that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to
free him from the claim of this duty.
Verses 14–23
Our wicked thoughts and affections, words and actions, defile us, and these only. As a corrupt
fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so does a corrupt heart send forth corrupt reasonings, corrupt
appetites and passions, and all the wicked words and actions that come from them. A spiritual
understanding of the law of God, and a sense of the evil of sin, will cause a man to seek for the
grace of the Holy Spirit, to keep down the evil thoughts and affections that work within.
Verses 24–30
Christ never put any from him that fell at his feet, which a poor trembling soul may do. As she
was a good woman, so a good mother. This sent her to Christ. His saying, Let the children first be
filled, shows that there was mercy for the Gentiles, and not far off. She spoke, not as making light
of the mercy, but magnifying the abundance of miraculous cures among the Jews, in comparison
with which a single cure was but as a crumb. Thus, while proud Pharisees are left by the blessed
Saviour, he manifests his compassion to poor humbled sinners, who look to him for children's
bread. He still goes about to seek and save the lost.
Verses 31–37
Here is a cure of one that was deaf and dumb. Those who brought this poor man to Christ,
besought him to observe the case, and put forth his power. Our Lord used more outward actions in
the doing of this cure than usual. These were only signs of Christ's power to cure the man, to
encourage his faith, and theirs that brought him. Though we find great variety in the cases and
manner of relief of those who applied to Christ, yet all obtained the relief they sought. Thus it still
is in the great concerns of our souls.
Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
Four thousand fed by a miracle. (1–10)
Christ cautions against the Pharisees and (11–21)
Herodians.
A blind man healed. (22–26)
Peter's testimony to Christ. (27–33)
Christ must be followed. (34–38)