From J.C. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on Matthew Matthew 27:27-44
“We must not be content with a vague general belief, that Christ’s sufferings on the cross were vicarious. We are intended to see this truth in every part of His passion. We may follow Him all through, from the bar of Pilate, to the minute of His death, and see him at every step as our mighty Substitute, our Representative, our Head, our Surety, our Proxy,—the Divine Friend who undertook to stand in our stead, and by the priceless merit of His sufferings, to purchase our redemption.—
Was He scourged? It was that “through His stripes we might be healed.”—
Was he condemned, though innocent? It was that we might be acquitted though guilty.—
Did He wear a crown of thorns? It was that we might wear the crown of glory.—
Was He stripped of His raiment? It was that we might be clothed in everlasting righteousness.—
Was he mocked and reviled? It was that we might be honored and blessed.—
Was He reckoned a malefactor, and numbered among transgressors? It was that we might be reckoned innocent, and justified from all sin.—
Was he declared unable to save Himself? It was that He might be able to save others to the uttermost.—
Did He die at last, and that the most painful and disgraceful of deaths? It was that we might live for evermore, and be exalted to the highest glory.—
Let us ponder these things well. They are worth remembering. The very key to peace is a right apprehension of the vicarious sufferings of Christ. Let us leave the story of our Lord’s passion with feelings of deep thankfulness. Our sins are many and great. But a great atonement has been made for them. There was an infinite merit in all Christ’s sufferings. They were the sufferings of One who was God as well as man. Surely it is meet, right, and our bounden duty, to praise God daily because Christ has died. Last, but not least, let us ever learn from the story of the passion, to hate sin with a great hatred. Sin was the cause of all our Saviour’s suffering. Our sins platted the crown of thorns. Our sins drove the nails into His hands and feet. On account of our sins His blood was shed. Surely the thought of Christ crucified should make us loathe all sin. Well says the Homily of the Passion, “Let this image of Christ crucified be always printed in our hearts. Let it stir us up to the hatred of sin, and provoke our minds to the earnest love of Almighty God.”
Ryle, J. C. 1860. Expository Thoughts on Matthew. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers.
Some details in Scripture are so subtle, we can pass right over them without a second thought. I think we have something of that in the verses before us today.
J. C. Ryle frames the situation for us well: “We now approach the closing scene of our Lord Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry. Hitherto we have read of His sayings and doings: we are now about to read of His sufferings and death. Hitherto we nave seen him as the great Prophet: we are now about to see Him as the great High Priest. It is a portion of Scripture which ought to be read with peculiar reverence and attention. The place whereon we stand is holy ground. Here we see how the Seed of the woman bruised the Serpent’s head. Here we see the great sacrifice to which all the sacrifices of the Old Testament had long pointed. Here we see how the blood was shed which “cleanseth from all sin” and the Lamb slain who “taketh away the sin of the world.” We see in the death of Christ, the great mystery revealed, how God can be just, and yet justify the ungodly. No wonder that all the four Gospels contain a full account of this wonderful event. On other points in our Lord’s history, we often find, that when one evangelist speaks, the other three are silent. But when we come to the crucifixion, we find it minutely described by all four.”1 1 Ryle, J. C. 1860. Expository Thoughts on Matthew. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers.
While the language here cannot bear more weight than is intended, nevertheless we see this remarkable feature: It is only “WHEN” Jesus had finished all these sayings and announced once more His impending crucifixion, that the opposition which had been mounting all along – finally “THEN” gathered to plot their final actions.
As the Expositor’s Bible Commentary notes as well: “Certainly the opposition had been rising for some time…On the other hand, by placing 26:3–5 immediately after vv. 1–2, Matthew gives the narrative the flavor of God’s sovereign control. The leaders may plot; but if Jesus dies, he dies as a voluntary Passover sacrifice (vv. 53–54; John 10:18).11Carson, D. A. 1984. “Matthew.” In The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, edited by Frank E. Gaebelein, 8:523–24. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
O how we need to see the sovereign hand of God in it all.
Many may think that only one thing is going on in Jesus’ death – that wicked men are having their day. That darkness has its hour. That Satan murders the King. And while all those are true, it is also true that God is doing what He had foretold from the Garden on – that the Seed of the woman would at last crush the Serpent’s head. And so the evil of the Devil and those under his influence can only in the final analysis, actually accomplish God’s sovereign will in making the atonement for sin.
Beloved, this is what is happening in your life and mine as well – this very moment.
Yes, the World, the Flesh and the Devil conspire to enslave our souls to sin and keep us from our Redeemer. But the hand of the One who rules all is at work on our behalf. The Christian knows His loving Father’s sovereign hand in the most difficult, confusing, and painful circumstances no matter how involved the enemy of our souls may be.
For us, it is only “when” our God speaks, that “then” even the most wicked forces can act. And then it is we see the wonder of Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
The verse DOES NOT say all things are good in and of themselves. But in our Father’s hand, all that befalls us, is designed and used that we might know His glory, and come to greater good.
We may not be able to see how it is so in some situations, and may never know fully until eternity. But this we know, we can trust Him. And if even the “then” of Jesus’ enemies couldn’t transpire until the “when” of Jesus’ pronouncement – we can know He rules in our lives the same.
And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in her”;
for the Most High himself will establish her; The LORD records as he registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah Ps. 87:5-6
In human terms, it is common for us to both refer to and bear the marks of – our heritage.
I, am a native New Yorker. That brings peculiarities with it. When I am in the South, those things distinguish me. My accent, certain attitudes, etc.
Even more specifically, I am from Rochester – western NY. And that means I know what a garbage plate is, and until recently, Wegman’s (a local grocery chain) was uniquely ours. White hot dogs, the prominence of fish-frys on Fridays. NY pizza. Different from everywhere else. The Lilac Festival, what The Can of Worms was, and all sorts of other things mark me out. Not the least of which is the nasally way we say “Rahchester”.
In Matthew 26, when Peter was following Jesus to His mock trials, some bystanders marked Peter out as a Galilean due to his accent.
But what are the distinguishing marks of those born again into the new heritage of hailing from The City of God? What is our accent? How do our speech, our comportment, our attitudes, responses, values and motivations make us known as citizens of Zion?
Can people note something different about us? Like those in Acts 4:13, will people take note that we have “been with Jesus”?
Will they note what it is we love, and what it is we detest? Will they see us as a joyous people? Peaceful and seeking peace? Patient in trial in tribulation? Inherently kind? Upright in our dealings with others? Loyal and faithful to our Master and one another? Gentle in the face of opposition? And full of self-restraint?
Will they be able to know that we are filled with His Spirit because refuse to be drunk with wine and flee debauchery? Addressing fellow citizens of Zion with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs because we are forever making melody to the Lord in our hearts, and thus perpetually thankful to the Father in the name of Christ?
Bold but not brash. Steadfast but not unnecessarily rigid. Flexible but not compromising. Truthful and merciful at the same time. Seeking the best for the souls of others before the throne of God. Hopeful in the face of a disintegrating culture and world.
Will any be able to say after meeting us: “I know where they are from, they must have been born in Zion, the City of God?”
O may it truly be so. May our accent give us away every time.
Many is the time I’ve heard a Mother’s Day sermon preached on this passage. Maybe you have too. And there is no question that one considering marriage does well to consider the kinds of attributes displayed in this passage when choosing a prospective mate. One must remember however this is a collective of ideals. All will fall short in places. AND, women should keep in mind those passages which outline the character traits of a godly man before opting for someone to be one with. There are some pretty high standards to be found for men as well.
All that said, I think we may lose something of the broader application of this passage if we only see it in terms of human marriage. Along with the likes of the Venerable Bede, John Gill, Wordsworth, Ambrosius, Augustine, Harry Ironside, Robert Hawker, Peter Lillback and others – I see here something of great importance in describing what should be the nature of Christ’s Bride – The Church. Read that way, the passage gives us much to consider if the Church is painted with these colors.
Think about it –
Proverbs 31:10–11 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
Can Christ trust us that He will gain from our efforts? That we are committed to His interests?
Proverbs 31:12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
Do we do Him and His cause good? Or does His work or reputation suffer at our hands?
Proverbs 31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
Are we industrious for the Kingdom? Or just making do?
Proverbs 31:14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
Do we go to great lengths to get His choice Word for our souls?
Proverbs 31:15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
Do we labor secretly to see to it His Word is prepared for ourselves, His household, and for those who are close at hand?
Proverbs 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
Do we seek the growth of the Kingdom and set in motion plans to make it happen, that the Fruit of His vine might increase?
Proverbs 31:17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
Have we strengthened ourselves in the Lord? And clothed ourselves in His righteousness?
Proverbs 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
Do we perceive how eternally valuable what we have in Him is – this ministry of the Word? Does His Word light us at all times?
Proverbs 31:19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
Are we busy producing the bare thread of what becomes the garments of righteousness?
Proverbs 31:20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
Are we generous to the lost and those in need?
Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
Do we not fear evil and “cold” seasons because we have prepared well in Him? Prepared our hearts to trust Him at all times and in all things?
Proverbs 31:22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Do we make room for times of deep intimacy with Him? And do we adorn ourselves with the good works that make us attractive to Him?
Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
Have we protected Christ’s reputation in the marketplace?
Proverbs 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Are we about the business of getting the garments of salvation out among the people?
Proverbs 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
Are we strong in our relationship with Him and not fearful of the coming judgment because of it?
Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Are we making the Gospel known, and communicating it in kindness and compassion for the souls of men?
Proverbs 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Are we mindful of the orderliness of His Household, and not disengaged or lazy in our labors within it?
Proverbs 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
Will those who come to Christ rise to bless our efforts on their behalf? Will the other saints? Will he?
Proverbs 31:29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
Are we admired by Him for how we have attended Him in faithfulness?
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Have we been more occupied with making ourselves beautiful outwardly to the world, than about what pleases Him?
There are churches which specialize in charm – in appealing to tastes. And churches which specialize in the temporary beauty of the hour, being outwardly attractive. But the Church God praises, is the one that fears Him above all. This does not mean we ought to be purposefully unattractive or repellent, but it does mean fearing God will give us a sweet aroma and a beauty in the eye of the One we wish to please most.
Proverbs 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
If our reward is the fruit of what we’ve done in His name – will it prove sweet, satisfying and abundant?
Is the Church, are we – His excellent wife? Heavenly Father, make us so by Your Spirit.
We now come to the end of Jesus’ public teaching on the end times. It is both a sour and a hopeful note. Which, depends upon your relationship to Him in faith. J.C. Ryle writes: “There are few passages in the whole Bible more solemn and heart—searching than this. May we read it with the deep and serious attention which it deserves.” Ryle, J. C. 1860. Expository Thoughts on Matthew. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers.
Note first, that we must beware of turning an analogical statement into a full orbed theological and doctrinal construct. This is a common error in our Bible study and interpretation, and an easy one to fall into. Jesus’ simple point is, that on the final day, He will separate Believers from unbelievers, and each will receive appropriately from His hand.
Some, mistakenly, have turn this parabolic statement into a construct of ontology. They see it as though the world is made up of people who are as fundamentally different by nature, as sheep are from goats. One confused soul even said to me once: “I was never a goat, I was always a sheep.” This is just confused.
Yes, the one who is saved by grace has become a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, born again by His grace and adopted into the Family of God. But we must never forget Paul’s words in Eph. 2 when marking out what ALL of us used to be: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” (Eph. 2:1-3)
Did you catch that last sentence? We were all, “by nature” children of wrath like the rest of mankind. There was no ontological, no constitutional difference between all human beings before salvation. We are all drawn from the same, fallen lump of Adam’s race.
As Don Carson is wont to say, we cannot make every simile, analogy or parable “walk on all fours.” We can over-interpret this way and end up distorting Scripture.
Note second: In the same vein as above, be careful to see that there is no attempt on Jesus’ part to turn “sheep” into believers everywhere sheep are mentioned in Scripture and “goats” everywhere they are mentioned into unbelievers. Sometimes, sheep are just sheep, and goats are just goats. All that is said here is that the Son will separate the believers from the unbelievers, in the same way a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The issue is separation, not ontological assignation.
Once again, if we press Jesus’ analogy too far, we’ll be at a real loss to deal with things like the Passover meal when instituted in Ex. 12; where the Israelites could select their Passover sacrifice from either the sheep or the goats, without distinction.
Note third: That the judgment for these two groups is different. One is rewarded for what they DID do, the other, punished for what they DIDN’T do. It is a most interesting dichotomy.
The Believer is rewarded according to his good acts, and the Unbeliever punished for his wicked acts.
Nothing that is holy but neglected will go undiscovered. Nothing done in earnest to serve Christ will go unnoticed either.
Note fourth: Both the terror and the glory of this one thing – It is Christ Himself who will sit as judge. Many a religionist fails to recognize that Jesus Himself is the judge. Yes, He is The Savior. Yes, He is the substitute. Yes, He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. And yes, He will be our final judge. The omniscient, Son of God. The God who walked in human flesh and knows every heartache, every temptation, every opportunity, every obstacle, every circumstance we all have faced in this life. He, will judge us all. With the unsparing scrutiny of His omniscience. He is the Living Word, who discerns even the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Nothing will serve as a justifiable excuse for failure to reckon with the demand of the Gospel to find forgiveness and grace in Christ. He knows us. He knows all we face. He knows all of our circumstances. And no one will be able to exempt themselves from His all-seeing examination.
By the same token, nothing that any who are His have done because they are His, no matter how small, how seemingly insignificant, how unknown by any other human eye or ear – will go unrewarded.
Note fifth: Because of who He is – because He is God, and perfectly holy, He can neither over-punish, nor under-punish sin. He knows what the penalty of sin costs personally. He endured it on the Cross. And for the very same reasons, He can neither over-reward nor under-reward His saints in judgment. And yet, He is free to pour out of His limitless grace, infinitely more than our just rewards, for He makes Himself our inheritance. His eternal limitless self. The fountain of all goodness, grace, love, wonder and joy.
1 Pet. 1:3-9 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
Horatio G. Spafford: The Man, The Myth, The Tragedy. A brief review of Thomas E. Corts’ “Seeking Solace, The Life and Legacy of Horatio G. Spafford”.
Cort’s impeccably and thoroughly researched biography of Spafford is a book I wish I hadn’t read, but find necessary that I did.
Throughout my life, the name Horatio Spafford was one I came to revere and admire.
To all who have imbibed the popular story behind Spafford’s composition of the words to “It is well with my soul”, he holds a cherished place in our hearts. As does his suffering wife, Anna. The account of losing nearly everything in the Chicago fire of 1871, followed by the unimaginable loss of his four daughters in a collision at sea between their passenger ship the Ville du Havre, and another ship, the Loch Earn – instinctively draws from our hearts the deepest sense of loss and compassion. Rightly so. But, with some of those central facts still intact, there remains yet much mythology that in the pursuit of truth, needs to be brought into the light.
Such de-mythologizing is painful. And I feel it keenly. But it is a necessary part of maturing. We often need to be dis-illusioned; freed from our illusions so that we can live in truth. And Corts’ fine biography does just that.
Warning: If you can’t handle seeing what may have been a hero to you examined in the bright light of reality, then do not, I repeat, DO NOT read this book. Go your blissful way with your image of Spafford unsullied and intact. But even at that, it is worth getting all the facts straight about the key points no matter what else you may learn.
We are all well aware that our heroes have flaws. Some more serious than others, but there are no super-saints among us. Some have flaws that are mere quirks of personality. Some are undergirded or exacerbated by mistaken understandings of Scripture. Some are located in a historical context very different from our own and ought not to be judged by present day sensibilities and cultural bents. Others, are truly disqualifying. Sadly, Spafford’s fall into the latter.
Let me lay out some of the chief myths Corts disabuses us of, and then fill in some additional information. I do not want to give a Cliff’s Notes version of the book. Rather, as you see some key facts, reading the book yourself will fill in the much-needed details.
Myth 1 – The Spafford’s lost everything in the Chicago fire. Untrue. Spafford was an attorney of some note, with an office and law library in Chicago which he indeed lost. The family lived, however, in a very fashionable suburb which suffered no damage by the fire whatever.
Myth 2 – Horatio penned the words to “It is well with my soul” while aboard a ship sailing over the place where his daughter’s drowned. Untrue. Ira Sankey – D. L. Moody’s close associate and Gospel singer remembered clearly it was not until 3 years after the tragedy. Philip Bliss who wrote the music for it and first sang it in public recalled the same. In fact, there is no record of Horatio ever placing any specific significance on the poem, or even referring to it. It was just one of many of his compositions.
Myth 3 – Upon her survival, Anna Spafford sent a simple 2-word cable home: “Saved alone.” Untrue. For many years, Sankey said Horatio had the original cable framed and hanging in his office. The cable operator listed the contents as 29 words.
Myth 4 – After their tragic loss, and the subsequent death of another child due to scarlet fever, the Spaffords were drummed out of their Church in Chicago. Untrue. Sadly, Horatio led a faction of the Church in accusing the pastor of financial impropriety. When the books were examined and the charges proved to be unfounded, Horatio led a group out and started a house church of sorts in his own home, later named the “Overcomers.”
Myth 5 – Moved by philanthropy and a burden for the Jews, the Spaffords moved to Jerusalem to start a missions work there. The most untrue and saddest of all. For years, it was unclear where Horatio was getting the money to finance his lifestyle, and even the 2 year trip abroad they were on when his daughters perished. Documents and court records show that given the executorship of 3 estates, he defrauded those he was to provide for, as well as running up mortgages on properties he owned. He fled from what was almost certain prosecution and perhaps prison.
Some random facts.
1 – Once the Overcomers were in swing, Horatio’s widowed sister (Margaret Lee) arrived, and praying to be filled with the Spirit, began getting direct words from the Lord on a whole host of topics and Biblical interpretations. Anna followed in this behavior, and soon the two women, seen as prophetesses ran everything.
2 – The move to Israel was due to a revelation in 1881, to Anna, that Christ would return on Mt. Zion within a month or 2. The Spaffords and a number of others immediately left for Israel, and clad in white robes waited on the Mt. But Jesus never came. Starting charitable ministry was plan “b” after the failed prophecy.
3 – In an 1881 interview he showed how he had totally split from Moody, Sankey and that ilk when stating: “Moody and his followers are all wrong, as well as all the Churches.” Consider that carefully, “all the churches.”
4 – Over time, under the strict command of Margaret and Anna, demanding celibacy even among the married in their group, denying the need for communion, the Lords’ Supper and other oddities, Horatio just became a sort of kindly old man, rambling about looking at flowers, teaching English occasionally and doing little else.
There is so very much more to the entire story you simply must read for yourself.
As I read the whole, I came to the conclusion that an unquenchable thirst for definitive answers to the “why” behind the inexplicable – especially in regard to personal tragedy – rather than dependence upon God’s character and His revealed Word, led to fanciful and dangerous journeys into mystical confusion.
That said, Corts, in extending every kindness he possibly can – points to the untold millions of people who have found true Biblical solace in the words to It is well with my soul. And Spafford’s sins, flaws and failings, do nothing to diminish that. God has used it. That is enough.
We looked first at an overview of Chapter 24, and then Jesus’ parable of the 10 virgins. But He is not done. He has two more major exhortations to make.
In 24 – The basic theme was: Don’t be fooled, lots of bad stuff is going to happen before I return, and there will be lots of Messianic imposters too. When I come, you won’t be able to miss it. With a bottom line that undergirds all four sections: Personal anticipation of and readiness for – Jesus’ return.
Men can argue all they want about signs of the times, world events, blood moons, eclipses, earthquakes, wars, yada, yada, yada – but none of it means a thing if I am not personally invested in His return, facing the full impact of what that will imply, and seeking to be ready to meet my King. None of it.
Sadly it seems, the enemy of our souls has done more damage by getting us fixated on trying to discern secret details about His return, than being about the truly central things. Peter put it most succinctly when he wrote by the Spirit: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Pet. 3:18)
Right now, the “apocalyptics” (to coin a term) are all about being “preppers.” This is true of nearly every Christian cult, and even in Evangelicalism. Store up food! Get guns and ammo! They’re coming for us! (whoever “they” are) and let’s all fight the one-world government! Of course, if the Bible says that’s going to happen anyway, I don’t know what you hope to accomplish. Antichrist will arise and there is precious little said in any portion of Scripture regarding trying to prevent it. No, not precious little – nothing. How can we possibly stop something inextricably tied to His return? It makes no sense.
All of this turns us away from Christ to news outlets and barking pundits. To sub-culture movements and obscurantists. Would you know all about the end times? Hear Christ! Read these portions. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. And live in accord with His stated plan for everyone who is in Christ – being increasingly conformed to the image, the character of Christ, informed by the Word and empowered by the Spirit. Grow in the grace and knowledge of the person and work of Christ! That is the only real thing you can do in preparation for His return.
And so it is we have today’s text.
Note first: It is impossible to miss the picture Christ paints. He pictures Himself as one who has gone on a long journey, from which He will return.
In 1 Thess. 1, Paul sets out four marks of the truly born again: 1 – They turn FROM their idols. 2 – They do so to SERVE the living and true God. 3 – And they do these in an attitude of anticipation – waiting for His Son from Heaven. 4 – Looking to Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come at His return. In this sense, all true Christianity is eschatological. The Christian to BE a genuine Christian, must be looking for Jesus’ return, and that His return includes the coming wrath of God. We live in the light of these truths. They inform our entire mindset. If not, we are not living as Christians.
Note second: Our King has put something of the improvement of His kingdom within us, into our hands.
Christians are not passive in our growth in Christ. True, such growth is not left up to our natural abilities. As the parable notes, He grants us His grace, His gifting to work from. But that we are called to use that grace and to (as the Puritans used to call it) “improve” that grace. Use it. Grow in it. Exercise it. Take on more and more of the likeness of Christ by the Spirit.
The old Puritan pastor Richard Baxter (1615-1691) used to meet with every congregant at least once a year. He used a simple diagnostic tool to probe. He asked first: “Have you grown spiritually in the past 12 months?” If they replied “yes”, then he would ask – “how do you know?” What are the indicators that is so? If they replied “no”. He asked – “why not?”
What if we were each to take such diagnostics on ourselves? Not to become Evangelical naval-gazers, but to take an honest look at our own spiritual condition from time to time.
What is apparent in Jesus’ parable here, is that He gives us something of His grace, and expects a return on it when He returns.
Does such a thoughts even enter the mind of the average Evangelical in America today? I fear not. Yet look at the emphasis Christ puts upon it here.
Note third: God does not require the same thing from each of us – only to be faithful according to what He has apportioned us.
Our God never requires us more than He supplies for us. Not everyone is gifted to counsel, preach, teach, evangelize, write, give etc. Each serves according to their sovereignly given capacity – hence we can never judge ourselves by others, nor anyone else by ourselves. While it may be useful to be challenged by seeing how others have employed what’s been given them, Paul will remind us that “But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” We dare not go there.
What has God given you? Use that. Employ that. It may seem small in your eyes, but if it His appointment, it is all He requires. He doesn’t expect children to do adult tasks, the physically impaired to jump through hoops, the poor to give as the rich, the slave to serve as though free, nor the ill to rise up off their beds as the hale and hearty.
Seek Him. Seek to grow in His likeness. Love and serve His people and your gift(s) will emerge naturally. And when they do, be about them as best you can.
Note fourth: The one who had but one talent here, wasn’t judged because he had little, but because he had no interest in his Master’s business, but only in how these matters impacted himself. This self-focus in the Kingdom, not caring for Christ’s agenda and plans and purposes, but only for our own, is the mark of one who knows not The Master.
The man’s argument was: “I didn’t become evil, I just didn’t grow in grace, I made no spiritual progress. Isn’t it enough that I just stayed and OK person?”
And Jesus’ answer is – no. That’s not enough.
Some measure of grace has been given to and shown to all – the redeemed and the lost. And each will have to answer for what happened with that grace in our lifetime.
Note lastly: How richly He delights to reward His own. We deserved no grace to begin with. We only did what was fitting with what we had. And yet He multiplies it when we have sought to be faithful.
The lesson from this simple passage is sweet, and necessary: Don’t fence God. He needs no body guards.
Note first: Christians need not be God’s protectors as many in Islam violently protect Mohamed. When our God needs defending by us rather than we needing defending by Him – things are upside down. Ultimately, it is the product of human hubris – even though it may flow from a personal sense of reverence.
It is true we are to pray and work for the fame of the name of God to be restored; for the whole of sentient creation to hallow, revere, respect and honor Him for who and what He is. When Jesus taught us to pray, He put this issue as the very first among all things we are to pray for. Nothing was dearer to His own heart than to see His Father’s reputation restored. To see all love and cherish and delight in the Father as He Himself did. But that is not done by swatting down those we think deficient, unworthy or even blasphemous. It is done by trusting Him, praising His name, walking in such a way as to reveal His character, preaching His Gospel and walking in truth.
He is our great defender, we are not His.
Note second: There are none more worthy than others to seek Him than others.
Young, old, hale, infirm, educated, ignorant, accomplished, indigent, intellectual or challenged. He came to seek and save “the lost”, not humanly created sub-sets of humanity.
Jonathan Edwards recounts the case of Phebe Bartlet who at the age of 4 began to manifest evidences of the Spirit moving in her soul. By 5 she was truly remarkable in her pursuit of God. John the Baptizer was filled with the Spirit even in his mother’s womb. And I can add that of myself, having my eyes opened to my sinfulness before God, and my heart opened to embrace Christ and the Cross at the age of 8.
When people show any interest in spiritual matters, we need to take it seriously. This is especially true with children, who do not take such an interest at all naturally.
Note third: How quick Jesus was always ready to bless.
And should we imagine Him any different today? Were these children displaying some interest in Him themselves, or was it only that their parents sought something on their behalf – He loves to receive and bless. Here, it says they specifically wanted Him to pray for these little ones. To speak to the Father on their behalf.
What an encouragement then for parents today to seek Christ that He might intercede on behalf of our children, grandchildren and others. In this, we never see a refusal. Instead, we see Him admonishing any who would hinder it.
Be encouraged to seek Him for your loved ones. He is far more gracious and ready and willing than we dare believe.
A key to understanding this short section has to do with prevailing Jewish thought on two fronts.
First off, we have to note that divorce had become fairly rampant in society. No doubt there are several contributing factors. Being that the Jews were under Roman occupation for quite some time, the permissiveness of Roman culture in this regarding divorce and remarriage, certainly had an impact on the general populace. They were used to seeing this behavior in their own leadership.
Herod the Great was the King of Judea (a Jew but under the Roman power) was in power when Jesus was born. He had 10 wives total. Some murdered, some divorced. But getting out of one marriage into another was a way of life. He considered himself a pious Jew. After all, it was he who built the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem where Jesus went frequently. And it was his son Herod Antipas who divorced his first wife to marry the wife of his half-brother – Herodias – who had John the Baptizer also murdered.
So divorce and remarriage couldn’t be all that bad could it? Since the Jewish political leaders were fine with it, why not everybody?
The second factor was that it was considered a duty for a Jewish man to be married. One commentator noted that is a young man reached the age of 16 and had no marriage prospects locked in, the elders of the Synagogue might call him in and find out what the matter was.
In that kind of an environment, if a man in fact did get divorced, it would be shameful to remain single.
Now you can see why the Disciples were a bit incredulous at Jesus’ statements. If a man can only divorce and then remarry under such narrow parameters, maybe it is best not to get married at all!
“But” Jesus says, singleness is not something to be entered into any less seriously than marriage. And here, He breaks with both major Jewish schools, and with a prominent sub-sect – the Essenes, who connected celibacy with a higher spiritual state. Once again, He doesn’t make anyone happy on any side of the equation. He neither condemns nor pushes singleness. What He does do is call each to live righteously before God, given our freedoms, and providential parameters.
Providentially, there may be some who are born in a condition (physically) where fulfilling the requirements of marital intimacy would not be possible. In such a case, there is a forced singleness. It would be the responsibility for such a one to live within those parameters righteously before God. And no doubt, special grace is extended to such as they seek how to live well before the Father.
Second, there may be those who through accident (perhaps in war) or more likely, by virtue of having been castrated as slaves, in order to serve in court positions to attend royal women – would too find that Providence had precluded marriage as an option. They too would need to seek for grace to remain pure in such forced singleness. Under this umbrella, one might consider a spouse who has become impotent or unable due to disease, accident or some other condition. This form of “singleness” (in this one regard) would require special grace.
And third, there are some who have been given a gift of not needing marital intimacy, and are able then to devote extra time and effort to serving the Kingdom. They have received another kind of special grace.
When all is said and done, Jesus’ teaching leaves us here:
1 – The norm is marriage, and marriage for life. Let us seek to serve Him within the bounds lovingly and wisely set for such a union. Seeking sexual satisfaction from anyone else other than one’s spouse, is grave sin.
2 – Some remain single for various reasons. There is no shame in not being married. And for some, an actual advantage.
3 – In both – we seek grace from the Lord to live righteously within the limits of His Providence. And He gives it. Let each receive as they are enabled. No providence excuses sin. Each context will find us needing to depend fully upon Him.
Contentment with God’s Providences is one of the most difficult spiritual lessons the Christian needs to learn.
But how gracious He is to provide for us in the gift of His indwelling Spirit.
At first blush, these two verses seem exceedingly incidental. Really, why bother? But I think there is something still worth noting here.
Note first: Back in 17:22, Jesus spoke – the most clearly to that point in time – about the immediate future. He said He was going to be delivered into the hands of men, killed, and then raised up three days later. This greatly distressed them the text says. But then the events of everyday life seem to push this revelation into the background. First there was the 2 drachma tax controversy, then the discussion over who was greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And this led to Jesus’ extended discourse on humility and forgiveness.
And so it can be with us even now. The promises of Christ’s return, the resurrection, the new heavens and the new earth can easily be lost by us as having continuing importance in the ordering of our lives. As staggering as those realities are, they can be overshadowed by the stuff of everyday life. But not Jesus. He takes His sidestep to deal with the immediate, but as soon as He is finished with those, He is right back on track. He is still undeterred from His path to Jerusalem.
And I wonder in myself, am I so mindful of my own path to the Celestial City? Am I a traveling partner with Bunyan’s Christian? Yes, many things require our attention from all sides each and every day. But are we on our way home? Or has that idea been pushed so far back in our minds that it no longer informs our thoughts, actions and decisions?
Am I, are you – consciously proceeding toward Heaven? Is that our course? Are all other things dealt with, experienced and contexualized by where we are headed? For to lose sight of where we are going, is to wander aimlessly through life. And is this not behind the despair of so many – even professed Christians?
Are we consciously going home to be with Jesus? And do we remain aware that the only way there is through the cross?
Note second: No matter where Jesus is, or whatever else is going on, pouring our mercy and grace on others is never neglected.
Large crowds were following Him. And He was neither deterred by them, nor unmindful of them.
He might have been consumed in Himself with what was about to happen to Him. But no. Or, He might have been tempted to stop His journey to enjoy the attention of the crowds. But neither is true. He met them, and He continued on His way.
Note third: His ministry to these crowds, is a ministry to a throng of the unnamed. The common folk. There are no mentions of the healing of notable people. No mention of class, station nor even the particulars of the healings. It is simply recorded that this is what He did. They, unmindful of what awaited Him, were simply desiring their needs to be met. And in typical Jesus fashion, He just blessed them. He gave them what He had without pomp, ceremony or self-reference.
How sweet and how gracious and how willing to bless our Lord is.
And if He is not too busy, too distracted, too fixed on the Cross to stop and heal this nameless crowd, then how much more is He ready to hear the prayers and meet the needs of His people from His place beside the Father even today.
Oh Christian, come to Him with your needs.
Oh lost one, come to Him with your sin.
He is no further away than the cry of your heart .
ResponsiveReiding 