John Calvin Commentary Matthew 12:9

"And he departed thence, and went into their synagogue:" — Matthew 12:9 (ASV)

And having departed from there. This narrative and that which immediately precedes it have the same object: to show that the scribes watched with a malicious eye for the purpose of turning into slander everything that Christ did. Consequently, we should not wonder if men whose minds were so depraved were His implacable enemies. We also see that it is usual for hypocrites to pursue what is nothing more than a shadow of the righteousness of the Law and, as the common saying is, to be more concerned about the form than about the substance.

First, then, let us learn from this passage to keep our minds pure and free from every wicked disposition when we are forming a decision on any question. For if hatred, pride, or anything of that description reigns within us, we will not only injure men but will also insult God Himself and turn light into darkness. No one free from malice would have refused to acknowledge that it was a Divine work, which those good teachers do not hesitate to condemn.⁸⁵ From where does such fury come, if not because all their senses are affected by a wicked hatred of Christ, so that they are blind amidst the full brightness of the sun?

We also learn that we should be careful that, by attaching undue importance to ceremonial observances, we do not allow other things to be neglected—things that are of far higher value in the sight of God and that Christ in another passage calls the more important matters of the Law (Matthew 23:23). For we are so strongly inclined to outward rites that we will never preserve moderation in this respect unless we constantly remember that whatever is enjoined concerning the worship of God is, first, spiritual, and second, should be regulated by the rule that Christ has laid down for us in this passage.

⁸⁵ “N’ont point de honte de condamner;” — “are not ashamed to condemn.”;” — “are not ashamed to condemn.”