|
This was not on the outside of the tomb, for Matthew does not say that the angel appeared to the women then, but only to the keepers. Mark says, "entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment," Mark 16:6. Luke says, (Luke 24:3,4) "They entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And as they were much perplexed thereabout behold, two men stood by them in shining garments." Seeing the stone rolled away, and the sepulchre open, they of course anxiously entered into it, to see if the body was there. They did not find it, and there they saw the vision of the angels, who gave them information respecting his resurrection. Infidels have objected that there are three inconsistencies. in the accounts by Mark and Luke:
(1.) That Mark says the angel was sitting, and Luke says they were standing. Answer. The word in Luke does not of necessity mean that they stood, but only that they were present. Or it may be that the one that Mark mentions was sitting when they entered, and then arose.
(2.) It is objected that Luke mentions two, but Mark and Matthew one. Answer. Mark mentions the one who spoke; for it cannot be supposed they both spake the same thing. He does not deny that another was present with him. Luke affirms that there was. This way of speaking is not unfrequent. Thus Mark and Luke mention only one demoniac who was cured at Gadara. Matthew mentions two. In like manner, Mark and Luke speak of only one blind man who was cured at Jericho, while from Matthew it is certain that two were there. The fact that but one is mentioned--where it is not denied that there were others--does not prove that there could not be others.
(3.) Matthew calls this an angel; Mark and Luke a man. Answer. Angels, in the Scriptures, from appearing in the form of men, are often called as they appear, and are mentioned as men. See Genesis 18:2,16,22; 19:1,5.
Fear not ye. The cause of their fear was doubtless the appearance of the angels; or the word fear may be taken in a wider sense, and mean agitated or troubled. Thus, Be not agitated, or troubled, that you do not find the body of the Saviour. I know that ye seek him, and are troubled that he is removed; but you need not fear that he has been stolen. You will see him again in Galilee.
Albert Barnes - Commentary on Matthew.
|
|
Under Jewish law, the older brother would be given 2/3 of the estate while the younger brother 1/3. It is possible that this man came to Jesus thinking he was justified in his claim. The older brother may have not given him his portion at all or perhaps the younger brother wanted 1/2 instead of 1/3; in any event Jesus would have nothing to do with dividing this inheritance, but He did use the occassion to teach a lesson regarding material wealth. Jesus often taught that His kingdom is a spiritual one, not physical. The decision of Jesus to avoid civil and political disputes (Matthew 22:17) serves as a lesson for us as Christians today to do likewise, for these are but minor problems. The biggest problem the world has today is sin; sin in the hearts of mankind and how to overcome sin through Christ is our major concern as His children, social and political ills are but trivial when compared to attempting to root out sin through the Spirit.
When Jesus said:
in verse 15; He was making a statement that is contrary to the thinking of every nation on earth. Christ alone must be the primary focus and goal of all true believers. If Christ is not the primary focus, but rather gaining wealth, then the sin of covetousness is encountered. This is a condition where one is never satisfied; even if a person should have three million dollars, they will only want more.
Getting back to our text in Luke, note that starting in verse 16 we read of a man blessed with many, many worldly goods. What is his reaction to such a blessing? Only to want more, his covetousness increased.
Considering all that God blessed this man with, what does the man do? He forgets God, his own soul and his neighbors.
As the man sets forth to relax and enjoy his material riches; the exact same moment God's voice roars as thunder "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee" !!!
Oh my dear reader, how true it is that the one who is not rich toward God is indeed swimming in the sewage of poverty, spiritual poverty which is far, far worse than physically being poor. And what if one should acquire all the wealth of the world - for how long can it be enjoyed? Is not this life just single a grain of sand on the shores of the beach compared to eternity future? How quickly does the goals and hope of morality fade away?
Tragic for those who trust in wealth, surely tragic. How empty it is to seek the material things of this life without Christ being first. But on the other hand, how very rewarding is life here and in eternity future for those whose foundation is Jesus.
|