‘For many are called, but few chosen.’ The parable then ends with a maxim. Many are called to respond to the King’s invitation, but only comparatively few are ‘chosen’, that is, are His elect (compare Matthew 24:31), that is, are those who are fully responsive to Him because of His effective call (John 6:44). read more
Matthew 12:9-2 Chronicles : . The Sabbath Healing which Determined Pharisaic Hostility ( Mark 3:1-Joshua : *, Luke 6:6-1 Kings :).— Mt. makes the Pharisees utter their question, and Jesus to reply, in words found in another connexion in Lk. ( Luke 14:5). Matthew 12:12 a is peculiar to Matthew 12:12 b elevates and broadens the Pharisees’ question in Matthew 12:10. We may note that the Rabbis allowed that “ every case where life is in jeopardy supersedes the Sabbath,” and that under certain... read more
Luke saith, they were filled with madness, and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus. Mark saith, they straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. What cause of their madness was here offered? A poor lame man was miraculously healed. They certainly were mad to see themselves confuted, who would not acknowledge him to be the Messiah, or to hear themselves nonplussed, or to find themselves contradicted (a thing proud men cannot bear). They... read more
CRITICAL NOTESMatthew 12:18. Judgment.—The idea embodied in the prediction is that it would be the aim of the Messiah, as universal Judge, to put all things to rights among all nations. The judicial function is one of the most important elements in the office of a monarch. It is in virtue of it that differences between man and man are adjusted, while the rights of all the members of the community are vindicated, so that harmony and co-operation may be secured.—(Morison).Matthew 12:20. Till He... read more
Shall we turn to the twelfth chapter of the gospel of Matthew?Jesus was not one to follow traditions. He's already pointed out in the Sermon on the Mount, that through their interpretation of the law, they have thoroughly disallowed the law, for the purposes that God intended it. For they were interpreting the law after a physical sense. "Thou shalt not kill," interpreting that as clubbing your enemy to death. But Jesus said, no, really if you have hatred in your heart for your brother, you're... read more
Matthew 12:2 . Thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath- day. The pharisees did not find fault with eating a few ears of barley in their hunger, while others enjoyed their feasts, because it was allowed by the law of Moses, provided they put nought of the fruit in their vessel, or their pouch; but they objected on the ground of the sabbath. Now, the appeal which Jesus made to David’s eating the holy bread, which belonged exclusively to the priests, shows that the... read more
Matthew 12:14The men of Nineveh shall rise in Judgment. The greater than JonasI. To show that sufficient cause in the different circumstances of the two, why the repentant ninevites should be witnesses against the impenitent Jews. Now what account are we to give of this repentance of the Ninevites? At first sight it seems strange that so vast a result should have been wrought by the preaching of a solitary and unknown individual. Jonah had no miraculous credentials to give; but he had himself... read more
Matthew 12:14-21That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet: Isaiah’s description of ChristI.When our Lord knew that the Pharisees were plotting His destruction, it is saw that he withdrew himself: from that place. He did not avenge their malice. He allowed it space to dissipate. Give no place to anger, He continued His works of mercy when He withdrew from the Pharisees … Great multitudes followed Him,” de. By His practical benevolence He would refute their falsehood, not... read more
14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. Ver. 14. How they might destroy him ] All envy is bloody. Men wish him out of the world whom they cannot abide; and would rather the sun should be extinguished than their candle obscured. David dared never trust Saul’s protestations, because he knew him to be an envious person. Nero put Traseas to death for no other cause but for that it was not expedient for Nero that so worthy a man as he should live... read more
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Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 12:9-16
The Man With The Withered Hand (12:9-16). Having described the rejection of Himself and John by the general people, the rejection of His Messianic signs by the local towns, and the hostility of the Pharisees, the story of the man with the withered hand fits in aptly. It is a reminder of the condition of Israel. They too are like a man with a withered hand. Once again the idea of ‘it is not lawful’ enters in. The yoke of the Law is once more stressed, and the One Who eases that yoke (Matthew... read more