Matthew 20:24-28We learn that there may be pride, jealousy, and love of preeminence even among true disciples of Christ.We learn that a life of self-denying kindness to others is the true secret of greatness in the kingdom of Christ.We learn that the Lord Jesus Christ is intended to be the example of all true Christians.We learn from these verses that Christ's death was an atonement for sin."Happy is that man who is truly humble, strives to do good in his day, walks in the steps of Jesus, and rests all his hopes on the ransom paid for him by Christ's blood. Such a man is a true Christian!"

Matthew 20:17-23We should notice in these verses the clear announcement which the Lord Jesus Christ makes of His own approaching death.We should notice in these verses the mixture of ignorance and faith that may be found, even in true-hearted Christians.We should notice in these verses the solemn reproof which our Lord gives to the ignorant request of the mother of Zebedee's children and her two sons."Jesus was well aware that all hinged on His own death, and that, without that death, His miracles and preaching would have done comparatively nothing for the world. No wonder that He thrice pressed on the attention of His disciples that He "must" die. Blessed and happy are they who know the real meaning and importance of the sufferings of Christ!"

Matthew 20:1-16We learn that in the calling of NATIONS to the professed knowledge of Himself, God exercises, free, sovereign, and unconditional grace.We learn that in the saving of INDIVIDUALS, as well as in the calling of nations, God acts as a sovereign, and gives no account of His matters.A few cautions to draw from this parable:Let us beware of supposing that salvation is in the slightest degree to be obtained by works.Let us beware of supposing that the distinction between Jews and Gentiles is entirely done away by the Gospel.Let us beware of supposing that all saved souls will have the same degree of glory.Let us beware of supposing that it is safe for anyone to put off repentance until the end of his days."We only know that God loves to hide pride from churches, and to take away all occasion of boasting. He will never allow the older branches of His church to look contemptuously on the younger."

Matthew 19:23-30We learn in these verses of the immense danger which riches bring on the souls of those that possess them.We learn in this passage of the almighty power of God's grace in the soul.We learn in these verses of the immense encouragement the Gospel offers to those who give up everything for Christ's sake."But let the Christian, who professes to have "treasure in heaven," set his face like a flint against the spirit of the world in this matter. Let him not worship gold. He is not the best man in God's eyes who has most money, but he who has most grace.""Above all, Christ can give us peace of conscience, inward joy, bright hopes, and happy feelings, which shall far outweigh every pleasant earthly thing that we have cast away for His sake. He has pledged His royal word that it shall be so. None ever found that word fail. Let us trust it, and not be afraid."

Matthew 19:16-22We see from the case of this young man, that a person may have desires for salvation, and yet not be saved.We see from this young man's case, that an unconverted person is often profoundly ignorant on spiritual subjects.We see from this young man's case, that one idol cherished in the heart may ruin a soul forever."Not only are good feelings alone not grace, but they are even decidedly dangerous, if we content ourselves with them, and do not act as well as feel."

Matthew 19:1-15With respect to marriage, our Lord teaches, that the union of husband and wife ought never to be broken off, except for the greatest of all causes, namely, actual unfaithfulness.With respect to little children, we find our Lord instructing us in these verses, both by word and deed, both by precept and example.Finally, let us draw from these verses encouragement to attempt great things in the religious instruction of children."It is difficult to overrate the importance of these two subjects. The well-being of nations, and the happiness of society, are closely connected with right views upon them. Nations are nothing but a collection of families. The good order of families depends entirely on keeping up the highest standard of respect for the marriage tie, and on the right training of children."

Matthew 18:21-35The Lord Jesus lays it down as a general rule, that we ought to forgive others to the uttermost.Our Lord supplies us with two powerful motives for exercising a forgiving spirit.It is clear from this parable that one motive for forgiving others, ought to be the recollection that we all need forgiveness at God's hands ourselves.Another motive for forgiving others, ought to be the recollection of the day of judgment, and the standard by which we shall all be tried in that day."Would we do good to the world? Would we have any influence on others, and make them see the beauty of true religion? Let us remember this passage. Men who care not for doctrines, can understand a forgiving temper."

Matthew 18:15-20Let us notice how admirable are the rules laid down by our Lord, for the healing of differences among brethren.Let us observe what a clear argument we have in these verses for the exercise of DISCIPLINE in a Christian congregation.Let us observe what gracious encouragement Christ holds out to those who meet together in His name."A perfect communion can never be attained in this world, but purity should be the mark at which we aim. An increasingly high standard of qualification for full church-membership, will always be found one of the best evidences of a prosperous church."

Matthew 18:1-14We are taught in these verses of the necessity of conversion, and of conversion manifested by childlike humility. We are taught in these verses of the great sin of putting stumbling blocks in the way of believers.We are taught in these verses of the reality of future punishment after death. We are taught in these verses of the value that God sets on the least and lowest of believers. "Heaven would be no heaven to us if we were not converted.""The surest mark of true conversion is humility. If we have really received the Holy Spirit, we shall show it by a meek and childlike spirit."

Matthew 17:22-27Let it be our daily aim to say or do anything that would displease our Lord.Let us observe our Lord's almighty power over all creation.Let us observe our Lord's willingness to make concessions, rather than to give offense."Let us measure every difficult question as to right and wrong by one simple test, "How would I behave, if Jesus was standing by my side?" Such a standard is not extravagant and absurd. It is a standard that interferes with no duty or relation of life. It interferes with nothing but sin. Happy is he that tries to realize his Lord's presence, and to do all and say all as unto Christ."