The mission of Christ.
In the last paragraph we learn how Jesus showed that works of necessity are lawful on the sabbath day. In the paragraph before us we see that works of mercy also are lawful. If under the Law the spirit of the sabbath was binding rather than the letter, how much more so under the gospel! The subject teaches us that Christ came amongst men—
I. TO VANQUISH MALIGNITY.
1. Malignity was embodied in the Pharisees.
2. Malignity is vanquished by exposure.
3. Malignity is left to its own punishment.
II. TO MAGNIFY MERCY.
1. He vindicates the spirit of the Law.
2. He sets a high value upon man.
3. He shows compassion to the Gentiles.
4. He is gentle with the frail.