Mark 8:1-9 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him, and said to them,… I. One singular feature in the character of our Lord — HIS SUPERIORITY TO ALL THE SELFISH PASSIONS OF OUR NATURE. This miracle demonstrated His power over nature, and taught those who witnessed it that if His kingdom were of this world He possessed the power to maintain it. They would naturally wish to assemble under such a Leader. It is at this moment, when all the vulgar passions of hope and ambition were working in the minds of the multitude, "that He sends them away;" to show them that His kingdom was spiritual. II. THE CHARACTER OF HIS RELIGION. The systems of pretended revelation which prevail in the world encourage either superstition or enthusiasm, and have often separated piety from morality. They have drawn men from the sphere of social duty to unmeaning devotions. Christ assembles the multitude that He may instruct them. III. WE ARE THE MULTITUDE DESCRIBED IN THIS PASSAGE OF THE GOSPEL. We have heard that there was a great Prophet come into the world tot the purpose of spiritual improvement. He has spread before us, in the wilderness of human life, that greater feast, of spirit and of mind, which may save us "from fainting on our way." The services we are called to perform in the cause of humanity. "That they who had eaten were about four thousand." The number who have this day approached the same Lord, and heard the same accents of salvation, are countless millions of the family of God. (A. Alison, LL. B.) Parallel Verses KJV: In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, |
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