The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 261

Cne seeming disproportion between the results actually produced and the instruments. A curious phaso this of human incredulity, as if the works did not speak for themselves! Failing the discovery of an evidently great cnuso, the results themselves are not credited with being what they seem to be. This is characteristic of human nature in all a"'es. II. IN CHRIST, The unbelief itself, of which the human astonishment at his ;ords and works was but the sign, was a still greater marvel to our Saviour. The believino- r,:igenuous soul cannot understand unbelief. And truly there is somethino- unnatur;i and not to be looked for in the incredulity exhibited by men towards truth and good- ness, and the proffered mercy of God.-M. Vere. 2, 3.-Detracting from the Divine greatness of Christ. I. How THIS IS DON'E. l, By attributing to secondary causes Divine effects. 2. .Absence offaith and spiritual sympathy. 3, By being offended at the mystery if his humiliation, either in himself or his followers. II. WHAT IT PRODUCES, 1. Unsatisfied indecisi'rm.. Perpetual qnestioning. 2. Hardeni'ng of heart. 3. The doubter's own loss. Not only the works of mercy he might have wrought, but the Merciful One himself, are thus forfeited.-M. Ver. 6.-0hrist ministering to the vi1lages. I. REJECTED IN ONE DIRECTION, THE SAVIOUR BEGINS AFRESH ELSEWHERE. 1. Indomitable zeal, and inextinguishable love for souls. 2. Divine wisdom. 'l'he sinning city or inuividual not altogether abandoned even when left alone. When the Redeemer cannot work within a heart, he will work about it. Where faith is not at once forthcoming, evidence is accumulated, and the u.nbelieving are approached from new directions and points of vantage. Every sinner is besieged by Christ. The country sends np fresh elements to the growing population of the cities ; how important that it should send godliness and righteousness with these I II. lT IS TUE SPmIT OF CHRISTIANITY TO CARE FOR THOSE WHO ARE AT A DISAD- VANTAGE. 1. They were out of the way and apt to be overlooked. 2. They were snfavourably situated for the rapid spread of new ideas. 3. They were /or the most part humble, " To the poor the gospel is preached" was one of the characteristics of Christianity, of which John was to be informed; and it might have been added," by Christ himself." The moral influence of this example. How ought all ministers of the gospel and Christian labourers to eschew self and the love of fame I The grandest work of the ministry may be performed in the humblest sphere. Men are to be evangelized for their own sakes.-M, Vers. 7-13.-The mission of the twelve. Already the Master had called them more than once. He had" many things to say" unto them, and was ever drawing them into closer sympathy with himself, and a higher sense of individual responsibility. St. Mark is not so full as St. Matthew, but from what he does tell us we are able to understand the nature of the work and its reason. The disciples are now to become apostles. I. CHRIST PREPABEB AND AUTHORIZES BIS OWN MINISTERS. There was need for this. Many whom he had cured were proclaiming him, not only without permission, but against his express command; and the devils were continually confessing him. This was incon- venient on account of danger to his person, because of the fact that he had been charged with being in collusion with Beelzebub, and the misrepresentation that took place as to the nature and aims of his kingdom. Christ first says, "Come, follow me," ere he says, "Go." He "began to send them forth by two and two," i.e. tentatively, os they were ready, and as his purpose demanded. " Great is the authority of conferring authority " (Bengel). 1. The representatives of the Christian ministry were qualified/or their task hy the personal instruction of the Master, and communion with him in suffering. 2. Those most highly qualified to proclaim the gospel waited until he authorized them. 3. Their appointment had relation to their personal fitness and the exigencies of Christ's work. .All the disciples do not seem ever to have been away from Christ at one time. II. WHEN CHRIST HAB PREPARED BIS DISCIPLES HE HAB WORK FOR THEM TO DO, 1 Their office was not to be a sinecure. The state of society, its rampant evils, its transitional character, and the attitude of expectancy exhibited by many, were so many reasons for their being sent forth. 2. There is never a time when earnest Christian effort is nol ~Mil~ i 258 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MARK. [cH. v1. 1-66.