The foregoing chapter acquainted us with the blasphemous slander which the scribes and Pharisees cast upon our blessed Saviour, accusing him of casting out devils by the help of the devil. This they did, no doubt, to discredit his person, and hinder his ministry; yet for all this the people follow h... [ Continue Reading ]
1. Several things are to be observable; as, 1. How Christ begins and ends the parable with an admonition to diligent and serious attention. HEARKEN, says Christ, verse 3. and HE THAT HATH EARS TO HEAR, LET HIM HEAR, verse 9. This shows us at once the people's backwardness and negligence in applying... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, The disciples' question, and our Saviour's reply. Their question is about the sense and meaning of the parable. They own their ignorance, and desire better information. It is no shame, for the best of ministers, yea, the best of men, to acknowledge their own ignorance in the mysteries... [ Continue Reading ]
Here our Saviour applies himself to interpret and explain the foregoing parable: the seed is the word, the sower is the preacher, the soil is the heart and soul of man. Some hearers Christ compares to the HIGHWAY ground, in which the seed lies uncovered for the want of the harrow of meditation. Ot... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The end and design of Christ in revealing his word and will to his disciples, and in communicating to them the light of spiritual knowledge; namely that they may communicate it to others, and not keep it close unto themselves. Even as the candle in. house diffuses and disperses its... [ Continue Reading ]
This parable of our Saviour's is an instructive lesson to the ministers of the gospel, faithfully to do their parts in sowing the seed of the word amongst their people, and then not to be over-solicitous about the event, but to leave the issue to God; not to be discouraged, though the fruit of their... [ Continue Reading ]
The design of our Saviour in this parable is to show how the gospel-church, from small and little, from unlikely and contemptible beginnings, should spread and increase, fructify and grow up, like as mustard-seed, one of the smallest of grains, grows up to. considerable tallness; even so Christ fore... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. Our Saviour and his disciples no sooner put forth to see, but dangers attend and difficulties do accompany them;. tempest arose, and the ship was covered with waves, which Christ himself was in, with his disciples. Learn hence, That the presence of Christ himself does not exempt hi... [ Continue Reading ]