Westminster Annotations, Matthew 2 · Chapter 13
CHAP. XIII.
Vers. 1. THe same day] Gr. On that day. Which phrase although in some places of scripture it signifie, not the same precise day, but about that time, as in the prophets, Isai. 4. 1. and 26. 1. Yet in an historicall narration as this is, it signifies, the very same day, and shews our Saviours unweariablenesse in teaching the people.
went Jesus out of the house] His going into the house, is mentioned, Mark 3. 19. as it seems, to refresh himself there, verse 20. of that Chapter. But the people affected with his glorious miracles, and powerfull preaching, follow him in such multitudes, that he leaves his meat and the house, to go to a more large place, that might receive the people. Thus he makes it his meat and drink to do his Fathers work, as John 4. 34.
and sat by the sea side] Mark 4. 1. By the sea of Tiberias, John 6. 1. which lay neer his own countrey, whether he went, when he had finished the ensuing parables, verse 53, 54.
V. 2. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him] The malice of the Pharisees, and their subtill desiring of a sign from heaven to confirm his authority and doctrine, Chap. 12. 38. Though denyed by Christ, could not keep the people from slocking after him.
so that he went into a ship] The multitude pressing him (as Mark 5. 31. Luke 5. 1.) was the cause of his going into the ship, as also, that he might the better be heard and seen of his auditours, being at some distance from him, and all their faces toward him. Therefore was the ship lanched a little way into the sea.
and sat] This was the usuall gesture of our Saviour in teaching, as the manner of their doctors was, Matth. 23. 2. See Chap. 5. 1. Luke 4. 20. although he stood when he read the scriptures in publike, Luke 4. 16. yet is not standing in preaching unlawfull. See Ezr. 8. 4.
and the whole multitude stood on the shore] That they might more conveniently see and hear him.
V. 3. And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying] That is, he spake many parables according to the severall capacitie of his auditours, and their various imployments. Some of them might be husband-men, others merchants, others, fisher-men. He teacheth them all in their own element. Proverbs are sometimes called parables, although there be no similitudes in them, as Psal. 49. 4, &c. But here the word signifies, a setting forth of spirituall things under corporall similitudes. In this sermon on the mount, when he sets out heavenly blessednesse, and the true meaning of the law, and in many other sermons he speaks much in plain terms, and sometimes in parables easie to be understood: but here he speaks onelyonly in parables, not expounding them to the people. The reason is given, verse 11, &c. and verse 34, 35. yet parables expounded (as some of these are afterwards) serve much to help the understanding, as shewing us the face of heavenly things in earthly glasses. They stir up the memory also upon sight of visible things, to call to minde invisible. They work much upon the affections, when they are taken from things we love, or hate.
Behold, a sower went forth to sow] Luke 8. 5. This is the first of the seven parables in this Chapter: wherein is intimated, That the seed of eternall life which is sown in the preaching of the Gospel, thriveth not so well in one, as in another. And the reason is, For that men for the most part, either do not receive it, or suffer it not to ripen. So he admonisheth his hearers, that their flocking after him would do them no good, unlesse they profited by his word, which in likelihood, a fourth part of them onelyonly would do.
V. 4. some seeds fell by the wayes side] Some high-wayes go thorow plowed fields not enclosed in champain countries, such as it seems that was where our Saviour conversed, Chap. 12. 1. There the seed could not enter, because the ground was hardened by the feet of the passengers, and the seed lying on the ground, was never received into the earth at all. So some hearers receive no benefit by the word, either because they hear regardlessely, or understand not what they hear, verse 19.
the fowls came and devoured them up] Here is another cause why they grew not. What the earth would not receive, the fowls carried away.
V. 5. Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth] Where seed might creep in a little between stone and stone, but wanted depth of ground to take good rooting. So some are affected with the word a little at hearing of it, while it steals in between their affections, rather then seizeth on any of them.
and forthwith they sprung up] They could not root downward, because of the hardnesse of the earth, and shot upward suddenly, because of the heat of the stones beaten upon by the sun.
V. 6. And when the sun was up, they were scorched] They wanted moisture before, and much more then, and so perished.
and because they had not root, they withered away] Another cause of their decaying, is want of root, which should receive moisture to cherish the seed, as the mouth doth food for the body.
V. 7. And some fell among thorns, &c.] This had some root and growth, but is spoiled by thorns and weeds, growing up with it. So some have common graces by hearing the word, and make some profession for a time, but worldly cares and fleeting delights, getting head, choak the growth and fruit of Gods word in them.
V. 8. But other fell into good ground] Unlesse the ground be good, the seed is lost: So is the seed of Gods word in a wicked mans heart.
and brought forth fruit] The first sprung: not up. The second sprung up, but had no growth. The third grew up, but brought forth no fruit. This sprung up, grew up, and fructified.
some an hundred fold, some sixty fold, some thirty fold] Gods word doth not fructifie alike in all: the most fruit is best pleasing to God, John 15. 2, 5. yet he despiseth not the least, Chap. 12. 20.
V. 9. Who so hath ears to hear, let him hear] The parable is hard, and requires diligent attention. See Chap. 11. 15. and on Revel. 2. 7.
V. 10. And the disciples came] To wit, after he had done teaching the people, and was gone out of the ship, See Mark 4. 10. For it is not likely, that our Saviour would leave teaching the people, to confer with the apostles, till he had uttered all he had to say to the people, See verse 36.
and said unto him] Two questions were now asked of our Saviour. The first recorded here, Why he spake to the people in parables. The second, Mark 4. 10, 13. what was the sense of the parable. To the first, our Saviour answers, verse 11. To the second, verse 18.
Why speakest thou unto them in parables?] In speeches harder then thou usest to speak, and such, as neither they nor we understand. This shews the pious charitie of the apostles, who not onelyonly desired to understand these mysteries themselves, but that the people might understand them also.
V. 11. Because it given unto you to know the mysteries] To you that fear God I will interpret the parables, Psal. 25. 14. which being not unfolded, are hidden mysteries.
but to them it is not given] The gift of understanding heavenly things to their good, is given to the faithfull, the rest know not these things, or know them not to their good. The difference comes onelyonly from Gods free grace.
V. 12. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given] Chap. 25. 29. It is the custome of the world to give to rich men, and take away from the poor. This they do unjustly, but God will justly reward those that use his ordinances well, and punish them that abuse them.
even that he hath] That which he seemeth to have, Luke 8. 18. Or, those common graces which he did not use well, where he had them.
V. 13. Therefore speak I to them in parables, because, &c.] The reason why these mysteries are no more plainly delivered unto them, is in regard of their own foregoing obstinacy, and untowardnesse.
they seeing, see not] Though they daily see the miracles wrought by me, yet they refuse to see and take notice of my divine power, that they may be saved by me, Joh. 6. 36. See the like, Deut. 29. 2, 3, 4.
and hea…ing, they hear not] Though they hear outwardly with their ears, that which could not but convince them of the truth, yet they receive it not inwardly, but obstinately withstand it, Joh. 12. 47, 48. It seems there were many stubborn Pharises amongst them. See Chap. 12. 24, 38.
neither do they understand] Nor conceive aright what is delivered unto them, John 2. 19, 20, 21. and 8. 27, 43.
V. 14. And in them is fulfilled the prophecie of Isaias] This is no new thing, neither need it seem strange unto you that they are so hard hearted: so it is with their fathers, and so it is foretold that it should be with them. See Acts 7. 51, 52.
By hearing ye shall hear, &c.] So Mark 4. 12. Luke 8. 10. Joh. 12. 40. Acts 28. 20. Rom. 11. 8. See Isa. 6. 9.
V. 15. For this peoples heart is waxed grosse, &c.] As in the body, when the heart is over-grown with fat or corpulency, the members cannot do their office: so spiritually, when the heart is grown sensuall or obdurate, men cannot apprehend Gods truth to their salvation. See Isa. 6. 10.
V. 16. But blessed are your eyes] Ye are happie that understand these mysteries of salvation, chap. 16. 17. though these that know them not be miserable.
for they see] Ye not onelyonly see with you bodily eyes, as these wicked men do; but also with the eyes of your minde, Joh. 6. 40.
V. 17. that many prophets and righteous men, &c.] Your condition is better, not onelyonly then these wicked mens, but also then the best of the fathers which lived in former ages; for ye know more of me and heavenly mysteries then they did.
V. 18. Hear ye therefore the parable] I will tell you the meaning of it, though I conceal it from them: their hardnesse of heart shall not hinder you.
V. 19. the word of the kingdom] The Gospel preached, which brings men into the kingdom of grace here, and shews them the way into the kingdom of glory hereafter. This is the seed spoken of before.
understandeth it not] Or, regardeth it not.
the wicked one] The devil, who is wicked himself, and seeks to make others so. Here are the ravening birds that devour the seed.
in his heart] Which he had heard, but regarded not.
V. 20. with joy receiveth it] He hears it with joy, as a novell thing, never heard of before, and containing many strange, joyous, and glorious promises, Mark 6. 20. Heb. 6. 4, 5.
V. 21. yet hath he not root in himself] As corn not well rooted makes a fair shew, till a great storm or drought comes, and then withers: so they that have not Gods word rooted in their hearts make a fair profession, till trouble come, and then they fail.
persecution ariseth] When troubles unexpected arise, which may seem to crosse and frustrate the matter of those forementioned promises.
offended] Or, made to fall. Gr. scandalized.
V. 22. And the care of this world, &c.] The cares wherewith men get worldly riches, and seeming pleasures, which men enjoy when they are rich, till they fail them in old age, 2 Sam. 19. 34, 35. Eccles. 12. 1. or at the time of death, Eccles. 11. 8. are compared to piercing thorns, choking the seed, 1 Tim. 6. 9, 10. Luke 21. 34, 35. 2 Tim. 4. 10.
and he becometh unfruitfull] Or, it. The man, or the word.
V. 23. into the good ground] But one ground of four is fruitfull. Most hearers are bad hearers.
he that heareth the word, &c.] Here are three properties of a good scholar of Christ: He must hear with his car, understand with his heart, and practise in his life.
some an hundred fold, &c.] As before there were three sorts of bad hearers, so now also of good ones: all bear not fruit alike. Some are richer grounds then other, and more full of of Gods graces within, and so more fruitfull externally.
V. 24. The kingdom of heaven] See notes on v. 19.
is likened unto a man which sowed] Christ sheweth in this parable of the wheat and tares or weeds, that the Church shall have good and bad men in it to the end of the world: and therefore the faithfull must not be offended at it.
good seed in his field] Before, the seed was the word preached; now, it signifies good men, raised up by God in his Church.
V. 25. while men slept] The devil works closely and covertly, that he may not be descried, or takes occasion, by the negligence and slothfulnesse of those that have the charge of others, to do mischief in Gods Church, Isa. 56. 9, 10.
his enemy came] The devil, called Satan, in Hebrew; that is, an enemy; and Gods enemy here, because he seeks the ruine of his Kingdom and servants, 1 Pet. 5. 8.
sowed tares] Tares are a good grain among us: but the Greek word signifies, weeds unusefull, and hurtfull to corn, which we want a fit word to expresse; Tinetare is the neerest. Hereby are meant hereticks, schismaticks, hypocrites, profane livers, who creep into the Church to seek the ruine of it.
among the wheat] Not in the world abroad, but in that part of it where the Church is, Acts 20. 29, 30. Heb. 12. 16.
and went his way] He would not stand to it, nor have it thought to be his doing, and therefore withdrew himself.
V. 26. when the blade was sprung up, &c.] When men first professe the true religion, it doth not presently appear who are good and who bad; but afterwards, when good men have got more grace, and bad men more envie and boldnesse.
V. 27. The servants] Either this is added to fill up the similitude, and need not be applied, as not being expounded after by our Saviour; or else the servants are good men, or ministers, who wonder how these tares come, and desire to root them out, but cannot do what they desire.
V. 28. An enemy] See notes on v. 25.
V. 29. Nay] This is not a prohibition of excommunicating or executing malefactours, but a prediction, that such shall be in the Church till the end of the world, as our Saviour expounds it, v. 39, 40.
V. 30. Gather ye together, &c.] Though there will be a continuance of both sorts mixed together to the end (that which is onelyonly here implied) yet, at the day of Judgement, a separation shall be of the one from the other, Mal. 3. 18.
V. 31. The kingdom of heaven, &c.] Mark 4. 30. Luke 13. 19. The Church is here the seed.
V. 32. the least of all seeds] Gr. lesser then all seeds. Or, one of the lesser ordinary sort of seeds; for some may be lesse. God raiseth his Church out of very small beginnings, that, by the growing up of it beyond mens expectation, his mighty power may be set forth, Job 8. 7.
greatest among herbs] Gr. greater then herbs.
a tree] It grows high, and puts forth branches, like a tree.
V. 33. Another parable] Luke 13. 20. The scope of this parable is the same with the former.
three measures] The word in the Greek, is, A measure containing about a peck and an half, wanting little more then a pint.
V. 34. All these things] Mark 4. 33.
without a parable spake he not] See on v. 3.
V. 35. I will open my mouth] Psal. 78. 2.
in parables] The psalmists parables, or proverbiall sayings, had some resemblance to Christs manner of teaching here by parabolicall similitudes.
V. 36. went into the house] Though the disciples were very desirous to know the meaning of the parable, yet they stayed till he came into the house, either because they were ashamed to ask him before the people, or unwilling to interrupt him in his teaching.
V. 37. the Son of man] Christ himself, the most excellent Son of man, as v. 41.
V. 38. children of the kingdom] Gods elect, appointed to be heirs of heaven, chap. 25. 34.
children of the wicked one] Of the devil, v. 19. yet hereby are not meant all wicked men, but such as live in the Church, See v. 25, 41, 47, 48.
V. 39. the harvest] Joel 3. 13. Rev. 14. 15.
V. 40. in the end of this world] Then wicked men shall be in hell-fire, both in soul and body.
V. 41. The Sonne of man] He mentions his humane nature, because therein he will judge us, chap. 25. 31. Joh. 5. 27. Acts 17. 31.
his angels] Gr. his own angels. As vers. 57. Chap. 14. 11.
things that offend] Or, scandals. Scandalous persons, as chap. 16. 23. See words following, and v 42. Such as depart from truth of doctrine, Rom. 16. 17. Compare Matth. 18. 7. with 1 Cor. 11. 19. Or, such as are hypocrites, or evil livers, who offend others by their sins, or by being mixed with good men… See v. 27.
them which do iniquity] Who make a trade of it, chap. 7. 23. Psal. 6. 8.
V. 42. into a furnace of fire] The pains of hell are set out by that which is most terrible and painfull to us in the world, Mark 9. 45, 46. Mal. 4. 1.
wailing] For grief, chap. 2. 18.
gnashing of teeth] Out of indignation and impatience, Acts 7. 54.
V. 43. Then shall the righteous, &c.] Dan. 12. 3.
as the sun] Judg. 5. 31. chap. 17. 2.
in the kingdom of their Father] 1 Cor. 15. 24.
Who hath ears] See on v. 9.
V. 44. The kingdom of heaven] The word of God, which shews the way to the heavenly kingdom.
is likened unto a treasure] Of great price, as store of gold and silver laid up in a treasury.
hid in a field] Few men understand how great these spirituall riches are, v. 45. as men know not the price of a treasure, while it lies hid in the earth.
he hideth] Lest any man should beguile him of it: so men, hearing the doctrine of Gods mercy in Christ, take care that they may not be deprived of it, before they have made it sure to themselves. They hide it in their hearts, Luke 2. 15. Psal. 110. 11.
selleth all that he hath] To shew, that no man can be partaker of this treasure, unlesse he value it above all things in the world, and be willing to part with all he hath, rather then misse of it, Luke 14. 33. Phil 3, 8, 9.
V. 45. seeking goodly pearls] This parable shews, that men should seek heavenly knowledge with as much labour, cost, perill, as merchants seek choice pearls. In the former, the treasure was found unlooked for; here, it is sought.
V. 46. one pearl of great price] The knowledge of Christ, which far exceeds all other sciences, Phil. 3. 8. and is the onelyonly necessary thing, Luke 10. 42. Phil. 3. 13, 14.
V. 47. like unto a net] This parable is to the same purpose with that of the tares. The word signifies, a draw-net, that draws along with it all that comes in the way, as well trash as fish. It was a fit similitude for the apostles, whom, of fishermen, he had made fishers of men, chap. 4. 19.
V. 48. cast the bad away] There are many in the Church, which notwithstanding are not of the Church, 1 Joh. 2. 19. and therefore at length shall be cast out: but the full and perfect cleansing the Church of them is deferred to the last day.
V. 49. So shall it be] Our Saviour applies onelyonly the end of the parable: so that we need not enquire what is meant by the sea and shore.
V. 50. And shall cast them] See before, v. 42. He tells not what shall become of good men in the Church. No man doubts but they shall be happie.
V. 51. Have ye understood] Or, Do ye understand. Their desire of exposition might occasion this question. See v. 10, 36. And hereby we are taught, that all we hear is lost, if we understand it not.
all these things] The parables I did not expound, as well as those I did.
V. 52. Therefore] Seeing ye have profited so well, I advise you to teach others the same way that I have taught you. Ye must know for your selves and others, chap. 5. 14, 15.
every scribe] Ministers are compared to scribes, who used to teach the Jews, chap. 7. 29. Ezra 7. 6, 11.
instructed into the kingdom of heaven] Fit to be a minister of the Gospel.
things new and old] Who lays up provisions of divers yeers, and brings them forth for the use of the family, according to severall occasions and appetites of those of the houshold, Cant. 7. 13. so must a minister not onelyonly teach the truth, but so, as may fit all mens capacities and conditions, 2 Tim. 2. 15.
V. 53. he departed thence] Christ was a common Saviour, and would not spend all his time and strength in one place, Luke 4. 43.
V. 54. And when, &c.] Mark 6. 1. Luke 4. 16.
into his own countrey] Nazareth, where his mother dwelt, Luke 1. 26. and he was bred, though not born there, Matth. 2. 23.
Whence hath this man this wisedom] He never was brought up to learning.
and these mighty works?] It seems he wrought some miracles, though few, v. 8. Mark 6. 5.
V. 55. Is not this the carpenters son?] Joh. 6. 41. He is of mean parentage, and unlearned.
his brethren] His kinsmen, Gen. 13. 8. See chap. 12. 46, 47.
V. 56. his sisters] His kinswomen, chap. 12. 50.
whence then hath this man, &c.] Thus men are ready to lay stumbling-blocks in their own way, to keep them from salvation.
V. 57. they were offended in him] Or, at him, or, with him. They should have blessed God, who gave such gifts to one of mean parentage, and they are offended at it.
A prophet] Mark 6. 4. Luke 4. 24. Joh. 4. 44.
save in his own countrey] They who know his mean breeding, will not be taught, much lesse reproved by him.
V. 58. not many mighty works] See on v. 54.
because of their unbelief] Our incredulity often keeps mercy from us, Heb. 4. 2.