Matthew 9

Matthew 9:5

Is it not as easy to remove the sinful cause as to remove the punishment? 12, 13. It is only they who are plagued with the guilt and corruption of sin that need the Physician of souls; and, the more sensible they are of their sinfulness and guilt, there is the more hope of doing them good.—God has declared that acts of compassion to others, and especially to their souls, in turning them from their sins, is more acceptable to him than the most costly observance of his own positive institutions. I am come into the world to reform and save, not righteous persons, but guilty and polluted sinners, even the chief; and that by convincing them of their sinfulness and danger, and their need of righteousness and grace

Matthew 9:15-17

Since, as your master John hath testified, I am the Bridegroom of the church, and consequently my disciples guests of the marriage feast, who are to rejoice with me, it would be very absurd for them to practise abstemious and mournful severities while I am with them. But, when I shall be taken from them by my death and ascension, the hardships and dangers to which they shall be exposed will render fasting and mourning seasonable for them. Such occasional duties must be proportioned to the circumstances of persons and things, otherwise they do more harm than good; and are rather attempts towards a legal and Pharisaical righteousness than any part of real religion

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IX.—Quickly Jesus leaves them in wrath who would drive him from them; and readily relieves the wants of those who seek to him. But how manifest is his supreme God-head:—he knows men’s secret thoughts, forgives their sins, heals their souls, removes palsies, unstops the ears of the deaf, opens the eyes of the blind, looses the tongue of the dumb, heals all manner of diseases, casts out devils, and raises the dead, with all the sovereignty, wisdom, and grace, the majesty and authority, of a God! Nothing is too hard, and nothing too great or good, for him to effect. None that apply to him for relief, whether high or low, whether more or less wicked, are ever cast out. To sanctify and save the most notorious sinners is his peculiar delight. Tenderly he suits the duties of his disciples to their circumstances and strength, and vindicates them when they cannot answer for themselves. The stronger our faith in him is, the more profitable is it to ourselves, as well as honourable to him. And, the more of fervent prayer and the less of carnal contrivances are employed for a gospel ministry, the more faithful and successful it is likely to prove. Let me therefore, in every distress, however desperate, employ him as my helper and healer. Let me never scoff at his words, never envy him his honours, nor his people the liberties and privileges which he bestows upon them. Let me never imagine that my importunity can trouble him, or my sins debar me from him as a Saviour. Let neither shame nor death keep me from him. And, if my poverty be deep, and my case deplorable, let my faith be the stronger; so shall my deliverance be glorious. Let me admire his mighty works, glorify God on their account, and obey his calls to work or warfare; but never manifest my emptiness by boasting of my external devotions. And, while I follow Jesus myself, let me study to bring all my friends into acquaintance with him, and labour to have the whole earth filled with his glory. 3