John Calvin Commentary Matthew 21:15

"But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children that were crying in the temple and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were moved with indignation," — Matthew 21:15 (ASV)

When the chief priests and scribes saw. Luke relates that the Pharisees began to grumble while he was still on the road.¹⁷ It was the disciples who were then crying out; the others wished to have them silenced. Christ replied that their opposition was in vain, because God would rather make the stones cry out than permit the reign of His Son to be forgotten. It is probable that, as the crying out was not diminished, and as even the children now joined in it, the scribes and priests were roused to still fiercer indignation and then commenced a new attack on Christ. They appear indirectly to reproach him by alleging that he desires to obtain the praises of children.

But we must observe from where their displeasure arose. That it was connected with ungodly malice and outrageous contempt of God is evident from the fact that his miracles gave them no less uneasiness than the shouts of applause. But I now inquire about a more specific reason. What was it that chiefly vexed them?

We know how eagerly they contended for their authority. The aim of their zeal was that the tyranny they had once claimed might continue to be enjoyed by them, and it was no slight diminution of their power if the people were at liberty to bestow on Christ the title of King. Even in trifling matters they wished their decisions to be regarded as oracles,¹⁸ so that nothing could be approved or rejected except according to their pleasure. They therefore considered it foolish and unreasonable that the people should confer the title of Messiah on one whom they did not treat with any respect.

And certainly, if they had done their duty, it would have been proper for them to direct the whole people and to go before them as their leaders. For the priests had been appointed so that from their lips all might seek the knowledge of the Law, and, in short, that they might be the messengers and interpreters of the God of armies (Malachi 2:7). But as they had basely extinguished the light of truth, Christ appropriately replies that they gain nothing by endeavoring to suppress the doctrine of salvation, for it will rather break out from the stones.

There is likewise an implied admission; for Christ does not deny that it is an unnatural order for the uneducated multitude and children to be the first to magnify with their voice the coming of the Messiah. But since the truth is wickedly suppressed by those who ought to have been its lawful witnesses, it is not surprising if God raises up others and—to their shame—chooses children.

Hence we derive no slight consolation; for though wicked men leave no stone unturned to conceal the reign of Christ, we learn from this passage that their efforts are in vain. They hope that when some of the multitude who are advancing the kingdom of Christ are put to death, and others are silenced by fear, they will achieve their aim. But God will disappoint them, for He will sooner give mouths and tongues to stones than allow the kingdom of His Son to be without witnesses.

¹⁷ “Christ estant encore en chemin;” — “Christ being still on the road.”;” — “Christ being still on the road.”

¹⁸ “Pour arrests ou revelations celestes;” — “as decisions or revelations from heaven.”;” — “as decisions or revelations from heaven.”