Mark 6:45-52 - Homilies By A.f. Muir

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 OTHERS AS HIS PRACTICAL WORK .

I. DIFFICULT OF ATTAINMENT . Much publicity jarred and fretted his nature. Yet he could not be rude or unkind. The multitude must be sent home; the disciples required to be removed from the dangerous excitement of the scene "Constrained"—"sendeth the multitude away." Only Christ could do this, and at what cost! His rest must be legitimately won, and therefore no duty or kindness is neglected.

III. A NECESSITY OF HIS SPIRITUAL NATURE .

III. UTILIZED IN THE HIGHEST OCCUPATIONS ,

IV. BROKEN IN UPON BY HUMAN SYMPATHIES AND SOLICITUDES ,—M.