The man with the withered hand; or, keeping the sabbath.
In the most sacred and joyous scenes there may be circumstances of pain and sorrow. There are often some in God's house who are hindered in their enjoyment by personal affliction. But even these may be of service in testing the spirit and disposition of God's professed people.
I. IT IS IN SPIRIT ALONE THAT THE SABBATH IS TRULY KEPT,
1. Outward observances are of value only as expressing and fostering this.
2. Evil hearts will fail to keep the day even, whilst seemingly engaged in its special duties.
3. Institutions that were designed for the highest ends may be perverted to the worst.
II. WORKS OF MERCY HONOUR THE SABBATH.
1. Because they are always urgent.
2. They exercise the holiest emotions and faculties of human nature.
3. They are the service of God.
4. They may be the means of others keeping the day and serving him.
III. THE TRUE SABBATIC SPIRIT CONVICTS AND INFLAMES THE FALSE. The hatred manifested is all but incredible. Yet it was already in their hearts. They had been condemned where they thought to have been judges. False religion (Pharisees) and worldliness (Herodians) are united in their hatred of the spirit and work of Christ, because they are both exposed by him.—M.