John Calvin Commentary Matthew 12:17

"that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying," — Matthew 12:17 (ASV)

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 from being circulated about His power⁹³, but that this was an exhibition of the mildness Isaiah describes in the person of the Messiah. Those wonderful works Christ performed in the 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 of how widely He was removed from the pomp and ostentation of the world.

But it is proper for us to examine more closely Matthew’s design. By this circumstance, he intended to show that the glory of Christ’s divinity should not be admired any less 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 constantly longs for outward display. To guard believers against seeking anything of this kind in the Messiah, the Spirit of God declared that He would be totally different from earthly kings, who, to draw admiration to themselves, make great noises wherever they go and fill cities and towns with commotion.⁹⁴

We now perceive how appropriately Matthew applies the prophet's prediction to the present case. God appointed for His Son a low and humble appearance, so that ignorant people might not take offense at an appearance that has no attraction and is likely to awaken contempt. Both the prophet and Matthew come forward to declare that He assumes such a character not by accident, but as a consequence of a heavenly decree.⁹⁵

Therefore, all who despise Christ because His outward condition does not correspond to the desires of the flesh are deeply to blame. We are not at liberty to imagine for ourselves a Christ who corresponds to our fancy, but should simply embrace Him as He is offered by the Father. Anyone who is offended by the low condition of Christ, which God declares to be agreeable to His will, is unworthy of salvation.

I will now examine the words of the prophet (Isaiah 42:1).

⁹³ “Les miracles et signes qu’il faisoit par sa vertu Divine;” — “the miracles and signs which he performed by his Divine power.”;” — “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.”;” — “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.”;” — “when Christ comes into the world without external pomp.”