Recapitulation

 Matthew’s references to money are found here and there, not random¹ remarks or unrelated statements, but parts of the truth, which fit together in an “orderly procession of thought.” They embody² an ideal, reveal motives³, describe character and show us the evil use of money lest we be deceived and misled.

 

The Wise Men gave in recognition of Christ as the promised King while Satan proposed to give in order to dethrone Him.

 

Christ came to fulfil the law, to raise religion to its proper level. According to Him, motives count, and in prayer and alms-giving point unerringly to the source of reward.

 

Our earth-life is not to be earth-bound. Men are called upon to lay up treasures in heaven wisely anticipating their appearance there.

 

Christ gives authority to men whom he sends forth⁴ as his representatives. They are not to rely on cash or clothes but to trust God for the truth they teach and power to sustain them, and the people for food and shelter.

 

Peter’s mistake about the tax arose 20 from inadequate⁵ knowledge of Christ after years of instruction and at the close of the earthly life of Jesus. Riches are an obstruction⁶ to rich men but not to saved men.

 

A right idea of God and a right relation to God prepare men for a right use of money and any talent they possess.

 

The woman who anointed Jesus manifested her devotion and the man who betrayed Him gave vent⁷ to his disappointment and proclaimed his disaffection.

The End

1 random   

adj.随机的；任意的；n.偶然的(或随便的)行动

参考例句：

• The list is arranged in a random order.名单排列不分先后。
• On random inspection the meat was found to be bad.经抽查，发现肉变质了。

2 embody   

vt.具体表达，使具体化；包含，收录

参考例句：

• The latest locomotives embody many new features. 这些最新的机车具有许多新的特色。
• Hemingway's characters plainly embody his own values and view of life.海明威笔下的角色明确反映出他自己的价值观与人生观。

3 motives   

n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• to impeach sb's motives 怀疑某人的动机
• His motives are unclear. 他的用意不明。

4 forth   

adv.向前；向外，往外

参考例句：

• The wind moved the trees gently back and forth.风吹得树轻轻地来回摇晃。
• He gave forth a series of works in rapid succession.他很快连续发表了一系列的作品。

5 inadequate   

adj.(for,to)不充足的，不适当的

参考例句：

• The supply is inadequate to meet the demand.供不应求。
• She was inadequate to the demands that were made on her.她还无力满足对她提出的各项要求。

6 obstruction   

n.阻塞，堵塞；障碍物

参考例句：

• She was charged with obstruction of a police officer in the execution of his duty.她被指控妨碍警察执行任务。
• The road was cleared from obstruction.那条路已被清除了障碍。

7 vent   

n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄

参考例句：

• He gave vent to his anger by swearing loudly.他高声咒骂以发泄他的愤怒。
• When the vent became plugged,the engine would stop.当通风口被堵塞时，发动机就会停转。