John Calvin Commentary Matthew 21:45

"And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them." — Matthew 21:45 (ASV)

They knew that he spoke of them. The Evangelists show how little success Christ had, so that we may not wonder if the doctrine of the Gospel does not bring all people, in the present day, to yield obedience to God.

Let us also learn that it is inevitable that the rage of ungodly people will be further inflamed by threats; for as God seals his word on our hearts, it is also a hot iron to wound bad consciences, as a result of which their ungodliness is further inflamed. Therefore, we ought to pray that he would subdue us to voluntary fear, so that the mere knowledge of his vengeance does not exasperate us further.

When they are restrained solely by the dread of the people from laying their hands on Christ, let us learn that God had laid a bridle on them. From this also arises a very delightful consolation to believers, when they learn that God protects them and constantly enables them to escape from the jaws of death.