reigning in the heart, are an evil treasure, out of which the sinner brings forth bad words and actions,
to dishonour God, and hurt others. Let us keep constant watch over ourselves, that we may speak
words agreeable to the Christian character.
Verses 38–45
Though Christ is always ready to hear and answer holy desires and prayers, yet those who ask
amiss, ask and have not. Signs were granted to those who desired them to confirm their faith, as
Abraham and Gideon; but denied to those who demanded them to excuse their unbelief. The
resurrection of Christ from the dead by his own power, called here the sign of the prophet Jonah,
was the great proof of Christ's being the Messiah. As Jonah was three days and three nights in the
whale, and then came out again alive, thus Christ would be so long in the grave, and then rise again.
The Ninevites would shame the Jews for not repenting; the queen of Sheba, for not believing in
Christ. And we have no such cares to hinder us, we come not to Christ upon such uncertainties.
This parable represents the case of the Jewish church and nation. It is also applicable to all those
who hear the word of God, and are in part reformed, but not truly converted. The unclean spirit
leaves for a time, but when he returns, he finds Christ is not there to shut him out; the heart is swept
by outward reformation, but garnished by preparation to comply with evil suggestions, and the man
becomes a more decided enemy of the truth. Every heart is the residence of unclean spirits, except
those which are temples of the Holy Ghost, by faith in Christ.
Verses 46–50
Christ's preaching was plain, easy, and familiar, and suited to his hearers. His mother and
brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him, when they should have been standing within,
desiring to hear him. Frequently, those who are nearest to the means of knowledge and grace are
most negligent. We are apt to neglect that which we think we may have any day, forgetting that
to-morrow is not ours. We often meet with hinderances in our work from friends about us, and are
taken off by care for the things of this life, from the concerns of our souls. Christ was so intent on
his work, that no natural or other duty took him from it. Not that, under pretence of religion, we
may be disrespectful to parents, or unkind to relations; but the lesser duty must stand by, while the
greater is done. Let us cease from men, and cleave to Christ; let us look upon every Christian, in
whatever condition of life, as the brother, sister, or mother of the Lord of glory; let us love, respect,
and be kind to them, for his sake, and after his example.
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
The parable of the sower. (1–23)
The parable of the tares. (24–30; 36–43)