John the Baptist having announced the kingdom of heaven as at hand, a kingdom which every Jew expected and knew was to be ushered in with judgment on the wicked and deliverance to the righteous-Jesus, upon the imprisonment of John, began to preach this " Gospel of the kingdom," and say, " Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
AT 5{The testimony of Jesus gathers disciples; and in chap. 5. He begins to instruct them in the principles of discipleship.
Mark their position: they were gathered to the person of Jesus, who was born under the Law, and magnified it. " Think not," said He, " that I am come to destroy the Law and the Prophets," etc.; neither was He taking them whom He was instructing from under the Law; but He tells them that their righteousness must go beyond that of the Pharisees, to enter into the kingdom. Though Himself fulfilling the Law, He came to display graces far beyond the Law; He came in grace to save men's lives; consequently, those who professed to be His disciples, must walk upon His holy, gracious principles.
He was speaking to a people who had departed from righteousness: He sets before them, and recalls them to, a walk of righteousness.
Redemption is not the subject. How they should be justified and accepted, is not brought before them. We learn the value of the atonement for acceptance first, and then how to walk as disciples; but the work was not yet accomplished, that the Holy Spirit could testify of; but Jesus was there in Person, announcing the nearness of the kingdom, and instructing, them in those circumstances and in that position they were then in.
From ver. 3-9, He pronounces seven blessings upon those who possess those inward graces in. the soul He enumerates, accompanying each with a suitable and cheering promise.
From ver. 10—12, the disciples are contemplated as suffering reproach and persecution from the world, and a blessing declared upon that position.
In ver. 13 they are declared to be the only savor of the earth to God, and a warning lest they lose this savor.
Ver. 14-16 they are set as a light to the world-this light (i.e. good works) is to be seen by men, and not hid.
From ver. 21, the grace with which they are now to act is contrasted with what the Law commanded: it does not set aside their obedience to the Law, but they must go beyond it.
From ver. 21- 24, gifts and service are not acceptable to the Lord, unless accompanied with brotherly love.
Ver. 25, 26. If a man, through unrighteousness, had made another an adversary, he is exhorted to agree with him while he has the opportunity; for if not, righteous law shall be executed upon him, and he shall not be free till he hath paid the last farthing.
Ver. 27. Purity of heart as well as of act must now be considered.
Ver. 29, 30. Rather than offend or endanger the soul, that which is as dear as a right eye or hand must be sacrificed.
Ver. 31, 32. One sin only gives liberty of divorcement.
Ver. 33-37. The Law assumed there was some strength in the creature; swearing was permitted. The Lord and consequently His disciples were standing in weakness and grace; therefore, swearing became now unsuitable.
Ver. 38-41. Under Law, a man was permitted to demand an equivalent for an injury; now, he was not to resist evil, but bear spoiling and oppression with meekness.
Ver. 42. A merciful disposition and conduct inculcated.
Ver. 43. They were to love their enemies. The world love those that are kind to them; but the disciples were to love those who were unkind, because they were to have no less a standing before their eyes than their heavenly Father, who does good to the evil and the good, to the just and the unjust.
The fifth chapter sets before the disciples more their practical moral walk.
AT 6{In chap. 6, from ver. 1-18, it is more with reference to worship-in giving alms-making prayer-fasting; all was to be done with reference to the eye of their Father which seeth in secret, and would reward openly; if done with reference to the eye of man, that was their reward.
The true elements of worship are then presented by the Lord in that beautiful prayer, based in His mind upon redemption, but not introduced in the prayer.
From ver. 19 they are exhorted not to lay up treasures upon earth, but in heaven; " for where the treasure is, there will be the heart." Ver. 22, 23, a single eye is commended; 24, the impossibility of serving two masters-the world and God.
Ver. 25-34. Encouragement given to put all trust and confidence in Him who is the Maker and Sustainer of all things; for He is their heavenly Father, and knoweth all their need, and would have them without care and thought, and foreboding-leaving the troubles of a future day till they arrive. He thus exhorts them to seek the kingdom of God, to enter there; if that is the absorbing desire of their soul, " all these things shall be added unto them."
AT 7{Chapter 7 He then warns them against censorious judgment; exhorting them to be more careful to observe their own defects, than the failings of another.
Ver. 6. They are warned against conferring holy privileges upon the world, lest they trample them under feet, and turn again and rend believers.
Ver. 7-11. There was to be all activity of soul; they were to ask, to seek, and to knock. Again, the goodness of their Father which is in heaven is presented as inspiring confidence; and He closes, in ver. 12, the preceptive part by this statement-that to do as they would be done by, is " the Law and the Prophets."
Ver. 13. He then exhorts them to enter the strait gate. The multitudes go in the broad way, which leadeth to destruction. It is a narrow way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
The Lord, as if foreseeing that the effort of the enemy would be to lead disciples into the broad way and to profession, says, " Beware of false prophets," with fair appearances, but devouring hearts; mark their fruits; for by their ways " shall ye know them."
Ver. 21. " Not every one that says, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom; but he that doeth the will of my -Father." Many were mere professors in the days when He was upon earth. Many will deceive themselves in the last days, and think to enter into the kingdom; but the Lord will say, " Your works have been bad; I never knew you."
Thus the great principle was established-that no amount of gift, zeal, or profession will avail without holiness.
Ver. 24. Therefore the Lord closes with declaring that hearing and doing these sayings shall so establish the soul, and make them so firm and unshaken, that they shall be like a house built upon a rock, unaffected by the rain and tempest; but he who heareth and doeth them not, shall be like a foolish man, whose house was built upon the sand, without stability or ability to stand against the floods and winds.
What a compendium of Divine instruction! Perfect in all its parts. Beginning with the inward graces of
the soul-position in the, world-towards God and towards the world-as to moral ways and conduct-and trust and confidence in God.
Chapter 6 As to worship, and heavenly affections and hope.
Chapter 7 As to righteous self-judgment, etc.
Hitherto the Jews had known the God of Israel as "Jehovah"; now, the Son came to make known the Father; and though the disciples knew not yet what would bring them into this relationship with God, Jesus tells them God is their Father; therefore they were to be perfect as their Father was perfect; they were to do all to their Father which seeth in secret; they were to say, when they prayed, Our Father"; they were to put confidence in God as their Father; they were to ask in the knowledge of the character of their Father. The Lord will not acknowledge any who have not done the will of the Father.