Scripture |
Expanded Comments | Additional Comments |
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1 And it came to pass, in due course, that he was passing through, city by city and village by village, proclaiming, and delivering the glad-message of the kingdom of God,–and, the twelve, were with him; |
Glad tidings – Thus far, only to God's servants; but it shall be to all. R5370:3
The same good tidings that were heralded by the angels at Jesus' birth. R5370:3
Of the kingdom of God – This is the key to all the preaching that Jesus did; his one message was the good tidings of the Kingdom of God. R5370:2
Not only was the Kingdom the topic with which the Lord began his public ministry, but it was really the main topic of all his preaching, other subjects being mentioned merely in connection with, or in explanation of, this one subject. A274
The very center and essence of the hope of the Church and the world. R5370:3
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2 and certain women, who had been cured from evil spirits and infirmities,–Mary, the one called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone forth, |
Mary – Apparently a woman of wealth. R5370:6, 2797:5
Called Magdalene – Not the same woman who washed and anointed our Lord's feet in the house of the Pharisee. ( Luke 7:37) R2797:5
Signifying that this Mary was of, or from, Magdala, a town on the sea of Galilee. R2797:5
Went seven devils – The poor woman was in the condition which many are who are in insane asylums. Her trouble was not organic, but caused by the harassing of the seven fallen angels who had taken possession of her. R5370:6
Being set free from their control, she became a very loyal servant of the Lord. R2173:3
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3 and Joana, wife of Chuza steward of Herod, and Susanna, and many others,–who indeed were ministering unto them out of their possessions. |
The wife of Chuza – Some suppose Chuza to be the nobleman of John 4:46 who traveled 25 miles from Capernaum to Cana to appeal to Jesus for the healing of his son, who was at the point of death. R4132:6
Herod's steward – Or chamberlain, the king's officer. R4132:6
Ministered unto him – Voluntarily contributing to the Master's support. R5552:1
The moneys contributed were given to Jesus, and not to the disciples. He voluntarily shared with them. R3257:2
The disciples evidently never lacked, though it is equally evident that they never solicited alms. F286
We have no suggestion that he ever took up a collection or in any manner solicited money. Many think that this is a suggestion that the followers of Christ should likewise make no appeals for money, but merely use of their own substance and such other moneys as shall voluntarily be given unto them. R5370:3
Such voluntary donations made it proper that there should be a common treasurer for the company, and that he should be of superior business acumen. R5552:1
His seamless robe, so beautifully representing his own personal perfection, had probably been a gift from one of these noble women. R2316:1
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4 And, seeing that a great multitude were coming together, and they who from every city were journeying forth unto him, he spake through means of a parable:– |
Much people were gathered – As the fame of Jesus increased his opposition became more and more pronounced; especially from the chief priests, scribes and Pharisees, as they were brought into competition and unfavorable comparison with him as public teachers. R1735:3
Many of them illustrated truths not revealed at that time, and hence not understood. R1742:1
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5 The sower went forth to sow his seed,–and, as he sowed, some, indeed, fell beside the pathway, and was trodden down; and, the birds of heaven, devoured it. |
A sower – It is never said, "The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a sower." There was no Church of Christ, or Kingdom of heaven, until the day of Pentecost. R97:3*
The work of sowing the word was to prepare them for a place in the Kingdom. Thus this parable prepares the way for that of the wheat and tares. This deals with the individual, the other with the Church collectively. R97:4*
Sow – First the Jewish wheatfield, then that of Christendom, and not in heathendom where the Word has never gone. R3764:3
By the way side – The fields of Palestine are not fenced and the paths of travel frequently cross them. R3763:2
Trodden down – By life's experiences. R3764:3
And the fowls – Representing Satan and his agents. R2634:6
The birds of Palestine are so numerous as to be one of the farmer's chief pests. R3763:2
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6 And, other, fell down upon the rock; and, growing, was withered, because it had not moisture. |
Upon a rock – Palestine abounds with limestone, which renders the soil very rich but, when shallow, very hot. R3763:2
It withered away – Under the hot sun of persecution. R5650:5, 4910:5
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7 And, other, fell and thorns; and, growing together, the thorns, choked it. |
Among thorns – There are fifty kinds of thorny plants in Palestine, and the thistles sometimes grow to a height of 15 feet. R3763:2
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8 And, other, fell into good ground; and, growing, brought forth fruit, a hundredfold. These things, saying, he went on to cry aloud–He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. |
An hundredfold – A single grain of barley has been known to produce a fruitage of 276 grains. R3763:2
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9 But his disciples began to question him–What might, this very, parable be? |
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10 And, he, said–Unto you, hath it been given, to get to know the sacred secrets of the kingdom of God; but, unto the rest, in parables,–in order that, seeing, they may not see, and, hearing, they may not understand. |
Unto you – The Little Flock, the faithful, the saints. NS524:2
So constituted through acceptance of Christ, consecration to him, and begetting of the holy Spirit. NS598:1
The meek, honest and faithful of God's people only--in God's due time and way. D614
Not only to the disciples of that day, but to the disciples all through the age. R1742:1
The wise who will understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of the Melchizedek Priesthood are not the worldly-wise or great; they are chiefly the poor of this world, rich in faith. SM13:2
Truth is not intended for all. SM109:2
Not for the blind, not for the deaf, but for those "blessed," favored ones who have eyes and ears. R2414:5
"Blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear." (Matt. 13:16) SM109:2
It is given to know – At the first advent, the humble Israelites indeed were not confused, but enlightened; and the same is true now in the second advent. D599
Passing from grace to grace, and from knowledge to knowledge. SM14:2
Our Lord thus indicated that his disciples should have been able to interpret this parable, because of their knowledge of the truth it was designed to illustrate. R1742:1
While "given," it is not given indiscriminately; it is given only to those of certain character. R4444:6
Those wholly consecrated now, and gladly following the "Lamb whithersoever he goeth" (Rev. 14:4), know that their Master will continue to give them meat in due season (Matt. 13:52), both in things new and old, as they are able to bear it. (John 16:12) R1151:1*
The mysteries – Even partially. R1149:1*
"The Mystery hidden from past ages and dispensations, but now revealed unto the saints." (Col. 1:26) SM246:T
The Mystery is this: that God's purpose from the first was that the great Deliverer should be not only the Lord Jesus, but should include also the elect Little Flock of this Gospel age. SM246:T
It is proper that the saints should know this Mystery, for now the strength which this knowledge would give will be of special value in their combat with the special trials and difficulties immediately before them. SM246:T
The Pentecostal blessing, evidencing our forgiveness, has reached every member of the consecrated class to enlighten the eyes of our understanding and to enable us to see the deep things of God and his gracious promises. R3590:6
We may tell of these mysteries, knowing that none will be able to comprehend thoroughly all of these mysteries except such as have taken several degrees in the Order of the Melchizedek Priesthood. SM14:2
Parables, which illustrated truths, can only be seen as the truths they illustrate become manifest. R1742:4
"Ye, brethren, are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief." (1 Thess. 5:4) C215
Israelites indeed, learn precept upon precept, line upon line. (Isa. 28:9, 10) SM109:2
The permission of evil was not understood until the Gospel age, and more fully in this harvest period; but only by the spirit-begotten. R1506:1
But to others – All not members of the inner circle of Israelites indeed. NS632:3; SM109:2
Not disciples. R72:2
The masses of Christendom. NS307:2
"Them that are without"--outside the pale of the believing disciples, which included the whole nation of Israel except a small "remnant." R1742:4
We need not be afraid of giving away the secrets of the Lord. SM246:T
In parables – Not understood by the people who heard them, and which seem to be but little better comprehended today. HG394:6
Because they are not in the right attitude of heart to properly profit by the knowledge. NS524:2
Dark sayings. D614
It was not because of Israelitish stupidity that they did not perceive the antitypes, not because of superiority of acumen that we see them now and they do not. NS598:1
So that they might fail to perceive the blessings of which they were proving themselves unworthy. R1742:4
Jesus taught a punishment and trouble now and in the future for the wicked, but it was always by parable. R1151:1*; A128
That seeing – They had indeed the natural sight and the natural hearing, but they lacked the mental sight and hearing. R2414:4
They might not see – So hard for the Jew to understand, and equally impossible for the natural man of the Gentiles to comprehend. R3590:6
Our Lord spake in this dark manner with the very intention that the majority might not understand. NS307:2
Natural men and not new creatures, never begotten of the holy Spirit, cannot see and understand spiritual things. R3328:4
Might not understand – Even if we tell it, all cannot hear. SM246:T
"I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you." (Acts 13:41) NS632:3
The parables and teachings were not uttered with the intention of making the blind see and the deaf hear, but purposely so that the deaf might not hear, and so that the blind might not see. R2414:4
Even now the dark sayings of our Lord are not understood except by his footstep followers. A128; D614; R2414:4, 1149:1*; SM109:2
Parables can be understood only as the truths they illustrate become manifest. R1742:4
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11 Now the parable, is this–The seed, is, the word of God. |
The word of God – The good seed represents the message of the Kingdom, not a truth about the philosophies of men, or some scientific truth. R5736:5
Even as false teaching, human philosophies and doctrines of devils are not wheat-seed, but tare-seed. R2627:3
Matthew says, "the word of the kingdom." Our Lord, no doubt, used both expressions. R2628:5
The entire revelation which God has made to us--the Bible. R3764:1, 2627:3
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12 And, those beside the pathway, are they who have heard; afterwards, cometh the adversary, and catcheth away the word from their heart, lest, believing, they should, be saved. |
By the way side – Hardened by prosperity, needing the plowshare of trouble. R3764:3
Their hearts being solid and compact with selfishness; not bad people, but unsuited to the Lord's present work and call. R2627:3
They that hear – But into whose hearts it did not enter at all. They simply heard with the outer ear and forgot. It made no impression. R5736:2
Cometh the devil – We have so much more to contend with than the weaknesses of our own flesh and the imperfections of fellow men. F609
Whose very existence is denied by many. F609
Taketh away the word – Stealing away from them every element of truth they once had seen. R3764:3
The Adversary would always, if possible, prevent the seed from entering the heart and taking root. R5736:2
Out of their hearts – In this parable the field of operation is the heart of each individual, while in the wheat and the tares the field is the world. (Matt. 13:38) R97:2*
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13 And, those upon the rock, are they who, as soon as they hear, with joy, welcome the word; and, these, not having, root, are they who, for a season, believe,–and, in a season of testing, draw back.
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They on the rock – Having a veneer of outward grace but at heart a character of selfishness. R2627:5
Receive the word – At first give evidence of great fruitfulness and vigor. R2791:2, 5650:5, 4910:4, 3764:4
With joy – At first very much enthused, but they lack depth of character. They will not bring forth the fruitage, for they have not sufficient depth for rooting. They are shallow. R5736:2
Have no root – They lack depth of character. R5736:2, 5650:5, 3764:4, 2627:5
In time of temptation – As soon as they find out that the truth is not popular, they foresee persecution or social ostracism; then their ardor cools and their interest in the harvest message wanes and gradually dies out. R5736:2
Fall away – Not endure. R4910:5, 2791:2
Wither under the sun of persecution. R4910:4, 5736:2, 2791:2, 3764:4, 5650:5
Such cannot be of the Kingdom class. R2791:2, 4910:5, 2627:6
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14 And, that which in among the thorns fell, these, are they who have heard; and, by anxieties and wealth and pleasures of life being borne along, are choked up, and bear not to perfection. |
Among thorns – Good ground, with fine prospects for developing the fruits of the holy Spirit, but it is infested with thorns--not frivolous pleasures, theater, cards, dancing, etc., but the cares and ambitions of life, the deceitfulness of riches. R5736:3
Earthly projects and ambitions whose interests conflict with the interests of the Kingdom. R3764:5
In Palestine these thorns or thistles grow in the very best kind of soil. R2627:6
Are they – They may be good business men, fine politicians, or immersed in some kind of study. Others may be fine housekeepers, having a pride in how well things are kept, or they may be leaders in society or in works of reform. R5736:3
And are choked – The ground, while good, is otherwise occupied, and the message of the Kingdom and its work are crowded out to a large degree, so that no fruit is brought to perfection. R5736:3
Riches – There are but few of the Lord's people that can be trusted with riches. R2520:2
And bring no fruit – "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." ( Luke 16:13) We cannot bring forth both thorns and wheat. R3764:5
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15 But, that in the good ground, these, are they who, indeed, in a noble and good heart having heard the word, hold fast, and bear fruit with endurance. |
But that – The truth is represented by the seed, and the individuals are also represented by the seed. A grain of truth is planted in an honest heart and it produces a character which is in harmony with that truth. R5736:5
On the good ground – This condition represents entire consecration to God. Everything which would hinder has been cast out. The cares of this life are not permitted to enter this heart and choke the word. R5736:3
Honest and good heart – Proper quality or depth of character, honesty being the most important feature of all. R5736:3,5
Keep it – His words should lead to self-examination, as not the hearers only, but the doers of the Word, are acceptable with God. R1741:3
Bring forth fruit – Those of this class grow daily in knowledge, in love, and are building one another up in the most holy faith. R5737:1
Their very best, according to circumstances, conditions and ability. R5736:5
To the very largest degree of our possibilities, surroundings and opportunities. R3765:4
Which will be measured by the degree of our zeal and our love for the Lord. R2628:4
With patience – The Greek word hypomonee has a deeper and fuller significance than attaches to the English word. It signifies rather constancy--the thought of being an endurance of evil in a cheerful, willing, patient manner. R2971:1, 4910:4, 3584:3
Patient endurance follows after the receiving and sprouting of the seed, and is necessary in order that the fruit may be developed and thoroughly ripened. R5650:5, 4910:5, 2791:2
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16 And, no one having lit a lamp, covereth it up with a vessel, or, beneath a couch, putteth it; but, upon a lamp-stand, putteth it, that, they who come in, may see the light. |
Lighted a candle – "Ye are the light of the world." (Matt. 5:14) E293; R3243:2, 2036:3
A measure of light in the world, emanating from our dear Redeemer, and still shining forth from all those who are truly his. R3686:2, 5769:5
It is "the light that is in you," a light of faith, hope and love ignited in the heart. R3686:2
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17 For there is no secret, which shall not be made, manifest; neither a hidden thing, which shall in anywise not be made known, or not come, where it can be seen. |
Nothing is secret – Faithfulness consists in a proper and diligent use of our gifts in harmony with the divine purpose and methods; and both the Lord and the Apostle point to a day of reckoning when the secret things will be brought to light. R1972:3
The day of his presence will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and make manifest the secret counsels of the heart. (1 Cor. 4:5) R2979:6
That shall not – In the Millennial age. A303
Be made manifest – A testimony dreaded but disbelieved by unjust stewards of wealth and power. C20
The murderer will be faced by his victim, the debtor by his creditor, the thief by his dupe, the defamer by the one defamed. R1655:1
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18 Be taking heed therefore how ye hear; for, whosoever shall have, it shall be given unto him; and, whosoever shall not have, even what he seemeth to have, shall be taken from him. |
Take heed – Divine truth, coming to us through the appointed channel of God's Word, comes with a moral and logical power, proving its authority and enforcing it with an emphasis which carries warning with it. R2057:3*
How ye hear – See that your heart is in a right condition to receive the truth. R2627:3
For whosoever hath – Hath used. R2496:6
Whosoever hath not – Hath not used. R2496:6
That which he seemeth to have – The flood is sweeping away what little faith nominal Christians have. R2142:5*
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19 And his mother and brethren came near unto him, and were unable to reach him, because of the multitude. |
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20 And it was reported to him–Thy mother and thy brethren, are standing outside, desiring, to see, thee. |
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21 But, he, answering, said unto them–My mother and my brethren, are, these–they who, the word of God, are hearing and doing. |
And my brethren – In my new family, the "household of faith." (Gal. 6:10) F589
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22 And it came to pass, on one of the days, that, he, entered into a boat, and his disciples; and he said unto them–Let us pass over unto the other side of the lake. And they set sail. |
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23 Now, as they were sailing, he fell asleep. And there came down a hurricane of wind upon the lake, and they began to be filled, and to be in peril. |
He fell asleep – Evidently thoroughly exhausted with the labors of his journey and ministry. R3324:3
Came down a storm – Picturing the experiences of the Church during the Gospel age, tempest-tossed by the Adversary. R3325:1
Of wind – The Sea of Galilee is quite subject to such wind storms. R3324:2
This storm may have been supernatural and of the Adversary. R3324:4
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24 And, coming near, they roused him up, saying–Master! Master! we perish! And, he, roused up, rebuked the wind, and the surging of the water; and they ceased, and it became a calm. |
Awoke him – Tired, weary and asleep. R1063:2*
Raging of the water – Symbolizing the restless, anarchistic masses. A318
There was a calm – "Peace be still" (Mark 4:39)--after the time of trouble. R3325:4, 5058:3,6
Waters lashed to a fury cannot thus be quickly calmed except by a miracle. R3324:4
Yet he refused to miraculously deliver himself from his captors in Gethsemane. F650
"He maketh the storm a calm." (Psa. 107:29) R3324:1
Whoever can, by faith, take hold upon the Lord will find a great peace and calm come into his heart and affairs. R5058:6
Picturing the world's great rest from the evil one for a thousand years. R3325:4
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25 And he said unto them–Where was your faith? But, struck with fear, they marveled, saying one to another–Who then is, this,–that, even unto the winds, he giveth orders, and unto the water, and they hearken unto him. |
Where is your faith? – When the adversary brings a whirlwind of temptation, opposition or persecution, with waves of adversity or affliction, and the Lord seems heedless, our faith is being tested. R3324:6
We today, by faith, are able to see the Lord with us in the ship, about to speak peace to the world. R3325:4
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26 And they sailed down into the country of the Gerasenes, the which is over against Galilee. |
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27 And, when he went forth upon the land, there met him a certain man, out of the city, having demons; and, for a considerable time, he had put on no garment, and, in a house, would not abide, but among the tombs. |
Which had devils – Apparently the human will must consent before these evil spirits have power to take possession. But when they do take possession apparently the will power is so broken down that the individual is almost helpless to resist their presence, even though he so desires. R2173:3
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28 But, seeing Jesus, he cried out aloud, and fell down before him, and, with a loud voice, said–What have I in common with thee, O Jesus, Son of [God] the Most High? I beg of thee–Do not torment me!– |
Torment me not – Implying that an interference with their tormenting of mankind would be an injury to their rights. Similarly today, some men claim that their rights are interfered with when they are stopped from pillaging and injuring their fellow-creatures. R3772:2
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29 for he was about to charge the impure spirit to come out from the man. For, many times, had it snatched him away; and he used to be bound with chains and fetters, for a safe-guard, and was wont to break in pieces the bonds, and to be driven by the demon into the deserts. |
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30 And Jesus questioned him–What name hast thou? And, he, said–Legion! because many demons had entered into him. |
Many devils – The tendency of fallen spirits to congregate in one person indicates the desire they have still to exercise the power originally given them--namely, the power to materialize as men. R2173:3
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31 And they were beseeching him that he would not order them, into the abyss, to depart. |
Out into the deep – Into the abyss, the second death, utter destruction. R3772:4
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32 Now there was there, a herd of a good many swine, feeding in the mountain; and they besought him, that he would suffer them, into those, to enter; and he suffered them. |
Herd of many swine – Unclean to the Jew, and unlawful for them to eat. R2173:3
And they – Not attempting to palm themselves off as spirits of deceased human beings. F626
Assuredly these were persons and not merely a disease of the man's mind. R3772:5
Besought him – Evidently fallen angels cannot impose themselves upon even the dumb animals until given some sort of permission. R2173:3
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33 And the demons, going forth from the man entered into the swine; and the herd rushed down the cliff, into the lake, and were choked. |
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34 And they who had been feeding them, seeing what had happened, fled, and carried tidings into the city, and into the country-places. |
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35 And they went forth to see what had happened; and came unto Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone forth, sitting, clothed, and of sound mind, near the feet of Jesus,–and they were struck with fear. |
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36 And they who had seen it, reported unto them, how the demonized man was saved. |
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37 And one and all of the throng of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes, requested him, to depart from them; because, with a great fear, were they oppressed. And, he, entering into a boat, returned. |
Depart from them – Wherever the true Gospel goes its effect is to cause uproar and confusion in the kingdom of darkness. R1633:3
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38 And the man from whom the demons had gone forth, began to beg of him, that he might be with him; but he dismissed him, saying– |
Might be with him – "Unto you which believe he is precious." (1 Pet. 2:7) R3773:2
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39 Be returning unto thy house, and telling forth what great things, God, for thee, hath done. And he departed, through all the city, proclaiming what great things, Jesus, had done for him. |
Had done unto him – Our Lord's journey on that occasion seems to have resulted in the conversion of but one person, the demonic, who then became the Lord's mouthpiece there. R3773:4
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40 Now, when Jesus returned, the multitude welcomed him back, for they were all expecting him. |
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41 And lo! there came a man, whose name was Jairus, and, the same, was, a ruler of the synagogue,–and, falling down near the feet of Jesus, he began beseeching him to enter into his house; |
He fell down – Figuratively expressing his homage, obedience and faith. R4588:5
Besought him – Here the faith was exercised by another on behalf of the patient, who, being dead, had no ability to exercise faith. R1939:2
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42 because he had, an only-begotten daughter, about twelve years old, and, she, was dying. Now, as he withdrew, the multitudes, were hemming him in. |
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43 And, a woman, with a flow of blood of twelve years standing, who indeed could, from no one, be cured, |
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44 coming near behind, touched the fringe of his mantle; and, instantly, was stayed the flow of her blood. |
Touched...his garment – Believing in his greatness and power, she immediately felt the thrill of life and strength in her body like an electric current. R4588:6
Who touched me? – Our Lord was full of vital energy, and felt the loss of it as electricity is drawn from a battery. R4588:6
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45 And Jesus said–Who, is it that touched me? And, when all were denying, Peter said–Master! the multitudes, are hemming thee in, and pressing along. |
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46 But, Jesus, said–Some one touched me, for, I, took note of power, gone out from me. |
I perceive – He felt the consequent weakness. R1359:4
Virtue is gone out – Since he could not suffer pain and sickness because of sin, he was placed among sinners, where their weaknesses and pains bore down upon him--he "himself took our infirmities and bare our sickness." (Matt. 8:17; Isa. 53:4,5) R2000:1
Every cure performed by Jesus served to exhaust his very life forces, yet he gave himself--spent his life in acts of love and kindness to poor, fallen humanity. R105:4
Jesus experienced the woes and sufferings of humanity without sharing in the imperfections and sins. R454:3
He impoverished himself to bless others. R1735:4
It is daily more recognized among scientific men that some persons possess greater vitality than others, and can communicate it to others who have less, though such are liable to feel for a time the weakness which is cured in the weaker one. R574:4
Power, vitality, strength, healing vigor. R574:4, 4588:6, 2000:1, 454:3, 105:4
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47 And, the woman seeing that she had not escaped notice, trembling, came, and, falling down before him, reported before all the people, for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed instantly! |
She came trembling – Fearful she had stolen a blessing of which she felt unworthy. R4588:6
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48 And, he, said to her–Daughter! thy faith, hath saved thee: Go thy way into peace. |
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49 While yet he is speaking, there cometh one from the synagogue ruler's, saying–Thy daughter, is dead: No further, be troubling the teacher. |
Trouble not – Their faith in the power of Jesus was a very weak faith. When they saw the child was dead all hope departed. They had considerable faith in Christ, but they did not believe that his power extended to the raising of the dead. R1939:2
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50 But, Jesus, hearing, answered him–Do not fear! Only believe, and she shall be saved. |
Shall be made whole – Merely an awakening; nowhere styled resurrection. R5578:3; OV352:1
Not in heaven, purgatory, or hell. R5611:5
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51 And, when he came into the house, he suffered no one to enter with him, save Peter and John and James, and the father of the girl, and the mother. |
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52 And they were all weeping, and beating themselves, for her. And he said–Be not weeping; for she died not, but is sleeping. |
But sleepeth – As in the case of Lazarus, our Lord here referred to death as a sleep, in view of the fact of the resurrection. R1939:4
All the dead are to be reckoned as sleeping, waiting for his return and his exaltation with his elect bride in glory. R2197:6
The second death, from which there shall be no resurrection, is never called "sleep" in the Bible. R1939:4
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53 And they were deriding him, knowing that she died. |
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54 But, he, grasping her hand, called aloud, saying–O girl! arise! |
He put them all out – Because they manifested their lack of faith. While he rewarded their faith, weak though it was, he reproved them also. R1939:4
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55 And her spirit returned, and she rose up instantly, and he ordered that something should be given her to eat. |
Her spirit came again – Simply signifying, "And her breath returned," and is so rendered in the Diaglott. The Greek word pneuma, translated "spirit" in the Common Version, signifies breath, wind, or the spirit or breath of life. R1939:4
And she arose – Thus the Lord rewarded even the weak in faith, and gave them additional and overwhelming evidence to strengthen and establish their faith. R1939:4
Did not come back from heaven or hell, and was not resurrected, but was merely awakened out of the sleep of death. Christ was "the first fruits of them that slept" (1 Cor. 15:20), "the first that should rise from the dead." (Acts 26:23) R2618:2,4; OV352:1
Foreshadowing or illustrating the resurrection. R4603:4
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56 And her parents were beside themselves. But, he, charged them to tell, no one, what had happened. |
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