John Calvin Commentary Matthew 22:34

"But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, gathered themselves together." — Matthew 22:34 (ASV)

Although I think that this narrative bears only a resemblance to what is related by Matthew in Matthew 22 and by Mark in Mark 12, and that they are not the same account, I have chosen to collect them into one place. This is because, while Matthew and Mark affirm that this was the last question by which our Lord was tempted, Luke makes no mention of that circumstance and seems intentionally to leave it out, as he had stated it in another passage.

And yet, I do not dispute that it may be the same narrative, though Luke includes some details different from the other two. They all agree on this: that the scribe put a question for the sake of tempting Christ. However, the man described by Matthew and Mark goes away with no bad disposition, for he acquiesces in Christ’s reply and shows signs of a teachable and gentle mind. To this must be added that Christ, on the other hand, declares that he is not far from the kingdom of God.

Luke, conversely, introduces a man who was obstinate and swelled with pride, in whom no evidence of repentance is discovered. Now, there would be no absurdity in saying that Christ was repeatedly tempted on the subject of true righteousness, of keeping the Law, and of the rule of a good life. But whether Luke has related this out of its proper place, or whether he has now passed by the other question — because that former narrative relating to doctrine was sufficient — the similarity of the doctrine seemed to require me to compare the three Evangelists with each other.

Let us now see what prompted this scribe to question Christ. As an expounder of the Law, he is offended by the doctrine of the gospel, which he believes diminishes the authority of Moses. At the same time, he is not so much influenced by zeal for the Law as by displeasure at losing some of the honor associated with his teaching.

He therefore asks Christ if he wishes to profess anything more perfect than the Law. For, though he does not say this in words, his question is ensnaring, intended to expose Christ to the hatred of the people. Matthew and Mark do not attribute this stratagem to one man only but show that it was a coordinated effort, and that from the whole sect one person was chosen who was thought to excel the others in ability and learning.

In the form of the question, too, Luke differs somewhat from Matthew and Mark. According to Luke, the scribe inquires what men must do to obtain eternal life; but according to the other two Evangelists, he inquires what is the chief commandment in the law. However, the design is the same: he makes a deceitful attack on Christ so that, if he can draw anything from his lips that is at variance with the law, he may denounce him as an apostate and a promoter of ungodly revolt.