A Brief Exposition of Matthew, Biblical commentary · Part · Chapter 8
CHAP. VIII.
Our Lord gives evidence of his divine power, grace, soveraignty and wisdom in miraculous healing of sundry diseases. 18. In triall of Disciples. 23. In rebuking the tempestuous winds and seas. 27. In triall of the Gadarens.
Ver. 1. WHen he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
2. And behold there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
THe first evidence of Christs divine power and grace, is, the miraculous healing of the leper. In whose example these things are to be learned, 1. That Christs God-head and divine power must be laid, as a ground by every one who come, unto him, else nothing can be expected; according as this leper gives him the glory of curing a miraculous disease, saying, Thou canst make me clean. 2. We must submit our selves to his wil in temporall benefits, not having any certain promise to obtain them, and still give unto him the glory of power to grant our desires, whether he satisfie us or not; for, If thou wilt, saith he, thou canst make me clean. 3- Nothing can keep a needy soul from Christ, when it seeth relief in him, it leapeth over all impediments, as this leper, contrary to the prohibition of the ceremonial law, presseth through a multitude, and cometh to him.
Vers. 3. And Iesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will, be thou clean. And immediately his leprosie was cleansed.
In our Lords hearkning to the Leper: Learn, 1. That Christ abhorreth not the vilest of those who come unto him, how loathsome soever, and that he can touch the unclean, and not be infected by pollution, but is able to cleanse filthiness by the touch of his power; for, He put forth his hand, and touched him. 2. That Christ did profess openly his own divine power; for absolutely he commanded in his own name and authority, as God the departing of the sicknesse, saying, I will, be thou clean, and this he proved in effect, immediately by cleansing the leper in a moment; for, Immediately the leprosie was cleansed.
Ver. 4. And Iesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man, but go thy way, shew thy selfe to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded for a testimony unto them.
In this direction given to the leper, to shew himselfe to the Priest, who according to the law was judge in the case of leprosie, Learn, 1. That Christs benefits will abide the triall, and be found to be solid, even his soes being Judges: therefore he will have the Man healed, to go to the Priest, who was appointed Judge of the cleansing of leprosie. 2. That Christ will not allow any man to speak of him, but as he is directed, therefore he would have the work found to be divine by the Priest, before it should be known that it was his work, for his own greater glory; therfore saith he, See thou tell no man. 3. That Christ would have the ceremoniall law kept, so long as the time thereof indured, saying, Offer the gift that Moses commanded. 4. That if our Lord suspend the manifesting of his glory, it is for manifesting of it in a fitter time, to the convincing of his adversaries, and confirmation of the faith of his own: Therefore he will have a Sacrifice offered unto God for the cleansing, that the God-head of the cleanser may be seen, and a testimony given against them, who would not acknowledg his power to be divine.
Ver. 5. And when Iesus was entred into Capernaum, there came unto him a Centurion, beseeching him.
6. And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsie, grievously tormented.
Another evidence of Christs divine power, is the healing of the Centurions seavant; Wherein learn, That Gods elections calling, and saving grace, runs to all ranks of men, without exception; for here a man of War, a Commander, in…ued with faith, a Centurion, and a Gentile cometh to him. 2. That faith working by love can make an earrand to Christ for others, no lesse then for it self; for, My servant lieth sick, saith the Centurion. 3. Faith accounts misery, laid before Christ, a motive good enough for mercy to work on: Therfore saith he▪ My servant is grievously tormented.
Verse 7. And Iesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
In Christs answer learn, 1. How ready our Lord is to hear prayer, proceeding from faith and love: for he answereth quickly, I wil heal him. 2. That when the party afflicted cannot stir, Christ will be content to make the travell, as here he saith, I will come and heal him. 3. The Centurion did not expresly ask so much, as is here granted, but half a word from saith serveth Christ, he wil give unto it a compleat answer, My servant is sick, saith the Centurion; I wil come and heal him, saith Christ.
Ver. 8. The Centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9. For I am a man under authority, having souldiers underm…: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth: and to another, Come, and he cometh: and to my servant, Do this, and be d… it.
In the Centurions answer learn, 1. That Faith hath a high esteem of Christ, and a low esteem of it selfe, as is seen in the Centurions saying, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof. 2. That faith is content with Christs word, without bodily presence, and looks for no lesse effect from his word then from his presence; for, Speake saith he, the word only, and my servant shall be made whole. 3. Th… faith acknowledgeth all power and authority over all things, to be eminently in Christ; and in speciall, that all sicknesses are Christs souldiers and servants, to go or stay as he command…, in a far more excellent way then a centurion can command his souldiers; for, saith he, I am a man under authority, &c. therefore thou who art supream in authority overall, may it do more then I.
Ver. 10. When Iesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel.
Christ is said to Marvel, not that he is ignorant of the cause of this glorious faith of the Centurion: for Christ was author of it, and did give it unto him: but because it was to be wondred at by the Disciples, and Christ did use some externall gesture of wondring, to make the centurions faith to be so much the more taken notice of; and therefore …e… is said to marvell: Hence learn, 1. That faith, the greater it is, the more it pitcheth on Christs Deity: the more work it purs upon him, it is the more pleasing to him: he delights in his own gift of grace where-ever he sees it, he will marvellously entertain it, and hold it forth as a rarity unto others: this is it, that He marvelled, and spake of it to his followers. 2. That the more means and the more time that a man hath had to grow strong in the faith, and yet hath profited little, the more is he to be blamed and to be reproached, in comparison of these who profit by few meanes: This is it which Christ saith, I have not found so great faith in Israel, as in this Centurion, a born Ethnick.
Ver. 11. And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east, and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isa…c, and Iacob in the kingdom of heaven.
12. But the Children of the Kingdome shall be cast out into utter darkenesse: there shall be weeping and g…ashing of teeth.
Upon this occasion, our Lord prophesieth of the calling of the Gentiles, verse 11. and rejection of the Jews, verse 12. Whence we learn, 1. That such of the Gentiles as beleeve In Jesus Christ, are joyned in society with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and that out of whatsoever Nation they shall come unto Christ, they shall be incorporate in the same fellowship of grace and glory; for, they shall sit down in the Kingdome of Heaven with Abraham, &c. 2. Whatsoever was our Lords purpose, about the choosing of the Sacramental Signs of his Supper, we are sure that he esteemed sociall fitting of the Saints at Table, a fit sign to represent their fellowship one with another, in grace and glory: and that he thought it good, before the institution of the Sacrament, to acquaint his Disciples with such a form of speech as might expresse so much; for in stead of saying, Many shall be partakers with Abraham, Isaac and Iacob, of life, joy, and honour, He saith, Many shall SIT DOWN TO TABLE with Abraham, Isaac and Iacob. 3. Whosoever are born within the compasse of a Nationall covenant with God, are children of the Kingdome, that is, have an external title to be heirs of the Kingdome; for therefore are the Jews who were born under the covenant, called Children of the Kingdom. 4. If a man have no more but the externall honour of a Covenanter for the Kingdom, and do want faith in Christ, he shall be stripped naked of that externall honour also: for, here it is said of such, The children of the Kingdom shall be cast out. 5. Such as are debarred from heaven, are cast into utter darknesse; that is, in extreme misery, confusion, horror, and torment in hell; Where shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, that is, where shall be nothing but desperate sorrow.
Ver. 13. And Iesus said unto the Centurion, Go thy way, and as thou hast beleeved, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the self same hour.
After reproving and threatning the Jews, Christ turneth about, and speaketh graciously to the Centurion. Doct. 1. Christ will never be so incensed against his foes as to forget his friends: Therefore his threatning of the misbelief of the Jews, makes not our Lord forget his respect to this faithfull Centurion. 2. Christ will not dis-appoint the hopes of his own: but as they beleeve so shall it be: they that beleeve in him shall not be ashamed, therefore saith he here, As thou hast beleeved, so be it done unto thee. 3. Christs word and power need not his bodily presence for bringing forth the effect promised: for the Centurions servant was healed, being absent in place, On the self-same hour.
Ver. 14. And when Iesus was come into Peters house, he sa… his wives mother laid, and sick of a fever.
15. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she arose and ministred unto them.
In this healing of Peters wifes mother, Learn, 1. That marriage is lawfull, and honourable in the Preachers of the Gospel, for Peter being called to the Apostleship, keepeth his wife, and house, and entertaineth his wifes mother. 2. Christ will not disdain to visit the families of his own, how mean soever they be; for, he cometh to Peters house. 3. The speciail thing our Lord taketh notice of in the house he cometh unto, is, What aileth any in it, and what need they stand in of his help; therefore it is observed of him here, that he saw Peters wifes mother lying sick of a feaver, as if there had been nothing else to see. 4. Christ will shew his goodness and power as need is, for the comfort of his friends as here; He touched her hand, and the feaver left her. 5. Albeit this might seem no great matter, in comparison of other miracles, yet faith wil observe Christs divine power in a little matter, as clearly as in the greatest work; therefore doth the Evangelist mark this miracle, that She arose and ministred unto them. 6. What benefit we receive of Christ, ought to be imployed for service to him, and his followers; for this woman being healed, Arose and ministred, or served Christ and his Disciples, in such entertainment as Peters house could afford.
Ver. 16. And when the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with divels: and he cast out the spirits with hi… word, and healed all that were sick.
In this multitude of miracles, learn, 1. That no time was untimous unto Christ, when people came unto him; for, When the even was come, when rest was due to Christ, after al the dayes diligence in his calling, they brought unto him many sick. 2. Among other effects which sin …ath brought upon men, this is one, to be bodily possessed with divels: and it is justice that it so should be, when possession spirituall is not regarded, as it is said, They brought unto him many possessed with divels. 3. There is no mean to liberate men of divels, but that they come, or be presented by others unto Christ, as these were brought to him. 4. Christ by his word o… command, easily can deliver men from deepest possession; for, He cast out the spirits by his word. 5. Never man came to him to be helped whom he cured not, therefore justly do they …perish who come not unto him▪ for of those that came unto him it is said, He healed ALL that were sick.
Ver. 17. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the Prophet, saying, himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
The Evangelist maketh observation of the intent of these works: Hence learn, 1. That all the miraculous cures which Christ used upon mens bodies, was to make it evident, that he was the promised Saviour of soules spoken of by the Prophets; for, These things did he, that it might be fulfilled, or be known to be fulfilled, which was spoken by Esaias. 2. This speedy delivering of the infirm, this universall healing of the sick; this welcoming of them, how untimous soever they came, proveth that Christ not only took on him our infirmities, common to mankind, but also by compassion did bear our sicknesses so affectionately, that he healed such as came unto him, so readily and shortly, as if the disease had been in his own body.
Verse 18. Now when Iesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandement to depart unto the other side.
The report of his miracles being spread abroad, multitudes of the people did flock about him, to gaze and wonder at him. Therefore Christ no wayes loving idle gazing, nor confused confluence of curious people, doth give commandement to his Disciples by ship to go over the lake of Genesaret, unto the other side. Doct. 1. Many do flock after Christ and his Ordinances, rather out of curiosity, and by-respects, then out of desire to profit, as is here evident. 2. Christ is not the author, nor allower of confusion, be it under never so specious pretences, as here appeareth. 3. Christ wil rather depart then foster folly; he loveth not to feed any mans curiosity, but to be profitable; he loveth not worldly pomp, but to be beleeved into, and to be loved for salvation; Therefore, He gave commandement to depart unto the other side.
Ver. 19. And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I wil follow thee wheresoever thou goest.
20. And Iesus saith unto him, the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
A scribe perceiving how Christ was esteemed of, doth make offer absolutely to be his Disciple and servant; but first, with an eye to his own ease, profit and honour, as appeareth by Christs answer; then rashly, not considering his own inability nor what hazards and difficulties he had to passe, in case of following of Christ, and withall intruding himselfe in Christs Ministry, saying, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. Our Lord meeting the mans mind, rather then his words, doth professe himselfe indeed to be the promised Messiah, now incarnate, and made the Son of man: next, that he had voluntarily emptied himself so far of honour, riches, and ease, as he had no certain place of residence, no not so much as a Foxes den, or birds nest, nor any houshould stuffe whereon to lay his head. This did our sins deserve, and this Christ was content to suffer, for ransoming of us, and procuring right for large allowance unto us, and to season and sanctifie eve…y mean estate and degree of life, to such as should be called unto it; now whether this Scribe made his offer good or not, it is not materiall: but howsoever, we learn, 1. That such as wil follow Christ, must make resolution to be content with such allowance, and fare, as the Captain of our salvation was content with: for so doth Christs answer import. 2. Whosoever do offer their service unto Christ, especially in the Ministry, should look well what motives do induce them, and that they be not seeking the world in his service, or else they may fall short of their intention, and be disclaimed of Christ, as unfit to be accounted his servants, for this is it which the answer doth speak.
Ver. 21. And another of his Disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me to go and bury my father.
22. But Iesus said unto him, follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.
Here is another man called to follow Christ, who desires a delay, and putteth off the matter with an excuse, till his old father were dead and buried: Hence learn, 1. That such as Christ hath a mind to call to the Ministry, he wil find them out: for here is a Disciple, who hath no mind to follow Christ unto the constant attendance of the Ministry, and yet Christ intends to have him. 2. A true calling may be met possibly at first, with an unwilling minde, either altogether refusing the Ministry, or shifting off the calling for a time, for this man desires to be let alone till his aged father should die, that he might discharge the last duty unto him, ere he followed Christs call; Suffer me first to bury my father, saith he. 3. Christ will not take a refusall of the man, whom he intends to imploy; and that no pretence of doing duty to mens bodies shall be taken for an excuse for the not taking charge of souls, when Christ doth call; for Christ urgeth him stil, saying, Follow me. 4. Common civil duties may be done by any men, but the work of the Ministry only by men chosen, and called, and sent, Therefore follow thou me, saith Christ, and let the dead bury their dead: that is, men dead in their sins are sufficient for such a work, as burying the dead, but follow thou this higher imployment.
Ver. 23. And when he was entred into a ship, his disciples followed him.
24. And behold there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves; but he was asleep,
25. And his disciples came unto him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us, we perish.
26. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearfull, O ye of little faith? Then he arose and rebuked the winds, and the sea, and there was a great calm.
37. But the men marvelled, saying, what manner of man is this, that even the winde amd the sea obey him?
In this miracle observe, 1. That our Lord of set purpose, will lead his Disciples into dangers, for the stirring up, and triall of their faith, and for evidencing of his own glory; for, He enters into a ship for this end, and maketh his Disciples follow him, wherein they might safely hazard indeed when he went before and did give warrant to them to follow. 2. His presence exeemeth not his Disciples from trouble, and danger; for, Now there arose a great tempest in the sea. 3. Our Lord as he took on him our nature, so also he subjected himselfe to our naturall and sinlesse infirmities, for being weary on the land, he fals asleep in the ship. 4. The church may be like to be drowned, and Christ may seem to neglect the marter; for the Church now in the ship, was covered with the waves, but he was asleep in the ship. 5. The church must beleeve Christ to be God, and able to deliver them, albeit he seem as it were sleeping among them, because he can carry himself as one a sleep, and that of purpose in his wisdom, to the end he may be awaked by their prayers, as by the Disciples here, They came and awoke him, and cried, Lord, save us, we perish. 6. As sense of danger and need is a choise argument, when we deal with Christ for help (for, We perish speaketh much) so is it an ordinary fore-runner of deliverance and help; for, Save us, we perish, went before the rebuking of the wind. 7. It is a sinful misbelief to be too much feared to perish in Christs company and service: therfore he rebuked them, saying, why are ye fearfull? 8. He can put difference between small faith, and no faith, and as he will reprove unbelief, so wil he not despise the smallest measure of belief; therefore saith he, O ye of little faith. 9. Whether he seem to sleep, or to be awake, he is Lord of heaven and earth, ruler and commander of wind, sea and land, whom all the creatures must obey; for he arose and rebuked the wind and there, was a calm. 10. The glory of the deliverance, which Christ doth give to his people in their greatest straight, is marvellous, and far above all that they can apprehend ere it come: for when the Disciples looking as men on the Lords work, saw the great calm, they marvelled. 11. The faith which Christs Disciples had in his God-head, was little in comparison of what they had ground f…r, even from the works of the glory therof, demonstrate unto them; for, say they, What manner of man is this, that even the windes and sea obey him?
Ver. 28. And when he was come to the other side, into the country of the Gergesens, there met him two poss…ssed with divels, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might passe by that way.
29. And behold, they cryed out, saying, what have we to do with thee, Iesus thou Son of God? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
30. And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
31. So the divels besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
32. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea and perished in the waters.
33. And they that kept them fled, and went their wayes into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the divels.
34. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Iesus, and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
The last part of the chapter, containeth the delivery of the two men possessed with divels: Wherein learn, 1. That Christ went no whether, but for a speciall errand; pity to these two poor possessed men, moved him to crosse The sea, or the loch of Tiberius, and when he came to the other side, his errand appeares, The two possessed men are presecuted unto him. Christ can make the divels bring men unto him, nill they, will they, for here there met him two possessed with divels. 3. The malice of the divels is exceeding cruel, where they can get liberty to shew it against man: for they drive these men from the society of other men, unto the saddest spectacle of tombes or sepulchers, they imbitter them with rage and fierce anger, and move them to come against all other men, so, that no man could passe by that way. 4. How powerfull soever divels be, yet they can neither stand out against Christs power, nor flee from him, nor abide his presence: Therefore, They cry out for fear of him. 5. The case of possessed souls, in whom the spirit of disobedience doth rule, is to be seen in these whose bodies were possessed with divels, the man is their lodging house; he is no more master of his own actions, but is Satans slave; The mans eyes look for Satan, his hands and feet work and walk for Satan, his throat is made Satans blowing-horn, his mouth speaketh for Satan: and here they cry out by the Poor mans throat, saying, What have we to do with thee? 6. Divels did know Christ to be the Son of God, but they knew also that he came not in the world for their good, but to be Saviour of men; therefore, What have we … do w…th thee, say they? 7. Albeit it be not in the divels power not to yeeld to Christ, yet they remain their wicked aversnesse to obey him, being loath to leave the possession they have gotten: they would be let alone by him, if they could, and do wickedly plead for it, saying, What have we to do with thee? 8. They know there is a time coming, when they shall be more tormented then they are as yet; even the day of Judgement, and this they tremble at, saying, Art thou come to torment us before the time? 9. They cannot hurt so much as a sow except Christ, Lord of Heaven and Earth, do suffer them; therefore the divels besought Christ, saying, If thou cast … out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 10. The Lord suffereth somtime Satan to have his wil of mens bodies and goods, for their tryal; as here to go into the Gadarens swine, to try the owners mind; therfore Christ said unto them, Go. 11. These wicked spirits love alwayes to do evill, and make it a sport to destroy what they are permitted: Therefore, they drove the swine headlong into the sea, and made them perish in the water. 12. To the end that the tryal of men might be perfected, Christ will have them to know be Spirituall benefits of the Gospel, as well as the temporall inconveniencies following it. This it the reason that Christ will have the Gadarens to know as well of the delivery of men possessed with divels, as of the drowning of the swine; for, The swincherds tell them of all, that so they might be inexcusable. 13. Men left to their own selves, will choose any thing rather then Christ, and will do no better then these Gadarens did. 14. Temporall losse of swine is so great in the worldly mens estimation, that spirituall advantage is nothing esteemed of: for the Gadarens are not so moved with the delivery of the souls and bodies of the possessed men, as they are with the losse of their swine. 15. If men see nothing of Christs sweet mercies, but only take up his power, they will be loath to have him in their company; therfore these Gadarens do Beseech him to dapart from them. Such worldly men will rather quit the Gospel, then hazard their worldly goods. 16. This is the greatest token of Christs leaving a place, or not coming into a place, when the whole incorporation, city, or place doth consist only of Gadarens, and all do consent that he should depart: for there apparantly, he hath no errand to stay him; and wheresoever Christ hath no imployment, thence will he remove.