Expositions Upon Matthew 1-10, Treatise · Chapter 9 · Section 1 – Section 2
CHAP. IX.
V. 1. And he entred into a Ship, and paſſed over, and came into his own City.
V. 2. And behold, they brought unto him a man ſick of the Palſey, lying on a Bed. Jeſus ſeeing their faith, ſaith to the ſick of the Palſey, Son, be of good chear, thy ſins be forgiven thee.
WE have in this ſtory, 1 The return of Chriſt from the countrey of the Gergeſenes into his own City, Capernaum, whence lately he came, v. 1.
2 His miraculous power, in not onelyonly healing a man ſick of the Palſey, but alſo forgiving his ſins, v. 2.
3 The cavil of the Scribes againſt him, charging him with blaſphemy for his forgiving the Palſey-man, v. 3.
4 Chriſt his vindication of himſelf, together with his aſſerting his power to forgive ſins, 1 By his knowing their thoughts, Why think ye evil in your hearts? v. 4.
2 Becauſe he was able to do the thing which was more hard, therefore he was able to do that which was more eaſie, v. 5, 6. Whether is it eaſier to ſay, Thy ſins be forgiven thee? or to ſay, Ariſe and walk? q. d. You think it harder to heal a Palſey man, than to forgive ſins; now you have ſeen me do that which you think harder, therefore can I without blaſphemy do that which is eaſier.
5 The effect this Miracle had among the Multitude, they 1 Marvelled, 2 Glorified God, who had given ſuch power to men, v. 8.
He came into his own City] That is, of Capernaum, called his own, becauſe uſually he dwelt there, and preached more Sermons and did more Miracles there, than elſewhere. That Capernaum is meant here, appears Mark 2.1. Matthew ſaith, cap. 4.13. Leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum.
They brought him a man ſick of the Palſey lying on a bed] A palſey is the diſſolution of the ſinews of the body, which are the inſtruments of motion, without which a man cannot move or walk. Hence this Palſey man was born of four, Mar. 2.3. For charity requires that the well and healthy ſuccour the ſick. Luke ſets down there was ſo great a multitude came to the houſe where Chriſt was, that no man could come in. Hence thoſe that bore the Palſey-man uncovered the roof, and let down the Palſey-man to Chriſt, though doubtleſs the rubbiſh did fall down, yet was not Chriſt offended. Herewith learn we to take all opportunities to come to Chriſt, and to bring others to him.
Jeſus ſeeing their faith, ſaith to the ſick of the Palſey, Son, be of good cheer, thy ſins be forgiven thee] Chriſt ſeeing both the faith of the Palſey-man, and of thoſe that brought him, ſpeaks thus, not as if another mans faith can profit to the forgiveneſs of our ſins, but hereby Chriſt applies pardon to the Palſey-man, and to ſo many as believed, who helped to bring him to Chriſt.
Thy ſins be forgiven thee] Nothing will cheer the ſoul unleſs forgiveneſs of ſins go along with it, not to have a diſeaſe removed. Chriſt is not onelyonly the Phyſician of diſeaſes, but of ſins; firſt he forgives the ſins, and then heals the Palſey, to ſhow that ſin is the root and fountain of diſeaſes. Whereas the conſcience of former evils might perplex the Palſey-man, that he ſhould not obtain healing, Chriſt tells him that ſin, the cauſe of ſickneſs, was pardoned, and therefore he might comfortably expect healing. This was not faith of miracles, which is a confidence of a future miracle, but faith of juſtification, which if the Palſey-man had not before, by Chriſt his ſpeaking it was wrought in him, but it ſeems he had it before, in that Chriſt calls him Son.
Queſt. Why did Chriſt firſt forgive his ſins before healing of him?
Anſw. 1 Becauſe ſin was the cauſe of ſickneſs, and to remove the effect, there muſt be firſt a removing of the cauſe. Palſey and other diſeaſes ariſe rather from ſin, then from natural cauſes.
2 That forſeeing the calumny of the Phariſees againſt Chriſt his miracle, Chriſt might prove his Godhead firſt by this, that he knew the thoughts, ſecondly by this, that he had power on earth to forgive ſins.
We may ſee Chriſts bounty, that he heals the whole man, Joh. 7.23. Learn we from our afflictions to reflect upon our ſins as the cauſe of them.
V. 3. And behold, certain of the Scribes ſaid within themſelves, This man blaſphemeth.
Here's the calumny of the Scribes and Phariſees againſt Chriſt, which was this: he that is not God but takes upon him power to forgive ſins, he blaſphemes; but Jeſus the Son of man is not God, and yet takes upon him power to forgive ſins, therefore he blaſphemes.
The propoſition was moſt true, 1 Becauſe none can forgive offences againſt God, but againſt whom they are committed. 2 Becauſe to forgive ſins in God, is not onelyonly to forgive the guilt but the puniſhment and curſe; but the Phariſees err'd in the aſſumption. Hence Chriſtproved himſelf by two reaſons that he was God.
Within themſelves] Not among themſelves as if they had been murmuring one among another of Chriſts doings; hence Matthew ſaith not, v. 4. Jeſus knowing their words, but ſaith, Jeſus knowing their thoughts.
Now that they ſaid within themſelves was, as Mark tells us, cap. 2.7. Who can forgive ſins but God alone? Iſa. 43.25. I am he that blot out thine iniquities. Mic. 6.18. Who is a God like unto thee, forgiving iniquity, tranſgresſion and ſin. Jer. 31.34. I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their ſins no more. Its like the Scribes remembring theſe and ſuch like places, and not conſidering what was ſpoken out of the Old Teſtament concerning the Mesſiah, conceived theſe murmurings in their hearts.
This man blaſphemeth] Omitting the acceptions of this word, as elſe where it is taken, here it ſignifies to arrogate that which belongs unto God unto a mans ſelf. The Lawyers or Scribes thought this power (mentioned, 2 Sam. 12.7. Nathan to David ſaith, The Lord hath put away thine iniquity) was incommunicable; now Chriſt, in token that he had this power, 1 Works a miracle. 2 Searches their hearts, which is onelyonly peculiar to God, 1 King. 8.39. Thou onelyonly knows the hearts of the children of men, Jer. 17.10, 11. I the Lord ſearch the heart, 1 Sam. 16.7. The Lord looks upon the heart. Rom. 8.27.
Yet was the arguing of theſe Scribes of no weight to reaſon thus; God never gave the power of forgiveneſs of ſins to any man hitherto, therefore he cannot grant it; none of the Prophets could do it, therefore the Meſsias ſhall not be able to do it.
V. 4. And Jeſus knowing their thoughts ſaid, Why think ye evil in your hearts?
Jeſus knowing their thoughts] Here was one note of his God-head, to know the thoughts, 1 Cor. 2.11. What man knows the things of a man, ſave the ſpirit of man which is in him? He muſt needs be God which did this, 1 Joh. 2.24, 25. Jeſus did not commit himſelf to them, becauſe he knew all men, and needed not that any ſhould teſtifie of man, for he knew what was in man. He did not know their hearts by outward geſtures, as by whiſpering, laughing, but he knew their hearts without ſignes, when they ſat quiet and ſtill, nor did he know them by the revelation of another, as the Prophets did, 1 King. 14.3, 4. as the Prophet Ahiah did the wife of Jeroboam, but by his own power, as being the ſearcher of hearts, which God onelyonly is.
And needs muſt he know the thoughts, becauſe he created the heart, Pſal. 94.10, 11. beſides elſe how ſhould he make manifeſt the counſels and ſecrets of the heart? Rom. 2.16. 1 Cor. 4.5.
Why think ye evil in your hearts] That is falſe, malitious and blaſphemous things, as if I were onelyonly a man, when I am God. Theſe thoughts were evil, 1 coming from the devil and their wicked hearts, 2 In reſpect of matter, as being derogatory to the majeſty of Chriſt. From this two obſervations.
1 The thoughts of men are known to Chriſt.
2 The conſideration of this, that our thoughts are known to Chriſt, ſhould be a check unto us from thinking evil in our hearts.
Obſ. The thoughts of men are known to Chriſt.
1 Becauſe he is God, now all thoughts are known to God, Gen. 6.5. God ſaw that every imagination of the heart of man was onelyonly evil continually. Job 21.27. I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine againſt me. Job 42.2. No thought can be withholden from thee, yea God perceives and knows the inward thoughts of the heart, Pſal. 49.11. Their inward thought is, their houſes ſhall continue, Amos 4.13. he declares unto man his thought, Pſal. 139.23. Try me and know my thoughts, Pſal. 50.22. 1 Cor. 3.20.
2 Becauſe he is the ſearcher of the heart, Rev. 2.23. All the Churches ſhall know that I am he that ſearcheth the reins and the heart; now the thoughts being a great part of the heart he muſt needs know them. Luke 9.47. When the Diſciples were thinking which of them ſhould be greateſt, Jeſus perceiving the thought of their heart took a little childe and ſet him before them, Matth. 12.24, 25.
3 Becauſe he hath diſcovered to men their thoughts, as here to theſe Scribes, and to Judas before he acted any treaſon, Luke 5.32. Luke 24.38. when the Diſciples were affrighted Chriſt ſays, Why do thoughts ariſe in your hearts? The woman of Samaria, John 4.29. He told me all that ever I did.
Uſe 1 To confirm unto us the God-head of Chriſt, why? becauſe he knows our thoughts.
2 Beware, 1 Of vain thoughts, which is, 1 For matter, when we ſhall think on fooliſh things, Prov. 24.9. The thought of fooliſhneſs is ſin.
2 For manner, when we ſhall think of God and good things in an unholy manner, either irreverently, or idolatrouſly, Pſal. 50.23. Thou thoughteſt I was ſuch an one as thy ſelf.
3 For order, when we ſhall think of good things diſorderly. If a Printer print never ſo well, yet if one word ſtand where another ſhould, it will quite ſpoil the book.
4 For end, when we ſhall be thinking of good things for a bad end, as to be thinking of the Scriptures how to colour over ſome ſin, to be thinking of God in extremities that he might deliver us out of this or that trouble, reſolving ſtill to follow our luſts. 2 Beware of wicked thoughts, Prov. 30.32. If thou haſt thought evil in thy heart, lay thy hand upon thy mouth, Eſai 55.6, 7. Let the righteous man forſake his thoughts, Acts 8.22. Repent of this thy wickedneſs, and pray God if perhaps the thoughts of thy heart may be forgiven thee.
5 Though they think of God they delight not to think of him, Rom. 1.28. they think of God, but they know not how to ſhun it.
Obj. But thoughts are free.
Anſw. In Courts of men they are, becauſe man cannot make a Law that can reach the thoughts, but not in the Court of heaven, Jer. 6.19. I will bring upon them the fruit of their thoughts.
Obj. But we cannot hinder wicked and vain thoughts from ariſing in the heart.
Anſw. We cannot hinder them from being, but we may hinder them from lodging in us, Jer. 4.14. We cannot hinder perſons from coming to our houſe, but we can hinder them from lodging in our houſe; we cannot hinder a Bird from flying over our heads, but we may keep it from making a neſt in our hair.
Q. Whence come theſe wicked thoughts in the heart?
Anſw. 1 From Satan, who inſpires and injects evil motions. Theſe ſometimes are diſcerned by the ſuddenneſs, coming like a flaſh of Lightning; by their violence. It's a ſad thing to have the devil Lord of our imagination, as in Judas, John 13.12. By their ſtrangeneſs, being thrown in, as Joſephs cup in Benjamins ſack. By their unnaturalneſs tending to deſtroy, ſo to Chriſt, Caſt thy ſelf down.
Thus Satan ſuggeſted to David to number the people, 1 Chron. 21.1. Some think it more ſad for the devil to run away with our thoughts then eſtates.
2 From corruption, Matth. 15.19. Out of the Heart proceed evil thoughts, Jam. 1.14, 15. Now whether they come from Satan or corruption they ſhall not be imputed to us, if we diſallow them.
Obj. I diſallow them.
Anſw. If thou doeſt, they will be burdens to thee, and thou wilt complain to God in prayer againſt them, and ſtrive to turn thy imagination from them to God, that the thoughts of God may be the poſſeſſions of thy heart.
3 Try what thy thoughts are, whether they be good or bad. Trials. 1 When they come from a good principle within. A good man hath a good treaſure in his heart, Matth. 12.35. and from thence he brings forth good things, hence his purpoſes are onelyonly good, Prov. 11.23.12.5.
2 When good thoughts are not onelyonly caſt into the ſoul, but we ſtudy them. Many think, becauſe they have ſome thoughts of death, judgement, heaven and hell, of repentance, God and Chriſt, therefore their hearts are good, but theſe thoughts are onelyonly the hauntings of the ſpirit, to leave them more inexcuſable. Contrarily godly men ſtrive to ſtudy good thoughts, Pſal. 119.59.
3 Whether are the good thoughts thou haſt tranſient, or permanent and abiding? Gen. 6.5. The Lord ſaw all the thoughts of mens hearts were vain.
Obj. They had ſome good thoughts, how could this be?
Anſw. They were vain for want of duration.
4 Whether are thy thoughts brought forth into act? Godly men act the good they think of, Pſal. 119.59. I thought upon my wayes, what then followed? I turned my feet into thy teſtimonies. Luke 15.18. The Prodigal thought of his miſery, what followed? I will ariſe, and will go to my father, &c. Wicked men think of leaving their formality, revenge, but are never better; they think of hell but conſider not it will be their portion.
5 It's no good pulſe of ſoul when the heart is preſently tired with good thoughts, but never weary with worldly thoughts, Rom. 8.5.
4 Exh. Rid thy heart of evil thoughts. Thou canſt not abide a ſpot upon thy apparel, becauſe man beholds it, and wilt thou indure ſpots upon thy heart which God ſees? I know we cannot keep evil thoughts out of the heart, but let them not be quiet there. The Mariner cannot hinder water from leaking into the ſhip, yet he may ſo pump it out that it ſhall not drown the ſhip. Prov. 30.32. If thou haſt thought evil, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.
6 Grounds of this Exhortation.
1 Thoughts muſt one day be laid open, 1 Cor. 4.5. God will make manifeſt the counſels of the heart, Eccl. 12.14. Rom. 2.16. Luke 12.2.
2 Holy men will not ſuffer wicked thoughts to have a quiet lodging in the heart, Matth. 5.8. hence called pure in heart, becauſe ſtill they labour to purifie themſelves.
3 Wicked thoughts, if not repented of, will bring deſtruction, Acts 8.21. Pray God if perhaps the thoughts of thy heart may be forgiven thee, for as yet thou art in the gall of bitterneſs, Phil. 3.19. Whoſe end is deſtruction, who minde earthly things, Eſai 59.7.
4 Wicked thoughts, beſides their own pollution,Intus exiſtens prohihet alienum. will keep out good thoughts. Pr. 1.22, 23. Whiles the ſcorner loved ſcorning, and the ſimple one ſimplicity, they could not hear the Lords exhortation, ſaying, Turn you at my reproof.
5 Evil thoughts allowed or permitted will bring forth evil words, Matth. 12.35. An evil man out of the evil treaſure of his heart bringeth forth evil things; yea and evil actions. Hamans cruelty againſt the Church was firſt an evil thought, Eſth. 3.5.
6 Thou art not yet waſhed in the blood of Chriſt, if thou ſuffers vain and wicked thoughts to lodg within thee, Jer. 4.14.
7 Remedies againſt wicked thoughts.
1 Get thy heart waſhed in the bloud of Chriſt that it may be enabled to think good thoughts, Acts 15.9. purifying your hearts by faith, till the heart be waſhed, evil thoughts come from it, Matth. 15.19.
2 Be perſwaded of Gods knowing thy heart, Pſal. 139.1, 2. O Lord thou haſt ſearched me and known me, thou underſtandeſt my thought afar off. Heb. 4.13. All things are anatomized before the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Pſal. 90.8.94.11. Job, 31.1, 4.
3 Get Gods fear in your hearts; this grace is clean, Pſa. 19.9. By this grace Joſeph kept himſelf from filthineſs of fleſh and ſpirit, Gen. 39.10. and ſo David, Pſal. 119.11. Thy teſtimonies have I hid in my heart, that I might not ſin againſt thee: fearing the Lord and thinking on his Name are joyned together, Mal. 3.16.
4 Inure your heart to holy meditation, and pray God to help herein, Pſal. 45.1. My heart is inditing of a good matter: and foraſmuch as the heart will hardly come to this duty, pray, that the meditation of your hearts may be ever acceptable, Pſal. 19.14.
5 Apply the command againſt wicked thoughts; It's one property of the word that it doth not onelyonly caſt down reaſonings and every high thing that exalts it ſelf againſt the knowledge of God, but alſo brings into captivity every thought to the obedience of Chriſt, though by thought here I judge the purpoſe of the heart to be meant, ſeeing not the holieſt man living hath every individual thought brought to the obedience of Chriſt, 2 Cor. 10.4, 5. however it remains a Truth, that the application of the command helps againſt wicked thoughts, Pſal. 119.113. I hate vain thoughts, but I love thy Law. Againſt unclean thoughts apply Matth. 5.28. He that looks upon a woman to luſt after her hath committed adultery already in his heart; againſt proud thoughts apply Prov. 16.5.21.4.28.15.
6 Uſe watchfulneſs againſt them, Deut. 15.9. Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, ſaying, The year of releaſe is at hand, and thou give not to thy poor Brother.
7 Study good thoughts, Phil. 4.8. Whatſoever things are pure, holy, and of good report, think on theſe things, Pſal. 48.9.