THE CRAFT AND CAUTION OF CHRIST'S ENEMIES. It was in accordance with the nature of such men that they should have recourse to stratagem. Open violence was scarcely after their manner, and was out of the question in this case; for many of the people honoured the Prophet of Nazareth, and would probably have interfered to pro- tect or to rescue him from the onset of his enemies. Upon days of great popular festivals the people thronged every public place, where Jesus might be found teaching those who resorted to him ; and those who delighted to listen to Jesus would certainly resist his capture. The opposition of Christ’s enemies to his teaching had been captious, and it is not surprising te find that their plot for his destruction was cunning and secret.
Til. THE PURPOSE OF CHRIST'S ENEMIES—HIS DESTRUCTION. This had, indeed, been foreseen and foretold by himself; but this does not lessen the crime of those who com- passed his death. The resolution to slay Jesus seems to have been taken because of the popular impression produced by the raising of Lazarus, and because of the discussions which had only just now taken place between him and the Jewish leaders, whom he had overcome in argument and put to silence. Thus, he had come up to the metro-
lis with the intention of so conducting his ministry as he was well aware would bane down upon him the wrath of his bitter foes.
IV, THE SEASON AND OCOASION OF THIS PLOT. It was at the time of the Passover assemblies and solemnities that these deliberations took place. In this there was a eoincidence which was not unintended, and which did not escape the observation of the Church. ‘‘Christ our Passover ”’—our Paschal Lamb and Sacrifice—“ was slain for us.” The Lamb of God came to take away the sin of the world. His death has beooms the life of humanity; his sacrifice has wrought the emancipation of a sinful race,
Vers. 3—9.—Tribute of grateful love. A singular interest attaches to this simple incident in Christ’s private life. Proud and foolish men have tried to turn it into ridicule, as unworthy of the memory of a great prophet. But they have not succeeded. Our Lord’s own estimate of Mary’s conduct is accepted, and the world-wide and lasting renown promised by Jesus has been secured. The record of the graceful act of the friend of Jesus is instructive, touching, and beautiful. And the commendation which the Master pronounced is an evidence of his human and sympathizing appreciation of devotion and of love.
L THe ACCEPTABLE MOTIVE TO CHRISTIAN SERVICE I8 HERE REVEALED. Mary was prompted, not by vanity and ostentation, but by grateful love. This had been awakened both by his friendship and teaching, and by his compassionate kindness in raising her brother from the dead. What Jesus appreciated was Mary’s love. Services end gifts are valuable in Christ’s view, not for themselves, for he needs them not, but
240 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MARK. (ou. xrv. 1—72.
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as an expression of his people’s deepest feelings. Let Christians consider what they owe to their Saviour—salvation, life eternal. ‘They may well exclaim, “ We love him, because he first loved us.” Acceptable obedience does not come first, for in such case it would be s form only; but if love prompts our deeds and services, they become valuable even before Heaven.
Il. THE NATURAL MODES OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE. These are severally exemplified in this incident. 1. Personal ministry. Mary did not send a servant; she came herself to minister to Jesus. There is some work for Christ which most Christians must do by deputy; but there is much work which may and should be done personally, In the home, in the school, in the Church, in the hospital, we may individually, according to opportunity and ability, serve the Lord Christ. What is done for his “ little ones” he takes as done for himself. 2. Substance. Mary gave costly perfume, estimated to have cost upwards of ten pounds of our money. She had property, and therefore gave. All we have is his, who, when he purchased us with his blood, purchased all our powers and possessions, It is a precious privilege to offer him his own, “It is accepted according to what @ man hath.” 3. Public witness. Mary anointed the Master’s feet in the presence of the company, and thus declared before all those assembled her devo- tion to him. It is good for ourselves that we should witness to our Saviour, and it is good for others who may receive our testimony. It is a disgrace to professing Christians when they are ashamed of the Lord who redeemed them.
Ill. THE TRUE MEASURE OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE. She did, it is recorded, what she could; she gave what she had to give. This is an example worthy of universal imitation. We are reminded, as it were paradoxically, of two apparently opposed characteristics of Christian action and liberality. 1. How much devoted friends of Christ may do! Men may do much for harm and evil; and, on the other hand, what good even one person has sometimes accomplished in private life! What can be done should be done. 2. Yet, how limited are men’s powers! If Christians could do more than they do, how vast a field of labour stretches around them! We are limited in our powers for usefulness. Our means may be small, our circle of influence restricted. Our powers of body and of mind are often a restraint upon us; our life is brief, even at the longest. The sister of Bethany could not do what others might; nevertheless, what she could do she did. And we are never to rest in inactivity and indolence, bear the claims are so many, and our powers are so small, and our opportunities 80 few.
IV. THE APPEOVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE. 1. The Lord acoepts what his friends bring to him, as the expression of their love, in proportion to their means and powers. He is not influenced by men’s regards. Good men as well as bad men often disapprove wise and benevolent actions. He judgeth not as man judgeth, 2. The Lord rewards the grateful and devoted friends who minister unto him. He enlarges their opportunities of usefulness and service here. “To him that hath shall be
iven.” And he will hereafter recompense them in the resurrection of the just, when shall say, “ Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” :
Arpuication. 1, Let Christians give love its way, and fellow where it leads. There is no danger of our loving our Saviour too ardently, or of our serving him too zealously, 2. If your means of showing devotion be but few, fret not; only let it be said, “They have done what they could.” ;
Vers. 10, 11.—The trattor, That there should be a traitor in the camp of our Lord’s followers and professed friends, may be regarded as an instance of the Divine forbear- ance, which tolerated one so unworthy, and also as a fulfilment of the predictions of Scripture. The fact is, however, one which is fraaght with instruction and warning to every disciple of the Lord.