Jesus visiting his own country.
By going thither—
I. HE GRATIFIED A HUMAN YEARNING. In a previous chapter he is reported to have asked, "Who is my mother and my brethren?" He now shows that those broad human relations he had claimed did not imply the neglect of nearer ones, or indifference to them. He sought to benefit his own people in the highest way, oven whilst he would not suffer the narrow claims of his home to interfere with the wider claims of his kingdom. Have we so interpreted home relations, patriotism, local attachment, social ties?
II. HE ILLUSTRATED AFRESH AN OLD AND FAMILIAR EXPERIENCE.
1. He was one of many, yet by himself even in this.
2. One of the greatest of griefs to a pious spirit, to be hindered from doing good and conferring benefit.
3. A greater humiliation than his human birth, because a moral one consciously experienced.
III. HE EXHIBITED DIVINE MERCY.
1. Past offenses were forgiven.
2. Although conscious of restriction because of their unbelief and indifference, he still persisted in his works of mercy.—M.
The twofold wonder awakened by the gospel.
I. IN MEN.
1. Because of contrast between the apparent origin and the Divine pretensions of Christ.
2. Because of the seeming disproportion between the results actually produced and the instruments. A curious phase this of human incredulity, as if the works did not speak for themselves! Failing the discovery of an evidently great cause, the results themselves are not credited with being what they seem to be. This is characteristic of human nature in all ages.
II. IN CHRIST. The unbelief itself, of which the human astonishment at his words and works was but the sign, was a still greater marvel to our Saviour. The believing, ingenuous soul cannot understand unbelief. And truly there is something unnatural and not to be looked for in the incredulity exhibited by men towards truth and goodness, and the proffered mercy of God.—M.
Detracting from the Divine greatness of Christ.
I. How THIS IS DONE.
1. By attributing to secondary causes Divine effects.
2. Absence of faith and spiritual sympathy.
3. By being offended at the mystery of his humiliation, either in himself or his followers.
II. WHAT IT PRODUCES.
1. Unsatisfied indecision. Perpetual questioning.
2. Hardening of heart.
3. The doubter's own loss. Not only the works of mercy he might have wrought, but the Merciful One himself, are thus forfeited.—M.