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

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
performed had placed before their eyes the power of Christ, and had almost enabled them to touch
it with their hands. Signs, by which Christ made himself familiarly known, are despised by them;
and how much less will they derive advantage from a distant and obscure sign? Thus the Papists
of our own day, as if the doctrine of the Gospel had not yet been proved, demand that it be ascertained
by means of new miracles.
The Pharisees, together with the Sadducees. It deserves our attention that, though the Sadducees
and the Pharisees looked upon each other as enemies, and not only cherished bitter hatred, but
were continually engaged in hostilities, yet they enter into a mutual league against Christ. In like
manner, though ungodly men quarrel among themselves, their internal broils never prevent them
from conspiring against God, and entering into a compact for joining their hands in persecuting the
truth.
Tempting. By this word the Evangelists mean that it was not with honest intentions, nor from
a desire of instruction, but by cunning and deceit, that they demanded what they thought that Christ
would refuse, or at least what they imagined was not in his power. Regarding him as utterly mean
and despicable, they had no other design than to expose his weakness, and to destroy all the applause
which he had hitherto obtained among the people. In this manner unbelievers are said to tempt God,
when they murmur at being denied what their fancy prompted them to ask, and charge God with
want of power.
2. About the commencement of the evening. By these words Christ reminds them that his power
had been sufficiently manifested, so that they must have recognised the time of their visitation,
(Luke 19:44,) had they not of their own accord shut their eyes, and refused to admit the clearest
light. The comparison which he employs is beautiful and highly appropriate; for, though the aspect
of the sky is changeable, so that sometimes a storm unexpectedly arises, and sometimes fair weather
springs up when it was not expected, yet the instructions of nature are sufficient to enable men to
predict from signs whether the day will be fair or cloudy. Christ therefore asks why they do not
recognize the kingdom of God, when it is made known by signs not less manifest; for this proved
clearly that they were excessively occupied with earthly and transitory advantages, and cared little
about any thing that related to the heavenly and spiritual life, and were blinded not so much by
mistake as by voluntary malice.
3. Hypocrites, you can judge. He calls them hypocrites, because they pretend to ask that which,
if it were exhibited to them, they are resolved not to observe. The same reproof applies nearly to
the whole world; for men direct their ingenuity, and apply their senses, to immediate advantage;
and therefore there is scarcely any man who is not sufficiently well qualified in this respect, or at
least who is not tolerably acquainted with the means of gaining his object. How comes it then that
we feel no concern about the signs by which God invites us to himself? Is it not because every man
gives himself up to willing indifference, and extinguishes the light which is offered to him? The
calling of Christ, and the immediate exhibition of eternal salvation, were exhibited to the scribes
both by the Law and the Prophets, and by his own doctrine, to which miracles were added.
192
John Calvin