Matthew 14:9 It is quite clear that, in spite of his promise, Herod had no right to behead John the Baptist. He had no right to make such a promise, to begin with; and when he had made it, he was for that reason bound to break it. Nor is it difficult to define the principle which governs all these... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 14:10 I. If you consider the manner of John the Baptist's death, as Scripture brings it before us, I cannot help thinking that at first sight it will seem to you rather disappointing. The death of John the Baptist is as nearly as possible what we should have expected it not to be; he become... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 14:12 _(with Matthew 28:8)_ The grave of the dead John, and the grave of the living Jesus. The grave of John was the end of a "school." The grave of Jesus was the beginning of a Church. Why? The only answer is the message which the women brought back from the empty sepulchre on that Easter... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 14:14 A Great Multitude a Sad Sight. I. The Redeemer's reason for compassionating the great multitude is a reason of universal application. It was a reason for feeling compassion for that assemblage that day in Palestine; it is a reason for feeling compassion for any assemblage whatever. C... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 14:15 Jesus and His Bounty. I. The problem of the disciples. The desert place, the night, and the multitude without food, presented a problem that might well constitute reason for anxiety to any that were of a sympathetic nature. The disciples were prepared for the desert themselves, with o... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 14:24 I. Very evidently the first thing here suggested is that the way of duty is not always easy. In saying that I do not allude to the inner difficulties which we have frequently to overcome before we enter upon the path of obedience, but rather to those hindrances which come upon us from... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 14:30 There are three conditions of soul: some think they are sinking and are not; some are sinking and do not know; some are sinking and do know it know it truly and miserably. I. Let me gather up the steps towards the sinking. An emotional state, with abrupt and strong reactions; a self-... [ Continue Reading ]