The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 41

Ver. 35.-The history of a prayer of CJhrist. L ITS IMMEDIATE ocoASlON. 1. To be found in con11ection with his work. It was incessant. Fresh claims upon his atten- tion and compassion were continually being made. Only the day before "all the city" had been" gathered together at the door." The exercise of his healing power was a drain upon his emotional and spiritual nature, and the fatigue of the work, which lasted from morning to night, must have been a severe tax upon the delicate organization of the Saviour. He needed rest. 2, To be found in the ezcitement attaching to it. He was at the beginning of his ministry, and it was full of novelty and unce1tainty. As the supernatural power of Christ displayed itself, the people began to broach ideas of a temporal sovereignty. A profound impression was produced upon the public mind, and vast crowds attended him wherever he moved. The cormption and depravity of the human mind, too, must have become increasingly manifest to him. The problem of salvation never could have seemed more distressing or difficult. .And, in the midst of his occupation, the contrary currents of worldly thought and human ambition must have been felt by him. II. lTs ULTIMATE BEASON. The circumstances of fatigue and excitement in themselves would not account for the anxiety displayed by Christ to secure oppor- tunity for devotion; it is as associated with bis unique personality and aim that they acquire significance. For it is only as arising from personal longing and necessity, that such a. departure from the scene of his labours can be understood. We are not t.o suppose that it was done for an example; the whole proceeding would thereby be rendered too artificial and self-conscioUB. And yet the action itself was exemplary in the highest degree. Its value as a pattern for our imitation consists in its very absence of self-consciousness. We cannot help asking," What was the place held by prayer in his spiritual life?" "How was t~e practice o_f devotion related to ~he inward needs-be of his nature?" It was not simply a react10n of overwrought feeling or an instinctive cravinu for emotional relief and variation. By his entire spiritual constitution he was inti~ately related to the Father. The filial bond was infinitely strong, tender, and intense. His true life was twofold-a givi~g forth of himself to man, and receiving from God; the latter was necessary to the efficiency of the former. He .said, "I can of mine own self do nothing," and therefore he ever sought communion with his unseen Father: 1. For restoration of spiritual power. 2. 1o maintain tho elevation of his feeling and purpose. 3. Far comfort and encouragement. Ill. How IT WAS PREP.ABED FOB. There is a climax in the text; an impression is thereby conveyed of inward trouble, leading to painstaking effort, "'.hich res~lts in final relief and comfort. 1. He smi,ght the Father early. "Very early, m the midst of the oight," is the literal force of the words. His first impulse toward heavenly communion was obeyed. '.l'he thou(Thta which had kept the night wakeful were not corrupted by the new associations of ~notber day. Are the first impressions of our minds on awak- ing Divine or hwaan? of beavcu or of earth? Do we earnestly seek to know first of all God's will, and strive to realize his presence? He who so prepares for the work and OH, J.1-46.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING 'l'O ST. MARK. 37