The great command of the law. (28–34)
Christ the Son and yet the Lord of David. (35–40)
The poor widow commended. (41–44)Verses 1–12
Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to think what
base usage God's faithful ministers have met with in all ages, from those who have enjoyed the
privileges of the church, but have not brought forth fruit answerable. God at length sent his Son,
his Well-beloved; and it might be expected that he whom their Master loved, they also should
respect and love; but instead of honouring him because he was the Son and Heir, they therefore
hated him. But the exaltation of Christ was the Lord's doing; and it is his doing to exalt him in our
hearts, and to set up his throne there; and if this be done, it cannot but be marvellous in our eyes.
The Scriptures, and faithful preachers, and the coming of Christ in the flesh, call on us to render
due praise to God in our lives. Let sinners beware of a proud, carnal spirit; if they revile or despise
the preachers of Christ, they would have done so their Master, had they lived when he was upon
earth.
Verses 13–17
The enemies of Christ would be thought desirous to know their duty, when really they hoped
that which soever side he took of the question, they might find occasion to accuse him. Nothing is
more likely to insnare the followers of Christ, than bringing them to meddle with disputes about
worldly politics. Jesus avoided the snare, by referring to the submission they had already made as
a nation; and all that heard him, marvelled at the great wisdom of his answer. Many will praise the
words of a sermon, who will not be commanded by the doctrines of it.
Verses 18–27
A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain whence all revealed religion now flows,
and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the
objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of
the future state in a true light. The relation between husband and wife, though appointed in the
earthly paradise, will not be known in the heavenly one. It is no wonder if we confuse ourselves
with foolish errors, when we form our ideas of the world of spirits by the affairs of this world of
sense. It is absurd to think that the living God should be the portion and happiness of a man if he
is for ever dead; and therefore it is certain that Abraham's soul exists and acts, though now for a
time separate from the body. Those that deny the resurrection greatly err, and ought to be told so.
Let us seek to pass through this dying world, with a joyful hope of eternal happiness, and of a
glorious resurrection.
Verses 28–34