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

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
by word or writing prescribe what is proper, but inwardly forms the hearts of men, by the grace of
his Spirit, to preserve the rule of righteousness.
19. He will not strive The general meaning is, that the coming of Christ will not be attended by
noise, will have nothing of royal splendor and magnificence. He presently adds, that this will turn
to the advantage of men, by inducing them to love that mildness which the world everywhere
despises. And certainly it is an astonishing display of the folly of men, that their sentiments with
regard to Christ are less respectful, because he mildly and voluntarily accommodates himself to
their capacity. Were Christ to appear in his glory, what else could be expected, but that it would
altogether swallow us up? What wickedness then is it to be less willing to receive him, when on
our account he descends from his elevation?
That the gentleness of Christ may awaken reverence in believers, Isaiah reminds them how
advantageous, and even how necessary that gentleness must be. Each of us is conscious of his own
weakness; and therefore we ought to consider of what importance it is that Christ should treat us
with kindness. I speak not of unbelievers, who are entirely destitute of all the graces of the Spirit;
but with respect to those whom God has already called, are they not like a half-broken reed and a
smoking lamp, till God kindle them to full brightness, and supply them with perfect strength? When
Christ is thus pleased to condescend to our weakness, let his unspeakable goodness be embraced
by us with joy. Meanwhile, let none flatter himself in his vices, but let each of us labor to make
greater proficiency, that we may not be tossed about (Ephesians 4:14) through our whole life, or
bend, like reeds, to the slightest gale. Let us grow to the stature of perfect men, that we may remain
firm against the diversified attacks of Satan, that our faith may not only emit slight sparks
encompassed by thick smoke, but may send out bright rays.
The example of Christ instructs all his ministers in what manner they ought to conduct
themselves. But as there are some who falsely and absurdly maintain that mildness ought to be
exercised indiscriminately towards all, we must attend to the distinction which the prophet expressly
makes between weak and wicked persons. Those who are too stubborn need to have their hardness
beaten violently with a hammer; and those who endeavor to spread darkness in every direction, or
who act as torches to kindle conflagrations, must have their smoke dispelled and their flame
extinguished. While the faithful ministers of the Word ought to endeavor to spare the weak, and
thus to cherish and increase that portion of the grace of God, however small, which they possess,
they must also exercise prudent caution, lest they encourage the obstinate malice of those who have
no resemblance to the smoking lamp or bruised reed.
20. Till he send out judgment into victory. The words of the prophet are a little different, he will
bring forth the judgment unto truth. But the term employed by Matthew is very emphatic, and is
intended to inform us, that justice is not established in the world without a great struggle and
exertion. The devil throws all possible difficulties in the way, which cannot be removed without
violent opposition. This is confirmed by the word victory, for victory is not obtained in any other
way than by fighting.
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John Calvin