The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 28

em-eTRIOKEN HUMANITY TO TIIE SAVIOUR. What a eight-" all the city gathered together at the door" of Jesus I Men are learning tbe poworlessness of every other belper, the hopelessness of every other refuge and confidence. Heathenism and Mohammedanism are proving the futility of their claims; infidelity anu atheism are 11howing that they can render no real service to mankind. At the same time, men are learning that, whilst there ia salvation in no other, there is salvation in him. And they shall come, flocking like doves to his windows, like pilgrims from the east and. from the west to his shrine, until this vast humanity shall gather into the presence, implore the aid, and know the power of the Divine Hedeemer. IV. In the cures effected we have AN EXEMPLIFICATION OF' THE ACTUAL POWER ol" THE SAVIOUR TO BEAL AND BLY.SS. The evangelist does not here dwell upon details, but he mentions two great classes of patients, the diseased and the demoniacs. Over sufferers in mind and body the Lord Jesus displayed his healing authority and grace. There was no case beyond his power. The faith of the applicants was rewarded, the report of their friends was justified, the authority of the Saviour was exemplified, the fame of his ministry was confirmed and extended. What happy households were to be found in Capernaum that night, which had long known pain, anxiety, and despondency I An encouragement surely, to all afflicted by the bondage and the curse of sin, to apply to Jesus for relief, for for?:iveness, and for blessing. It does not matter what form your spiritual need and suffering have assumed; it does not matter for what length of time you have been the slave of_ sin; if you come to Christ you shall surely learn that" he is able.to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him." 'l'he purpose of our Saviour's advent and mediation includes all cases of sin and need. 'l'he power of the Redeemer is unlimited. The compassion of Jesus is unexhansted. As of old, "he has compassion on the multitudes." The promises of our Lord are large enough to include every case. " Come unto me, all ye," etc. Vere. 35-39.-Prayerand work. We are told concerning our Divine Lord, that" it. behoved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren." This indeed is implied in his designation, "Son of man." Our nature is both contemplative and active; the life of a religious man is distinguished alike by devout meditation and communiou with God, and by consecrated and energetic labour in God's service. It was the same with our great Leader. The passage before us presents the Lord Jesus in both these aspects, both in prayer and in work. I. CHRIST'S PBAYER. It is recorded that, at several crises in our Saviour's ministry, he prayed. 1. As to the character of Christ's prayers, we know that they were unlike ours in that they could not contain confession, contrition, and repentance; and they were like ours in containing thanksgivings, and also as expressing filial communion and uttering supplication. 2. As to the occasion of Christ's prayers, it is the fact that special mention is made of our Lord's appeals to the Father, in connection with the more solemn and significant acts of his ministry. So here, it was in the midst oC publicity, of widespread interest, of strPnuous labours, that Jesus prayed. 3. The time chosen is remarkable. Very early in the morning, before the stir and movement of daily life began, the early, waking, morning hour was consecrated to fellowship with the Father. 4. The scene of this prayer is observable. Jesus sought seclusion; he retired to a desert place. It is possible and it is desirable to pray in the assemblies of saints, e.nd to pray in the crowded thoroughfares, to him who seeth in secret. Yet there is appropriateness in retirement and seclusion for special supplications in seasons of specia1 need. The prayer offered on thi~ occasion could not be put upon record, for it was offered in solitude. We know from the" intercessory prayer" recorded by John how fervently our Lord could pray. On this occasion he must have sought strength for the Galilean ministry, and a blessing upon the people, who were more ready to behold his miracles and to profit by them than they were to imbibe his spirit and receive his teaching. II. CHRIST'S WORK. The prayer occupied the early morning, but the day was to be spent in toil. Our Lord's example gives no countenance to the practice of those who deem the beginning e.nd the end of religion to consist in devotions. Prayer fits for work, and work necessitates prayer. 1. Christ's labours were saggested by men's needs and entreaties. What he had done had stirred up hope within tho breasts of others, :wd  THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MA ,ll.K. [a. L 1-46,