Mark 4:35-41 And the same day, when the even was come, he said to them, Let us pass over to the other side.… I. Point out some of the significant hints which the gospel records give us of THE TOILSOMENESS OF CHRIST'S SERVICE. In St. Matthews Gospel the idea of the king is prominent; in St. Mark's, Christ as a servant. Notice the traits of His service which it brings out. 1. How distinctly it gives the impression of swift, strenuous work. Mark's favourite word is "straightway," "immediately," "forthwith," "anon." His whole story is a picture of rapid acts of mercy and love. 2. We see in Christ's service, toil prolonged to the point of actual physical exhaustion. So in this story. He had had a long wearying day of work. He had spoken the whole of the parables concerning the kingdom of God. No wonder He slept. 3. We see in Christ toil that puts aside the claims of physical wants. "The multitude cometh together again so that they could not so much as eat bread." 4. We see in Christ's service a love which is at every man's beck and call, a toil cheerfully rendered at the most unreasonable and unseasonable times. II. THE SPRINGS OF THIS WONDERFUL ACTIVITY. There are three points which come out in the Gospels as His motives for such unresting toil. The first is conveyed in such words as these: "I must work the works of Him that sent Me." This motive made the service homogeneous — in all the variety of service one spirit was expressed, and therefore the service was one. The second motive of His toil is expressed in such words as these: "While I am in the world I am the light of the world." There is a final motive expressed in such words as these: "And Jesus, moved with compassion," etc. The constant pity of that beating heart moved the diligent hand. III. THE WORTH OF THIS TOIL FOR US. How precious a proof it is of Christ's humanity. Labour is a curse till made a blessing by communion with God in it. 1. Task all your capacity and use every minute in doing the thing that is plainly set before you. 2. The possible harmony of communion and service. The labour did not break His fellowship with God. 3. The cheerful, constant postponement of our own ease, wishes, or pleasure, to the call of the Father's voice. 4. It is an appeal to our grateful hearts. (Dr. McLaren.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.WEB: On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let's go over to the other side." |
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