The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1910-04-26

PLACE.--Near Capernaum.
EXPOSITION.--I. The Son OF
Man is Lord of the Sabbath, is. We
have here one of the many indications
of the poverty of the disciples and the
simplicity of their lives. More amos
tolic simplicity in our lives would be
conducive of more apostolic tenacity
in our faith, and apostolic fervor and
power in our preaching, and apostolic
efficacy in our prayers. The critics
always find something to complain
about, even in Gods Son and Gods
Word In this case they had a good
SHOW OF reason on their side The
action OF Christ's disciples seemed
like violation of at leass the letter
OF the fourth commandment (Deut.
5:14; Ex. 31:15). Yet the criticism
OF the Pharisees, though apparently
SO scriptural, was after all founded
upon an incomplete knowledge of the
Scriptures. Jesus answered them
from Scripture. He brought a COM
plete view of Scripture against one
sided view of Scripture, view of the
teaching of the Bible as a whole
against a view built upon isolated
passages. He showed by the Scrip
ture themselves: First, that ceremon-
ial prescriptions must give way before
the needs of man, which they we're
ordained to subserve. In illustration
Of this Jesus brings forward the case
OF David. Second, that the demands
OF Temple service were superior to
the prescriptions of the general law.
He Himself was greater than the tenn
pie, being the oneIin whom God really
tabernacled (Jnoy7:14, r. ". Marg. }.
and of whom the temple was only the
type. The Sabbath law must therefore
give way before the necessities of
Christian service. Third, that mercy
was more than sacrifice, and SO cere-
monial demands must give way before
the demands of mercy and compass
sion. This is profound principle
the full significance of which many
in the church have not learned even
yet. The Pharisees did not UNDER
stand it, and so condemned the guilt
less. Fourth. that the Sabbath was
made for man (cf. Nix. 2:27, 2S), and
therefore the Son of Man. the con-
summation and head of the race.
was Lord even of the Sabbath. This
last principle was one the scope of
which was not fully comprehended
until after His death and resurrection.
AS Lord of the Sabbath Jesus has en-
tirely abrogated the seventh day Sab
bath, which was shadow of things to
come, and which belonged distinctly
to the old creation. So now we have
no right to judge any one in respect
to the Sabbath day (Col 2:16, 17).
AS Christians belonging to the new
creation risen with Christ (Col.
BID, we keep the Lords Day Grew
1:1O), the first day of the week (Acts
20:D, Resurrection Day. Let those
who are under the law keep the sew
enth day; let those who are under
grace keep the first Goal. 3:10).
ii. ut is Lawful to DO Good On
the Sabbath Day. 9.14. Even after
His conflict with the Pharisees Jesus
went to the synagogue. 1t was His
custom to frequent the syna gogue on
the Sabbath (cf Lu. 4:16). Here an
other conflict awaited Him. 1t was
introduced by the question, "Is it law
full to heal on the Sabbath day?"
The question was not asked from ar
honest desire for information, but to
get material for an accusation. But
the question was important and re-
ceived an honest and deeply signifi-
cant answer, 1T is lawful to do good
on the Sabbath day. Or. W. Mercy
and love are more than ceremonies.
even though those ceremonies be of
divine appointment. God will have
mercy and not sacrifice. Love is the
divinest thing in the universe q Jno.
1886 therefore the demands Of di-
vinely appointed ceremonies must
give way before the activities and ext
gencies of love, which is itself divine.
Lower law must yield to higher law.
The Pharisees themselves acted upon
this principle when it concerned
sheep, but not when it concerned men.
They had not learned that a man is
of much more value than a sheep A
good many haven't learned it yet.
The Pharisees had no pity for the
poor fellow with the withered hand;
all they saw in his misery was a
chance to entrap Christ They were
very religious, great sticklers for the
letter, but withered in heart. There
are many such to-day. Jesus was am
CRY at them and grieved at the hard
ening of their hearts (Mk. 3:5). He
is Just the same to-day. The Phari-
sees attended to the minute and neg
lected the mammoth (Matt. 23:23).
For the Pharisees of all ages l Cor.
IS is especially adapted. Jesus did
nothing, He simply spoke the word
of power so His enemies were COM
pletely baffled. They could not ac-
cuse Him of working on the Sabbath
day; for if there was any work done
God Himself must have done it. Je-
sus had simply spoken, and that was
not contrary even to the Pharaisaic
Interpretation of the Sabbath law.
But though the Pharisees were ST
fenced they were not satisfied. They
went out and took counsel how they
might destrop Him. The method Of
the cure was deeply significant. He
commanded the man to do what quite
likely it was naturally impossible for
him to do. but with the will to obey
came the power to act. Jesus Christ
often commands the impossible, but
if we will just believe Him He will
give the power to do the impossible
INK. 9.23). The command was sim
ply test of faith The man acted his
faith and the deed was done, the hand
was restored whole. 1t Is beautiful
illustration of what faith is, simply
stepping out on Christ's word.