The Great Commentary (Mossman/Cobb English)

Make them sit down by fifties in a company , xX/f/ac, i.e in companies, in ranks or rows. Syriac

For whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He shall come in His own glory , and in His Father’s , and of the holy angels , i.e. at the day of judgment, when He shall sit as judge in the valley of Jehoshaphat, and in the presence of all, both men and angels, reward the just, and punish the evildoers. Whosoever shall be ashamed of Me. Whosoever, from false shame or from fear of others, shall deny his faith in Me or refuse to obey My commandments, or fear the reproach of the Cross and a crucified Saviour, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, Le. him will Christ pass over, and make of no account when He comes in that glory which He has acquired by the humiliation of His passion. For the Cross of Christ seemed to many a shame and a reproach, for Christ crucified was “unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness,” 1 Cor. L 23. Many, therefore, from shame or fear, did not dare to profess their belief in the Cross, much less to preach Christ crucified. In opposition to whom S. Paul boldly declares, “ I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek,” Rom. i. 16. So the monk Martyrius took Christ, who appeared to Him as a wearied leper, upon his shoulders, and carried Him to the monastery, but felt not the weight of his burden, for the burden he was carrying supported him. There Christ assumed His own proper form, and ascending to heaven said, “ As thou, Martyrius, wast not ashamed of Me on earth, I will not be ashamed of thee in heaven.” S. Gregory (horn. 39), also, explaining this passage of & Luke, Digitized by Google THE TRANSFIGURATION. 233 writes, “ Each one should ask himself, in order to test the reality of his confession of Christ, not whether he is ashamed of the name of the Redeemer, but rather whether by strength of purpose he has subdued all false feelings of earthly shame. In time of persecution believers might have had cause for shame at the treatment to which they were subjected ; but now that persecutions are past, there is another aspect of the matter to which we should give heed. We shrink often from being lightly esteemed, and from being evilly spoken of by our fellow men, and in case of a dispute with our neighbour, we are ashamed to be the first to make amends. Because the carnal heart, seeking this world’s glory, refuses the grace of humility and further on he gives the remedy for this false shame. “ Let human pride be confounded, and let evtfry man be ashamed, if he be not the first to seek to make amends to his neighbour ; since, after we have done amiss, God by His ministers beseeches us to be reconciled to Him, whom we have offended.”

Glistering, i^aer^dvruv, i.e. like lightning glittering and emitting flashes of light, for the raiment of Christ shone from the glory of His altered countenance

But Peter and they that were with Him were heavy with sleep. S. Chrysostom takes sleep to mean amazement. But we may rather accept the words simply as describing the natural sleep which had fallen on the Apostles after the fatigue of their journey and watchings, from which they were awakened by the brightness of the transfiguration. See S. Matt. xvii. 1

And John answered and said , Master , we saw one easting out devils in Thy name ; and we forbad himy because he followed not with us , i.e. because he was not Thy disciple. For he thought that only the Apostles, to whom that power was given, were permitted to do this. Cyril and S. Ambrose remark, “ He thinks that he who does not render obedience, should not enjoy the benefit arising therefrom.” S. John asks the question, because from his love he was the more zealous for his Master’s honour

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. They were taught that no one was to be hindered from the exercise of such powers of doing good as he possessed, but rather to be encouraged to seek to increase them. Gloss. God rewards the strong, but does not reject the weak. S. Ambrose. For, saith Theophylact, the grace of God operates even by means of the unworthy who are not disciples of Christ : like as men are made holy by priests who are not holy themselves. Hence Bede remarks, In the case of heretics, it is not their sacraments, which they hold in common with us, but their divisions, so contrary to the truth and peace, which we ought to detest and strive to amend. See S. Mark ix. 37

And it came to pass when the time was come (i.e. was drawing nigh) that He should be received up. The time when, after having fulfilled His earthly ministry, He was to return again to the Father. The day foreordained of God when He was to be taken up into heaven. Euthymius. Up to this time Christ had, for two years and a half, been preaching the Gospel everywhere, but chiefly in the towns and villages of Galilee. Digitized by Google The stedfasT resolution of jesus. *35 There yet remained to Him six months of life. He therefore now set forth to preach more particularly to the inhabitants of the holy city and Judaea, in order to prepare for His passion in Jerusalem and resurrection from the dead. S. Luke therefore implies that hitherto he had written of those things which Christ had done in Galilee, but was henceforward about to tell of what was done in Judaea. He stedfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem . With a firm and undismayed mind. Bede. Christ turned not aside, as timid and hesitating people are wont to do, but went direct to Jerusalem, eager for the dread encounter. Titus, Theophylact, and others. For,” says Jerome, “He who of His own will was hastening to His passion, needed both fortitude and firmness.” Thus it behoves us also to nerve our hearts, after the example of the martyrs, to endure hardship, like the lions described by Pliny, who tells us that, “when a lioness fights for her young, she keeps her eyes fixed on the ground, that she may not be terrified by the sight of the hunters.” S. Mark adds, x. 32, “and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed ; ” because they saw Him cheerfully and with a good courage going up to suffer and to die, and “as they followed, they were afraid ” lest they might be called upon to die with Him. It seems clear, as I have said in my chronological table, that this journey of Christ from Galilee to Judaea, is the same as that mentioned by S. Matt. xix. 1 ; by S. Mark x. 32; and S. John vil 2 and 14. From the latter Evangelist it is apparent that the journey was undertaken at the time of the feast of tabernacles, which falls in the September of our year, and since Christ suffered in the following March, it follows that the events here recorded happened about six months before the crucifixion. It is also evident, from what is recorded by S. Luke in the subsequent chapters, that during this period Christ often went to Jerusalem, and returned thence through Judaea, preaching and working miracles, as He had before done in Galilee ; but we must bear in mind that S. Luke at times interrupts Digitized by Google 23 6 his narrative to recapitulate certain things which had happened before our Lord had come to Judaea. Jansenius, Francis Lucas, and others. On the other hand, Maldonatus places this journey a year before the death of our Lord, and is of opinion that Christ returned again to Galilee, and only went up to Jerusalem to suffer and to die. But this explanation does not agree with the words of the fifty-first verse, " when the time was come that He should be received up ” — words which would not have been written if the time had been a year distant

And sent messengers before His face: and they went , and entered into a village oj the Samaritans , to make ready for Him , to prepare food and lodging for Him and His companions, the twelve Apostles and the holy women who had followed Him out of Galilee. See chap. viii. 2, xxiil 49. Christ sent them in order that they might become accustomed to act independently of Him, and to be despised of men. Theophylact, Euthymius, and Maldonatus are of opinion that these messengers were James and John. Maldonatus also thinks that by the Greek xwpiir, we are to understand city, possibly Samaria itself ; but other commentators agree that the disciples were sent to some small town or village of the Samaritans which lay on the road to Jerusalem

And they (the Samaritans) did not receive Him , because His face was as though He would go to Jerusalem . Because He appeared to be going up to Jerusalem (Syriac), for it was plain, from the bearing of Jesus and His messengers, that they were on their way to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, S. John vii. 2. The Samaritans, contrary to the Law, had erected a temple on Mount Gerizim for the worship of God, and therefore there was on this account a constant enmity between the Jews and them. S. John iv. 20, and Josephus. Hence they rejected Jesus, as despising their form of worship and favouring that of their enemies, the Jews. “ His face was as though,” a Hebraism for DD3, i.e. rtfetwot, or face, is often used for the person himself. Digitized by Google THE VENGEFUL REQUEST OF JAMES AND JOHN. 237

And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias didf They show themselves to be indeed Boanerges, or sons of thunder, for with excess of zeal they would destroy these Samaritans, because of their inhospitality and refusal to receive Christ They remembered how Elijah had destroyed those who had been sent by Ahaziah to apprehend him (2 Kings i. io), and they knew that Jesus was mightier than that prophet ; and if fire was sent from heaven to protect Elijah from harm, and to consume the Jews, who had come to take him, how much more deserving of punishment were these Samaritans, who had refused to receive the Son of God. Wilt Thou that we command f For as S. Jerome goes on to say ( Epist '. 15 1), “The command of the Apostles can effect nothing, unless by the permission and will of God.” They therefore seek from Christ, as from a judge, justice, and the punishment of the wicked, according to their deserts

And Jesus said unto him , No man , having put his hand to the plough , and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God, or, to carry on the metaphor, is fit to work in the vineyard of God. For as the ploughman who seeks to make his furrows straight ought to look forward and never back, so he who has determined to consecrate himself to God’s service, is unworthy to be Christ’s disciple and to be an heir of the heavenly kingdom, if he still has regard for the perishable possessions of this world which he has renounced and given up; and so Euthymius says, “He who follows Christ ought forthwith to give up all things, lest by averting his eyes from his leader and guide, he might again be entangled by the sight of those things which he has left” So also Titus, Jansenius, Toletus, and others. Christ in this very remarkable verse points out the way of perfection, and endeavours to withdraw the man from his own anxiety for his friends and possessions, in order that he might give himself up wholly to God. Especially as there was danger lest, delayed in the disposal of his property, or impressed with the value of his possessions, he might change his purpose, and like many others, lose the hope of his calling. And again, there was no need of his presence, for his brethren and kinsfolk could divide his property without him. Thus James and John, when they were called, left their father and their nets, and straightway followed Christ, S. Matt iv. 20. But on the other hand Elisha (1 Kings xix. 20) was permitted to bid farewell to his father and mother, apparently because there was in his case little danger of his being forgetful of his call. Hence S. Basil saith ( serm . 1 De Baptism) : He looks back who delays, however briefly, Digitized by Google 240 that obedience which is to be rendered at once and promptly to the call of God. Hence of the cherubim we read (Ezek. i. 12), “They went every one straight forward : they turned not when they went” Whereon S. Gregory says the winged creatures, i.e. holy preacher^, turn not as they go, because they are passing through earthly things to heavenly ; and therefore no more return to these things which they have left behind. For to seek in heart and mind after better things is, as it w**e. to advance or go along a certain road. Hence S. Paul, Phil iii 13, 14: “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” And to the bride it is said, “Forget thine own people and thy father’s house,” Ps. xlv. 10. Hence also S. Augustin (semi. 7 De verbis Domini) says, “ The east calleth thee, and thou tumest to the west.” Figuratively , says Bede, he putteth his hand to the plough, who by the Cross of Christ, as if by an instrument of remorse, wears away the hardness of his heart, and opens it to bear the fruit of good works. But he must not look back like Lot’s wife to the things which he has left, and if the follower of the Lord, who wishes to bid farewell to them which are at home, is worthy of reproach, what will become of them, who for no sufficient reason visit the houses of those whom they have left in the world? For the frequent looking back on the things which we have forsaken, by force of habit draws us again to our past way of life. For practice, by which habits are formed, is very powerful and habits become a second nature, which it is difficult to do away with or change. For it rapidly returns to itself. See also the copious explanation of Suarez, “ De voto, lib . 1. cap . iL Digitized by Google ( 241 ) CHAPTER X. I Christ sendeth out at once seventy disciples to work miracles , and to preach. 17 Admmisheth them to be humble , and wherein to rejoice. 2 1 Thanketh his Father for his grace . 23 Magnifieth the happy estate of his church. 25 Teacheth the lawyer how to attain eternal life% and to take every one for his neighbour that needeth his mercy . 41 Reprehendeth Martha , and commendeth Mary her sister. AFTER these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few : pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest 3 Go your ways : behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes : and salute no man by the way. 5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. 6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it 2 if not, it shall turn to you again. 7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give : for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. 8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you : 9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, 11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you : notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. 13 Woe unto thee, Chorarin t woe unto thee, Bethsaida ! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. 15 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shall be thrust down to hell. 16 He that heareth you heareth me ; and he that despiseth you despiseth me ; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. VOL. VL Q Digitized by Google 242 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy : and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you ; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes : even so, Father ; for so it seemed good in thy sight. 22 All things are delivered to me of my Father : and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father ; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him . 23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see : 24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them ; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. 25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law ? how readest thou ? 27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind ; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right : this do, and thou shalt live. 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded himt and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way : and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him , and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was : and when he saw him, he had compassion on him , 34 And went to himt and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him ; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him. Go, and do thou likewise. 38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village : and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. Digitized by Google THE SEVENTY DISCIPLES SENT OUT. H3 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said. Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone ? bid her there fore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things : 42 But one thing Is needful : and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her