John 11:28-30 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calls for you.… I. THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST, "The Master." Martha recognized Christ as her Teacher and Lord. This relation He bears still. All authority is given Him in heaven and earth. 1. He is the true Ruler of the world. There are many forms of government, but all are knowingly or ignorantly, willingly or unwillingly the subjects of Christ. He rules them at His pleasure. 2. He is the Ruler of His Church. His people are not their own, but His purchased possession, and He will not delegate His authority to another. (1) Secular governments have usurped this authority, and have endeavoured to rule Christ's people according to their ideas. Such have rightful authority in the world, but not in the Church. No Christian should resist it in the right sphere, but render unto Caesar, etc. But as soon as it intrudes into the spiritual sphere it is to be opposed, and God is to be obeyed rather than man. (2) Priests have usurped this authority. The Man of Rome has declared himself to be Christ's vicegerent, and Protestant popes have made similar claims. It is true that Christ's ministers have authority in the Church (Hebrews 13:17), but it is in perfect subordination to Christ. II. THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST. He came to Bethany palpably; He comes here spiritually, "Wherever two or three," etc. You would feel excited if told that Queen Victoria were here, but a greater than Victoria has come — 1. To inspect. Christ sees everything — our conduct in the world and in Church. 2. To listen to the sincere, the half-hearted, the hypocritical. 3. To bless. He has pardon for the sinful, teaching for the ignorant, strength for the weak, etc. III. THE CALL OF CHRIST. 1. To the careless sinner. 2. To the anxious inquirer. 3. The Christian, halting, idling, sad, etc. Let all respond. (J. Morgan.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. |
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