Matthew 20:1 The Labourers in the Vineyard. I. This parable is directed against a wrong temper and spirit of mind, which was notably manifested among the Jews, but one against which all men in possession of spiritual privileges have need to be, and herein are, warned; this warning being primarily a... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:6 I. If we would hear, surely we might rather say that God calls us, at all times, in all places; by all things, persons, deeds, words; by night and by day, all our lives long, than dare to say for ourselves before God's all-searching eye: "No man hath heard us." For so it is when person... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:20 _(with Mark 10:35)_ I. Comparing St. Matthew's and St. Mark's accounts, we see that it was the mother and sons together who made the request. It is a homely human picture of ambition hers for them and herself in them; theirs for themselves though with an eagerness, stimulated it may b... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:21 _(with Luke 9:38)_ These are two examples of intercessory prayer. All the principles on which we explain or defend prayer, as the communing in Christ's spirit of submission, refer also to those prayers which we offer for others. I. Take first the prayer of Salome for her sons. There... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:22 Even these great Apostles whom, from the ardent glow of their impetuous love, our Lord calls "Sons of Thunder," were, before the descent of the Holy Ghost, deceived in two ways. (1) They thought that our Lord would bestow by favour the glories of His kingdom and nearness to Himself. ... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:22 Law and Prayer. To think that nothing can be too good for their children is an amiable weakness few mothers can resist. Salome had heard Christ discourse of a kingdom which He was about to establish. There would be places and preferments at His disposal, and who so lit to possess the... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:23 I. These words contain, first, the principle that some will be nearer Christ than others in the heavenly kingdom. The words of our Lord do not merely imply, by the absence of all hint, that these men's petition was impossible, the existence of degrees among the subjects of His heavenly... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:26 I. These words have something to tell us of the nature of true greatness. Though Christ does not ignore intellects, or even riches, He yet regards these things, and all things like these, as but instruments; and he is, in the gospel sense of the word, the greatest who uses all such gi... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:27 I. The answer of our Lord is entirely at variance with the law of the children of this world. Greatness in this world is universally sought by exalting a man's self; more wealth, more power, more esteem among men, a grander display and more profuse luxuries these are landmarks in the... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:28 The Meekness of God. Here is a text that speaks home at once and with ease. It runs on our levels; it speaks in a language understood of all. I. Everyone knows the arrogance and the insolence of the kings of the Gentiles who exercise lordship over their fellows. And it is in delight... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:31 _(with Luke 19:3; Mark 2:4; Luke 8:45)_ Crowds around Christ. Crowds gathered daily around Jesus Christ. He was thronged, pressed, almost persecuted, by the ever-accumulating multitudes. It is evident that this was not always, if it was ever, an advantage. The crowd was rather hinder... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 20:32 The narrative, of which these words form a part, tends to illustrate in a remarkable manner the nature of true prayer; and to show us His mind respecting it, to whom or through whom all Christian prayer is made. I. "What will ye that I should do unto you?" The question was asked for a... [ Continue Reading ]