The Marrow and Juice of 260 Scriptures, Part 22
The sixth Sonday in Lent.
PHaraohs cruell and hard dealing with the Israelites,Iewes persecuting of Christ worse then Pharaohs. was not worse then his hardnesse of heart, nor his obstinacy proportionable for his person, to the Iewes persecuting of Christ, if all circumstances be considered out of the former Scriptures, and out of some of these foure following which are appointed for this day.
More outward signes of con— uersion in Pharaoh & his followers, then in the Iewes.But if we looke narrowly & more particularly into them,Iewes persecution of Christ, &c. we shall in the former two perceiue, that in Pharaoh & some of his followers there are more outward signes of his alteration, and beeter hopes of conuersion, then in the Iewes in Christs time, which were the outward face of the Church either in any inward or outward token of repentance, as in the fourth Scripture being the Gospell for the day, may appeare.
Summe of the Epistle.Notwithstanding all this persecution by Pharaoh, and killing of the Lord of life by the obstinate Iewes, the Epistle chosen for this day, shewes vsus, that it was Gods purpose that things should so fall out that Christ should bee thus humbled to the end that wee might learne humilitie of him: That the same minde may bee in vsus, &c. as the Apostle exhorteth.
The first Scripture for this day, Exodus 9.Mor. prayer. 1 Less. Exod. 9. lets vsus see,
First, how, …s Pharaoh left not off persecuting the people of God,Parts. so the Lord proceeded in plaguing him the fifth time with the murraine and pestilence among his beastes.1 God proceeds in plaguing of Pharaoh, as hee went on in persecut…ng. which God would not suffer to come vponupon any of the Israelites beastes, though Pharaohs heart was yet obstinate and would not let the people go to serue God, ver. 1. to the end of the 7.
2 The sixth plague of blistering scab…s as the former was the murraine of beasts.Secondly, that notwithstanding Pharaohs continued malice, God would further plague him by sending blistering scabbes vponupon man and beast, (which is the sixth stroake of Gods heauy hand) in such maner as the forcerers of Pharaah could not stand before Moses, by reason of their contagion, ver. 8. to the end of the 12.
3 The seuenth plague of hayle thunder, lightning.Thirdly, the text declareth how God inflicteth a seuenth token of his grieuous wrath and displeasure conceiued against Pharaoh, to wit, of haile, thunder, lightning and fire vponupon the ground, such as was neuer in Aegypt since it was Aegypt. Against the execution whereof God by Moses aduiseth Pharaoh to get vp his cattell out of the field into the houses,Exhortations to humiliation, &c. vntounto which counsell some hearkned, and some of Pharoahs seruants disobeyed.
The effect that this plague tooke in Pharoah was a confession of his sinne,Effect hereof. 1 Pharaohs confessing of his sinne.after his fashion ioyned with an intreaty m…de to Moses and Aaron, to pray to the Lord for him, as also a promise to dismisse the Israelites:2 His promise to dismisse the Israelites. vntounto which request though Moses condiscended and God was heard of him, yet the hypocrite and false hearted Pharaoh was not so good as his word. ve. 13. to the end of the 35. the end of the chapter.
The second Scripture chosen for this day out of the old Testamēt, is Exo. 10.Eue. Prayer. 1 Less. Exod. 10. making mention of two other plagues, wherewith almighty God vexed this malicious deepe dissembling hypocrite.SummeA relatiō of the eight & ninth plague of Grashoppers and palpable darkenesse.
The one is the sending of the Locusts or grashoppers vponupon all the land of Aegypt (being the 8. plagueThe 8. plague.) whereof relation is made with the effect thereof in Pharaoh, ver. 1. to the end of the 20.
The other is the palpable darknesse and obscurity which was vponupon the whole face of the land of Egypt, the ninth scourge wherewith God whipped this slow oxe Pharaoh, The 9. plague and scourge, Pharaoh resolues vponupon a dismission of the Israelites, but yet with a prouiso.who was so vnwilling in deed, though not in word to performe Gods commandement before. But now after this plague he is content (after his wonted fashion) to let them with a reseruation of their cattell in Aegypt wherewith they should hauehave done sacrifice, whereof the text makes mention from the 21. to the end of the 29. the end of the chapter.
The Apostle S. Paul Philipians 2.5. to the end of the 11.Epistle Phil. 2.5. ad 11. ver. doth exhort vntounto humility and humiliation by the example of our Sauiour Christ Iesus,Summe that we might attaine to the end of true humiliation, which is exaltation,An exhortation to humiliation that we may attaine to exaltation. and by a patient bearing of the crosse vntounto the end, to come to the crowne of glory, the end of our faith, the saluation of our soules.Christs humiliation, in his passion. Parts.In this portion of scripture conteined in these 7. verses, wee hauehave,
First, an exhortation in these words: Let the same minde be in you that was euen in Christ Iesus, 1 Exhortation to bee minded like Christ.verse, 5.
Secondly, that this exhortation of being Christianly minded,2 A description of this minde of Christ in his humiliation. might take the deeper impression, the Apostle doth many waies describe this minde of Christ: shewing by many arguments and reasons how Christ was humbly minded, and how he was humbled in deed; as
1 Equality with God.First, who being in the forme of God, thought it no robbery, &c. verse 6.
2 Exmanition.Secondly, he made himselfe of no reputation,
Thirdly, tooke on him the forme of a seruant,3 Forme of a seruant.
Fourthly, was made like vntounto man,4 Like to a man
Fifthly, was made in shape like a man, 5 In shape as a man.verse 7.
6 Voluntary humiliation.Sixthly, he humbled himselfe,
Seuenthly, and became obedient to the death.7 Obedience to death.
Eightly, euen the death of the crosse, 8 Obedience to the cursed deathverse 8.
Thirdly, the Apostle sets forth the effect and issue of this humiliation,3 Effect of this humiliation his exaltation. to wit, exa…tation: Wherefore God hath also highly exalted him, and giuen him a name▪ &c. vers. 9.
Fourthly, hee describes this name and power of Christ at large,4 A general description of this name & power of Christ. prouing it to be aboue eueryevery name, further spreading it selfe then any thing created, for
1 In the true subiection of all other creatures1 At this name Iesus, eueryevery knee should bow, coelestium, terrestrium, infernarum, verse 10.
2 That eueryevery tongue should confesse that Iesus Christ is the Lord, 2 In the true humiliation of mankind in the confession of this power and saluation of Iesus Christ.vntounto the glory of God the Father, ver. 11. This is true subiection and humiliation of all creatures, when they all stoup to him, & acknowledge his powerfull name. This is true humiliation of al mankind, that is, of people & nations through the world, when they confesse that Iesus Christ is the Lord, vntounto the glory of God the father.
Summe.The Gospell for this day conteined in the 26. & 27.Gospell. Math. 26. & 27. ad 56. of the Gospel after S. Matthew vntounto the end of the 56. ver. relateth that most grieuous and lamentable humiliation of our deere Lord and Sauiour.The lamenta— ble humiliation of our deere Sauiour two waies.
First, in his enduring and suffering of all things at the Iewes hands, which is his passion1 In his passion before his death.
Secondiy, in the exigent and end of his passion, which is his death.2 In his death, the end of all passion,
In the 26. chapter, S. Matthew propoundeth, and largely dilateth vponupon the one.Our Lords owne analyse of this text. Parts of this Gospell.
In the 27. chapter he leaues out no circumstances concurring to denominate the other.
Thus, and no otherwise, doth our Lord Iesus himselfe analyse all this great businesse euen in a few words, saying vntounto his Disciples: And the sonne of man.
1 Shall be deliuered,
2 To be crucified.
First therefore S. Matthew sets downe Christs intimation hereof vntounto his Disciples,1 Christs prophesie and intimation of his passion & death to his Disciples, saying: Yee know that within two daies is the Passeouer, and the sonne of man, &c. verse 1:2.
Secondly, S. Matthew makes mention of the first assembly and parliament of Priests, Lawyers, and Rulers in the high Priest Cayphas his hall,2 Part conteins the first Session & Parliament of Priests, Lawyers, & Rulers, in Caiaphas his hall. verse 3.4.5.
Thirdly, because his death, and consequently his buriall is neere, our Euangelist tels vsus of Mary Magdalens annointing him with the pretious ointment:3 Mary Magdalens anointing him to his bu— riall. for he was worthy of it being a King and a Priest, verse 6. to the end of the 13.
Fourthly, how Iudas indents with the high Priests for money to betray his maister Christ,4 Iudas his bargaine & sale of his maisters bloud to the high Priest. verse 14.15.16.
Fifthly, how our Lord Iesus celebrateth the Passeouer,5 Christs cele— bration of the Passeouer. & foretold the intended & plotted treason of the traytor Iudas, verse 17. to the end of the 25.
Sixthly, that our Lord did institute the holy supper,6 Christs institution of the Supper. & celebrate the same with his Disciples, ver. 26. to the 30.
Seuenthly, S. Matthew declares Christs prophesie & foretelling the Disciples weakenesse,7 Christs prophesie of the disciples frailty in being offended at his sufferings, but chiefly at Peters denyall, ver. 31.35.
In the eighth place S. Matthew mentioneth Christs going8 Christs going aside to pray. apart to Gethsemane, Christs preparation to his death.to pray that the bitter cup might passe from him: his Disciples being heauy all that time, the traitor and his consorts coming in with swords and staues to take Iesus. At which time Peter takes vponupon him to reuenge, though afterward he and all the rest tooke them to their heeles, ver. 36. to the 56.
Ninthly, the Euangelist tels vsus how our innocent Lord Iesus is led to the sessions house, where9 Iesus is led to the sessions house, where
First, notwithstanding their subornation of false witnesses, and Caiaphas his adiuring of him1 They suborne false witnesses against him, to tell him whether he were Christ the Sonne of God, whereto he answered affirmatiuely, yet
Secondly, they reproue and argue him of blasphemy,2 Argue him of blasphemy.
Thirdly, they conclude, that he is worthy to die,3 Conclude and determine his death,
Fourthly, they spat in his face.4 They spat in his face.
Fiftly, they buffeted him,5 He is buffeted
Sixtly, they smote him with their rods,6 Smitten with rods.
Seuenthly, they mocked7 Mocked. him, and in mockery of his prophecy they require him to prophecy, who strucke him. ver. 57. to the end of the 68.
In the tenth place S. Matthew sets downe the story of Peters three-fold deniall of his Maister,10 The history of Peters three-fold deniall, and his hearty repentance for the same ver. 68. to the end of the 73. which is the last ver. of the 26. chapter.
Math. 27. chap.In the eleuenth place Saint Matthew relates the time and place of an other session of chiefe Priests and rulers to consult against this sweet and harmlesse Lambe our Sauiour,11 Part of the gospel cōtaines another session of high Priests in Pilats hall. and consequently to take his life from him. That so he being led bound vntounto Pilate the gouernour, he might be examined, iudged, and condemned to die. ver. 1.2. of the seuen and twentieth chapter.
Iudas despaires after his Maister was condemned.When Iudas heard that his Maister was condemned he repents after a fashion, but despaires of Gods mercy, as all reprobates and most of the ranke of wicked traitors do, ver. 3. to the end of the tenth.
In the twelfth part of this holy Gospell, Christs examination is recorded,12 Pilates examination of Christ. with Pilates putting it to the peoples choise, the deliuerāce of Iesus or Barrabas (for that was their wicked immutable custome,Pilates obseruation of the Iewes wicked custome. though thereby they brought innocent bloud vponupon themselues and their children. ver. 11. to the end of the 26.
In the thirteenth part of this Gospell we may see how they still continued their malice against Christ,13 Their con— tinuance in their contriued malice argued by 14 seuerall actions. for
1 The gouernour Piltates men doe leade him into the common hall.
2 They gather the whole band about him.
3 They strippe him.
4 They put the skarlet robe vponupon him.
5 They crowne him with a crowne of thornes (a vegetall coming of the earths curse.)
6 They put a reede in his right hand.
7 They how their knees in mockery, saying: God saue thee, King of the Iewes,
8 They spatted vponupon him.
9 They tooke a reede and smote him with it.
10 They tooke the robe from him.
11 And put his owne rayment vponupon him.
12 And led him away to crucifie him. ver. 27. to rhe end of the 31.
13 Compelled Simon to beare his crosse.
14 They gaue him vinegar to drinke mingled with gall. ver. 32.33.34.
In the fourteenth part of this Gospel, S. Matthew shewes how they accomplished their plotted designement in crucifying him, which when they had done.14 The accomplishing of their plotted de— signements, proceeding in their persecu— ting of him 6 manner of waies.
First, they persecuted euen his clothes.
Secondly, they watch him,
Thirdly, they set vp his title.
Fourthly, they crucifie two theeues with the Author of truth.
Fiftly, the passengers that passed by reuile him,
Sixtly, first, the high Priests: secondly, Scribes: thirdly, Elders, and fourthly, Pharises mocke him, fiftly,Christs sufferings immediatly before his death. so doe the theeeues, ve. 35. to the end of the 44.
15 What fell out the three houres that Christ was vponupon the crosse.In the fifteenth part the Euangelist relateth.
First, what fell out for three houres together, while Iesus was vponupon the crosse, to wit, the lights for the day and night fell to mourning,1 The lights fell a mourning that their Lord and maker should thus be handled of his people. From the sixt howre to the ninth darkenesse is ouer all the land foreign et natura patiebantur. verse 45.
2 The Sauiour fals to crying.Secondly, he relates what befel at the ninth houre. Sinners would not sorrow, the Sauiour of sinners, Iesus the Sauiour of all mourning sinners, mourneth for sinners, crying bitterly, crying with a loud voyce, Ely, Ely, Lammah sabachthani. ver. 46.
Hebrewes vnderstand not Christs Hebrew.This cry the Hebrewes would not vnderstand, and yet it was Hebrew, as appeareth, ve. 47.48.49. Our Lord cryeth againe, they might hauehave vnderstood him the second time (but who is so blind as he that wil not see): & so yeelded vp his spirit, yeelded vp the Ghost ve. 50.
3 The relation of those things that befell after Christs death in 5 occurrents.Thirdly, the Euangelist relates what befell after Christs death.
First, the vaile of the Temple is rent in twaine,
Secondly, the earth did quake,
Thirdly, the stones were clouen,
Fourthly, the graues did open themselues,
Fiftly, many bodies of Saints,
1 Arose,
2 Came out of the graue after his resurrection,
3 And went into Hierusalem,
4 And appeared vntounto many, ver. 51.52.53.
16 The truth of all is set downe, 1. by the effects in the Centurion and watchmen, 2. by testimony of the witnesses.In the sixteenth and last part of this Gospell for the day Saint Matthew sets downe the truth heteof by the effects. For
First, the hard hearted Captaine the Centurion and the watchmen his souldiers, seeing the earthquake, and what was done,
1 Feared greatly,Subsequents & effects of Christs death,
2 Confesse Christ, saying: Truely this was the Sonne of God. ver. 54.
Secondly, many witnesses are cited to prooue this, though they were a farre off, some whereof are foreign without name expressed ver. 55. and some foreign. They hauehave their names recorded, that God may be glorified in their constancy, though they were of the weaker sexe, to wit, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Iames and Ioses, and the mother of Zebedeus children. ver. 56.
Now who can better and more truely say, then this our deere Sauiour vponupon the crosse in the midst of all these crosses and intollerable torments. O vos omnes, omnes qui transitis, attendite & videte, si est dolor sicut dolor meus.