The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 264

success to relate. A few, however (Matt. xiv. 12), had a tale of personal sorrow to rour into his ears. They had been disciples of John the Baptist, whom Herod had Just beheaded. Their hopes had been dashed to the ground, and they scarcely knew what else to do than "tell him." More disquieting still was theit story, for they informed him that the tetrarch was anxious to see him, e.s ,he fancied he was John, whom he had beheaded, risen from the dead. So varied is the history of the Christian life I 2. It was but im'l!eifectly underatcod by themselves, What they had done (i.e. mirncles and exorcisms) was in their estimation most important, and is naturally enough mentioned first by the evangelist. By-and-by they were to learn that it was only for the sake of the teaching accompanying them that the " signs'' were of any value. And so it was with the sorrow and fear of the disciples of John; they knew not their real consequence. Both were probably exaggerated. Still they did not feel they had to wait until everything was clearly and fully understood. All alike are drawn towards him. We, too, spontaneously pour forth our sorrow and joy, our fear and our confidence, into his ear, sure of sympathy and help. II. WHY DID THEY TELL JEsus? 1. A sense of f'esponsibility. It was he who com- missioned them at the first, and they felt bound to carry back their report. He was the subject of their preaching, and of chief importance. And it was only as his power was imparted and continued to them that they were able to proceed. 2. A/eeling of interest. The very enthusiasm and excitement brought them back to Jesus-the plea- sure of telling him all the wonders and successes of their mission. Points, too, that specially struck their attention were referred to him for explanation. 3. A yearning for sympathy. They felt that he would most heartily respond to their mood, whether of elation or despondency. No one ever came with e. genuine human. feeling to Christ, and received a rebuff. ID. How DID HE RECEIVE THEl[? He had evidently listened to their whole story. Now they met with: 1. Kinaly appreciation, 2. G-racio'l/,8 provision for theif' needs. 3. Precautions/or t!,,ei,- mutual sa/ety.-M.. Ver. 31.-<Jhrisfs ojfe,- of ,-est. I. THE PECULUB GIFT OF JESUS TO BIS BEBVABTB, "Into a desert place;" only Christ to speak with them, to comfort an.d to advise. IL A JIUl.'IFOLD PROVISION FOB ms SEBVANTB' NEEDS. Calm after excitement; repose after labour ; meditation. upon. Divine marvels and experiences. Security from threatening dangers. III. A PREPARATION FOB FUTURE SERVICE. "Rest a wht1e."-M.. Ver. 3L-17ie <Jhristian 'IJJO'f'ker'B f'est. I. IN A WORLD WHERE THERE 18 NO TRUR EEST. IL PROCEEDING FBOll THE. LORD. 1. Divinely commanded. 2. Divinely prepared. 3. Divindy sha,-e,d, IIL To FIT FOB FURTHER SEBVICE.-M. Ver. 31.-" Coming and going." I. A PIOTUBE OF THE WORLD'S LIFE. IL WICATIVE OF THE WORLD'S SPmITUAL STATE, IJL A.Ji. OCCASION OF DIFl"ICULTY TO THE CHUBCB.-M.. Vers. 32-34.-<Jhrisfs sympathy for men. I. How IT w AS CALLED FORTH. 1. The physical exhaustion and hunger of the people. 2. 17ieir ,-estlessness. 3. Their inarticu- late longing /01' some higher truth and life. IL 'l'RE cHABACTER IT ASSUllED. Shepherdly anxiety and care. 1 . .An lntenll6 com- passi,un, and solicitude. 2. A deep f'eligwus sense of the Divine ideal J,-om which they had departed. 'l'he spirit, the very words of prophecy, occur to him in. the con.n.ection. (Numb. :xxvii. 17; Zech. L 2). 3. A practical undertaleing of their caf'e. III. How IT EXPBEBSED ITSELF. He taught them many things. By word and act he strove to lift their hearts to God, and to suggest the ineffable mysteries of his kingdom. The miracle that followed.-M.. Ver. 34.-The shepherrlly emotion of Christ. I. NATURALLY ELICITED. li. .A DIVIlfE INTERPBETA rION QF HUMAN DIBTBEBB, CH. v1. 1-56.] THE GOSPEL .AUCORDING TO ST. MARK.