Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2.pdf

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
had bestowed great pains in instructing them, still remained in a state of hesitation, resorted to this
last expedient for curing their weakness. He had faithfully labored, as I have said, that his disciples
should embrace Christ without delay. His continued entreaties had produced so little effect, that
he had good reason for dreading that, after his death, they would entirely fall away; and therefore
he earnestly attempted to arouse them from their sloth by sending them to Christ. Besides, the
pastors of the Church are here reminded of their duty. They ought not to endeavor to bind and attach
disciples to themselves, but to direct them to Christ, who is the only Teacher. From the beginning,
John had openly avowed that he was not the bridegroom, (John 3:29.) As the faithful friend of the
bridegroom he presents the bride chaste and uncontaminated to Christ, who alone is the bridegroom
of the Church. Paul tells us that he kept the same object in view, (2 Corinthians 11:2,) and the
example of both is held out for imitation to all the ministers of the Gospel.
3. Art thou he who was to come? John takes for granted what the disciples had known from
their childhood; for it was the first lesson of religion, and common among all the Jews, that Christ
was to come, bringing salvation and perfect happiness. On this point, accordingly, he does not raise
a doubt, but only inquires if Jesus be that promised Redeemer; for, having been persuaded of the
redemption promised in the Law and the Prophets, they were bound to receive it when exhibited
in the person of Christ. He adds, Do we look for another? By this expression, he indirectly glances
at their sloth, which allowed them, after having been distinctly informed, to remain so long in doubt
and hesitation. At the same time, he shows what is the nature and power of faith. Resting on the
truth of God, it does not gaze on all sides, does not vary, but is satisfied with Christ alone, and will
not be turned to another.
4. Go and relate to John As John had assumed for the time a new character, so Christ enjoins
them to carry to him that message, which more properly ought to have been addressed to his
disciples. He gives an indirect reply, and for two reasons: first, because it was better that the thing
should speak for itself; and, secondly, because he thus afforded to his herald a larger subject of
instruction. Nor does he merely supply him with bare and rough materials in the miracles, but adapts
the miracles to his purpose by quotations from the Prophets. He notices more particularly one
passage from the 35th, and another from the 61st, chapter of Isaiah, for the purpose of informing
John’s disciples, that what the Prophets declared respecting the reign of Christ was accomplished
and fulfilled. The former passage contains a description of Christ’s reign, under which God promises
that he will be so kind and gracious as to grant relief and assistance for every kind of disease. He
speaks, no doubt, of spiritual deliverance from all diseases and remedies; but under outward symbols,
as has been already mentioned, Christ shows that he came as a spiritual physician to cure souls.
The disciples would consequently go away without any hesitation, having obtained a reply which
was clear and free from all ambiguity.
The latter passage resembles the former in this respect. It shows that the treasures of the grace
of God would be exhibited to the world in Christ, and declares that Christ is expressly set apart for
the poor and afflicted. This passage is purposely quoted by Christ, partly to teach all his followers
the first lesson of humility, and partly to remove the offense which the flesh and sense might be
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John Calvin