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

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
ardor of the desire; for, though they knew that what they said exposed them to the hatred of many,
who were highly displeased with the honor done to Christ, their fear was overcome by the ardor
of desire, so that they did not refrain, on this account, from raising their voice aloud.
31. And the multitude reproved them. It is surprising that the disciples of Christ, who follow
him through a sense of duty and of respect, should wish to drive wretched men from the favor of
Christ, and, so far as lies in them, to prevent the exercise of his power. But it frequently happens
that the greater part of those who profess the name of Christ, instead of inviting us to him, rather
hinder or delay our approach. If Satan endeavored to throw obstacles in the way of two blind men,
by means of pious and simple persons, who were induced by some sentiments of religion to follow
Christ, how much more will he succeed in accomplishing it by means of hypocrites and traitors, if
we be not strictly on our guard. Perseverance is therefore necessary to overcome every difficulty,
and the more numerous the obstacles are which Satan throws in the way, the more powerfully ought
we to be excited to earnestness in prayer, as we see that the blind men redoubled their cry
32. What do you wish that I should do to you? He gently and kindly asks what they desire; for
he had determined to grant their requests. There is no reason to doubt that they prayed by a special
movement of the Holy Spirit; for, as the Lord does not intend to grant to all persons deliverance
from bodily diseases, so neither does he permit them simply to pray for it. A rule has been prescribed
for us what we ought to ask, and in what manner, and to what extent; and we are not at liberty to
depart from that rule, unless the Lord, by a secret movement of the Spirit, suggest to us some special
prayer, which rarely happens. Christ puts the question to them, not for their sake as individuals,
but for the sake of all the people; for we know how the world swallows God’s benefits without
perceiving them, unless they are stimulated and aroused. Christ, therefore, by his voice, awakens
the assembled crowd to observe the miracle, as he awakens them shortly afterwards by a visible
sign, when he opens their eyes by touching them.
34. And Jesus, moved with compassion, etc. Σπλαγχνισθείς, moved with compassion, is not the
participle of the same verb which Matthew had just now employed in reference to the blind man,
ἐλέησον, have mercy 672 They implored the mercy of Christ, that he might relieve their wretchedness;
but now the Evangelist expresses that Christ was induced to cure them, not only by undeserved
goodness, but because he pitied their distress. For the metaphor is taken from the bowels, (σπλάγχνα,)
in which dwells that kindness and mutual compassion which prompts us to assist our neighbors.
Mark 10:52. Thy faith hath saved thee By the word faith is meant not only a confident hope
of recovering sight, but a loftier conviction, which was, that this blind man had acknowledged Jesus
to be the Messiah whom God had promised. Nor must we imagine that it was only some confused
knowledge; for we have already seen that this confession was taken from the Law and the Prophets.
For the blind man did not at random bestow on Christ the name of Son of David, but embraced him
as that person whose coming he had been taught by the divine predictions to expect. Now Christ
attributes it to faith that the blind man received sight; for, though the power and grace of God
672 “Quand ils disoyent, Fils de David, aye misericorde de nous;” — “when they said, Son of David, have mercy on us.”
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John Calvin