The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:38-45
Last state worse than first. All that was implied in our Lord's mode of working is here explicitly enounced. The miracles were only subordinately evidences of his Divine commission; primarily they were deeds of mercy. But to heal every one would have been to violate the constitution of man's nature, and upset the equilibrium required for the harmonious co-operation of God and man. Those only who had faith were healed, and this secured that their character was purified and aided, not... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:38-45
Further manifestation of unbelief. I. THE SIGN FROM HEAVEN . 1 . The demand of the scribes and Pharisees. They had just witnessed a wonderful sign, a striking evidence of the Divine authority of Christ. Some of them wickedly accused the Lord of dealings with Satan; others, less brutal, but equally obstinate in their unbelief, demanded further proof. It must be some visible appearance in the sky, they said ( Luke 11:16 ); nothing else would satisfy them. 2 . The Lord '... read more