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

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
baptism with which I am baptized? They say to the baptism with which I am baptized? 39. And
him, We can. 23. He saith to them, You shall they said to him, We can. And Jesus said to them,
indeed drink my cup, and you shall be baptized You shall indeed drink the cup which I drink, and
with the baptism with which I am baptized; but you shall be baptized with the baptism with which
to sit at my right hand, and at my left, is not mine I am baptized: 40. But to sit at my right hand,
to give; but it shall fall to those for whom it is
prepared by my Father. 652
and at my left is not mine to give; but it shall fall
to those for whom it is prepared. 653
Matthew 20:20. Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children. This narrative contains
a bright mirror of human vanity; for it shows that proper and holy zeal is often accompanied by
ambition, or some other vice of the flesh, so that they who follow Christ have a different object in
view from what they ought to have. They who are not satisfied with himself alone, but seek this or
the other thing apart from him and his promises, wander egregiously from the right path. Nor is it
enough that, at the commencement, we sincerely apply our minds to Christ, if we do not stead-lastly
maintain the same purity; for frequently, in the midst of the course, there spring up sinful affections
by which we are led astray. In this way it is probable that the two sons of Zebedee were, at first,
sincere in their adherence to Christ; but when they see that they have no ordinary share of his favor,
and hear his reign spoken of as near at hand, their minds are immediately led to wicked ambition,
and they are greatly distressed at the thought of remaining in their present situation. If this happens
to two excellent disciples, with what care ought we to walk, if we do not wish to turn aside from
the right path! More especially, when any plausible occasion presents itself, we ought to be on our
guard, lest the desire of honors corrupt the feeling of piety.
Though Matthew and Mark differ somewhat in the words, yet they agree as to the substance of
the matter. Matthew says that the wife of Zebedee came, and asked for her sons that they might
hold the highest places in the kingdom of Christ. Mark represents themselves as making the request.
But it is probable that, being restrained by bashfulness, they had the dexterity to employ their
mother, who would present the request with greater boldness. That the wish came originally from
themselves may be inferred from this circumstance, that Christ replied to them, and not to their
mother. Besides, when their mother, bowing down, states that she has something to ask, and when
themselves, according to Mark, apply for a general engagement, that whatever they ask shall be
granted to them, this timid insinuation proves that they were conscious of something wrong. 654
652 “Mais ceux ausquels il est apparelle de mon l’ere [l’auront];” — “but those for whom it is prepared by my Father [shall
have it.]”
653 “Mais il sera [donne] a ceux ausquels il est prepare;” — “but it shall be given to those for whom it is prepared.”
654 “Monstre que leur conscience les redarguoit;” — “shows that their conscience was reproving them.”
294
John Calvin