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

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
was, no doubt, possible that the owner of the ass, entertaining no unfavorable opinion of Christ,
would cheerfully grant it; but to foresee if he would be at home, if it would then be convenient for
him, or if he would place confidence in unknown persons, was not in the power of a mortal man.
Again, as Christ strengthens the disciples, that they may be more ready to obey, so we see how
they, on the other hand, yield submission. The result shows that the whole of this affair was directed
by God.
5. Say to the daughter of Zion. This is not found, word for word, in Zechariah; but what God
commanded one Prophet to proclaim, the Evangelist justly and appropriately applies to all godly
teachers; for the only hope, on which the children of God ought both to build and to rely, was, that
the Redeemer would at length come. Accordingly, the Prophet shows that the coming of Christ
yields to believers a full and complete ground of joy; for, since God is not reconciled to them in
any other way than through the agency of the Mediator, and as it is the same Mediator who delivers
his people from all evils, what can there be, apart from him, that is fitted to cheer men ruined by
their sins, and oppressed by troubles? And as we must be altogether overwhelmed with grief when
Christ is absent, so on the other hand, the Prophet reminds believers that, when the Redeemer is
present with them, they ought to be perfectly joyful. Now though he bestows on Christ other
commendations — namely, that he is just, and having salvation — Matthew has taken but a single
portion, which applied to the object he had in view, which is, that Christ will come, poor or meek;
or in other words, that he will be unlike earthly kings, whose apparel is very magnificent and costly.
Another mark of poverty is added, that he will ride on an ass, or the foal of an ass; for there can
be no doubt that the manner of riding which belongs to the common people is contrasted with royal
splendor.
6. And the disciples went It was just now remarked, that the zeal and readiness of the disciples
to obey are here mentioned with commendation; for the influence of Christ was not so great, that
his name alone would be sufficient to produce an impression on unknown persons; and besides,
there was reason to fear that they would be blamed for theft. It is therefore a proof of the deference
which they paid to their Master, when they make no reply, but proceed readily towards that place
to which he has ordered them to go, relying on his command and promise. Let us also learn by their
example to press forward through every kind of difficulty, so as to render to the Lord the obedience
which he demands from us; for he will remove obstacles, and open up a path, and will not permit
our endeavors to be unavailing.
8. And a very great multitude. Here the Evangelists relate that Christ was acknowledged as a
king by the people. It might, indeed, appear to be a ludicrous exhibition, 718 that a multitude of
obscure persons, by cutting down trees, and strawing their garments, bestowed on Christ the empty
title of King; but as they did this in good earnest, and as they gave an honest testimony of their
reverence, so Christ looked upon them as fit heralds of his kingdom. Nor ought we to wonder at
718 “Vray est qu’il pouvoit sembler que c’estoit un ieu de petits enfans;” — “true, it might be thought that it was a game of
little children.”
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John Calvin