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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>M A R K.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. VI.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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A great variety of observable passages we have, in this chapter,
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concerning our Lord Jesus, the substance of all which we had before in
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Matthew, but divers circumstances we have, which we did not there meet
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with. Here is,
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I. Christ contemned by his countrymen, because he was one of them, and
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they knew, or thought they knew, his original,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:1-6">ver. 1-6</A>.
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II. The just power he gave his apostles over unclean spirits, and an
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account given of their negotiation,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:7-13">ver. 7-13</A>.
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III. A strange notion which Herod and others had of Christ, upon which
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occasion we have the story of the martyrdom of John Baptist,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:14-29">ver. 14-29</A>.
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IV. Christ's retirement into a desert place with his disciples; the
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crowds that followed him thither to receive instruction from him; and
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his feeding five thousand of them with five loaves and two fishes,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:30-44">ver. 30-44</A>.
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V. Christ's walking upon the sea to his disciples, and the abundance
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of cures he wrought on the other side of the water,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:45-56">ver. 45-56</A>.</P>
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<A NAME="Mr6_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mr6_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mr6_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mr6_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mr6_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mr6_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Contempt Poured on Christ.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country;
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and his disciples follow him.
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2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the
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synagogue: and many hearing <I>him</I> were astonished, saying, From
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whence hath this <I>man</I> these things? and what wisdom <I>is</I> this
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which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought
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by his hands?
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3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of
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James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters
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here with us? And they were offended at him.
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4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour,
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but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own
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house.
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5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his
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hands upon a few sick folk, and healed <I>them.</I>
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6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round
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about the villages, teaching.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Here, I. Christ makes a visit to <I>his own country,</I> the place not
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of his birth, but of his education; that was <I>Nazareth;</I> where his
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relations were. He had been in danger of his life among them
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+4:29">Luke iv. 29</A>),
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and yet he came among them again; so strangely doth he wait to be
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gracious, and seek the salvation of his enemies. Whither he went,
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though it was into danger, <I>his disciples followed him</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>);
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for they had left all, to follow him whithersoever he went.</P>
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<P>
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II. There he <I>preached</I> in their <I>synagogue,</I> on the
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<I>sabbath day,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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It seems, there was not such flocking to him there as in other places,
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so that he had no opportunity of preaching till they came together on
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the sabbath day; and then he expounded a portion of scripture with
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great clearness. In religious assemblies, on sabbath days, the word of
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God is to be preached according to Christ's example. We <I>give
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glory</I> to God by receiving instruction from him.</P>
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<P>
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III. They could not but own that which was very honourable concerning
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him.
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1. That he spoke with great <I>wisdom,</I> and that this wisdom was
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<I>given to him,</I> for they knew he had no learned education.
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2. That he did <I>mighty works,</I> did them with his own hands, for
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the confirming of the doctrine he taught. They acknowledged the two
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great proofs of the divine original of his gospel--the <I>divine
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wisdom</I> that appeared in the contrivance of it, and the <I>divine
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power</I> that was exerted for the ratifying and recommending of it;
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and yet, though they could not deny the premises, they would not admit
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the conclusion.</P>
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<P>
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IV. They studied to disparage him, and to raise prejudices in the minds
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of people against him, notwithstanding. All this <I>wisdom,</I> and all
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these <I>mighty works,</I> shall be of no account, because he had a
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home-education, had never travelled, nor been at any university, or
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bred up at the feet of any of their doctors
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>);
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<I>Is not this the Carpenter?</I> In Matthew, they upbraid him with
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being the carpenter's son, his supposed father Joseph being of that
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trade. But, it seems, they could say further, <I>Is not this the
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Carpenter?</I> our Lord Jesus, it is probable, employing himself in
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that business with his father, before he entered upon his public
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ministry, at least, sometimes in journey-work.
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1. He would thus <I>humble himself,</I> and make himself of no
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reputation, as one that had taken upon him the form of a servant, and
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came to minister. Thus low did our Redeemer stoop, when he came to
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redeem us out of our low estate.
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2. He would thus teach us to <I>abhor idleness,</I> and to find
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<I>ourselves something to do</I> in this world; and rather to take up
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with mean and laborious employments, and such as no more is to be got
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by than a bare livelihood, than indulge ourselves in sloth. Nothing is
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more pernicious for young people than to get a <I>habit of
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sauntering.</I> The Jews had a good rule for this--that their young men
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who were designed for scholars, were yet bred up to some trade, as Paul
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was a tent-maker, that they might have some business to fill up their
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time with, and, if need were, to get their bread with.
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3. He would thus put an honour upon despised mechanics, and encourage
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those who eat the labour of their hands, though great men look upon
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them with contempt.</P>
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<P>
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Another thing they upbraided him with, was, the meanness of his
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relations; "<I>He is the son of Mary;</I> his <I>brethren</I> and
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<I>sisters</I> are here <I>with us;</I> we know his family and
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kindred;" and therefore, though they were <I>astonished</I> at his
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doctrine
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>),
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yet they were <I>offended</I> at his person
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
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were prejudiced against him, and looked upon him with contempt; and for
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that reason would not receive his doctrine, though ever so well
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recommended. May we think that if they had not known his pedigree, but
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he had dropped among them from the clouds, without father, without
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mother, and without descent, they would have entertained him with any
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more respect? Truly, no; for in Judea, where this was not know, that
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was made an objection against him
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+9:29">John ix. 29</A>);
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<I>As for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.</I> Obstinate
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unbelief will never want excuses.</P>
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<P>
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V. Let us see how Christ bore this contempt.</P>
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<P>
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1. He partly <I>excused it,</I> as a common thing, and what might be
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expected, though not reasonably or justly
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>);
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<I>A prophet is not despised any where but in his own country.</I> Some
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exceptions there may be to this rule; doubtless many have got over this
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prejudice, but ordinarily it holds good, that ministers are seldom so
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acceptable and successful in their own country as among strangers;
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<I>familiarity</I> in the younger years breeds a contempt, the
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advancement of one that was an inferior begets <I>envy,</I> and men
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will hardly set those among the guides of their souls whose fathers
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they were ready to set with the dogs of their flock; in such a case
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therefore it must not be thought hard, it is common treatment, it was
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Christ's, and <I>wisdom is profitable to direct</I> to other soil.</P>
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<P>
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2. He did <I>some good</I> among them, notwithstanding the slights they
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put upon him, for he is kind even to the evil and unthankful; <I>He
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laid his hands upon a few sick folks, and healed them.</I> Note, It is
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generous, and becoming the followers of Christ, to content themselves
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with the pleasure and satisfaction of doing good, though they be
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unjustly denied the praise of it.</P>
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<P>
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3. Yet he <I>could there do</I> no such mighty works, at least not so
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many, as in other places, because of the unbelief that prevailed among
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the people, by reason of the prejudices which their leaders instilled
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into them against Christ,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
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It is a strange expression, as if unbelief tied the hands of
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omnipotence itself; he <I>would have done</I> as many miracles there as
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he had done elsewhere, but he could not, because people would not make
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application to him, nor sue for his favours; he could have wrought
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them, but they forfeited the honour of having them wrought for them.
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Note, By unbelief and contempt of Christ men stop the current of his
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favours to them, and put a bar in their own door.</P>
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<P>
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4. He <I>marvelled because of their unbelief,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
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We never find Christ wondering but at the <I>faith</I> of the Gentiles
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that were strangers, as the <I>centurion</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+8:10">Matt. viii. 10</A>),
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and the woman of Samaria, and at the unbelief of Jews that were his own
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countrymen. Note, The unbelief of those that enjoy the means of grace,
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is a most amazing thing.</P>
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<P>
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5. He <I>went round about the village, teaching.</I> If we cannot do
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good where we would, we must do it where we can, and be glad if we may
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have any opportunity, though but in the villages, of serving Christ and
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souls. Sometimes the gospel of Christ finds better entertainment in the
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country villages, where there is less wealth, and pomp, and mirth, and
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subtlety, than in the populous cities.</P>
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<A NAME="Mr6_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mr6_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mr6_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mr6_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mr6_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mr6_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mr6_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Apostolic Commission.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>7 And he called <I>unto him</I> the twelve, and began to send them
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forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
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8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for <I>their</I>
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journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in
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<I>their</I> purse:
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9 But <I>be</I> shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
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10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an
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house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
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11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye
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depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony
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against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable
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for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that
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city.
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12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
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13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many
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that were sick, and healed <I>them.</I>
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Here is,
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I. The commission given to the twelve apostles, to preach and work
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miracles; it is the same which we had more largely,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:1-42">Matt. x</A>.
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Mark doth not name them here, as Matthew doth, because he had named
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them before, when they were first called into fellowship with him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+3:16-19"><I>ch.</I> iii. 16-19</A>.
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Hitherto they had been conversant with Christ, and had set at his feet,
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had heard his doctrine, and seen his miracles; and now he determines to
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make some use of them; they had <I>received,</I> that they might
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<I>give,</I> had <I>learned,</I> that they might <I>teach;</I> and
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therefore now he <I>began to send them forth.</I> They must not always
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be studying in the academy, to get knowledge, but they must preach in
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the country, to do good with the knowledge they have got. Though they
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were not as yet so well accomplished as they were to be, yet, according
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to their present ability and capacity, they must be set to work, and
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make further improvements afterward. Now observe here,</P>
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<P>
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1. That Christ sent them forth <I>by two and two;</I> this Mark takes
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notice of. They went two and two to a place, that out of the mouth of
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two witnesses every word might be established; and that they might be
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company for one another when they were among strangers, and might
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strengthen the hands, and encourage the hearts, one of another; might
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help one another if any thing should be amiss, and keep one another in
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countenance. Every common soldier has his comrade; and it is an
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approved maxim, <I>Two are better than one.</I> Christ would thus teach
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his ministers to associate, and both lend and borrow help.</P>
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<P>
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2. That he <I>gave them power over unclean spirits.</I> He commissioned
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them to attack the devil's kingdom, and empowered them, as a specimen
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of their breaking his interest in the souls of men by their doctrine,
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to cast him out of the bodies of those that were possessed. Dr.
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Lightfoot suggests, that they cured diseases, and cast out devils, by
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the Spirit, but preached that only which they had learned from the
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mouth of Christ.</P>
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<P>
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3. That he <I>commanded them</I> not to take provisions along with
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them, neither <I>victuals</I> nor <I>money,</I> that they might appear,
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wherever they came, to be poor men, men not of this world, and
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therefore might with the better grace call people off from it to
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another world. When afterward he bid them <I>take purse and scrip</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:36">Luke xxii. 36</A>),
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that did not intimate (as Dr. Lightfoot observes) that his care of them
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was abated from what it had been; but that they should meet with worse
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times and worse entertainment than they met with at their first
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|
mission. In Matthew and Luke they are forbidden to <I>take staves</I>
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with them, that is, fighting staves; but here in Mark they are bid to
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take nothing save a <I>staff only,</I> that is, a walking staff, such
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as pilgrims carried. They must not put on <I>shoes,</I> but
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<I>sandals</I> only, which were only the soles of shoes tied under
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their feet, or like pumps, or slippers; they must go in the readiest
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|
plainest dress they could, and must not so much as have <I>two
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coats;</I> for their stay abroad would be short, they must return
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before winter, and what they wanted, those they preached to would
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cheerfully accommodate them with.</P>
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<P>
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4. He directed them, whatever city they came to, to make that house
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their head-quarters, which happened to be their first quarters
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>);
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"<I>There abide, till ye depart from that place.</I> And since ye know
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|
ye come on an errand sufficient to make you welcome, have such charity
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|
for your friends that first invited you, as to believe they do not
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|
think you burthensome."</P>
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<P>
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5. He pronounces a very heavy doom upon those that rejected the gospel
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|
they preached
|
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>);
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"<I>Whosoever shall not receive you,</I> or will not so much as <I>hear
|
|
you, depart thence</I> (if one will not, another will), and <I>shake
|
|
off the dust under your feet, for a testimony against</I> them. Let
|
|
them know that they have had a fair offer of life and happiness made
|
|
them, witness that dust; but that, since they have refused it, they
|
|
cannot expect ever to have another; let them take up with their own
|
|
dust, for so shall their doom be." That dust, like the dust of Egypt
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+9:9">Exod. ix. 9</A>),
|
|
|
|
shall turn into a plague to them; and their condemnation in the great
|
|
day, will be more intolerable than <I>that of Sodom:</I> for the angels
|
|
were sent to Sodom, and were abused there; yet that would not bring on
|
|
so great a guilt and so great a ruin as the contempt and abuse of the
|
|
apostles of Christ, who bring with them the offers of gospel grace.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The apostles' conduct in pursuance of their commission. Though they
|
|
were conscious to themselves of great weakness, and expected no secular
|
|
advantage by it, yet, in obedience to their Master's order, and in
|
|
dependence upon his strength, they <I>went out</I> as Abraham, not
|
|
knowing whither they went. Observe here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The doctrine they preached; <I>They preached that men should
|
|
repent</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>);
|
|
|
|
that they should change their minds, and reform their lives, in
|
|
consideration of the near approach of the kingdom of the Messiah. Note,
|
|
The great design of the gospel preachers, and the great tendency of
|
|
gospel preaching, should be, to bring people to repentance, to a <I>new
|
|
heart</I> and a <I>new way.</I> They did not amuse people with curious
|
|
speculations, but told them that they must repent of their sins, and
|
|
turn to God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The miracles they wrought. The power Christ gave them <I>over
|
|
unclean spirits,</I> was not ineffectual, nor did they receive it in
|
|
vain, but used it, for they <I>cast out many devils</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>);
|
|
|
|
and they <I>anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.</I>
|
|
Some think this oil was used <I>medicinally,</I> according to the
|
|
custom of the Jews; but I rather think it was used as a <I>sign of
|
|
miraculous</I> healing, by the appointment of Christ, though not
|
|
mentioned; and it was afterward used by those <I>elders of the
|
|
church,</I> to whom <I>by the Spirit</I> was given the <I>gift of
|
|
healing,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+5:14">Jam. v. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is certain here, and therefore probable there, that <I>anointing the
|
|
sick with oil,</I> is appropriated to that extraordinary power which
|
|
has long ceased, and therefore that sign must cease with it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_14"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_29"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Death of John the Baptist.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>14 And king Herod heard <I>of him;</I> (for his name was spread
|
|
abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the
|
|
dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.
|
|
15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a
|
|
prophet, or as one of the prophets.
|
|
16 But when Herod heard <I>thereof,</I> he said, It is John, whom I
|
|
beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
|
|
17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John,
|
|
and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's
|
|
wife: for he had married her.
|
|
18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to
|
|
have thy brother's wife.
|
|
19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have
|
|
killed him; but she could not:
|
|
20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an
|
|
holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many
|
|
things, and heard him gladly.
|
|
21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his
|
|
birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief
|
|
<I>estates</I> of Galilee;
|
|
22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and
|
|
danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king
|
|
said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will
|
|
give <I>it</I> thee.
|
|
23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I
|
|
will give <I>it</I> thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
|
|
24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I
|
|
ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
|
|
25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and
|
|
asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger
|
|
the head of John the Baptist.
|
|
26 And the king was exceeding sorry; <I>yet</I> for his oath's sake,
|
|
and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
|
|
27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded
|
|
his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the
|
|
prison,
|
|
28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the
|
|
damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
|
|
29 And when his disciples heard <I>of it,</I> they came and took up
|
|
his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here is,
|
|
|
|
I. The wild notions that the people had concerning our Lord Jesus,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
His own countrymen could believe nothing great concerning him, because
|
|
they knew his poor kindred; but others that were not under the power of
|
|
that prejudice against him, were yet willing to believe any thing
|
|
rather than the truth--that he was the Son of God, and the true
|
|
Messias: they said, He is Elias, whom they expected; or, <I>He is a
|
|
prophet,</I> one of the Old-Testament prophets raised to life, and
|
|
returned to this world; or <I>as one of the prophets,</I> a prophet now
|
|
newly raised up, equal to those under the Old Testament.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The opinion of Herod concerning him. He heard of <I>his name</I>
|
|
and fame, of what he said and what he did; and he said, "It is
|
|
certainly John Baptist,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
As sure as we are here, <I>It is John, whom I beheaded,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
He is <I>risen from the dead;</I> and though while he was with us <I>he
|
|
did no miracle,</I> yet, having removed for awhile to another world, he
|
|
is come again with greater power, and <I>now mighty works do show forth
|
|
themselves in him.</I>"</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Note,
|
|
|
|
1. Where there is an <I>idle faith,</I> there is commonly a <I>working
|
|
fancy.</I> The people said, It is a prophet risen from the dead; Herod
|
|
said, It is <I>John Baptist risen from the dead.</I> It seems by this,
|
|
that the <I>rising of a prophet from the dead,</I> to do <I>mighty
|
|
works,</I> was a thing expected, and was thought neither impossible nor
|
|
improbable, and it was now readily suspected when it was <I>not
|
|
true;</I> but afterward, when <I>it was true</I> concerning Christ, and
|
|
a truth undeniably evidenced, yet then it was obstinately gainsaid and
|
|
denied. Those who most wilfully disbelieve the truth, are commonly most
|
|
credulous of errors and fancies.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. They who fight against the cause of God, will find themselves
|
|
baffled, even when they think themselves conquerors; they cannot gain
|
|
their point, for the word of the Lord endures for ever. They who
|
|
rejoiced when the witnesses were slain, fretted as much, when in three
|
|
or four days they <I>rose again</I> in their successors,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+11:10,11">Rev. xi. 10, 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
The impenitent unreformed sinner, that escapeth the sword of Jehu,
|
|
shall Elisha slay.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. A guilty conscience needs no accuser or tormentor but itself. Herod
|
|
charges himself with the murder of John, which perhaps no one else dare
|
|
charge him with; <I>I beheaded him;</I> and the terror of it made him
|
|
imagine that Christ was John risen. He feared John while he lived, and
|
|
now, when he thought he had got clear of him, fears him ten times worse
|
|
when he is dead. One might as well be haunted with ghosts and furies,
|
|
as with the horrors of an accusing conscience; those therefore who
|
|
would keep an undisturbed peace, must keep an undefiled conscience,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+24:16">Acts xxiv. 16</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. There may be the terrors of strong conviction, where there is not
|
|
the truth of a saving conversion. This Herod, who had this notion
|
|
concerning Christ, afterward sought to kill him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+13:31">Luke xiii. 31</A>),
|
|
|
|
and did set him at nought
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+23:11">Luke xxiii. 11</A>);
|
|
|
|
so that he will not be persuaded, though it be <I>by one risen from the
|
|
dead;</I> no, not by a John the Baptist risen from the dead.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. A narrative of Herod's putting John Baptist to death, which is
|
|
brought in upon this occasion, as it was in Matthew. And here we may
|
|
observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The great value and veneration which Herod had some time had for
|
|
John Baptist, which is related only by this evangelist,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here we see what a great way a man may go toward grace and glory, and
|
|
yet come short of both, and perish eternally.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) He <I>feared John, knowing that he was a just man, and a holy.</I>
|
|
It is possible that a man may have a great reverence for good men, and
|
|
especially for good ministers, yea, and for that in them that is good,
|
|
and yet himself be a bad man. Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] John was a <I>just man, and a holy;</I> to make a complete good
|
|
man, both justice and holiness are necessary; holiness toward God, and
|
|
justice toward men. John was mortified to this world, and so was a good
|
|
friend both to justice and holiness.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Herod knew this, not only by common fame, but by personal
|
|
acquaintance with him. Those that have but little justice and holiness
|
|
themselves, may yet discern it with respect in others. And,
|
|
|
|
[3.] He therefore <I>feared</I> him, he honoured him. Holiness and
|
|
justice command veneration, and many that are not good themselves, have
|
|
respect for those that are.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He <I>observed</I> him; he sheltered him from the malice of his
|
|
enemies (so some understand it); or, rather, he had a regard to his
|
|
exemplary conversation, and took notice of that in him that was
|
|
praiseworthy, and commended it in the hearing of those about him; he
|
|
made it appear that he observed what John said and did.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) He <I>heard him</I> preach; which was great condescension,
|
|
considering how mean John's appearance was. To hear Christ himself
|
|
preach in our streets will be but a poor plea in the great day,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+13:26">Luke xiii. 26</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) He <I>did many of those things</I> which John in his preaching
|
|
taught him. He was not only a <I>hearer of the word,</I> but in part a
|
|
<I>doer of the work.</I> Some sins which John in his preaching
|
|
reproved, he forsook, and some duties he bound himself to; but it will
|
|
not suffice to do <I>many</I> things, unless we have <I>respect to
|
|
all</I> the commandments.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(5.) He <I>heard him gladly.</I> He did not hear him with terror as
|
|
Felix heard Paul, but heard him with pleasure. There is a flashy joy,
|
|
which a hypocrite may have in hearing the word; Ezekiel was to his
|
|
hearers as a <I>lovely song</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+33:32">Ezek. xxxiii. 32</A>);
|
|
|
|
and the <I>stony ground received the word with joy,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+8:13">Luke viii. 13</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. John's faithfulness to Herod, in telling him of his faults. Herod
|
|
had married his brother Philip's wife,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
All the country, no doubt, cried shame on him for it, and reproached
|
|
him for it; but John <I>reproved</I> him, told him plainly, <I>It is
|
|
not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.</I> This was Herod's
|
|
own iniquity, which he could not leave, when he did many things that
|
|
John taught him; and therefore John tells him of this particularly.
|
|
Though he were a king, he would not spare him, any more than Elijah did
|
|
Ahab, when he said, <I>Hast thou killed and also taken possession?</I>
|
|
Though John had an interest in him, and he might fear this
|
|
plain-dealing would destroy his interest, yet he reproved him; for
|
|
<I>faithful are the wounds of a friend</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+27:6">Prov. xxvii. 6</A>);
|
|
|
|
and though there are some swine that will <I>turn again, and rend</I>
|
|
those that <I>cast pearls</I> before them, yet, ordinarily, <I>he that
|
|
rebuketh a man</I> (if the person reproved has any thing of the
|
|
understanding of a man), <I>afterwards shall find more favour than he
|
|
that flattereth with his tongue,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+28:23">Prov. xxviii. 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
Though it was dangerous to offend Herod, and much more to offend
|
|
Herodias, yet John would run the hazard rather than be wanting in his
|
|
duty. Note, Those ministers that would be found faithful in the work of
|
|
God, must not be afraid of the face of man. If we seek to please men,
|
|
further than is for their spiritual good, we are not the servants of
|
|
Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. The malice which Herodias bore to John for this
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>);
|
|
|
|
She <I>had a quarrel with him, and would have killed him;</I> but when
|
|
she could not obtain that, she got him committed to prison,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
Herod respected him, till he touched him in his Herodias. Many that
|
|
pretend to honour prophesying, are for smooth things only, and love
|
|
good preaching, if it keep far enough from their beloved sin; but if
|
|
that be touched, they cannot bear it. No marvel if the world hate those
|
|
who testify of it that its works are evil. But it is better that
|
|
sinners persecute ministers now for their faithfulness, than curse them
|
|
eternally for their unfaithfulness.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. The plot laid to take off John's head. I am apt to think that Herod
|
|
was himself in the plot, notwithstanding his pretences to be displeased
|
|
and surprised, and that the thing was concerted between him and
|
|
Herodias; for it is said to be <I>when a convenient day was come</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>),
|
|
|
|
fit for such a purpose.
|
|
|
|
(1.) There must be a ball at court, upon the king's birth-day, and a
|
|
supper prepared for <I>his lords, high captains, and chief estates of
|
|
Galilee.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) To grace the solemnity, the daughter of Herodias must <I>dance</I>
|
|
publicly, and Herod must take on him to be wonderfully charmed with her
|
|
dancing; and if he be, they that <I>sit with him</I> cannot but, in
|
|
compliment to him, be so too.
|
|
|
|
(3.) The king hereupon must make her an extravagant promise, to give
|
|
her <I>whatever she would ask,</I> even to the <I>half of the
|
|
kingdom;</I> and yet, that, if rightly understood, would not have
|
|
reached the end designed, for John Baptist's head was worth more than
|
|
his <I>whole kingdom.</I> This promise is bound with an oath, that no
|
|
room might be left to fly off from it; <I>He sware unto her, Whatsoever
|
|
thou shalt ask, I will give.</I> I can scarcely think he would have
|
|
made such an unlimited promise, but that he knew what she would ask.
|
|
|
|
(4.) She, being instructed by Herodias her mother, asked the <I>head of
|
|
John Baptist;</I> and she must have it brought her <I>in a charger,</I>
|
|
as a pretty thing for her to play with
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:24,25"><I>v.</I> 24, 25</A>);
|
|
|
|
and there must be no delay, no time lost, she must have it <I>by and
|
|
by.</I>
|
|
|
|
(5.) Herod granted it, and the execution was done immediately while the
|
|
company were together, which we can scarcely think the king would have
|
|
done, if he had not determined the matter before. But he takes on him,
|
|
|
|
[1.] To be very backward to it, and that he would not for all the world
|
|
have done it, if he had not been surprised into such a promise; The
|
|
<I>king was exceeding sorry,</I> that is, he seemed to be so, he said
|
|
he was so, he looked as if he had been so; but it was all sham and
|
|
grimace, he was really pleased that he had found a pretence to get John
|
|
out of the way. <I>Qui nescit dissimulare, nescit regnare--The man who
|
|
cannot dissemble, knows not how to reign.</I> And yet he was not
|
|
without sorrow for it; he could not do it but with great regret and
|
|
reluctancy; natural conscience will not suffer men to sin easily; the
|
|
very commission of it is vexatious; what then will the reflection upon
|
|
it be?
|
|
|
|
[2.] He takes on him to be very sensible of the obligation of his oath;
|
|
whereas if the damsel had asked but a fourth part of his kingdom, I
|
|
doubt not but he would have found out a way to evade his oath. The
|
|
promise was rashly made, and could not bind him to do an unrighteous
|
|
thing. Sinful oaths must be repented of, and therefore not performed;
|
|
for repentance is the undoing of what we have done amiss, as far as is
|
|
in our power. When Theodosius the emperor was urged by a suitor with a
|
|
<I>promise,</I> he answered, <I>I said it,</I> but did not
|
|
<I>promise</I> it if it be unjust. If we may suppose that Herod knew
|
|
nothing of the design when he made that rash promise, it is probable
|
|
that he was hurried into the doing of it by those about him, only to
|
|
carry on the humour; for he did it <I>for their sakes who sat with
|
|
him,</I> whose company he was proud of, and therefore would do any
|
|
thing to gratify them. Thus do princes make themselves slave to those
|
|
whose respect they covet, and both value and secure themselves by. None
|
|
of Herod's subjects stood in more awe of him than he did of <I>his
|
|
lords, high captains, and chief estates.</I> The king sent an
|
|
<I>executioner,</I> a soldier of his guard. Bloody tyrants have
|
|
executioners ready to obey their most cruel and unrighteous decrees.
|
|
Thus Saul has a <I>Doeg</I> at hand, to <I>fall upon the priests of the
|
|
Lord,</I> when his own footmen declined it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
5. The effect of this is,
|
|
|
|
(1.) That Herod's wicked court is <I>all in triumph,</I> because this
|
|
prophet tormented them; the head is made a present of <I>to the
|
|
damsel,</I> and by her to her <I>mother,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) That John Baptist's sacred college is <I>all in tears;</I> the
|
|
disciples of John little thought of this; but, when they <I>heard of
|
|
it,</I> they came, and took up the neglected <I>corpse,</I> and <I>laid
|
|
it in a tomb;</I> where Herod, if he had pleased, might have found it,
|
|
when he frightened himself with the fancy that John Baptist was
|
|
<I>risen from the dead.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_33"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_34"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_35"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_36"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_37"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_38"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_39"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_40"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_41"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_42"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_43"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_44"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus,
|
|
and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they
|
|
had taught.
|
|
31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a
|
|
desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and
|
|
going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
|
|
32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
|
|
33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and
|
|
ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came
|
|
together unto him.
|
|
34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved
|
|
with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not
|
|
having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
|
|
35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto
|
|
him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time <I>is</I> far
|
|
passed:
|
|
36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round
|
|
about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they
|
|
have nothing to eat.
|
|
37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And
|
|
they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of
|
|
bread, and give them to eat?
|
|
38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And
|
|
when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
|
|
39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon
|
|
the green grass.
|
|
40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
|
|
41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he
|
|
looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave
|
|
<I>them</I> to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes
|
|
divided he among them all.
|
|
42 And they did all eat, and were filled.
|
|
43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and
|
|
of the fishes.
|
|
44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand
|
|
men.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
In there verses, we have,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The return to Christ of the apostles whom he had sent forth
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
to preach, and work miracles. They had dispersed themselves into
|
|
several quarters of the country for some time, but when they had made
|
|
good their several appointments, by consent they <I>gathered themselves
|
|
together,</I> to compare notes, and came to Jesus, the centre of their
|
|
unity, to give him an account of what they had done pursuant to their
|
|
commission: as the servant that was sent to invite to the feast, and
|
|
had received answers from the guests, came, and <I>showed his Lord all
|
|
those things,</I> so did the apostles here; they <I>told him all
|
|
things,</I> both <I>what they had done, and what they had taught.</I>
|
|
Ministers are accountable both for what they <I>do,</I> and for what
|
|
they <I>teach;</I> and must both watch over their own souls, and watch
|
|
for the souls of others, as those that must <I>give account,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+13:17">Heb. xiii. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
Let them not either <I>do</I> any thing, or <I>teach</I> any thing, but
|
|
what they are willing should be related and repeated to the Lord Jesus.
|
|
It is a comfort to faithful ministers, when they can appeal to Christ
|
|
concerning their doctrine and manner of life, both which perhaps have
|
|
been misrepresented by men; and he gives them leave to be free with
|
|
him, and to lay open their case before him, to <I>tell him all
|
|
things,</I> what treatment they have met with, what success, and what
|
|
disappointment.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The tender care Christ took for their repose, after the fatigue
|
|
they had
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>He said unto them,</I> perceiving them to be almost spent, and out
|
|
of breath, <I>Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest
|
|
awhile.</I> It should seem that John's disciples came to Christ with
|
|
the mournful tidings of their master's death, much about the same time
|
|
that his own disciples came to him with the report of their
|
|
negotiation. Note, Christ takes cognizance of the <I>frights</I> of
|
|
some, and the <I>toils</I> of others, of his disciples, and provides
|
|
suitable relief for both, rest for those that are tired, and refuge for
|
|
those that are terrified. With what kindness and compassion doth Christ
|
|
say to them, <I>Come, and rest!</I> Note, The most active servants of
|
|
Christ cannot be always upon the stretch of business, but have bodies
|
|
that require some relaxation, some breathing-time; we shall not be able
|
|
to serve God without ceasing, day and night, till we come to heaven,
|
|
where they <I>never rest</I> from praising him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+4:8">Rev. iv. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
And the Lord is for the body, considers its frame, and not only allows
|
|
it time for rest, but puts it in mind of resting. <I>Come, my people,
|
|
enter thou into thy chambers. Return to thy rest.</I> And those that
|
|
work diligently and faithfully, may cheerfully retire to rest. <I>The
|
|
sleep of the labouring man is sweet.</I> But observe,
|
|
|
|
1. Christ calls them to come <I>themselves apart;</I> for, if they had
|
|
any body with them, they would have something to say, or something to
|
|
do, for their good; if they must <I>rest,</I> they must be
|
|
<I>alone.</I>
|
|
|
|
2. He invites them not to some pleasant country-seat, where there were
|
|
fine buildings and fine gardens, but <I>into a desert place,</I> where
|
|
the accommodations were very poor, and which was fitted by nature only,
|
|
and not by art, for quietness and rest. But it was of a piece with all
|
|
the other circumstances he was in; no wonder that he who had but a ship
|
|
for his preaching place, had but a desert for his resting place.
|
|
|
|
3. He calls them only to rest <I>awhile;</I> they must not expect to
|
|
rest <I>long,</I> only to <I>get breath,</I> and then to go to work
|
|
again. There is no <I>remaining rest</I> for the people of God till
|
|
they come to heaven.
|
|
|
|
4. The reason given for this, is, not so much because they had been in
|
|
<I>constant work,</I> but because they now were in a <I>constant
|
|
hurry;</I> so that they had not their work in any order; <I>for there
|
|
were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to
|
|
eat.</I> Let but proper time be set, and kept for every thing, and a
|
|
great deal of work may be done with a great deal of ease; but if people
|
|
be continually coming and going, and no rule or method be observed, a
|
|
little work will not be done without a deal of trouble.
|
|
|
|
5. They withdrew, accordingly, <I>by ship;</I> not crossing the water,
|
|
but making a coasting voyage to the desert of Bethsaida,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
Going <I>by water</I> was much less toilsome than going <I>by land</I>
|
|
would have been. They went away <I>privately,</I> that they might be by
|
|
themselves. The most public persons cannot but wish to be private
|
|
sometimes.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The diligence of the people to follow him. It was rude to do so,
|
|
when he and his disciples were desirous, for such good reason, to
|
|
<I>retire;</I> and yet they are not blamed for it, nor bid to go back,
|
|
but bid welcome. Note, A failure in good manners will easily be excused
|
|
in those who follow Christ, if it be but made up in a fulness of good
|
|
affections. They followed him of their own accord, without being called
|
|
upon. Here is no time set, no meeting appointed, no bell tolled; yet
|
|
they thus fly like a cloud, and as the doves to their windows. They
|
|
followed him <I>out of the cities,</I> quitted their houses and shops,
|
|
their callings and affairs, to hear him preach. They followed him
|
|
<I>afoot,</I> though he was gone by sea, and so, to try them, seemed to
|
|
put a slight upon them, and to endeavour to shake them off; yet they
|
|
stuck to him. They <I>ran</I> afoot, and made such haste, that they
|
|
<I>out-went</I> the disciples, and <I>came together</I> to him with an
|
|
appetite to the word of God. Nay they followed him, though it was into
|
|
a <I>desert place,</I> despicable and inconvenient. The presence of
|
|
Christ will turn a wilderness into a paradise.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. The entertainment Christ gave them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>When he saw much people,</I> instead of being moved with
|
|
displeasure, because they disturbed him when he desired to be private,
|
|
as many a man, many a good man, would have been, he was <I>moved with
|
|
compassion toward them,</I> and looked upon them with concern, because
|
|
<I>they</I> were <I>as sheep having no shepherd,</I> they seemed to be
|
|
well-inclined, and manageable as sheep, and willing to be taught, but
|
|
they had <I>no shepherd,</I> none to lead and guide them in the right
|
|
way, none to feed them with good doctrine: and therefore, in compassion
|
|
to them, he not only <I>healed their sick,</I> as it is in Matthew, but
|
|
he <I>taught them many things,</I> and we may be sure that they were
|
|
all true and good, and fit for them to learn.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. The provision he made for them all; all his hearers he generously
|
|
made his guests, and treated them at a <I>splendid</I> entertainment:
|
|
so it might truly be called, because a <I>miraculous</I> one.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The disciples moved that they should be <I>sent home.</I> When
|
|
<I>the day was not far spent,</I> and night drew on, they said, <I>This
|
|
is a desert place,</I> and <I>much time is now past; send them away to
|
|
buy bread,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:35"><I>v.</I> 35, 36</A>.
|
|
|
|
This the disciples suggested to Christ; but we do not find that the
|
|
multitude themselves did. They did not say, <I>Send us away</I> (though
|
|
they could not but be hungry), for they <I>esteemed the words of
|
|
Christ's mouth more than their necessary food,</I> and forgot
|
|
themselves when they were hearing him; but the disciples thought it
|
|
would be a kindness to them to dismiss them. Note, Willing minds will
|
|
do more, and hold out longer, in that which is good, than one would
|
|
expect from them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Christ ordered that they should all be fed
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:37"><I>v.</I> 37</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Give ye them to eat.</I> Though their crowding after him and his
|
|
disciples hindered them from eating
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>),
|
|
|
|
yet he would not <I>therefore,</I> to be even with them, send them away
|
|
fasting, but, to teach us to be kind to those who are rude to us, he
|
|
ordered provision to be made for them; that bread which Christ and his
|
|
disciples took with them into the desert, that they might make a quiet
|
|
meal of it for themselves, he will have them to partake of. Thus was he
|
|
given to hospitality. They attended on the spiritual food of his word,
|
|
and then he took care that they should not want corporal food. The way
|
|
of duty, as it is the way of safety, so it is the way to supply. Let
|
|
God alone to fill the pools with rain from heaven, and so to make a
|
|
well even in the valley of Baca, for those that are going Zion-ward,
|
|
from strength to strength,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+84:6,7">Ps. lxxxiv. 6, 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Providence, not <I>tempted,</I> but duly <I>trusted,</I> never yet
|
|
failed any of God's faithful servants, but has refreshed many with
|
|
seasonable and surprising relief. It has often been seen in the
|
|
<I>mount of the Lord, Jehovah-jireh,</I> that <I>the Lord will
|
|
provide</I> for those that wait on him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. The disciples objected against it as impracticable; <I>Shall we go,
|
|
and buy two hundred penny-worth of bread, and give them to eat?</I>
|
|
Thus, through the weakness of their faith, instead of waiting for
|
|
directions from Christ, they perplex the cause with projects of their
|
|
own. It was a question, whether they had two hundred pence with them,
|
|
whether the country would of a sudden afford so much bread if they had,
|
|
and whether that would suffice so great a company; but thus Moses
|
|
objected
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+11:22">Num. xi. 22</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them?</I> Christ would
|
|
let them see their folly in forecasting for themselves, that they might
|
|
put the greater value upon his provision for them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. Christ effected it, to universal satisfaction. They had brought with
|
|
them <I>five loaves,</I> for the victualling of their ship, and <I>two
|
|
fishes</I> perhaps they caught as they came along; and that is the bill
|
|
of fare. This was but a little for Christ and his disciples, and yet
|
|
this they must give away, as the widow her <I>two mites,</I> and as the
|
|
church of Macedonia's <I>deep poverty abounded to the riches of their
|
|
liberality.</I> We often find Christ entertained at other people's
|
|
tables, dining with one friend, and supping with another: but here we
|
|
have him supping a great many at his own charge, which shows that, when
|
|
others <I>ministered to him of their substance,</I> it was not because
|
|
he could not supply himself otherwise (if he was <I>hungry,</I> he
|
|
needed not <I>tell them</I>); but it was a piece of humiliation, that
|
|
he was pleased to submit to, nor was it agreeable to the intention of
|
|
miracles, that he should work them for himself. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The provision was <I>ordinary.</I> Here were no rarities, no
|
|
varieties, though Christ, if he had pleased, could have furnished his
|
|
table with them; but thus he would teach us to be content with food
|
|
convenient for us, and not to be desirous of dainties. If we have for
|
|
necessity, it is no matter though we have not for delicacy and
|
|
curiosity. God, in love, gives <I>meat for our hunger;</I> but, in
|
|
wrath, gives <I>meat for our lusts,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+78:18">Ps. lxxviii. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
The promise to them that fear the Lord, is, that verily they shall be
|
|
fed; he doth not say, They shall be <I>feasted.</I> If Christ and his
|
|
disciples took up with mean things, surely we may.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The guests were <I>orderly;</I> for they <I>sat down by companies
|
|
on the green grass</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:39"><I>v.</I> 39</A>),
|
|
|
|
they <I>sat down in ranks by hundreds and by fifties</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:40"><I>v.</I> 40</A>),
|
|
|
|
that the provision might the more easily and regularly be distributed
|
|
among them; for God is the God of order, and not of confusion. Thus
|
|
care was taken that every one should have enough, and none be
|
|
over-looked, nor any have more than was fitting.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) A blessing was craved upon the meat; <I>He looked up to heaven,
|
|
and blessed.</I> Christ did not call one of his disciples to crave a
|
|
blessing, but did it himself
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:41"><I>v.</I> 41</A>);
|
|
|
|
and by virtue of this blessing the bread strangely multiplied, and so
|
|
did the fishes, for they did <I>all eat, and were filled,</I> though
|
|
they were to the number of <I>five thousand,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:42,44"><I>v.</I> 42, 44</A>.
|
|
|
|
This miracle was significant, and shows that Christ came into the
|
|
world, to be the great feeder as well as the great healer; not only to
|
|
restore, but to preserve and nourish, spiritual life; and in him there
|
|
is enough for all that come to him, enough to fill the soul, to fill
|
|
the treasures; none are sent empty away from Christ, but those that
|
|
come to him full of themselves.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) Care was taken of the fragments that remained, with which they
|
|
filled <I>twelve baskets.</I> Though Christ had bread enough at
|
|
command, he would hereby teach us, not to make waste of any of God's
|
|
good creatures; remembering how many there are that do want, and that
|
|
we know not but we may some time or other want such fragments as we
|
|
throw away.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_45"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mr6_46"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ Walking on the Sea.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the
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ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he
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sent away the people.
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46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain
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to pray.
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47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the
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sea, and he alone on the land.
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48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary
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unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto
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them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
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49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it
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had been a spirit, and cried out:
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50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he
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talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I;
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be not afraid.
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51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased:
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and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and
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wondered.
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52 For they considered not <I>the miracle</I> of the loaves: for
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their heart was hardened.
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53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of
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Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.
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54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they
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knew him,
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55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to
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carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he
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was.
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56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or
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country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that
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they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as
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many as touched him were made whole.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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This passage of story we had
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+14:22">Matt. xiv. 22</A>,
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&c., only what was there related concerning Peter, is omitted here.
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Here we have,</P>
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<P>
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I. The dispersing of the assembly; Christ <I>constrained his
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disciples</I> to go before by ship to Bethsaida, intending to follow
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them, as they supposed, by land. The people were loth to scatter, so
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that it cost him some time and pains to send them away. For now that
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they had got a good supper, they were in no haste to leave him. But as
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long as we are here in this world, we have no continuing city, no not
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in communion with Christ. The everlasting feast is reserved for the
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future state.</P>
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<P>
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II. Christ departed <I>into a mountain, to pray.</I> Observe,
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1. He <I>prayed;</I> though he had so much preaching-work upon his
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hands, yet he was much in prayer; he prayed often, and prayed long,
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which is an encouragement to us to depend upon the intercession he is
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making for us at the right hand of the Father, that <I>continual</I>
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intercession.
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2. He went <I>alone,</I> to pray; though he needed not to retire for
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the avoiding either of distraction or of ostentation, yet, to set us an
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example, and to encourage us in our <I>secret</I> addresses to God, he
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prayed <I>alone,</I> and, for want of a closet, went up into a
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mountain, to pray. A good man is never less alone than when alone with
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God.</P>
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<P>
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III. The disciples were in distress at sea; <I>The wind was
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contrary</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:48"><I>v.</I> 48</A>),
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so that they <I>toiled in rowing,</I> and could not get forward. This
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was a specimen of the hardships they were to expect, when hereafter he
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should send them abroad to preach the gospel; it would be like sending
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them to sea at this time with the <I>wind in their teeth:</I> they must
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expect to toil in rowing, they must work hard to strive against so
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|
strong a stream; they must likewise expect to be tossed with waves, to
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be persecuted by their enemies; and by exposing them now he intended to
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train them up for such difficulties, that they might learn to <I>endure
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hardness.</I> The church is often like a ship at sea, <I>tossed with
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tempests, and not comforted</I> we may have Christ for us, and yet wind
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and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a
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storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for
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them.</P>
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<P>
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IV. Christ made them a kind visit upon the water. He could have checked
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the winds, where he was, or have sent an angel to their relief; but he
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chose to help them in the most endearing manner possible, and therefore
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came to them himself.</P>
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<P>
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1. He did not come till the <I>fourth watch of the night,</I> not till
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after three o'clock in the morning; but then he came. Note, If Christ's
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visits to his people be deferred long, yet at length he will come; and
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|
their extremity is his opportunity to appear for them so much the more
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seasonably. Though the salvation tarry, yet we must wait for it; <I>at
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the end it shall speak,</I> in the fourth watch of the night, <I>and
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|
not lie.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. He came, walking upon the waters. The sea was now tossed with waves,
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and yet Christ came, walking upon it; for though the <I>floods lift up
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|
their voice, the Lord on high is mightier,</I>
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|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+93:3,4">Ps. xciii. 3, 4</A>.
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|
No difficulties can obstruct Christ's gracious appearances for his
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|
people, when the set time is come. He will either find, or force, a way
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|
through the most tempestuous sea, for their deliverance,
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+42:7,8">Ps. xlii. 7, 8</A>,</P>
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<P>
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3. He <I>would have passed by them,</I> that is, he set his face and
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|
steered his course, as if he would have gone further, and took no
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|
notice of them; this he did, to awaken them to call to him. Note,
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|
Providence, when it is acting designedly and directly for the succour
|
|
of God's people, yet sometimes seems as if it were <I>giving them the
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|
go-by,</I> and regarded not their case. They thought that <I>he
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|
would,</I> but we may be sure that he would not, <I>have passed by
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|
them.</I></P>
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<P>
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|
4. They were frightened at the sight of him, supposing him to have been
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|
an apparition; <I>They all saw him, and were troubled</I>
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|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:50"><I>v.</I> 50</A>),
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|
|
thinking it had been some dæmon, or evil genius, that haunted
|
|
them, and raised this storm. We often perplex and frighten ourselves
|
|
with phantasms, the creatures of our own fancy and imagination.</P>
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<P>
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|
5. He encouraged them, and silenced their fears, by making himself
|
|
known to them; <I>he talked</I> familiarly with them, saying, <I>Be of
|
|
good cheer, it is I; be not afraid.</I> Note,
|
|
|
|
(1.) We know not Christ till he is pleased to reveal himself to us.
|
|
"<I>It is I;</I> I your Master, I your friend, I your Redeemer and
|
|
Saviour. <I>It is I,</I> that came to a troublesome earth, and now to a
|
|
tempestuous sea, to look after you."
|
|
|
|
(2.) The knowledge of Christ, as he is in himself, and near to us, is
|
|
enough to make the disciples of Christ cheerful even in a storm, and no
|
|
longer fearful. <I>If it be so, why am I thus?</I> If it is Christ that
|
|
is with thee, <I>be of good cheer, be not afraid.</I> Our fears are
|
|
soon satisfied, if our mistakes be but rectified, especially our
|
|
mistakes concerning Christ. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+21:19,2Ki+6:15-17">Gen. xxi. 19; 2 Kings vi. 15-17</A>.
|
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|
|
Christ's presence with us in a stormy day, is enough to make us of good
|
|
cheer, though clouds and darkness be round about us. He said, <I>It is
|
|
I.</I> He doth not tell them who he was (there was no occasion), they
|
|
knew his voice, as the sheep know the voice of their own shepherd,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+10:4">John x. 4</A>.
|
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|
|
How readily doth the spouse say, once and again, <I>It is the voice of
|
|
my beloved!</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+2:8,5:2">Cant. ii. 8; v. 2</A>.
|
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|
|
He said, <B><I>ego eimi</I></B>--<I>I am he;</I> or <I>I am;</I> it is
|
|
God's name, when he comes to deliver Israel,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+3:14">Exod. iii. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
So it is Christ's, now that he comes to deliver his disciples. When
|
|
Christ said to those that came to apprehend him by force, <I>I am
|
|
he,</I> they were struck down by it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+18:6">John xviii. 6</A>.
|
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|
|
When he saith to those that come to apprehend him by faith, <I>I am
|
|
he,</I> they are raised up by it, and comforted.</P>
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|
|
<P>
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|
|
|
6. He <I>went up to them into the ship,</I> embarked in the same bottom
|
|
with them, and so made them perfectly easy. Let them but have their
|
|
Master with them, and all is well. And as soon as he was come into the
|
|
ship, <I>the wind ceased.</I> In the former storm that they were in, it
|
|
is said, <I>He arose, and rebuked the winds, and said to the sea,
|
|
Peace, be still</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+4:39"><I>ch.</I> iv. 39</A>);
|
|
|
|
but here we read of no such formal command given, only the wind ceased
|
|
all of a sudden. Note, Our Lord Jesus will be sure to do his own work
|
|
always effectually, though not always alike solemnly, and with
|
|
observation. Though we hear not the command given, yet, if thus the
|
|
wind cease, and we have the comfort of a calm, say, It is because
|
|
Christ is in the ship, and his decree is gone forth <I>or ever we are
|
|
aware,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+6:12">Cant. vi. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
When we come with Christ to heaven, the wind ceaseth presently; there
|
|
are no storms in the upper region.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
7. They were more surprised and astonished at this miracle than did
|
|
become them, and there was that at the bottom of their astonishment,
|
|
which was really culpable; <I>They were sore amazed in themselves,</I>
|
|
were in a perfect ecstasy; as if it were a new and unaccountable thing,
|
|
as if Christ had never done the like before, and they had no reason to
|
|
expect he should do it now; they ought to admire the power of Christ,
|
|
and to be confirmed hereby in their belief of his being the Son of God:
|
|
but why all this confusion about it? It was because they <I>considered
|
|
not the miracle of the loaves;</I> had they given that its due weight,
|
|
they would not have been so much surprised at this; for his multiplying
|
|
the bread was as great an instance of his power as his walking on the
|
|
water. They were strangely stupid and unthinking, and their heart was
|
|
hardened, or else they would not have thought it a thing incredible
|
|
that Christ should command a calm. It is for want of a right
|
|
understanding of Christ's former works, that we are transported at the
|
|
thought of his present works, as if there never were the like
|
|
before.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. When they came to the land of Gennesaret, which lay between
|
|
Bethsaida and Capernaum, the people bid them very welcome; <I>The men
|
|
of that place</I> presently <I>knew Jesus</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:54"><I>v.</I> 54</A>),
|
|
|
|
and knew what mighty works he did wherever he came, what a universal
|
|
Healer he was; they knew likewise that he used to stay but a little
|
|
while at a place, and therefore they were concerned to improve the
|
|
opportunity of this kind visit which he made them; <I>They ran through
|
|
that whole region round about,</I> with all possible expedition, and
|
|
<I>began to carry about in beds those that were sick,</I> and not able
|
|
to go themselves; there was no danger of their getting cold when they
|
|
hoped to get a cure,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:55"><I>v.</I> 55</A>.
|
|
|
|
Let him go where he would, he was crowded with patients--in towns, in
|
|
the cities, in the villages about the cities; they <I>laid the sick in
|
|
the streets,</I> to be in his way, and begged leave for them to touch
|
|
if it were but <I>the border of his garment,</I> as the woman with the
|
|
bloody issue did, by whom, it should seem, this method of application
|
|
was first brought in; <I>and as many as touched, were made whole.</I>
|
|
We do not find that they were desirous to be taught by him, only to be
|
|
healed. If ministers could not cure people's bodily diseases, what
|
|
multitudes would attend them! But it is sad to think how much more
|
|
concerned the most of men are about their bodies than about their
|
|
souls.</P>
|
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