Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from there, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said to him, Follow me… I. We may learn also THE NECESSITY of our immediate and cheerful obedience to the commands of God. When our Saviour called him to arise and follow Him, He (1) called him to give up a gainful profession for a life of hardship, toil, and danger. (2) To expose himself to the mockery of his former companions. (3) To the scoffs of the wise, and the (4) persecution of men in power. (5) To enter into a situation for which neither his former habits, nor, as he might plead, his general education suited him. Should we have wondered if, under such circumstances, St. Matthew had offered an excuse? II. ST. MATTHEW DID NOT ANSWER, "NOT YET, LORD, WHILE SO MANY PERSONS ARE LOOKING ON; at night I will come to Thee. Not yet, Lord, while my fortune is beginning to thrive; another year and I will give up my business." 1. He arose immediately, and followed Him. 2. With joy, as having attained the highest honour which mortal man could obtain. 3. To prove that joy he makes a great feast: calls together his brother publicans. 4. In defiance of their ridicule or wonder. III. COMPARE THIS CONDUCT WITH YOUR OWN. (Bishop Heber.) Parallel Verses KJV: And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. |
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