Matthew 27:29

Matthew 27:29

Jesus and Tiberius.

I. Consider the equity of mankind, which was at the same moment awarding to Jesus derision, torture, death, and to Tiberius the most servile and adulatory homage. The equity of mankind, did I say? May we with reverence ascend higher than mankind, and without impeaching the righteousness of the Supreme, ask why His lightnings were not despatched to calcine that Roman despot, and why legions of angels did not descend upon the Prætorium of Pontius to rescue Jesus from His executioners? Why do success and honour wait thus obsequiously upon vice, while holiness encounters only failure and contempt? Is this earth the workmanship and property of One in whom mercy and righteousness meet together? or is it the plaything of some malign power who delights only in obliquity, incongruity, and paradox?

II. What the vulgar world counts ignominious and of low esteem is not the measure of real and moral greatness, or of real and supreme happiness. Look for a moment at the scene especially presented to us in the narrative of the agony in Gethsemane; the cruelty in the Prætorium; the tragedy upon the cross; the burial in the Arimathean's garden; and then pass to that august day when the conscience of all nations shall be brought before the judgment-seat of Christ. Here, then, with what a different tone it is exclaimed, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Yes; Hail, King of Jew, and King of Gentile, and King of all humanity! It was Thou who didst first reveal to us a universal Father of compassion, a compassion wider than the east is from the west; it was Thou who didst teach us that though He sits upon a throne in heaven, He permits us also to receive Him as a guest into our hearts; it was Thou who, by sealing upon the cross the truths which have redeemed mankind, hast won a name which is above every name, and at which every knee must bow.

W. H. Brookfield, Sermons,p. 216.

References: Matthew 27:29. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xx., No. 1168; Ibid., My Sermon Notes: Gospels and Acts,p. 53; F. W. Brown, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xix., p. 270; Preacher's Monthly,vol. x., p. 85; G. Brooks, Five Hundred Outlines of Sermons,p. 406; Homiletic Quarterly;vol. vi., p. 212.Matthew 27:32. T. Gasquoine, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xviii., p. 85.Matthew 27:35. Preacher's Monthly,vol. i., p. 294; B. J. Snell, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxiv., p. 372; Case, Short Practical Sermons,p. 104.