_THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST_ ‘From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto Him, that even such mighty works are wrought by His hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not His sisters here... [ Continue Reading ]
_THE POWER OF UNBELIEF_ ‘And He could there do no mighty work, save that He laid His hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.’ Mark 6:5 What an idea it gives us of the wonder-working power of Jesus—that to ‘lay His hands on a few sick folk, and heal them,’ was not accounted as any very ‘might... [ Continue Reading ]
_JESUS MARVELLED_ ‘And He marvelled because of their unbelief.’ Mark 6:6 It is recorded twice, and only twice, that ‘Jesus marvelled.’ And it is remarkable that both times it was on a matter of ‘faith.’ Once, at its _ greatness;_ once, because it was _ so small_. I. ALL UNBELIEF IS AN OFFENCE A... [ Continue Reading ]
_THE MISSION OF THE TWELVE_ ‘And He called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two.… And they went out, and preached that men should repent.’ Mark 6:7 Jesus chose the Apostles (see Mark 3:14) (1) to ‘be with Him’ for companionship and for instruction; and (2) to ‘send the... [ Continue Reading ]
_THE POWER OF A GOOD LIFE_ ‘But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.’ Mark 6:16 The Baptist had been slain in prison, but a new star was shedding light on all the land. Our Blessed Lord was doing unnumbered works of mercy, and Herod was alarme... [ Continue Reading ]
_THE WITNESS OF THE BAPTIST_ ‘John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.’ Mark 6:18 The Baptist sets an example of boldly rebuking vice, and patiently suffering for truth’s sake. I. HIS BOLDNESS.—He does not spare the king. What excuses he might have made! ‘... [ Continue Reading ]
_WHERE HEROD FAILED_ ‘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.’ Mark 6:20 There is no greater peril than the peril of playing with spiritual convictions, or than that of amusing ourselves... [ Continue Reading ]
_ONE SIN_ ‘And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison.’ Mark 6:26 The power of one sin. _... [ Continue Reading ]
_THE REST BY THE WAY_ ‘And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while.’ Mark 6:31 Here we see that Jesus cares for those who work for Him. How may we find true rest, and real and permanent enjoyment in our hours of recreation? I. REST MUST BE EARNED.—Jesus... [ Continue Reading ]
_FED OF GOD_ ‘And He commanded them to make all sit down by companies.’ Mark 6:39 The subject of which I wish to speak to you is the need which comes to men of simply being fed by God, of ceasing from self-assertion, and simply being receptive to the influences which come to them from Divinity.... [ Continue Reading ]
_MYSTERIOUS PASSAGES OF LIFE_ ‘And He saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them.’ Mark 6:48 He saw them ‘toiling’—the word in the original is very strong, wrought, tested, tortured—yet, nevertheless, continuing the task which seemed so hopeless, and persevering in the unequa... [ Continue Reading ]
_HEALED BY A TOUCH_ ‘As many as touched Him were made whole.’ Mark 6:56 I. THE HEALED.—Those here noticed were evidently affected with a variety of diseases of body and mind. But whatever was the variety and inveteracy of their diseases, we are assured that they were made whole. As the material... [ Continue Reading ]