The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 179

Vers. 30-32,-Th., grain of mustard seed; or, the growth of the kingdom of God relatively to its beginnings. I. TnE DEGINNINGS OP' THE KINGDOM OF Goo, AS COMPARED WITil THOSE OF OTIIEB INFLUENCES AFFECTING TIIE WORLD'S LIFE, ARE VERY SMALL AND INSlGNIFIOANT. A parable and a prophecy. 'l'wo plants, either of which might have been referred to by Christ-Sinapis Orientalis, a garden herb, bushy in habit, with black. or white seeds, from four to six in a pod ; or the Salvadora Persica, commonly known as the tree mustard; the latter the most likely. The comparison expressed in the phrase, "the least of all seeds," is a free ono, a.ad not to be understood absolutely. How minute and obscure have been the first origins of Christianity I '!'he Incarnation; the upper room at Jerusalem. The first throb of repentance; the dawning power to resist temp- tation; the first acts of faith and charity; the first words of invitation and appeal As a seed, it has been for the most part hidden; as a plant, it has seemed in its first upspringing like the herbs. '!'his is true of (1) tho understanding of the kingdom of God; (2) of iuterest in spiritual things; (3) of spiritual influence. 1. It contrasts in this respect with powers founded on force, material advantages, prestige, or accidtr:tal cir- cumstances. Political empire; military aggrnn<lizement; advance of mechamcal arts and material improvements. 2. In this respect it resemb/eq but far exceeds the moral and intellectual movements that have marl,ed the pro_qress of the world: iihilosophies, civilization, the sentiment of humanity, growth of science, etc.  174- THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO OT. MARK. ron. IV, 1-41, II. ITS ULTIMATE DIMENSIONS WILL BE DISPROPORTIONATELY VAST, 1, It flt'OWI rw:urding ui its own law, yet imperceptibly. As the bud into the rose, the village into the city. 2. It becomes comprehe7Mive. Other forces and vital principles are revealed as in relRtion to it and ultimately included. 3. Its increase is in the direction of beneficence and universal blessing. The truth of the epithet," Mother Church.n All the best interests of humanity are included and protected. It saves and ennobles whatever it affiliates. 4-. This is due to its own inherent genius; not an accident. Circumstances have not favoured Christianity, but it has grown in spite of opposition, and converted obst.acles into auxiliaries, enemies into friends. It is an absolutely central, and therefore the only truly universal, principle.-M. Vers. 33, 34-.-The parable an instrument of mercy and jtulgment. I. AN INSTRU- MENT OF JUDG:MENT. 1. As concealing more than it revealed to the populat• mind, 2 . .As oonvicting men of sinful igMrance and spiritual incapacity. IL AN INSTRUMENT OF MERCY. 1. The Word of God was not wholly withdrawn. 2. This, the only practicable/orm of teaching that remained to <Jhrist, was used with constant regard to the benefit of the hearers. 3. The desire for IJivine knowledge was thereby stimulated. i. Further instruction 1/1a8 ever attainable by sincere inquirers.-M. Vers. 35---4-1.-0hrist and his disciples in the storm. The service of Christ- I. CoKSISTING IN OBEDIENCE, SYMPATHY, .AND OlrOPEBATION, ' II. h.-VOLVING HARDSHIP .AND APPARENT BISX. ill A TRIAL AND DISCIPLINE OF FAITH. 1. Left to the realization of imminent destruction. 2. IJiscovering the weakness of the carnal nature. 3. .Affording oppor- tunity for the moral teaching of the Master. IV.,A REVELATION OF THE DIGNITY AND POWER OF CHRIST, "This is the first of a second group of m.ira.cles. Those before mentioned are cures of bodily disease. These are deliverances from other adverse influences--the elements of nature, evil spirits, and the sins of men. Christ has authority also over these" (Godwin, on Matt. viii. 23). " Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him ? " The great inference: Although indefinite, yet practically a complete demonstration of Christ's Godhood.-M. Vers. 35-4:L-The Ohurch in the world. Communion with Ohrist in- L SEPAlU.TION. IL TRIAL .AND Al'PARENT DABGEB. ill MUTUAL SYMPATHIES .AND CARES. IV. FINAL VICTORY .AND ATTAINMENT.-M. Vers. 37-39.-The Ohristwn's erdremity (Jhrist's opportunity. I. TBB CHRISTIAN FREQUENTLY SUFFERED TO ENTER INTO .APPARENT PERIL. 1. Outward losses and troubles. Persecution in it.a various phases and degrees. Th~ major calamities of life. Everything seems against him, and he is continually disappointed; yet the objects sought are reasonable and proper. 2. inward griefs and fears. Self-questionings as to being in a state of grace; as to whether or not God's favour has been turned away; doubts ; prevailing sins. II. IN THESE CIBCUMSTANCEB ORDINARY MEANS OF DELIVERANCE ABE OF NO AV.AIL. The ordinances of the Church fail to comfort or strengthen. Work for Ohris~ becomes distasteful and mechanical Prayer itself appears to be unanswered, etc. ill. THE REASONS FOB THIS. 1. To correct and strengthen character. Besetting weakness is discovered; defective principles of belief are exposed; the backward graces of the Spirit are stimulated; the whole nature is roused to keener sensitiveness, and awakened to the solemn responsibility and greatness of the Divine life. 2. .A more signal and immedwte manifestation of God is vouchsafed. (1) To create a closer and higher communion, and a more vivid sense of the supernatural, and to deepen and correct the creed of the believer, A conscious dependence upon his heavenly Father takes the place of the former distance and semi-legalism. Self and self-dependence are subdued, and practical faith made the daily experience. One such great and signal providence may do more than anything else to elevate and confirm the spiritual life. (2) To be a sign to them that are without. For a "means of grace," or simply as a OH. IV. 1-41.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO BT. MARK. 175