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

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
were excessively importunate. 486 A father here entreats in behalf of an only son, the necessity is
extremely urgent, and a modest and humble appeal is made to the compassion of Christ. Why then
does he, contrary to his custom, break out suddenly into passion, and declare that they can be
endured no longer? As the narrative of Matthew and Luke does not enable us to discover the reason
of this great severity, some commentators have fallen into the mistake of supposing that this rebuke
was directed either against the disciples, or against the father of the afflicted child. But if we duly
consider all the circumstances of the case, as they are related by Mark, there will be no difficulty
in arriving at the conclusion, that the indignation of Christ was directed against the malice of the
scribes, and that he did not intend to treat the ignorant and weak with such harshness.
During Christ’s absence, a lunatic child had been brought forward. The scribes, regarding this
as a plausible occasion for giving annoyance, seized upon it eagerly, and entreated the disciples
that, if they had any power, they would exercise it in curing the child. It is probable that the disciples
made an attempt, and that their efforts were unavailing; upon which the scribes raise the shout of
victory, and not only ridicule the disciples, but break out against Christ, as if in their person his
power had been baffled. It was an extraordinary display of outrageous impiety united with equally
base ingratitude, maliciously to keep out of view so many miracles, from which they had learned
the amazing power of Christ; for they manifestly endeavored to extinguish the light which was
placed before their eyes. With good reason, therefore, does Christ exclaim that they could no longer
be endured, and pronounce them to be an unbelieving and perverse nation; for the numerous proofs
which they had formerly beheld ought at least to have had the effect of preventing them from
seeking occasion of disparagement. 487
Mark 9:14. He saw a great multitude around them. The disciples were, no doubt, held up to
public gaze, as the enemies of the truth are wont, on occasions of triumph, to assemble a crowd
about a trifle. The scribes had made such a noise about it, as to draw down on the disciples the
ridicule of many persons. And yet it appears that there were some who were not ill disposed; for,
as soon as they see Jesus, they salute him; and even the insolence of the scribes is restrained by his
presence, for, when they are asked what is the matter in dispute, they have not a word to say.
17. Master, I have brought to thee my son. Matthew describes a different sort of disease from
what is described by Mark, for he says that the man was lunatic But both agree as to these two
points, that he was dumb, and that at certain intervals he became furious. The term lunatic is applied
to those who, about the waning of the moon, are seized with epilepsy, or afflicted with giddiness.
I do not admit the fanciful notion of Chrysostom, that the word lunatic was invented by a trick of
Satan, in order to throw disgrace on the good creatures of God; for we learn from undoubted
486 “Encores mesme qu’ils se monstrassent import uns et facheux en leurs requestes;” — “even though they showed themselves
to be importunate and troublesome in their requests.”
487 “Qu’ils n’allassent plus chercher des cavillations et moyens obliques pour luy resister;” — “not to resort any more to cavils
and indirect methods of opposing him.”
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John Calvin