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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:45

The other side . It would seem, as has already been stated, that there were two Bethsaidas (or "places of fish"—fish-villages)—one to the north-east of the Sea of Galilee, not far from where the Jordan enters it, called Bethsaida Julias; and the other on the western side of the sea itself, near to Capernaum. Again and again our Lord crossed this sea to escape the crowds who followed him about, and now wished "to take him by force and make him a king." He desired for a time to be in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:45-51

Christ walking on the sea. This miracle was no unmeaning portent, but was full of spiritual significance. In Scripture the people are often spoken of under the figure of the sea and its waves ( Daniel 7:3 ; Revelation 13:1 ). Christ had just assuaged popular passion, and now he calmed the troubled sea, which was symbolic of it. Here, then, we may see a sign of the coming dominion of the spirit of Christianity over the sea of nations. We content ourselves, however, now with learning a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:45-52

"It is I." How picturesque and impressive is the scene! Jesus has dismissed the multitude, and has sent his disciples away in the boat to the western shore. He himself has retired to a mountain, by prayer to calm his spirit and to strengthen himself for his ministry. Night comes on; the wind rises from the west, and the waters of the lake are lashed into a storm. By the fitful light of the moon, breaking now and again through the drifting clouds, Jesus, as he stands upon the hilltop,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:45-52

Jesus walking on the sea. I. THE SERVANTS OF THE LORD ARE EXPOSED TO OPPOSITION AND DANGER IN CARRYING OUT HIS COMMANDS . II. WITHOUT THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF HIS PRESENCE DIFFICULTY APPEARS INSURMOUNTABLE . III. HE IS EVER AT HAND TO BLESS THOSE WHO ARE STRIVING TO OBEY HIS WORD . IV. WHEN HIS SERVANTS ARE READY TO RECEIVE HIM HE WILL COME TO THEIR RESCUE , AND EVERY ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:45-52

Jesus walking on the sea: interpreted of the Church. I. EVANGELICAL TASTES . The vessel and crew represent the Church of Christ; the sea, the variable circumstance of world-life; the voyage, the commission of the Church from her Lord; the storm, the adverse spirit of the world; the apparition, the spiritual advent of our Lord into the heart and mind of his Church; Capernaum—Christ's "own city"—the city of God, to which the Church brings all true believers. II. SPIRITUAL LESSONS ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:45-52

Christ's retirement. There are three essential elements discernible—withdrawal from man, approach to God, and return to man. I. SEASONS OF PRIVACY AND RETIREMENT ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF THOSE WHO HAVE MUCH PUBLIC LIFE AND WORK . II. A GREAT MINISTRY MUST BE SUSTAINED BY CONSTANT , PROFOUND DEVOTIONS , III. THE PRAYER OF THE SAINT IS AS HELPFUL AND NECESSARY TO THE WELFARE OF ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:45-52

The vision on the lake. I. THE FRAILTY OF FAITH . 1 . In loneliness. Jesus had gone away. The disciples were in the middle of the lake, amidst a stormy sea. It is a picture of a life-experience. In loneliness we sink into weakness and cowardice, having been brave in the fellowship and under the contagious influence of superiors. 2 . In the withdrawal of its Object from the field of vision. They could not see Christ. We want to see, when the whole need is that we should... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:45-56

Parallel passages: Matthew 14:22-36 ; John 6:15-21 .— Miraculous protection. I. WALKING ON THE WATER . 1 . Almighty power. Every one who has glanced over the early pages of English history is familiar with the story of Canute the Dane. That king wished to reprove the fulsome flattery of his courtiers when they spoke of his power as unlimited. He ordered his chair to be set by the seaside as the tide was coming in. He peremptorily commanded the waves to withdraw, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:46

And when he had sent them away ( ἀποταξάμενος )—more literally, had taken leave of them, that is, the multitude—he departed into a mountain ( εἰς τὸ ὄρος ) ; literally, into the mountain; that is, the high table-land at the foot of which the multitude had been fed. Towards the north-east of the Sea of Galilee the land rises rapidly from the shore. To pray ( προσεύξασθαι ).This is a very full word, implying the outpouring of the heart to God. Our Lord did this that he might... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 6:46-47

St. Mark is careful, like St. Matthew, to tell us that when the even was come he was alone on the land. Both the evangelists desire to call attention to the fact that, when night came on, the disciples were alone in their boat and Jesus alone on the land. It was nightfall; and St. John informs us that "the sea was rising by reason of a great wind that blew." Then it was that the Lord left his place of prayer on the mountain, and walked upon the sea, that he might succor his disciples now... read more

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