ASPECTS.
1. FORGIVENESS for Sinners — Eternal Forgiveness.
Many not clear on this elementary doctrine.
Some hope for: some think once forgiven.
Some suppose partly forgiven.
God says: "Whosoever believeth shall receive" — "Your sins are Forgiven for His Name’s sake."
Grace provides: The Blood secures. The Spirit proclaims: Faith appropriates.
Because God has spoken, we are SURE.
Because we are sure, we are HAPPY.
THREE THINGS FOLLOW.
It produces Happiness — "Blessed" (Psalms 32:1-11).
It produces Love — "Loveth much" (Luke 7:47).
It produces Holy Fear — "That Thou mayest be feared" (Psalms 30:1-12).
2. FORGIVENESS FOR BELIEVERS, or Restorative Forgiveness.
Confession as sinners brings Eternal Forgiveness, and we become children. When our walk breaks down daily Confession keeps us happy children.
"He is faithful and just to forgive."
More often than Peter’s "seven times."
Though Eternally forgiven, yet we may suffer Governmentally if we do not forgive others.
Therefore "Be kind one towards another . . . forgiving one another." The "unmerciful servant" failed in the spirit of forgiveness because he "went out" from the presence of the Master.
29. Matthew 19:1-30. In Matthew 19:1-30 the Lord recognises and owns all that is lovely in Nature, but goes on to show that the best of Nature will not do for God. "ONE is good."
1 Marriage God’s own institution from the beginning, but abused by the lusts of men.
2 The little children — an illustration of the spirit which characterises the Kingdom.
3 The Young Ruler — not far "from," but not in the Kingdom.
1. THE INVITATION OF LOVE.
"Suffer the little children to come unto me." The Invitation, designed to rebuke the pride of the disciples, expresses the love of Christ.
2. THE RECEPTION OF GRACE.
"He took them up in His arms" — The place of safety.
Divine shelter from every foe.
"He blessed them" (Mark 10:1-52). The Condition of Happiness and Eternal Joy.
3. THE CONDITION OF ENTRANCE.
Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein" (Mark 10:1-52). The little child is simple — we must believe God. The little child is trustful — we must rest on His Word. The little child is humble — we must come down.
30. Matthew 19:1-30. THE YOUNG RULER. The most interesting of all the Gospel stories — also the saddest. He was really in earnest to KNOW. But not really in earnest to DO. No common man.
Looked up to as a leader of morals.
If he was not right, who was?
Yet he felt he was not right. He was not sure about Eternal life — therefore unhappy. And all he WAS, HAD, or DID, failed to bring happiness.
1. (1) He was a religious man — A Teacher, a Ruler, a Judge.
(2) He had youth, money, friends, Position, influence.
(3) He did all the second table of the law required. But all failed to bring happiness. The reason was, he was making two mistakes.
2. (1) He did not know himself. Did not believe he was a lost sinner. Did not realise that he needed a Saviour.
Looked to the Lord only as a Teacher.
(2) He did not know God. Was trying to establish his own righteousness.
Desired to know what to do.
3. PETER’S QUESTION.
Peter, anxious to know, whether what the young man went back to, or what they were going forward to, was best, asks —
"What shall we have?" That which the young ruler missed and one hundredfold more.
31. Matthew 20:1-34. The Son of Man Betrayed: The close and reward of three years of devoted, self-denying, gracious ministry. That grace had been SEEN IN WHAT HE WAS. The Divine Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16). The Word made Flesh (John 1:14). The True Light (John 1:9). The Revealer of the Father (John 1:18).
SEEN IN WHAT HE SAID.
"Never man spake like this man."
"The gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth."
SEEN IN WHAT HE DID.
Feeding the Hungry.
Healing the Sick.
Raising the Dead.
All His miracles were "grace" miracles.
JAMES AND JOHN desire High Places in the Kingdom. But learn that it is better to suffer here, and Leave Results and Rewards — to God.
CHRISTIANS suffer Because Satan is prince of this world.
Early Christians rejoiced in suffering.
WHAT enables the Christian to suffer?
They "See Him who is invisible."
They have the Holy Spirit’s power within.
Illustrate — Peter, before and after the Cross.
32. Matthew 21:1-46. This chapter begins with the presentation of the King to the nation. Their responsibility for His rejection is established, and the measure of their guilt filled up.
1. THE KING PROMISED.
1 The Men of Faith (Genesis 3:1-24; Jude 1:14) looked forward to Him.
2 The Men after the flesh persecuted them that were after the Spirit (Galatians 4:29).
2. THE KING PROPHESIED OF (Genesis 49:1-33).
Three thousand five hundred years pass and God announced —
1 How He would come (Zechariah 9:9).
2 How He would be received (Zechariah 13:6-7).
3. THE KING PRESENTED (Matthew 21:1-46).
1 The nation "at a place where two ways met" (Mark 11:4).
2 Every hearer of the word at the parting of the ways.
4. THE KING PERSECUTED.
1 The Nation reject and Crucify their King.
2 God rejects and scatters the nation.
5. THE KING PROCLAIMED (Psalms 2:1-12).
1 Crowned with many Crowns.
2 Ruler over every nation.
Four Crowns for Believers — For those who LIVE for Christ: The Incorruptible Crown (1 Corinthians 9:25). For those who DIE for Christ: The Crown of Life (Revelation 2:10). For those who WATCH for Christ: The Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8). For those who CARE for the people of Christ: The Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4).
33. Matthew 21:1-46. A Short Synopsis of the Section, Matthew 21:1-46; Matthew 22:1-46; Matthew 23:1-39; Matthew 24:1-51; Matthew 25:1-46.
Matthew 21:1-46; Matthew 22:1-46. — His Enemies morally judged and silenced.
Matthew 23:1-39. — The Eight Woes that would fall on the guilty Leaders.
Matthew 24:1-51, Matthew 25:1-46. — Instruction for the disciples into the truths of the Kingdom.
Matthew 21:1-46. — Begins with the Fulfilment of Zechariah 9:9. But the Leaders can only ask, "Who is this?" The Three Parables following, with that of the "Barren Fig Tree" in Luke 13:1-35, teach the definite setting aside of Israel.
1. The Fig Tree: The Nation in Profession: No Fruit. Compare Exodus 19:8, "All that the Lord hath spoken we will do," with 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16. What they did.
2. The Two Sons: No reality — Lip service only. The Leaders proved worse than the publicans (Luke 7:29).
3. The Wicked Husbandmen:
Open opposition.
Refused to bring anything to God. In Matthew 22:1-46, Refuse to receive anything from God.
4. The Sure Foundation Stone:
1 Falling over the stone: Christ in Humiliation.
2 Falling under the stone: Christ in Glory and Power (Daniel 2:1-49).
Refer to Genesis 49:1-33, Psalms 118:1-29, Isaiah 28:1-29, Matthew 21:1-46, Ephesians 2:1-22, 1 Peter 2:1-25 :
34. Matthew 22:1-46.
Note the intimate connection between Matthew 21:1-46 and Matthew 22:1-46, though teaching different truths —
Matthew 21:1-46 — "The Vineyard" is Judaism to the Cross.
Matthew 22:1-46. — "The Marriage Feast" is the Announcement of the Kingdom. The First gives the Attitude of Men to God. The Second gives the Attitude of God to Men. The First is God dealing with men in Responsibility. The Second is God dealing with men in Grace. Not now God requiring in Righteousness, but God displaying the riches of His grace. No longer man’s ways to God, but God’s ways to man.
1. THE MARRIAGE. The central thought.
Honour for the King’s Son.
"Far above . . . every name that is named" (Ephesians 1:21).
2. THE INVITATION.
First Announcement — by the Apostles before the Cross.
Second Announcement — to Israel at Pentecost. Third Announcement — world wide — "Bad and good."
3. THE CONDITIONS. The Gospel produces what suits God. The fitness for the feast was not their best, But the Robe of the King’s providing.
4. THE JUDGMENT fell because there was — Indifference to the King’s Provision, and thus Dishonour to the King’s Son.
35. Matthew, Matthew 24:1-51; Matthew 25:1-46. THE GREAT PROPHETIC SECTION OF THE GOSPEL.
Scripture speaks to men in many ways. To the unconverted, it brings a warning of coming wrath and an offer of present mercy. To the Believer, it brings instruction and guidance for the way. To the Disciple, it comes as a revelation of the mind of God as to His present and future purposes.
These two chapters are divided into THREE SECTIONS Matthew 24:1-51, Matthew 24:1-44 — THE JEW. His Temptations: Trials: Deliverance.
Matthew 24:45-51, Matthew 25:1-30 — THE CHRISTIAN. As Ministering: Waiting: or Working For his absent Lord.
Matthew 25:16-21 — THE GENTILES. As Receiving, or Rejecting The Kingdom Messengers. THE JEW.
1. HIS TEMPTATIONS. The True Messiah having come and been rejected, False Christs arise to deceive many.
Note. — The Jew is warned against false Christs. Christendom is warned against false Spirits (1 John 4:3).
2. HIS TRIALS.
Wars and Rumours of Wars.
Danger for their land. Personal tribulation, the Jew is to escape from: The Christian is to glory in.
3. HIS DELIVERANCE. By the Judgment of Antichrist, the reign of Christ, and the wicked taken out of the earth for Judgment. The Christian looks to be taken out of the earth for blessing.
36. Matthew, Matthew 24:1-51; Matthew 25:1-46.
THREE PARABLES REFERRING TO CHRISTENDOM.
1 The Good and Evil Servants illustrate what should, and should not, be our attitude towards each other.
2 The Virgins illustrate what should, and should not, be our attitude towards the Lord Jesus.
3 The Talents illustrate what should, and should not, be our attitude towards the world.
1. THE FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT.
1 Honoured by his Master (Matthew 24:45).
2 Loves his Master’s interests (Matthew 24:45-46).
3 Cares for his Master’s Household (Matthew 24:45-46).
4 Rewarded by his Master at His Coming (Matthew 24:47).
2. THE EVIL SERVANT.
1 Has no love for his Master. His heart wrong.
2 Oppresses his fellow-servants. His actions wrong.
3 Associates himself with the world. And thus renounces his heavenly calling.
4 Shares the doom of the hypocrites To which class he belonged.
37. Matthew 25:1-46. THE PARABLE OF "THE VIRGINS" In the Parable of the "Ten Virgins" there are Seven important points.
1. CHRIST’S COMING AS THE BRIDEGROOM.
Some deny it — Opposition to the truth. Some ignore it — Indifference to the truth. Some "love His appearing" — True affection. In the 260 Chapters of the New Testament the Coming is mentioned about 300 times.
Some expect Him, and because they expect Him, they trim their lamps and go out to meet Him.
2. THE TARRYING. Its effect upon the Church (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10), and upon the world (2 Peter 3:3). The reason for it (2 Peter 3:9).
3. THE MIDNIGHT CRY. The "cry" goes forth at darkest period. World grows dark in proportion as divine truth (light) is rejected.
4. THE COMING REALISED. Not the "end of the world."
5. THE MARRIAGE.
Picture of complete happiness (Revelation 19:7). The Christian will be happy hereafter, and should be happy here.
6. THE SHUT DOOR.
Inside — Life: Light: Joy Salvation.
Outside — Death: Darkness: Sorrow: Despair.
7. THE VAIN APPEAL. The Result of Opportunities Neglected.
Warnings Slighted.
38. Matthew 25:1-46. THE PARABLE OF "THE TALENTS" — SERVICE. The Holy Spirit, Who is the power of the new life, enables the believer to enjoy the presence of God, and TELL OF CHRIST to others.
Judaism only produced one man (Jonah) who became a missionary. In Christianity every man should be a missionary.
Every Servant has some talent. This Parable illustrates its use, or its abuse.
1. THE IMAGERY EMPLOYED, and its meaning.
1 "A Man" — The Lord Jesus.
2 "Travelling" — His departure from this world and present period while He is in Heaven.
3 "Talents" — Gifts given by the Lord.
4 "Servants" — All who make a profession of Christianity.
2. THE GOOD SERVANT is marked by 1 The Sense of Responsibility "Thou deliveredst to me."
2 His Faithfulness.
3 His Devotedness.
3. THE EVIL SERVANT is marked by 1 What he thought of his Master.
Wrong thoughts, which led to Foolish Actions.
2 What he did with his Money.
Used for Earth what should have been Devoted to the things of Heaven.
39. Matthew 25:1-46. THE SEVEN JUDGMENTS OF SCRIPTURE.
1 The Lord Judges (1 Corinthians 11:32) — Correction.
2 The Assembly Judges (1 Corinthians 5:12) — Discipline.
3 We Judge Ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:28-31) — Self-Examination.
4 The Judgment of the Cross — Atonement.
5 The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) — Reward for Faithfulness.
6 The Judgment of the Living Nations (Matthew 25:1-46.) — Preparation for the Kingdom.
7 The Judgment of the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11) — Condemnation. Our Chapter deals with No. 6.
It is the fulfilment of Psalms 2:1-12, Acts 1:11, etc. When the Lord came the first time, He was cut off and had nothing (Daniel 9:26). When He comes the second time He will vindicate His rights and Judge in Righteousness.
Historically these events take place immediately after the "Warrior Judgment" of Revelation 19:1-21.
THREE COMPANIES are manifested —
1 "THE SHEEP": Those who received, believed, and befriended the Kingdom Messengers.
2 "THE GOATS": Those who refused the Messengers, Ignored their sufferings, and Rejected their testimony.
3 "THE BRETHREN": Jewish Messengers of the Coming Kingdom, who complete the testimony of Matthew 10:23.
40. Matthew 26:1-75. THE LAST PASSOVER (Refer to Exodus 12:1-51). In Egypt God took in hand to settle the Sin question. But before executing Judgment, He made Provision for righteously delivering His own. This was done through THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB. Notice six things: —
1. THE LAMB SLAIN: Death must enter every house. But for the Israelite, a substitute was provided.
2. THE BLOOD SPRINKLED: It was not enough that the Lamb was slain. There must also be the obedience of faith, and personal identification with the shed blood, which was put outside for the eye of God to see.
3. THE PEOPLE SAVED: No question of what they were. The Blood on the lintel was their Security. The Word of the Lord was their Assurance.
4. THE FEAST INSTITUTED: A Feast speaks of Joy.
Egyptian bondage was past for ever.
They were going OUT of Egypt saved by the LORD.
Outside, death and Judgment.
Inside, a saved and happy people.
"Unleavened Bread" — Holy separation from Evil.
"Bitter herbs" — The memory of what they had been redeemed from.
5. HOW IT WAS TO BE OBSERVED: With Girded Loins: Redeemed for Service.
Shod feet: Ready to march.
Staff in Hand: Outside support. Pilgrims here.
6. WHY IT WAS TO BE REPEATED: To keep in memory the LOVE, POWER, and GRACE of their Deliverer.
They were a Redeemed, Separated, Dependent, and Expectant People.
41. Matthew 26:1-75. THE FIRST "SUPPER OF THE LORD." The Central point of Christianity is the Lord’s Supper, because it has its origin in the love of the Lord for His own, and His desire that their love to Him might never grow cold.
"Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end" (John 13:1).
1 His OWN by Gift of the Father.
2 His OWN by Purchase of Blood.
These He gathers around Him on the dark night of betrayal.
They knew of the foe without.
Now they hear of a traitor within.
Suspicion of each other, uncertainty, and unrest fill every heart.
HE SPEAKS OF PEACE, for He was about to LAY DOWN HIS LIFE to procure it.
Now He institutes the Supper in Remembrance of His dying love.
It speaks of THREE things: —
1. THE WORK OF CHRIST: His body broken. His blood shed.
He died for our Sins. He gave Himself for us. In the presence of God, angels, demons, and a hostile world, WE SHEW THE LORD’S DEATH, by which He glorified God, Defeated Satan, and Put away Sin.
2. THE PERSON OF CHRIST. The Work of Christ meets the Conscience. The Person of Christ meets the Heart. His Work brings us all our blessings. His Person brings us all our Joy.
3. THE COMING OF CHRIST (1 Corinthians 11:26). To take us out of the place of testimony. To take us into the place of glory.
42. Matthew 27:1-66.
1. THE SELF-CONFIDENCE OF PETER: Ignorant of what he was.
Matthew 27:58. Wrong Position: "Followed afar off."
58. Wrong Company: "Sat with the Servants."
74. Wrong Testimony: "I know not the man."
2. THE GUILT AND FATE OF JUDAS. The Greatest Sin ever Committed. The Greater the privilege, if neglected, the Greater the Condemnation. The traitor’s reward purchased a Field of Blood. The Death of Christ made a City of Blood, and a Land of Blood, and a World of Blood.
3. THE LORD BEFORE CAIAPHAS. The False witness and the "Faithful Witness." The Criminal on the Bench, and The Judge at the Bar.
Christ given up to Death, and The Nation of the Jews given up to Blindness.
4. THE LORD BEFORE PILATE.
Jew and Gentile agree to condemn the Just One.
Three times Pilate declares —
"I find no fault in Him" (John 19:1-42).
Pilate’s wife’s advice: "Have nothing to do with that Just Man." No Man goes to hell unwarned.
Pilate rejected the warning, and Condemned the Just.
43. Matthew 28:1-20. THE RESURRECTION AND ITS RESULTS.
FOUR THINGS worthy of note: — An Open Grave: Christ Risen (Matthew 28:6). An Open Heaven: Christ on the throne (Acts 7:56). An Open Heart: Christ Believed on (Acts 16:14). An Open Mouth: Christ Confessed (Romans 10:9).
1. TERRIFIED KEEPERS. The Folly of Men. The Failure of Men. The Fear of Men.
2. REJOICING BELIEVERS.
1 The Foundation of Christian Joy is the Finished Work, and the Resurrection of the One who did it.
2 The Secret of Christian Joy is The love of Christ, Realised by "continuing" in His love (John 15:9-11).
3. THE VICTORIOUS LORD.
God glorified, and the basis laid in righteousness for all the Counsels of God to be fulfilled. The Power and love of God Vindicated.
Satan defeated.
Sin Put away. The Power of death Broken. The Resurrection is a matter of the fullest joy to the believer, but it should be a matter of the greatest dread to the unbeliever —
Because "God hath appointed a day in which He will Judge the world," and the Judgment is committed to the One who has been raised from the dead.