sorrowful, even when they have reason to rejoice; but through the weakness of their faith, they
cannot take the comfort offered to them. Though Christ is entered into his state of exaltation, yet
he notices the sorrows of his disciples, and is afflicted in their afflictions. Those are strangers in
Jerusalem, that know not of the death and sufferings of Jesus. Those who have the knowledge of
Christ crucified, should seek to spread that knowledge. Our Lord Jesus reproved them for the
weakness of their faith in the Scriptures of the Old Testament. Did we know more of the Divine
counsels as far as they are made known in the Scriptures, we should not be subject to the perplexities
we often entangle ourselves in. He shows them that the sufferings of Christ were really the appointed
way to his glory; but the cross of Christ was that to which they could not reconcile themselves.
Beginning at Moses, the first inspired writer of the Old Testament, Jesus expounded to them the
things concerning himself. There are many passages throughout all the Scriptures concerning Christ,
which it is of great advantage to put together. We cannot go far in any part, but we meet with
something that has reference to Christ, some prophecy, some promise, some prayer, some type or
other. A golden thread of gospel grace runs through the whole web of the Old Testament. Christ
is the best expositor of Scripture; and even after his resurrection, he led people to know the mystery
concerning himself, not by advancing new notions, but by showing how the Scripture was fulfilled,
and turning them to the earnest study of it.
Verses 28–35
If we would have Christ dwell with us, we must be earnest with him. Those that have experienced
the pleasure and profit of communion with him, cannot but desire more of his company. He took
bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. This he did with his usual authority and affection,
with the same manner, perhaps with the same words. He here teaches us to crave a blessing on
every meal. See how Christ by his Spirit and grace makes himself known to the souls of his people.
He opens the Scriptures to them. He meets them at his table, in the ordinance of the Lord's supper;
is known to them in breaking of bread. But the work is completed by the opening of the eyes of
their mind; yet it is but short views we have of Christ in this world, but when we enter heaven, we
shall see him for ever. They had found the preaching powerful, even when they knew not the
preacher. Those Scriptures which speak of Christ, will warm the hearts of his true disciples. That
is likely to do most good, which affects us with the love of Jesus in dying for us. It is the duty of
those to whom he has shown himself, to let others know what he has done for their souls. It is of
great use for the disciples of Christ to compare their experiences, and tell them to each other.
Verses 36–49
Jesus appeared in a miraculous manner, assuring the disciples of his peace, though they had so
lately forsaken him, and promising spiritual peace with every blessing. Many troublesome thoughts
which disquiet our minds, rise from mistakes concerning Christ. All the troublesome thoughts
which rise in our hearts at any time, are known to the Lord Jesus, and are displeasing to him. He
spake with them on their unreasonable unbelief. Nothing had passed but what was foretold by the
prophets, and necessary for the salvation of sinners. And now all men should be taught the nature
and necessity of repentance, in order to the forgiveness of their sins. And these blessings were to
be sought for, by faith in the name of Jesus. Christ by his Spirit works on the minds of men. Even