In this verse is recorded how Mary Magdalene came early to the sepulchre, on the first day of the week, to anoint the dead body of our Lord Jesus. Where note, that though her heart did burn with an ardent zeal and affection to her crucified Lord, yet the commanded duties of the sabbath were not omi... [ Continue Reading ]
It was. great honour that God put upon this poor woman, Mary Magdalene, that she has the first notice of our Saviour's resurrection, and is the first that discovers it to the apostles. But why had not the Virgin Mary, his disconsolate mother, this privilege conferred on her, rather than Mary Magdal... [ Continue Reading ]
Here observe, 1. How Peter and John, moved with Mary Magdalene's words, THEY HAVE TAKEN AWAY THE LORD, &C. do run to the sepulchre to satisfy themselves in the truth of it. Such as sincerely love Christ upon the least intimation that he is missing, bestir themselves with great activity and diligence... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have. description of the great love of Mary Magdalene, which she expressed towards Christ, after his resurrection; she went to his sepulchre early, when it was yet dark; she hastily calls the disciples Peter and John, to the sepulchre; and she stays behind weeping at the sepulchre when they... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. That the best company in the world will not satisfy or content such as are seeking for Jesus Christ, when they find not him whom their souls seek: Mary now enjoyed the presence and company of two angels, but this did not satisfy her in the absence of Christ himself. Observe, 2. How... [ Continue Reading ]
In the former of these verses, Christ makes himself known to Mary, and calleth her by name. In the latter he gives her. prohibition and injunction. Observe, 1. The prohibition, TOUCH ME NOT; together with the reason of it, FOR. AM NOT YET ASCENDED TO MY FATHER. It is concluded by interpreters, that... [ Continue Reading ]
Our blessed Saviour's first appearing after his resurrection having been to Mary Magdalene, as the former verses acquainted us, the same day at evening, when the doors were shut for fear of the Jews, Jesus miraculously, and, as to the disciples, insensibly opens the door, and stands in the midst of... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The repetition of our Saviour's endearing salutation to his desciples, PEACE BE UNTO YOU, PEACE BE UNTO YOU. This was no more than might be needful, to signify his firm reconciliation to them, notwithstanding their late cowardice in forsaking of him, and flying from him, when the st... [ Continue Reading ]
What the cause of Thomas's absence was is not declared; it is evident that he was not with the rest of the disciples when Christ appeared to them; and his absence had like to have cost him dear, even the loss of his faith; and he might have had cause for ever to have bewailed his absence from that m... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. Our Saviour's appearing again to his disciples after his resurrection; it was eight days after he first arose, which was the first day of the week. Here note, that Christ's rising the first day of the week, and appearing on the next first day of the week after to the disciples, and... [ Continue Reading ]
These words may be considered two ways. 1. As an abrupt speech, importing. vehement admiration of Christ's mercy towards him, and of his own stupidity and dullness to believe. Learn hence, that the convincing condescension of Christ turns unbelief into. rapture of holy admiration and humble adorat... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have Christ's reprehension of Thomas for not believing without such sensible evidence as he desired. He believed now that Christ was risen from the dead, but it was upon the testimony of his senses only. Therefore Christ tells him, that his faith would have been more excellent and more emine... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The true end for which the miracles of Christ were so carefully recorded; namely, THAT WE MIGHT BELIEVE. By believing that Christ is the Son of God, we have life; and by the evidence of his miracles, we know and believe him to have been the Son of God. The miracles which Christ wrou... [ Continue Reading ]