George Hutcheson
2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
This verse contains a remote occasion of the miracle and a consequent of Christs removal; which is, that many did follow him, considering the miracles he had done; And their following him till they were hungry, occasioned the miracle in feeding of them. Doctrine 1. Persecution and trouble will not make Christ have a thin back, when he sees it meet to honour himselfe by having many followers; for, here a great multitude followed him, though Herod be seeking him, and he go but to a desert place, where they could be but ill accommodate. And this speaks sadly against the lazinesse of many in times of greater quiet. 2. Such as have an errand to Christ, or any estimation of him, will be at pains to follow him, for, so did they here, yea and outwent them, Mark. 6.33. though they were not, at least all of them, well principled. 3. It is not enough that multitudes pretend great respect to Christ, and follow him for outward considerations and advantages, unlesse their principals and their motives be yet more spiritual; for, herein they fell short, in that they followed him, because they saw his miracles, not taking up the true excellency of his person thereby, nor being affected with his doctrine, or seeking their own spiritual good; But the great wheele in all this, was their being affected with his works as a novelty, and the outward benefit they had thereby. And therefore however now they follow him on all hazards, yet afterward when he lets them see their errour, and presseth spiritual things upon them, they voluntarily forsake him, ver. 66. It is better to feel one miracle wrought upon the heart in changing of it, then to be affected with many outward miracles. 4. Christ doth perfectly know and take notice who they are that do follow him, and what their principles and motives are; for, here an account of it is given and regestrate; and afterward he lets them know it more clearly. 5. Christ makes himselfe known by these miracles on the diseased, not onely to fulfil the prophesies that went before of him, Matth. 11.5. with Isa. 35.6. But to shew that he came by his miracles to do good, Acts 10.38. and not to satisfie curiosity; And to teach, that his company and dispensations are very alluring, to invite men to come to him: for, they will finde many diseases and wants among his followers, and him taking notice of them all, and curing them, even miraculously.
