Mark 6:2-6 - Homilies By A.f. Muir

The twofold wonder awakened by the gospel.

I. IN MEN .

1 . Because of contrast between the apparent origin and the Divine pretensions of Christ.

2 . Because of the seeming disproportion between the results actually produced and the instruments. A curious phase this of human incredulity, as if the works did not speak for themselves! Failing the discovery of an evidently great cause, the results themselves are not credited with being what they seem to be. This is characteristic of human nature in all ages.

II. IN CHRIST . The unbelief itself, of which the human astonishment at his words and works was but the sign, was a still greater marvel to our Saviour. The believing, ingenuous soul cannot understand unbelief. And truly there is something unnatural and not to be looked for in the incredulity exhibited by men towards truth and goodness, and the proffered mercy of God.—M.