John Calvin Commentary Mark 9
John Calvin Commentary
Mark 9
John Calvin Commentary
Mark 9
"And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great multitude about them, and scribes questioning with them." — Mark 9:14 (ASV)
As Mark is more detailed and explains the circumstances in great detail, we will follow the order of his narrative. First, he points out clearly the reason why Christ displays a harshness so uncharacteristic of him, when he exclaims that the Jews, because of their perverse malice, do not deserve to be endured any longer.
We know how gently he usually received them, even when their requests were excessively persistent.486 A father here entreats on behalf of an only son; the necessity is extremely urgent, and a modest and humble appeal is made to the compassion of Christ. Why then does he, contrary to his usual manner, suddenly break out into passion and declare that they can be endured no longer?
Since the narratives of Matthew and Luke do not enable us to discover the reason for this great severity, some commentators have mistakenly supposed that this rebuke was directed either against the disciples or against the father of the afflicted child. But if we duly consider all the circumstances of the case, as they are related by Mark, there will be no difficulty in concluding that Christ's indignation was directed against the malice of the scribes, and that he did not intend to treat the ignorant and weak with such harshness.
During Christ’s absence, a lunatic child had been brought forward. The scribes, regarding this as a plausible occasion to cause trouble, eagerly seized upon it and urged the disciples, if they had any power, to exercise it in curing the child.
It is probable that the disciples made an attempt and that their efforts were unsuccessful, at which point the scribes raised the shout of victory. They not only ridiculed the disciples but also broke out against Christ, as if his power had been thwarted in their persons.
This was an extraordinary display of outrageous impiety combined with equally base ingratitude, to maliciously ignore so many miracles from which they had learned of Christ's amazing power; for they clearly endeavored to extinguish the light that was placed before their eyes.
Therefore, with good reason, Christ exclaims that they could no longer be endured and pronounces them to be an unbelieving and perverse nation; for the numerous proofs they had previously witnessed should at least have prevented them from seeking an occasion for disparagement.487
He saw a great multitude around them. The disciples were, no doubt, being held up for public ridicule, just as enemies of the truth are accustomed, on occasions of triumph, to assemble a crowd over a trivial matter. The scribes had made such a commotion about it as to draw the ridicule of many people upon the disciples. And yet it appears that some were not ill-disposed, for as soon as they see Jesus, they greet him; and even the insolence of the scribes is restrained by his presence, for when they are asked what the dispute is about, they have nothing to say.
486 “Encores mesme qu’ils se monstrassent import uns et facheux en leurs requestes;” — “even though they showed themselves to be importunate and troublesome in their requests.”;” — “even though they showed themselves to be importunate and troublesome in their requests.”
487 “Qu’ils n’allassent plus chercher des cavillations et moyens obliques pour luy resister;” — “not to resort any more to cavils and indirect methods of opposing him.”;” — “not to resort any more to cavils and indirect methods of opposing him.”
"And one of the multitude answered him, Teacher, I brought unto thee my son, who hath a dumb spirit;" — Mark 9:17 (ASV)
Master, I have brought to you my son. Matthew describes a different kind of disease from what Mark describes, for he says that the man was lunatic. However, both agree on these two points: that he was dumb, and that at certain intervals he became furious.
The term lunatic is applied to those who, around the waning of the moon, are seized with epilepsy or afflicted with giddiness.
I do not accept Chrysostom's fanciful notion that the word lunatic was invented by a trick of Satan to throw disgrace on God's good creatures. For we learn from undeniable experience that the moon's course affects the increase or decline of these diseases.488 Yet this does not prevent Satan from mixing his attacks with natural means.
Therefore, I am of the opinion that the man was not naturally deaf and dumb, but that Satan had taken possession of his tongue and ears. And, as the weakness of his brain and nerves made him liable to epilepsy, Satan availed himself of this to aggravate the disease.
The consequence was that he was exposed to danger on every side and was thrown into violent convulsions, which left him lying on the ground, in a fainting state, and like a dead man.
Let us learn from this how many ways Satan has of injuring us, if he were not restrained by the hand of God.
Our infirmities of both soul and body, which we feel to be innumerable, are so many darts with which Satan is supplied to wound us.
We are worse than stupid if such a wretched condition does not arouse us to prayer.
But in this we also see an amazing display of God's goodness: though we are liable to such a variety of dangers,489 He surrounds us with His protection, particularly when we consider with what eagerness our enemy is intent on our destruction.
We ought also to recall the consoling truth that Christ has come to bridle Satan's rage, and that we are safe in the midst of so many dangers because our diseases are effectually counteracted by heavenly medicine.
We must also pay attention to the circumstance of the time.
The father replies that his son had been subject to this grievous disease from his infancy.
If Satan was permitted to exert his power to such an extent on a person of that tender age, how much more reason do we have to fear?
We continually expose ourselves by our crimes to deadly strokes, even supplying our enemy with darts.
Indeed, Satan might justly be permitted to unleash his rage upon us, if it were not kept under restraint by the astonishing goodness of God.
488 On the opinion expressed by calvin, as to the influence of the moon on these diseases, the reader may consult on these diseases, the reader may consult Harmony, , vol. 1 p. 245, n.l. — — Ed.
489 “Combien que nous soyons subiets a mille dangers et inconveniens;” — “though we are liable to a thousand dangers and inconveniences.”;” — “though we are liable to a thousand dangers and inconveniences.”
"And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him grievously; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming." — Mark 9:20 (ASV)
And as soon as he saw him. That the devil should rage with more than ordinary cruelty against the man when he is brought to Christ should not cause surprise; for in proportion as the grace of Christ is seen to be nearer and acts more powerfully, Satan's fury is more intensely aroused. The presence of Christ awakens him like the sound of a trumpet. He raises as violent a storm as he can and contends with all his might.
We should be prepared beforehand with such reflections, so that our faith may not be disturbed when the approach of Christ's grace is met by more than ordinary violence from our enemy.
Nor should we lose sight of another point: that the true beginning of our healing is when our affliction is so heavy that we are almost at the point of death. It must also be considered that, through Satan's furious attack, our Lord lights a torch to make His grace visible; for when the spectators were appalled at the dreadful spectacle, the display of Christ's power, which immediately followed, was more distinctly perceived.
"And he asked his father, How long time is it since this hath come unto him? And he said, From a child." — Mark 9:21 (ASV)
From a child. From this, we infer that this punishment was not inflicted on account of the sins of the individual, but was a secret judgment of God. True indeed, even infants, as soon as they have come out of the womb, are not innocent in the sight of God, or free from guilt; but God’s chastisements sometimes have hidden causes and are intended to test our obedience. We do not render to God the honor which is due to Him, unless with reverence and modesty we adore His justice, when it is concealed from us. Whoever wishes to obtain fuller information on this point may consult my Commentary on these words, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents (John 9:3).
"And oft-times it hath cast him both into the fire and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us." — Mark 9:22 (ASV)
If you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us. We see how little honor he renders to Christ; for, supposing him to be some prophet whose power was limited, he approaches him with hesitation. On the other hand, the first foundation of faith is, to embrace the boundless power of God; and the first step to prayer is, to raise it above all opposition by the firm belief that our prayers are not in vain. As this man did not suppose Christ to be at all different from other men, his false opinion is corrected; for our faith must be so formed as to be capable and prepared for receiving the desired favor. In his reply, Christ does not administer a direct reproof, but indirectly reminding the man of what he had said wrongly, points out his fault to him and informs him how a remedy may be obtained.
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