Matthew 8:11-12 And I say to you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob… I. THAT THE NUMBER OF THE SAVED SHALL BE GREAT. "Many." Might expect the contrary from aspect of society. God has secret servants. II. THAT THE LARGE COMPANY SHALL BE MADE UP OF MEN FROM ALL NATIONS. "From the east and west." III. THAT ALL THESE PERSONS SHALL BE UNITED IN HEAVEN IN SOCIETY. "Sit down together." The happiness of heaven will not be solitary; it will not be without union. IV. THIS CHANGE TAKES PLACE IN HEAVEN. Must not take earthly conceptions of this celestial state; it is a state connected with God. V. WE MAY INFER SOMETHING WITH REGARD TO THE NATURE AND COMPLETENESS OF THE HAPPINESS THAT WILL BE ENJOYED BY THE SAINTS IN GLORY, 1. Rest. "They shall sit down." 2. Sovereignty. They shall sit on thrones as kings. (J. W. Cunningham, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. |