Resistance to grace. We see by the case of the unbelieving city of Jerusalem how possible it is to resist grace.
Sins against the Holy Ghost. The Pharisees and those under their influence envied Jesus on account of the wonderful works which He did, and resisted the known truth that Jesus was the Messias; and thus deliberately persevered in impenitence.
Palm Sunday, with the blessing of palms and its solemn procession, is thus celebrated i. in memory of our Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem; 2. in thankful remembrance of the victory of faith over unbelief; and 3. as a salutary warning to us that we must overcome sin if we desire to enter heaven triumphantly.
Application. To neglect the hour of grace, and to resist grace are the most terrible of misfortunes. Will you suffer such a misfortune to overtake you? Will you be obstinate, impenitent, and lose your soul? A man’s heart becomes bad little by little, not all at once; and he who in his youth refuses to listen to warnings, and resists God s grace, is likely to grow up leading an evil life, and is on the high road to obstinacy in sin and final impenitence. Apply this to yourself!
Chapter LVII.
THE PARABLE OF THE MARRIAGE-FEAST.
[Mat. 22, 1 — 14. Luke 14, 16 — 24.]
IN the evening Jesus returned from Jerusalem to Bethania. Next morning, however, He went back to the city and taught in the Temple[1]. What grieved Him most was the fickleness of the Jews and their hardness of heart. Wherefore He spoke to them this parable:
“The kingdom of heaven is like to a king who made a marriage[2] for his son. He sent his servants to call them[3] that were invited to the marriage; and they would not come [4]. Again he sent other servants, saying: ‘Tell them that were invited:
- ↑ The Temple. He cleansed it again of buyers and sellers, driving them out as He had done previously (see chapter XV).
- ↑ A marriage. Who provided a bride and a nuptial feast for his son.
- ↑ To call them. To fetch those who had been already invited.
- ↑ Would not come. The bride chosen did not please them. They wished the king to choose another.
