Matthew 14:12 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. 1. In Jesus we have the true, Divine Friend of humanity, not of our circumstances, but of ourselves, who undertakes for us just what no one else can. 2. The providence which permitted the removal of John from their head was necessary to send them forward to the great Teacher. 3. When we make great ones, heroes, of the servants, we are in danger of dishonouring and keeping at a distance from the Master. 4. By this critical turn in their history, John's disciples were not only brought forward to Christ, but actually brought closer and nearer to Him than they otherwise could or would have been. They round the grace to help in time of need. 5. They learnt and did the right thing. They brought the mystery of the Divine providence to Him who alone could throw light upon 6. Of what use is it to have such a Friend unless we make use of Him? No religious means can be put in place of Ibis; we may be with Him more intimately in the spirit than His disciples in the flesh. (W. Smith.) Parallel Verses KJV: And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.WEB: His disciples came, and took the body, and buried it; and they went and told Jesus. |
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