Matthew Henry
Martin Manser’s Draw Near to God, Daily readings from Matthew Henry (Bryntirion Press) abounds with choice remarks from this prince of English commentators. Without the least display of learning, Henry often brings the precise meaning of the Hebrew and Greek text to bear on the lessons he is teaching. We find a good example of this as he contrasts the true humility of our Lord in washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:3-5) with Peter’s false humility in refusing to be washed (John 13:8): “Thou shalt by no means wash my feet; no, never. So it is in the original. It is the language of a fixed resolution.” But “under this show of humility there was a real contradiction to the will of the Lord Jesus.” Henry’s practical conclusion is final: “All those, and those only, that are spiritually washed by Christ, have a part in Christ.” And as this washing includes both His act of justifying and His work of sanctifying, “we cannot partake of His glory if we partake not of His merit and righteousness, and of His Spirit and grace” (Readings for May 19 and 20). - Bible League Trust.