A leper cleansed. (12–16)
A paralytic cured. (17–26)
Levi called, Christ's answer to the Pharisees. (27–39)Verses 1–11
When Christ had done preaching, he told Peter to apply to the business of his calling. Time
spent on week days in public exercises of religion, need be but little hinderance in time, and may
be great furtherance to us in temper of mind, as to our worldly business. With what cheerfulness
may we go about the duties of our calling, when we have been with God, and thus have our worldly
employments sanctified to us by the word and prayer! Though they had taken nothing, yet Christ
told them to let down their nets again. We must not abruptly quit our callings because we have not
the success in them we desire. We are likely to speed well, when we follow the guidance of Christ's
word. The draught of fishes was by a miracle. We must all, like Peter, own ourselves to be sinful
men, therefore Jesus Christ might justly depart from us. But we must beseech him that he would
not depart; for woe unto us if the Saviour depart from sinners! Rather let us entreat him to come
and dwell in our hearts by faith, that he may transform and cleanse them. These fishermen forsook
all, and followed Jesus, when their calling prospered. When riches increase, and we are tempted
to set our hearts upon them, then to quit them for Christ is thankworthy.
Verses 12–16
This man is said to be full of leprosy; he had that distemper in a high degree, which represents
our natural pollution by sin; we are full of that leprosy; from the crown of the head to the sole of
the foot there is no soundness in us. Strong confidence and deep humility are united in the words
of this leper. And if any sinner, from a deep sense of vileness, says, I know the Lord can cleanse,
but will he look upon such a one as me? will he apply his own precious blood for my cleansing and
healing? Yes, he will. Speak not as doubting, but as humbly referring the matter to Christ. And
being saved from the guilt and power of our sins, let us spread abroad Christ's fame, and bring
others to hear him and to be healed.
Verses 17–26
How many are there in our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, who do not sit under the
word, but sit by! It is to them as a tale that is told them, not as a message that is sent to them.
Observe the duties taught and recommended to us by the history of the paralytic. In applying to
Christ, we must be very pressing and urgent; that is an evidence of faith, and is very pleasing to
Christ, and prevailing with him. Give us, Lord, the same kind of faith with respect to thy ability
and willingness to heal our souls. Give us to desire the pardon of sin more than any earthly blessing,
or life itself. Enable us to believe thy power to forgive sins; then will our souls cheerfully arise and
go where thou pleasest.