The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 258

\Ters. 30--44.-No rest j()'f' Jesus. 'l'he twelve have fulfilled their brief mission of evaugelization, have returned to their Master, l\lld tell him of the incidents and results of thdr mission. Jesus takes occasion to rest, and to give them rest and "·ith this intent withdraws to a desert place. This passage shows us with ~hat result. I. THE P~POSES FOB WHICH THE LORD BEEKS BETIREMEIIT. 1. Perhaps to esCKpe from the notice of Herod, who, having heard of his fame, may seek to get him within his power, even as before he had imprisoned John. 2. To secure a brief period of bodily repose for himself and for the twelve. Their time and attention have been so occupied, that they have had no leisure even for their meals, It is bad economy in Christian workers to neglect the claims of the body, which needs to be kept, by food, exercise, and repose, in a sound and healthy state, that work for Christ may be done vio-oronsly and cheerfully. 3. To enjoy leisure for spiritual intercourse. 'l'he twelve n~d to be tauc:ht that they may teach others; and this is a kind of work which needs leisure and quiet, and uninterrupted hours. The wise and experienced may spend their time to nd:antage in equipping the young and active among Christ's disciples for spiritual cam- paigns. lL THE MULTITUDE INVADE THE Lonn's RETIREMENT. 1. It is a sign of their eager interest to see and hear the great Teacher and Physician. The tidings spread; the people anticipate their Benefactor; they outrun him, and are ready to meet him when he d.isembarks. 2. They find him willing to sacrifice his ease for the sake of his ministry. Having perhaps taken a few hours' repose and slumber as the boat has rocked at anchor near the shore, Jesus lands, only to find the people a.waiting him upon the beach. Instead of pushing off again and seeking a remoter seclusion, Jesus readily addresses himself to his work. A lesson this in diligence and zeal I 3. The sad con- dition of the people a.wakens Christ's commiseration. Others might have said, "The people are comfortable and cared for." But Jesus sees that spiritually they are as sheep without a shepherd, and his heart is touched at the spectacle. It needs the Spirit of Jesus to look thus upon the spiritually destitute and famishing, to penetrate through their outward guise to their souls' needs. m JESus PROVIDES FOB THEIR BPmITUAL WANTS, 1. He teaches them; he, the Source of wisdom. imparts from his abundance to their necessities. 2. He teaches them at length and with variety. What the "many things" were in which be instructed them "e know not, but may judge from the record of his discourses. So the swift hours pass on. He speaks as never man spake, and the people hear him gladly, IV. ,TESus 'sUPPLIES THEIR TEMPORAL NEEDS. 1. In this his action is in contrast with the spirit of his disciples, who would first have him dismiss the multitude, and who then put obstacles in the way of supplying their wants. We have no reason to blame the disciples, but we have reason to admire the Master, 2. Jesus uses the provision which is at hand. The bread is obviously and utterly insufficient, yet the Lord makes use of it, and chooses rather to multiply than to create. Our Divine Master here gives us a needed lesson-to turn all things to good account-- to employ the circumstances, the opportunities, the gifts Providence appoints for us, rather than to grieve that we have not other means of usefulness. 3. He acts in an orderly method. His directions as to the seemly and convenient arrangement of the multitude are in consonance with Divine wisdom, and are an example and admonition for 118. God is not the author of confusion in any Churches; confusion is the devil's work. "Order is Heaven's first law." 4. Jesus sets an example of gratitude, "Looking up to heaven, he blessed." A rebuke to such as take their daily food without giving of thanks; an admonition to remember whence the most common and customary of our mercies come. 6. He makes use of his disciples. Observe the honour which the Divine Lord puts upon human agency and instrumentality. The disciples could not p;-ovide ; that was no reason why they should not distribute. The feeblest can offer, to his hungeriw, neighbours, the bread of life eternal. 6. He satisfies the need of all. It is a vast cr~wd; yet not one is left unfed. '!'here is in Christ "enough for all, enough for each, enough for evermore." It is a symbol of the sufficiency of the Divine provision for all the spiritual necessities of mankind. The bread of heaven came down, and" giveth life unto the world." 7. The provision is even superabundant; it is more than enough. How royally and munificently the Lord of all provides for his dependent 011. VI. 1--56.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MARK. 255