Mark 15:42-47 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,… The record of spiritual progress through many years is given here. Long looking for the promised Saviour, almost convinced that Jesus is the Christ, yet for a while doubting so great a consolation, we find him at last settling in the great belief that He was the promised Saviour. With the timidity natural to a rich man and a ruler, he waits to be still more fully assured before openly committing himself to a discipleship which will involve him in persecution of the sternest kind. He, therefore, opposes in the Sanhedrin the persecution of Christ, but does nothing more. But the constraining power of the cross makes him abandon his policy of secrecy. It is not a time to shrink from shame or danger when Jesus hangs upon the cross. 1. Give men time to grow. "First the blade," etc. 2. Secrecy invariably kills discipleship, or discipleship secrecy. Here the latter happier result is seen; but beware of concealing God's righteousness in your heart. 3. The rulers had thought to rob Christ of His followers among the people; but all they really do is to give Him additional followers (Nicodemus, as well as Joseph) among themselves. 4. There is always "a remnant" that remains faithful to God. Even in the Sanhedrin there are some that believe. 5. In no circumstances is goodness an impossibility. (R. Glover.) Parallel Verses KJV: And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,WEB: When evening had now come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, |
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