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

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
follow. Nor ought we to wonder, that the voice of Christ again pronounces an absolution of the
woman, who had already tasted his grace, and who was even convinced that he was her only refuge
of salvation. Thus, at the present day, faith is previously necessary, when we pray that the Lord
would forgive our sins; and yet this is not a useless or superfluous prayer, but the object of it is,
that the heavenly Judge may more and more seal his mercy on our hearts, and in this manner may
give us peace. Though this woman had brought with her a confident reliance on that grace which
she had obtained, yet this promise was not superfluous, but contributed greatly to the confirmation
of her faith.
49. And those who sat at table with him began to say within themselves. Hence we again learn,
that ignorance of Christ’s office constantly leads men to conceive new grounds of offense. The
root of the evil is, that no one examines his own wretched condition, which undoubtedly would
arouse every man to seek a remedy. There is no reason to wonder that hypocrites, who slumber
amidst their vices, 250 should murmur at it as a thing new and unexpected, when Christ forgives
sins.
50. Thy faith hath saved thee. To repress those murmurings, 251 and, at the same time, to confirm
the woman, Christ commends her faith. Let others grumble as they may, but do thou adhere
steadfastly to that faith which has brought thee an undoubted salvation. 252 At the same time, Christ
claims for himself the authority which had been given to him by the Father; for, as he possesses
the power of healing, to him faith is properly directed. And this intimates that the woman was not
led by rashness or mistake to come to him, but that, through the guidance of the Spirit, she had
preserved the straight road of faith. Hence it follows, that we cannot believe in any other than the
Son of God, without considering that person to have the disposal of life and death. If the true reason
for believing in Christ be, that God hath given him authority to forgive sins, whenever faith is
rendered to another, that honor which is due to Christ must of necessity be taken from him. This
saying refutes also the error of those who imagine that the forgiveness of sins is purchased by
charity; for Christ lays down a quite different method, which is, that we embrace by faith the offered
mercy. The last clause, Go in peace, denotes that inestimable fruit of faith which is so frequently
commended in Scripture. It brings peace and joy to the consciences, and prevents them from being
driven hither and thither by uneasiness and alarm.
LUKE 10:38-42
Luke 10:38-42
250 “Qui se plaisent et fiattent en leurs vices;” — “who please and flatter themselves amidst their vices.”
251 “Pour reprimer les murmures de ces gens;” — “to repress the murmurings of those people.”
252 “Qui t’a apporte certitude de salut;” — “which has brought thee certainty of salvation.”
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John Calvin