A greater contrast could not be imagined. In like manner, in His third division Christ declared that so far from it being His mission to overthrow the ancient order and introduce radical changes, He came not to destroy the Law but to fulfil it. The Jews expected in their Messiah a temporal prince, and the happiness they anticipated under His sceptre was merely a high degree of worldly prosperity, to enjoy an abundance of riches, honours and pleasures. Now it should be pointed out that the false notions generally entertained by the Jews respecting the Messiah s kingdom originated in principles which are common to unregenerate human nature. Hence it is that the teachings of Christ in this sermon are pertinent to all men in every age.
Human nature is the same everywhere.
The citizens of this world have ever devoted the greater part of their time and energy to procuring and accumulating something which they may call their own, and in setting their hearts steadfastly upon the same rather than upon God. The order of Truth followed by Christ in Matthew 6 is very striking and blessed, and needs to be carefully heeded by us. It is of vital importance that we attend to this order, for it is only as we duly maintain communion with God in the secret place that we are equipped and enabled for the trials of the way as we journey toward the heavenly Canaan. Unless our hearts be firmly set upon the Promised Land, they will turn back to Egypt and lust after its flesh-pots. Lay not up for ourselves treasures upon earth.