Bible Commentaries

Healing the centurion’s servant. Matthew 8:5-13.

The condition of servants, when sick, is often very distressing. Having no relatives to care for them, it is the duty of their employers, as far as is practicable, to supply their wants; and when, under a deep conviction of their own unworthiness and insufficiency, any apply to Christ for help to those under their care, he delights to bestow the blessings which they need.

Nain; in Galilee, south-west from Capernaum.

No sorrows of a Christian mother, especially a widowed mother on the death of an only son, escape the tender and sympathizing notice of the Saviour. His bosom swells with pity; and when she thinks not of it, he is preparing to pour into her wounded spirit the balm of consolation and cause the desolate, sorrowing heart to sing for joy.

Visited his people; showed them mercy in sending one who could perform such miracles.

The dealings of Christ with his people are often exceedingly mysterious. He sometimes leaves them for a while to the most distressing calamities; and judging only from present appearances, they may be tempted to think that he has forgotten them. But at such times he calls them to consider his character and declarations; not to be offended at any thing which he either does or omits to do; but to feel that his ways are perfect, and that blessed for ever will be all those who put their trust in him.

Disciples of John sent to Jesus-Christ’s testimony of John. Matthew 11:2-19.

Justified God; by acknowledging John as a prophet sent by God, and approving of the counsel of God in sending him.

Being baptized; the evangelist means to say that they now acted consistently with their former conduct in submitting themselves to his baptism.

Lawyers; these were the interpreters of the Jewish law, especially their traditionary law. They belonged to the sect of the Pharisees, and were one with them in spirit.

Rejected the counsel of God; his counsel as shown in the mission of John.

Against themselves; to their own hurt.

Children sitting in the market-place. Matthew 11:16-19.

One of the Pharisees; his name was Simon.

A sinner; one who had been notoriously wicked.

Stood at his feet behind him; as, according to custom, he reclined at the table.

Spake within himself; he thought so, though he did not express it in words.

Jesus Christ is more pleased and honored by the affectionate offerings of penitent and grateful hearts, even of those who have been very great sinners, than by the most costly entertainments of the most distinguished self-righteous worldlings.

I entered into thy house; by invitation.

Water for my feet; to provide water for washing the feet, was one of the rites of hospitality; to kiss an invited guest was another; and to anoint or rub the hair with olive oil, which imparted smoothness and fragrance, was another. But for some reason, Simon had omitted these. Yet this woman, whom he thought to be such a sinner that her presence must be polluting, had kissed his feet, washed them with tears, and anointed them with very precious ointment. If she had been as great a sinner as Simon supposed, yet her conduct showed that she was penitent, that her love was great, and she was accepted.

For she loved much; according to the parable, much love is the fruit of having been forgiven much. This woman shows much love, which should be to Simon a manifest proof that she had been forgiven much. Our Lord’s words, then, may be thus paraphrased: Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for, as thou seest, she hath loved much.

Thy sins are forgiven; Christ had power and authority, even in his deepest humiliation, to forgive the sins of men. Matthew 9:6; Mark 2:10; Luke 5:24.

Who is this? a very pertinent question; and the true answer is, "God over all, blessed for ever." Romans 9:5.

Thy faith hath saved thee; faith, "which worketh by love," was the means of her salvation, as it will be of all who exercise it. Mark 16:16