MARK 6:45-56

MARK 6:45-56

MARK 6:45-52 - We have here a very striking dispensational picture of what the disciples of Christ would have to endure on the stormy sea of time while the Lord is interceding for them above. Another has pointed out that the word here rendered toiling is the same as that translated vexed in 2 Peter 2:8. It implies more than tense muscular activity. The disciples were in real mental distress and anxiety, as they feared their boat might be swamped, and they themselves drowned in the raging seas that threatened to engulf them. What a picture is this of the state in which believers are found so often in their conflicts with world circumstances during the personal absence of the Lord Jesus from this scene!  

Astonished beyond measure they received Him into the ship and immediately the wind ceased. Details are given elsewhere that are omitted purposely here, in order that our attention may be focused upon the fact that His coming to them brought an end to the storm. So will it be when He returns for His own. 

  MARK 6:53-56 - As He moved about from village to village, from city to city, and even out in the open country He was besieged by the throngs who brought sick friends and relatives, begging that they might be permitted to touch even the border of His garment; and we are told that “as many as touched Him were made whole.” God incarnate was walking about in the midst of His people, and it was His delight to relieve their sufferings and to cure them of their diseases. His saving-health was manifested wherever He went. Yet, alas, all this failed to convince the leaders that their long-waited-for Messiah had come to deliver them. 

MARK 7 - TO the spiritual mind it is a question of unceasing wonder that men should be so ready to follow and even fearlessly contend for the authority of human traditions, while they are just as ready to ignore the plain teachings of the Word of God. On many occasions we find our blessed Lord coming into conflict with the prejudices of those in Israel who exalted tradition to a level with revelation, and in some instances, to a higher level.