Imatges de pàgina
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CHRIST WALKING ON THE SEA.

Ver. 45-52.

And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the ' wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out for they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

Among the characteristics of Jehovah's power, especially in the language of the Psalms, no one is more prominent than His control of the sea. Sacred literature being the only literature of the Jews, and the Psalms being, one might easily conceive, the more popular portion, these passages must have been familiar to all in a humble

walk of life; but most familiar, and most interesting, to men whose employment was on the sea. The apostles, therefore, may be supposed to have seen Christ walking on the sea, with more than the feelings awakened by another miracle. The act was doubtless associated in their minds with many a pious meditation in which they had indulged, while toiling peaceably with their nets, or struggling against the storm. How often must they have called to mind the language of inspiration! "Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters." The Lord is mightier than the mighty waves"." How often must their hearts and lips have appealed to Him, as the only Being who could avert their perils, and bless their labours!

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The words of Jesus to them, while performing the miracle, would be likely to confirm any such spontaneous suggestions; and were doubtless designed to do so. In the original they are, "Be of good cheer, I AM." Now I AM, you may remember, was the title which Jehovah had given to himself when he sent Moses to the Israelites. "And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I

* Psalm lxxvii. 19. and xciii. 4.

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Θαρσεῖτε, ἐγώ εἰμι.

come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM : and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." Accordingly, when Jesus made use of the same expression to the Scribes and Pharisees, and told them, "Before Abraham was, I AM," they considered it blasphemy, and would have stoned him forthwith, had he not hid himself".

CHRIST'S POPULARITY.

Ver. 53-56.

And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, and ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

From the eagerness here displayed to receive the benefit of Christ's miraculous agency, it appears h John viii. 58, 59.

* Exodus iii. 13, 14.

that the effect of the miracle of the loaves and fishes could not have immediately subsided. It is probable, that in this, as in many other instances, persons were convinced by miracles, who afterwards fell off from the faith. Many of his disciples," on one occasion, "went back, and walked no more with him;" and this was doubtless the fate of great numbers. "Ye are they," said our Lord to his apostles towards the close of his ministry, "Ye are they who have continued with me in my temptations *." Where belief was felt and professed, the danger and trial were not past. It was requisite that our Lord should pray for Peter, who had been foremost in confessing him to be the Christ, that his faith might not fail him. The Devil, then, as now, was ready to pluck the word out of the heart of the unimproving believer-to make the last state of many worse than the first.

'John vi. 66.

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* Luke xxii. 28.

CHAPTER VII.

THE PHARISAICAL ABUSE OF THE LAW.

Ver. 1-23.

Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

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