The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 353

Ver. 88.-Ashamed of Jesus and his words. This warning is evidently called forth by the unholy presumption of Peter, and the wavering of the disciples divined by the penetrating spirit of Christ. He rebukes the spirit of false shame as a heinous offence against himself and his CI\Use. 1. JESUS AND HIS WORDS AN OCCASION OF FALSE SHAME. The penalty attaching to 11Dreal or unjustifiable feelings is that, sooner or later, they commit their subject to some egregious folly or inexcusable sin. This is a result of natural law. 1. Why should men be ashamed of Jesus 1 That they can ever be justified in such she.me is, of course impossible. But there a.re reasons that, human nature being what it is, explain th~ phenomenon. (1) Their opposition to the spirit and conduct of the world. Fashion. custom, perverted and corrupted religion, the general principles upon which worldly men conduct their affairs, are alike condemned by the gospel. The wisdom, authority, and influence of the world are therefore arrayed against its teachings. 'l'he methods of the Divine life are in contradiction to those of the ordinary life of men. It involves humiliation and self-sacrifice. Christ, as the embodiment a.nd central principle of this, is therefore "rejected and despised." (2) The oLjects and aims of Christ's teaching seemed so remote, and so unsupported by the external evidences to which men are wont to appeal. What sign was there of a coming "kingdom," other than those with which they were alreacly familiar? Never had wickedness appeareu so secure and influential, or religion at such a discount. The same ea.uses are at work in all ages; and to-<lay there are ruany evidences of the same spirit. 2. How does this shame manifest itself 1 In shrinking from open discipleship. Bringing a.n eclectic spirit to the teachings of the gospel. Making compromises with fashion, selfish principles, or iemoralizing amusements and pursuits, etc. 3. What renders such conduct peculiarly l,einow; P The weakness of the ea.use of Christ, and the powe1· and reputation of its enemies. Sin ha.d never so lifted itself up against God. It was "a wicked and adul- terous generation," and wa.s to crown its apostasy by crucifyiug the Son of man. .At such a critical time every individual had an influence that might affect the issue of the conflict, and gratitude and honour urged him to exercise it. Unbelief was at the root of the shame which manv felt. IL J EBUS ..U.""D BIB wonDs JUDGI!,G FALSE SHAME. 1. By the fulfilments of prediction. The destruction of Jerusalem, the sign of the inauguration of the kingdom of God, was at hand. Some of those addresi;ed were to live to see it. And as in major historic events, so in minor ones. Every success attending Christian effort, every verification of Christian doctrine in experience, is a judgment of the unbelief which is ashamed of the gospel. 2. By ~clusiun from the Uessedness and glory of Oltrist's advent. Just when such men have begun to see how unfounded their suspicions and doubts, and how real are the promises of ChriAt, they are unable to pa.rtako of them. They have no fellowships with the redeemed and glorified, are out of place and covered with con- fusion because of their guilt and folly. .A personal element adds poignancy to their shame; they are openly repudiated by him whom all adore o.nd glorify. A simple but terrible and inevitable retaliation, due not to vengeance, but to spiritual laws. The exposure will be overwhelming and absolute.-M. Ver. 8.-Christ'B benfficence and economy. I. CnnrsT's BENEFICENCE. 1. It embraces all human want,. He came to save from sin, but he also delivered men from its manifold effects. The dead were raised, the sick were cured, the hungry were feel.. Herein si:ms were sLown of the coming of that heavenly state in which the redeemed hunger n~ more, and wherein there shall be no more pain. The Church ~hould _seek to deal with human necessities as broadly as her Lord did - overlookmg neither the temporal nor the spiritual. 2. It wa• not exercised aa we should have expected. J uhn the Baptist, " the friend of the Bridegroom," wa.s not delivered from death, yet this crowd of men and women, who were so undeserving, were relieved from ou. vm. 1-38.) THE GOSPEL ACCORDING 'fO ST. MARK. 351