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Observe here, 1. How the disciples wonder that our Saviour did so little regard the displeasure of the Pharisees: Knowest thou not that the Pharisees were offended? Although nothing vexed the Pharisees more than the discovery of their false doctrine before the multitude, yet our Saviour did not stick to detect their errors, and to declare the truth, let the effects of their displeasure be what they would: sinful man-pleasing is fruitless and endless.
2. Observe, our Lord's answer, which shews a double reason why he thus slighted the offence taken by the Pharisees.
1. He compares the Pharisees' doctrine and tradition to noisome weeds in the church, planted there, not by God, but themselves; and consequently shall certainly be rooted up. In matters of religion, if men will act according to the dictates of their own fancies, and not walk by the rule of God's word, they may please themselves, perhaps, but they can never please their Maker. Divine institution is the only sure rule of religious worship.
2. Christ compares the Pharisees themselves to blind guides; They are blind leaders of the blind; leaders and followers both blind, who will certainly and suddenly fall into the ditch of temporal and eternal destruction.
Learn, 1. That ignorant, erroneous and unfaithful ministers, are the heaviest judgments that can befall a people.
2. That the following of such teachers and blind guides will be no excuse to people another day, much less free them from the danger of eternal destruction.