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

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
proudly despises brethren, or aims at being thought superior to them, but reckons it enough that he
is one of the members of Christ, and desires nothing more than that the Head alone should be
exalted.
5. And he that shall receive such a child. The term children is now applied metaphorically by
Christ to those who have laid aside lofty looks, and who conduct themselves with modesty and
humility. This is added by way of consolation, that we may not account it troublesome or disagreeable
to exercise humility, by means of which Christ not only receives us under his protection, but likewise
recommends us to the favor of men. And thus believers are taught in what way they ought to esteem
each other: it is by every one humbling himself How is mutual friendship usually maintained among
the children of the world but by every man complying with the wishes of another? The more desirous
a man is to obtain renown, the more insolently does he grasp at power, that he may be raised to a
lofty station, and that others may be ridiculed or despised; but Christ enjoins that the more a man
abases himself, the more highly shall he be honored. Such, too, is the import of the words given
by Luke, he that is least among you shall be great; for our Lord does not enjoin us to think more
highly of those who justly deserve to be despised, but of those who divest themselves of all pride,
and are perfectly willing to occupy the lowest place.
MATTHEW 18:6-10; MARK 9:42-48; LUKE 17:1-2
Matthew 18:6-10
Mark 9:42-48
Luke 17:1-2
6. But whosoever shall 42. And whosoever shall 1. And he said to his
offend one of those little ones offend one of the little ones who disciples, It is impossible but
who believe in me, it were better believe in me, it were better for that offenses will come; but woe
for him that a millstone were him that a millstone were hung to him by whom they come! 2. It
hanged about his neck, and that around his neck, and that he were better for him that a
he were sunk to the bottom of were thrown into the sea. millstone were hung around his
the sea. 7. Woe to the world on 43. And if thy hand shall offend neck, and that he were thrown
account of offenses! for offenses thee, cut it off; for it were better into the sea, than that he should
must come; but woe to the man for thee to enter lame into life, offend one of these little ones.
by whom the offense cometh! than that, having two hands,
8. But if thy hand or thy foot thou shouldst go into hell, into
503
offend thee, cut it off, and cast the unquenchable fire:
it from thee; 501 for it is better for 44. Where their worm dieth not,
thee to enter lame or maimed and their fire is not quenched.
into life, than that, having two 45. And if thy foot shall offend
503 “Au feu qui ne s’esteint point;” — “into the fire which is not quenched.”
501 “Et le iette [arriere] de toy;” — “and cast it behind thee.”
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John Calvin