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

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
it is necessary that we should always give due consideration to the character which he sustains,
when he speaks, or when he is employed in accomplishing the salvation of men; as in this passage,
in order that he may execute faithfully his Father’s commission, he must necessarily desire that the
fruit of the redemption should come to the whole body of the elect people. Since, therefore, he was
given to this people as a minister for salvation, it is in accordance with the nature of his office that
he should deplore its destruction. He was God, I acknowledge; but on all occasions when it was
necessary that he should perform the office of teacher, his divinity rested, and was in a manner
concealed, that it might not hinder what belonged to him as Mediator. By this weeping he proved
not only that he loved, like a brother, those for whose sake he became man, but also that God made
to flow into human nature the Spirit of fatherly love.
42. O if even thou hadst known! The discourse is pathetic, and therefore abrupt; for we know
that by those who are under the influence of vehement passion their feelings are not more than
half-expressed. Besides, two feelings are here mingled; for not only does Christ bewail the destruction
of the city, but he likewise reproaches the ungrateful people with the deepest guilt, in rejecting the
salvation which was offered to them, and drawing down on themselves a dreadful judgment of
God. The word even, which is interwoven with it, is emphatic; for Christ silently contrasts Jerusalem
with the other cities of Judea, or rather, of the whole world, and the meaning is: “If Even thou, who
art distinguished by a remarkable privilege above the whole world, — if thou at least, (I say,) who
art a heavenly sanctuary in the earth, hadst known ” This is immediately followed by another
amplification taken from the time: “Though hitherto thou hast wickedly and outrageously rebelled
against God, now at least there is time for repentance.” For he means that the day is now at hand,
which had been appointed by the eternal purpose of God for the salvation of Jerusalem, and had
been foretold by the prophets. Thus (says Isaiah) is the accepted time, this is the day of salvation,
(Isaiah 49:8; 2 Corinthians 6:2.)
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near,
(Isaiah 55:6.)
The things which belong to thy peace Under the word peace he includes, according to the
meaning of the Hebrew phrase, all that is essential to happiness. Nor does he simply say, that
Jerusalem did not know her peace, but the things which belonged to her peace; for it frequently
happens that men are far from being unacquainted with their happiness, but they are ignorant of
the way and means, (as we say,) because they are blinded by their wickedness. Now since the
compassion is mingled with reproach, let us observe, that men deserve the heavier punishment in
proportion to the excellence of the gifts which they have received, because to other sins there is
added an impious profanation of heavenly grace. Secondly, let us observe, that the nearer God
approaches to us, and holds out the light of sound doctrine, the less excusable are we, if we neglect
this opportunity. The gate of salvation, indeed, is always open; but as God is sometimes silent, it
is no ordinary privilege, when He invites us to himself with a loud voice, and in a familiar manner,
and therefore the contempt will be visited by severer punishment.
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John Calvin