take up our cross and follow him, else we are not worthy of him. Here observe, 1, They who would follow Christ, must expect their cross and take it up. 2. In taking up the cross we must follow Christ's example, and bear it as he did. 3. It is a great encouragement to us, when we meet with crosses, that in bearing them we follow Christ, who has showed us the way; and that if we follow him faithfully, he will lead us through sufferings like him, to glory with him.
Thirdly, Before life itself, v. 39. He that findeth his life shall lose it; he that thinks he has found it, when he has saved it, and kept it, by denying Christ, shall lose it in an eternal death; but he that loseth his life for Christ's sake, that will part with it, rather than deny Christ, shall find it, to his unspeakable advantage, in an eternal life. They are best prepared for the life to come, that sit most loose to this present life.
[9.] That Christ himself would so heartily espouse their cause, as to show himself a friend to all their friends, and to repay all the kindnesses that should at any time be bestowed upon them, v. 40—42. He that receiveth you, receiveth me.
First, It is here implied, that though the generality would reject them, yet that they should meet with some, who would receive and entertain them, would bid the message welcome to their hearts, and the messengers to their houses, for the sake of it. Why was the gospel-market made, but that if some will not, others will. In the worst of times there is a remnant according to the election of grace. Christ's ministers shall not labour in vain.
Secondly, Jesus Christ takes what is done to his faithful ministers, whether in kindness or in unkindness, as done to himself, and reckons himself treated as they are treated. He that receiveth you, receiveth me. Both honours and contempt put upon an ambassador, reflect honour or contempt upon the prince that sends him, and ministers are ambassadors for Christ. See how Christ may still be entertained by those who would testify their respects to him; his people and ministers we have always with us; and he is with them always, even to the end of the world. Nay, the honour rises higher, He that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. Not only Christ takes it as done to himself, but through Christ God does so too. By entertaining Christ's ministers, they entertain not angels unawares, but Christ, nay, and God himself, and unawares too, as appears, ch. 25. 37. When saw we thee an hungered?
Thirdly, That though the kindness done to Christ's disciples be never so small, yet that if there be occasion for it, and ability to do no more, it shall be accepted, though it be but a cup of cold water given to one of these little ones, v. 42. They are little ones, poor and weak, and often stand in need of refreshment, and glad of the least. The extremity may be such, that a cup of cold water may be a great favour. Note, Kindnesses shown to Christ's disciples are valued in Christ's books, not according to the cost of the gift, but according to the love and affection of the giver. On that score the widow's mite not only passed current, but was stamped high, Luke 21. 3, 4. Thus they who are truly rich in graces may be rich in good works, though poor in the world.
Fourthly, That kindness to Christ's disciples which he will accept, must be done with an eye to Christ, and for his sake. A prophet must be received in the name of a prophet, and a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, and one of those little ones in the name of a disciple; not be cause they are learned, or witty, nor because they are our relations or neighbours, but because they are righteous, and so bear Christ's image; because they are prophets and disciples, and so are sent on Christ's errand. It is a believing regard to Christ that puts an acceptable value upon the kindnesses done to his ministers. Christ does not interest himself in the matter, unless we first interest him in it. Ut tibi debeam aliquid pro eo quod praestas, debes non tantum mihi praestare, sed tanquam mihi—If you wish me to feel an obligation to you for any service you render, you must not only perform the service, but you must convince me that you do it for my sake. Seneca.
Fifthly, That kindnesses shown to Christ's people and ministers, shall not only be accepted, but richly and suitably rewarded. There is a great deal to be gotten, by doing good offices to Christ's disciples. If it be done to the Lord, he will repay them again with interest; for he is not unrighteous to forget any labour of love, Heb. 6. 10. 1. They shall receive a reward, and in no wise lose it. He does not say, that they deserve a reward; we cannot merit any thing as wages, from the hand of God; but they shall receive a reward from the free gift of God: and they shall in no wise lose it, as good services often do among men: because they who should reward them are either false or forgetful. The reward may be deferred, the full reward will be deferred, till the resurrection of the just; but it shall in no wise be lost, nor shall they be any losers by the delay. 2. This is a prophet's reward, and a righteous man's. That is, either, (1.) The reward that God gives to prophets and righteous men; the blessings conferred upon them shall distil upon their friends. Or, (2.) The reward he gives by prophets and righteous men; in answer to their prayers; (Gen. 20. 7.) He is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, that is a prophet's reward: and by their ministry; when he gives the instructions and comforts of the word, to those who are kind to the preachers of the word, then he sends a prophet's reward. Prophets' rewards are spiritual blessings in heavenly things, and if we know how to value them, we shall reckon them good payment.
CHAP. XI.
In this chapter we have, I. The constant and unwearied diligence of our Lord Jesus in his great work of preaching the gospel, v. 1. II. His discourse with the disciples of John concerning his being the Messiah, v. 2..6. The honourable testimony that Christ bore to John Baptist, v. 7..15. IV. The sad account he gives of that generation in general, and of some particular places, with reference to the success, both of John's ministry, and of his own, v. 16..24. V. His thanksgiving to his Father for the wise and gracious method he had taken in revealing the great mysteries of the gospel, v. 25, 26. VI. His gracious call and invitation to poor sinners to come to him, and to be ruled, and taught and saved by him, v. 27..30. No where have we more of the terror of gospel-woes for warning to us, or of the sweetness of gospel-grace for encouragement to us, than in this chapter, which sets before us life and death, the blessing and the curse.
1.AND it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence, to teach and to preach in their cities. 2. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3. And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4. Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5. The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6. And
Vol. v.—Q
