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

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
17. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken Matthew does not mean that this prediction was
entirely fulfilled by Christ’s prohibiting loud and general reports to be circulated respecting his
power 93 , but that this was an exhibition of that mildness which Isaiah describes in the person of
the Messiah. Those wonderful works which Christ performed in presence of a few, and which he
did not wish to be announced in pompous terms, were fitted to shake heaven and earth, (Hebrews
12:26.) It was, therefore, no ordinary proof, how widely he was removed from the pomp and
ostentation of the world.
But it will be proper for us to examine more closely the design of Matthew. By this circumstance
he intended to show, that the glory of Christ’s divinity ought not to be the less admired, because it
appeared under a veil of infirmity. This is unquestionably the very object to which the Holy Spirit
directed the eyes of the prophet. The flesh is constantly longing for outward display, and to guard
believers against seeking any thing of this description in the Messiah, the Spirit of God declared
that he would be totally different from earthly kings, who, in order to draw admiration upon
themselves, produce great noises wherever they go, and fill cities and towns with commotion. 94
We now perceive how appropriately Matthew applies the prediction of the prophet to the case in
hand. God appointed for his Son a low and mean appearance, and that ignorant persons may not
take offense at an aspect which has no attraction, and is fitted to awaken contempt, both the prophet
and Matthew come forward to declare, that it is not by accident, but in consequence of a decree of
Heaven, that he assumes such a character. 95 Hence it follows, that deep blame attaches to all who
despise Christ, because his outward condition does not correspond to the wishes of the flesh. We
are not at liberty to imagine to ourselves a Christ that corresponds to our fancy, but ought simply
to embrace him as he is offered by the Father. He who is offended by the low condition of Christ,
which God declares to be agreeable to his will, is unworthy of salvation. I now come to examine
the words of the prophet, (Isaiah 42:1.)
18. Lo, my servant, whom I have chosen. To fix our attention more closely on his will, God
points out by the finger, as it were, the person whom he is about to send; and this is the design of
the exclamation, Lo! A similar reason may be assigned for the epithets that follow, when God calls
him his servant, his elect in whom his soul is well pleased. For whence comes it, that men venture
to measure Christ by their own sense, but because they do not consider that their redemption depends
exclusively on the grace of God? When God offers to us an invaluable treasure, it is excessive and
wicked presumption to regulate our estimation of it by the disdainful views of our flesh. He is called
93 “Les miracles et signes qu’il faisoit par sa vertu Divine;” — “the miracles and signs which he performed by his Divine
power.”
94 “Ils font faire de grans bruits: il semble que les villes et citez doyvent tourner ce que dessus dessous, tant y a grande
esmotion;” — “they cause great noises to be made; and so great is the commotion, that it would seem as if towns and cities were
to be turned upside down.”
95 “Quand Christ vient au monde sans pompe exterieure;” — “when Christ comes into the world without external pomp.”
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John Calvin