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

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
Christ did not always employ the same arguments in refuting this slander; for he does not reason
here about his divinity as he does in the case mentioned by John, (v. 18.) Nor was there any necessity
for doing so; since the Pharisees were completely refuted by this single defense, that nothing could
be more unreasonable than to pronounce a man, who imitated God, to be a transgressor of the
Sabbath.
Luke 6:8. But he knew their thoughts If Matthew states the truth, they had openly declared by
their language what was in their minds; and therefore Christ replies not to their secret thoughts,
but to express words. But both may be true, that they spoke plainly, and yet that Christ discerned
their secret thoughts; for they did not openly avow their designs, and Matthew himself tells us that
their question was intended to take Christ by surprise; and, consequently, Luke means nothing more
than that Christ was aware of their insidious designs, though not expressed in words.
Mark 3:5. And when he had looked around upon them with indignation To convince us that
this was a just and holy anger, Mark explains the reason of it to be, that he was grieved on account
of the blindness of their hearts. First, then, Christ is grieved, because men who have been instructed
in the Law of God are so grossly blind; but as it was malice that blinded them, his grief is
accompanied by indignation. This is the true moderation of zeal, to be distressed about the destruction
of wicked men, and, at the same time, to be filled with wrath at their ungodliness. Again, as this
passage assures us, that Christ was not free from human passions, we infer from it, that the passions
themselves are not sinful, provided there be no excess. In consequence of the corruption of our
nature, we do not preserve moderation; and our anger, even when it rests on proper grounds, is
never free from sin. With Christ the case was different; for not only did his nature retain its original
purity, but he was a perfect pattern of righteousness. We ought therefore to implore from heaven
the Spirit of God to correct our excesses.
MATTHEW 12:14-21; MARK 3:6-12; LUKE 6:11
Matthew 12:14-21
Mark 3:6-12
Luke 6:11
14. Then the Pharisees went 6. And the Pharisees went 11. And they were filled
out, and took counsel against out, and immediately took with madness, and talked with
him, how they might destroy counsel with the Herodians each other what they should do
him. against him, to destroy him. to Jesus.
86 15. But when Jesus knew
this, he withdrew from that 7. And Jesus withdrew with his
place; and great multitudes disciples to the sea, and a vast
followed him, and he cured them multitude followed him from
all. 16. And he threatened them, Galilee, and from Judea. 8. And
from Jerusalem, and from
86 “Comment ils le mettroyent a mort;” — “how they should put him to death.”
36
John Calvin