Verses 17–24
All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have
all the praise. But let us beware of spiritual pride, which has been the destruction of many. Our
Lord rejoiced at the prospect of the salvation of many souls. It was fit that particular notice should
be taken of that hour of joy; there were few such, for He was a man of sorrows: in that hour in
which he saw Satan fall, and heard of the good success of his ministers, in that hour he rejoiced.
He has ever resisted the proud, and given grace to the humble. The more simply dependent we are
on the teaching, help, and blessing of the Son of God, the more we shall know both of the Father
and of the Son; the more blessed we shall be in seeing the glory, and hearing the words of the Divine
Saviour; and the more useful we shall be made in promoting his cause.
Verses 25–37
If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in
vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who
is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these
convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samaritan. This
poor man fell among thieves, who left him about to die of his wounds. He was slighted by those
who should have been his friends, and was cared for by a stranger, a Samaritan, of the nation which
the Jews most despised and detested, and would have no dealings with. It is lamentable to observe
how selfishness governs all ranks; how many excuses men will make to avoid trouble or expense
in relieving others. But the true Christian has the law of love written in his heart. The Spirit of
Christ dwells in him; Christ's image is renewed in his soul. The parable is a beautiful explanation
of the law of loving our neighbour as ourselves, without regard to nation, party, or any other
distinction. It also sets forth the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward sinful, miserable
men. We were like this poor, distressed traveller. Satan, our enemy, has robbed us, and wounded
us: such is the mischief sin has done us. The blessed Jesus had compassion on us. The believer
considers that Jesus loved him, and gave his life for him, when an enemy and a rebel; and having
shown him mercy, he bids him go and do likewise. It is the duty of us all , in our places, and
according to our ability, to succour, help, and relieve all that are in distress and necessity.
Verses 38–42
A good sermon is not the worse for being preached in a house; and the visits of our friends
should be so managed, as to make them turn to the good of their souls. Sitting at Christ's feet,
signifies readiness to receive his word, and submission to the guidance of it. Martha was providing
for the entertainment of Christ, and those that came with him. Here were respect to our Lord Jesus
and right care of her household affairs. But there was something to be blamed. She was for much
serving; plenty, variety, and exactness. Worldly business is a snare to us, when it hinders us from
serving God, and getting good to our souls. What needless time is wasted, and expense often laid
out, even in entertaining professors of the gospel! Though Martha was on this occasion faulty, yet
she was a true believer, and in her general conduct did not neglect the one thing needful. The favour