Verse 1
Our Divine Redeemer never was weary of his labour of love; and we should not be weary of
well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Verses 2–6
Some think that John sent this inquiry for his own satisfaction. Where there is true faith, yet
there may be a mixture of unbelief. The remaining unbelief of good men may sometimes, in an
hour of temptation; call in question the most important truths. But we hope that John's faith did not
fail in this matter, and that he only desired to have it strengthened and confirmed. Others think that
John sent his disciples to Christ for their satisfaction. Christ points them to what they heard and
saw. Christ's gracious condescensions and compassions to the poor, show that it was he that should
bring to the world the tender mercies of our God. Those things which men see and hear, if compared
with the Scriptures, direct in what way salvation is to be found. It is difficult to conquer prejudices,
and dangerous not to conquer them; but those who believe in Christ, their faith will be found so
much the more to praise, and honour, and glory.
Verses 7–15
What Christ said concerning John, was not only for his praise, but for the people's profit. Those
who attend on the word will be called to give an account of their improvements. Do we think when
the sermon is done, the care is over? No, then the greatest of the care begins. John was a self-denying
man, dead to all the pomps of the world and the pleasures of sense. It becomes people, in all their
appearances, to be consistent with their character and their situation. John was a great and good
man, yet not perfect; therefore he came short of glorified saints. The least in heaven knows more,
loves more, and does more in praising God, and receives more from him, than the greatest in this
world. But by the kingdom of heaven here, is rather to be understood the kingdom of grace, the
gospel dispensation in its power and purity. What reason we have to be thankful that our lot is cast
in the days of the kingdom of heaven, under such advantages of light and love! Multitudes were
wrought upon by the ministry of John, and became his disciples. And those strove for a place in
this kingdom, that one would think had no right nor title to it, and so seemed to be intruders. It
shows us what fervency and zeal are required of all. Self must be denied; the bent, the frame and
temper of the mind must be altered. Those who will have an interest in the great salvation, will
have it upon any terms, and not think them hard, nor quit their hold without a blessing. The things
of God are of great and common concern. God requires no more from us than the right use of the
faculties he has given us. People are ignorant, because they will not learn.
Verses 16–24
Christ reflects on the scribes and Pharisees, who had a proud conceit of themselves. He likens
their behaviour to children's play, who being out of temper without reason, quarrel with all the
attempts of their fellows to please them, or to get them to join in the plays for which they used to