Bible Commentaries

The introductory words of this Gospel according to Mark are characterized by brevity. Mark at once announces his theme, "The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God," and then in rapid, clear sentences declares the mission and message of the forerunner.

The Man of God$ will comes from the obedience of Nazareth to the obedience of the life of public ministry. As to words, how brief the story of the temptation, yet how much force and meaning are compressed into it. Four points are especially to be noticed.

1. "The Spirit driveth Him."

2. "He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan."

3. "He was with the wild beasts."

4. "The angels ministered unto Him."

The calling of two pairs of brothers is recorded. This was the call to service, "I will make you to become fishers of men."

A remarkable testimony to Jesus Christ was borne by a demon, "Thou art the Holy One of God." What a confession of the victory of Christ! In spite of all the attacks of hell, He was still untouched, unharmed of evil. From the synagogue our Lord passed to the home. His hand of gentle love and omnipotent force takes hold of the dry, fevered hand of a woman, and imparts the coolness of healing and the power to serve.

News of the two miracles spread, and the crowds gathered. With perfect ease our Lord healed many, and cast out many demons! Such pressure of the crowds made it necessary that He hold communion with the Father. Next morning, very early, while darkness still lingered, He rose before any of the others, and stole away to a desert place to commune with God.

The disciples told Him that all were seeking Him, and He immediately decided to go elsewhere. The story of the leper is full of a subtle charm that never loses its power over the hearts of men. The quick “I will” of Jesus, the touch proving at once His great tenderness toward the man, and His perfect confidence in Himself, are exquisite illustrations of the grace and tenderness of this "Servant of all."