(with Luke 5:20)
I. So long as there is any religion at all in the world it will, of course, busy itself with the eternal question of the difference between right and wrong. It will, in some sense, make itself the champion of right and the enemy of wrong. But then wrongdoing may be very differently regarded, even by religious men. Roughly speaking, it may be regarded as directed either against man or against God; either as an injury or an offence; either as a weakness or a wickedness; either as a defect or a sin. Roughly speaking, again, the world takes the former view, Scripture the latter. The sentence of worldly men and of the natural conscience is, "I have injured him, and I must do what I can to make amends." The sentence of Scripture is that of the Psalmist, "Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight."
II. If at any time sin as sin is thought little of, the prevalent ideal of goodness among Christians will be that of doing good to man rather than walking humbly with God. Philanthropy, in short, will take the place of holiness. And I think we see many signs of this at the present day signs which we are bound to hail with thankfulness, even while, as Christians, we note their deficiencies.
III. Christ assumes our sinfulness as the very basis of His work. He speaks to us as sinners, but as sinners loved, not despised; and there is all the difference. His deeds have an interest indeed, and a charm for thousands, and thousands who are, as yet at least, but little burdened by a sense of sin. But it was not to interest these that He lived and died. He came not to call the righteous, or the sensible, or the indifferent, or the critical, but sinners to repentance.That was His distinguishing work. All other works the unfelt duties He has revealed, the dormant philosophy He has stimulated, the social kindness He has aroused, the august institutions He has founded and hallowed all these works, glorious as they are, are but secondary to His great design. He is, first and chief, the Friend of sinners. "He shall save His people from their sins." He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied; by His knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities.
H. M. Butler, Harrow Sermons,2nd series, p. 252.
References: Luke 5:12; Luke 5:13. M. R. Vincent, God and Bread,p. 227. Luke 5:12-26. Preacher's Monthly,vol. i., pp. 124, 132; W. Hanna, Our Lord's Life on Earth,p. 134.Luke 5:13. Parker, Hidden Springs,p. 324.Luke 5:14-21. Ibid.,p. 128, Luke 5:15. Outline Sermons to Children,p. 139.