there is a day coming, when the cause of Christ will appear as glorious, as some now think it mean
and contemptible. May we think of that season, and view every earthly object as we shall do at that
great day.
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The transfiguration. (1–13)
An evil spirit cast out. (14–29)
The apostles reproved. (30–40)
Pain to be preferred to sin. (41–50)Verses 1–13
Here is a prediction of the near approach Christ's kingdom. A glimpse of that kingdom was
given in the transfiguration of Christ. It is good to be away from the world, and alone with Christ:
and how good to be with Christ glorified in heaven with all the saints! But when it is well with us,
we are apt not to care for others, and in the fulness of our enjoyments, we forget the many wants
of our brethren. God owns Jesus, and accepts him as his beloved Son, and is ready to accept us in
him. Therefore we must own and accept him as our beloved Saviour, and must give up ourselves
to be ruled by him. Christ does not leave the soul, when joys and comforts leave it. Jesus explained
to the disciples the prophecy about Elias. This was very suitable to the ill usage of John Baptist.
Verses 14–29
The father of the suffering youth reflected on the want of power in the disciples; but Christ will
have him reckon the disappointment to the want of faith. Very much is promised to our believing.
If thou canst believe, it is possible that thy hard heart may be softened, thy spiritual diseases may
be cured; and, weak as thou art, thou mayest be able to hold out to the end. Those that complain of
unbelief, must look up to Christ for grace to help them against it, and his grace will be sufficient
for them. Whom Christ cures, he cures effectually. But Satan is unwilling to be driven from those
that have been long his slaves, and, when he cannot deceive or destroy the sinner, he will cause
him all the terror that he can. The disciples must not think to do their work always with the same
ease; some services call for more than ordinary pains.
Verses 30–40
The time of Christ's suffering drew nigh. Had he been delivered into the hands of devils, and
they had done this, it had not been so strange; but that men should thus shamefully treat the Son
of man, who came to redeem and save them, is wonderful. Still observe that when Christ spake of