Subject: Gentle, humble -- but with a sword? |
Bible Note: In Matthew 10:34, Jesus is addressing His disciples here, saying that the foundation of their discipleship should be laid in such a temper and disposition, as would make sufferings very light and easy to them; and it was upon the condition of a preparedness for suffering, that Christ took them to be his followers vv. 37-39. He told them at first, that they were not worthy of Him, if they were not willing to part with all for Him. Men don't hesitate at those difficulties which necessarily come with their profession, and which they counted upon, when they undertook that profession; and they will either cheerfully submit to those fatigues and troubles, or disclaim the privileges and advantages of their professions. Now the terms are settled, if religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing: and to the price of it; and they who make it their business and bliss, will make every thing else yield to it. We must not be drawn from Christ by the love of our family or loved ones. We must prefer Christ above all else. In this way, a 'sword' is drawn, that is, do we prefer Christ or do we yield ourselves to that which lays claim of us; that being our relationships, job, family, security. In this way, this describes the 'high price' that Christ asks of discipleship. In Matt. 11:34, we must come to Jesus Christ as our Ruler and submit ourselves to Him. The 'rest' He promises is a release from the drudgery of sin, not from the service of God, but an obligation to the duty we owe to Him. Christ has a yoke for our necks, as well as a crown for our heads, and this yoke He expects we should take upon us and draw in. To call those who are weary and heavy laden, to take a yoke upon them, looks like adding affliction to the afflicted; but the pertinency of it lies in the word 'my': "You are under a yoke which makes you weary: shake that off and try mine, which will make you easy." So therefore, if we practice discipleship with the disposition which would make sufferings very light and easy, then we will be taking on the yoke of Christ, in which we will indeed find rest, His rest, and conduct ourselves in a conscientious obedience to His commands. Now this is the hardest part of our lesson, and we should not be afraid of His yoke. Matthew Henry Unabridged Commentary of the Bible (Hendrickson) |
Up | Down View Branch | ID# 6351 | ||
Questions and/or Subjects for NT general Archive 1 | Author | ||
|
roverjbh99 | ||
|
Hank | ||
|
ddt | ||
|
CJS | ||
|
Jaded13 | ||
|
Hank | ||
|
Searcher56 | ||
|
Makarios | ||
|
Makarios | ||
|
Hank | ||
|
kalos | ||
|
Jaded13 |