Luke 12:13-14 And one of the company said to him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.… At first sight, Christ's refusal to interfere between these brothers seems astonishing. Is there not a question of justice to be decided? And who is so competent to deal with it as the Holy and Just One? I. THE REASON OF THIS STRANGE REFUSAL. It is sometimes said that Jesus Christ only seeks the eternal salvation of the soul, and does not concern Himself about other human interests. This explanation is specious, and is eagerly accepted by infidelity. But we cannot leave such a weapon in the hands of unbelief. Our Lord assigns the highest importance to the soul's redemption from sin, and yet sympathizes with human nature in its entirety. Why, then, does Christ refuse to interfere in this dispute? There are two ways of reforming men — an external one and an internal one. The first method pronounces decisions, formulates laws, changes governments, and thus settles all moral and political questions. The second seeks, before every. thing else, to renovate the heart and the will. Jesus Christ chose the latter plan. He remained steadfast to it, and this alone evinces the divinity of His mission and the permanent value of His work. Observe here one or two results. Christ's refusal determines the relation of Christianity — 1. To political questions. I believe in the profound influence of Christianity on the political destiny of nations — it can help them to become free, great, and prosperous. But on what condition can it elevate them? Like Jesus Christ, it must act in a purely spiritual manner; it must free souls; it must preach justice, holiness, love. 2. To social problems. Christ's work consists in uniting in common respect and affection those who are divided by their interests. This mission should be ours. Let us oppose selfish pride and levelling envy; let us summon all men to prayer, to humiliation and to mutual pardon and love — to that sanctuary of spiritual equality where rich and poor meet together, remembering that God has made them both. II. THE PRINCIPLE WHICH CHRIST ENUNCIATED, (E. Bersier, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.WEB: One of the multitude said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." |
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