The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 228

love, su?h as Christ had imparted to the man who had the unclean spirit, The loss of the swine first awakened terror, but shortly afterwards indignation, amoncrst the people, who :ith mii:igled fawni~g ai:id obstinacy "began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. He yielded to their wish, and, so far as we know, never returned again. Similarly he was rejected at Nazareth (Luke iv. 29) and in Jerusalem (Matt. xxiii. 37). In the instance before us the people feared the Holy One more than they had feiired the demoniac. Their greed was up in arms against the destroyer of their swine ; they cared more for them than for the roscue of a brother-man. Even now sometimes property is more jealously defended than personal rights. Christ laid down the prin- ciple that a man is better than a sheep, and he expressed that principle in his action at Gadara. Show how possessions and position are preferred to simple obedience to our Lord's will, so that from love to the world he is still rejected. 2. The reception of Christ. A right royal welcome was awaiting him on the other side of the lake. '.l'here the people had_ seen changes _wrought in their homes by his power, and they had llstened eagerly to his words of wisdom and love. They could not go back to their work as if there were no Christ who had come to save and comfort them. When he was gone, they prayed that the little boat mi~ht again come over the sea ; and when tbe first glimpse of its sail was seen, the news spread swiftly far and wide. Fishers left their nets, and ran to call their mates, saying, "Jesus is coming I" old people tottered down to the sea because Jesus was coming; women who were mourning over their dear ones thou:;:ht with thankfulness and love of his sympathy; and little children left their games in the market-place in order to be made glad by his smile. And still he comes amongst us in earnest words, in sacred song, in holy thought, in solemn memories. Then fling open the door of yonr heart, pour out the treasures of your love, v.-ake up the songs of praise, as you say," Even so, come, Lord Jesus I "-A. R. Vers. 18-20.-Desire and duty. There was wonderful variety in tb,e methods of treatment adopted by our Lord in dealing with those who surrounded him. He touched the eyes of the blind; he gave his hand to those prostrate by illness or stricken with death; he sometimes spoke the word of healing first, and sometimes the word of pardon, always suiting himself to the special condition of each, according to his perfect knowledge of his deepest need. The same completeness of knowledge and of consideration reveals itself in his intercourse with those who had been blessed, and were now among his follo,vers. Some were urged to follow him, others were discouraged by a presentation of difficulties. A beautiful example of this is given by Luke (ix. 57--62), in his account of those who spoke to our Lord just before he crossed the lake. The same gracious cousideration of what was really best for one of his followers is seen here. And his disciples now do not all require the same treatment, nor have they all the same work to do or the same sphere to fill. L THE coNVEBT's DESIRE. (Ver. 18.) "When JesUB was come into the ship," or, more correctly (Revised Version), "as he was entering into the boat," the delivered demoniac prayed that he might be with him. It was a natural desire, and a right one, although all the motives which prompted it were possibly not worthy. As in us, so in him, there was a mingling of the noble with the ignoble. Let us see what actuated him. 1. Admiration. No wonder that he sat at the feet of this Miihty One, and gazed npon him with adoring love. Angels bow before him; the redeemed cast their crowns at his feet. Reverence and awe are too rarely felt now. Proud self-sufficiency characterizes the civilized world, and even the professedly Christian Church. It is well to know, but it is better to adore. Consciousness of ignorance and weakness, in the presence of God, leads to worship. Let reverence characterize our search into the Divine Word, our utterances in God's name, our approaches to bis throne. 2. Gratitude. Having received salvation, this man longed to prove his thankfulness, and he naturally thought that an opportunity would be found, while following Jesus, to defend his reputation or to do him some lowly service. Under the old economy many thank offerings were presented. 'l'he firstfruits of the fields and flocks were offered to the Lord, and any 6pecial blessing received from him called forth special acknowledgment. Show how thank-offeringij have died out of the Church, and how they might be profitably revived. Point out varioWJ modes of showing thankfulness to God. 3. Self-distrust. Near the Deliverer he was safe, but might there not be some relapse CB. v. 1-tB.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MARK. 225