COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 29
VIGOROUSLY OPPOSED, YET POPULAR
“ Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him. 7 But Jesus withdrew Himself with His disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judaea, 8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things He did, came unto Him.” (Mark 3:6-8)
INTRODUCTION
In our text, Jesus has come as a “light” into the world, and the promise of Isaiah is being fulfilled. “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Isa 9:1-2; Matt 4:16-17). Satan had seized this territory, and under his domination, the shadow of death and thick darkness hovered over the people. With the entrance of Jesus a great light penetrated that darkness, awakening faith and hope in the people. He introduced a new kind of teaching that was “with power” and “authority.” He invaded Satan’s domain, causing great disruption and thrusting professed religious leaders into the background. That is the Lord’s manner. When Christ rises to prominence before the people, all religious sham and deficiency are exposed, and a quest for better things becomes prominent. Those who hear Him are no longer content with spiritual dulness and empty routine. With Jesus comes a sense of “better things” and of “help in the time of need.” Our text will confirm the effects of this newness upon the religious leaders. At this point, a plan was set in motion that consummated in the death of Christ. God would use this means to fulfill His own counsel, and these men would only do what He had determined beforehand (Acts 2:23; 4:27-28).
A WICKED COALITION FOR AN EVIL PURPOSE
“ 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against Him . . . ”
After another encounter with the Lord of glory, and after being put to silence by His challenge and another healing on the Sabbath day, the tide turns. The Pharisees are no longer content to merely try to catch Jesus in some technical error – something they were never able to do. They will now move their opposition to a higher level.
THE PHARISEES WENT FORTH. Immediately following the healing of the man with the withered hand, the Pharisees left the synagogue. For them, that was the conclusion of the gathering. What was a very glorious occasion for the formerly impaired man, became a terrible assault on their tradition. Luke says of this occasion, “And they were filled with madness” – “filled with rage,” NKJV and “were furious” NIV (Lk 6:11).
The word “madness” means “want of understanding, folly.” THAYER The idea is that they became insane with rage, losing all capability of reasoning soundly. Another version reads, “they were filled with lack of understanding and senseless rage.” AMPLIFIED This is an example of the mind being “blinded.” From one point of view, the devil himself “blinded their minds” so they could not see Jesus (2 Cor 4:4). From an even higher view, God “poured out the spirit of deep sleep” upon them and “closed their eyes” (Isa 29:10). As Isaiah also said, God took their wisdom from them, so they could not think properly: “Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid” (Isa 29:14).
Putting these things together, when they rejected Jesus, God lowered the gate for the devil to enter. Seizing the opportunity, Satan, ignorant of the purpose of God, began working through the minds of these men to get rid of Jesus. If ever they had free will, they certainly did not have it now. God had removed, or deprived them of, wisdom, and Satan had blinded their eyes. That is the liability that faces every person who refuses Christ.
THEY TOOK COUNSEL WITH THE HERODIANS. The “Herodians” are mentioned three times in Scripture. This is the first. The second occurs some time later, when Jewish leaders sent “certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to catch Him in His words” (Mk 12:13). The third is Matthew’s recounting of the event in Mark 12:43.
The “Herodians” were not a religious sect, but, as the name suggests, a political party that supported the dynasty of Herod. Little is known of them beyond what is stated in the Gospels. We do not know of their specific political ambitions. However, we do know that it became apparent to them that the teaching of Jesus concerning “the kingdom of God” jeopardized their plans. Jesus may have had reference to this party when He warned His disciples, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod” (Mark 8:15). The “leaven of Herod,” in such a case, would be his way of thinking – a way that was embraced by the Herodians.
There was a conflict with the way Herod thought, and with the Law of Moses. Moses strictly forbade setting a stranger, or Gentile, as king over the Israelites. He wrote, “one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother” (Deut 17:15). History tells us that Herod, being set over the people by the Romans, took exception to Moses, saying the people were obliged to obey and pay tribute to the king set over them by their captors.
Under ordinary circumstances, the Herodians were no friends of the Jews. Now, however, they were quite willing to conspire with the Jewish leaders against Jesus, who was a common enemy. The Pharisees and the Herodians were much like Pilate and Herod, of whom, during Christ’s trials, it is written, “And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves” (Luke 23:12). Many a wicked alliance has been constituted between former enemies who were brought together by their common hatred of the Lord Jesus and His people.
Although it has become quite common in our day, we have here an example of an attempted merger between religion and the politics of the day. Excluding the unusual case of Cyrus, raised up by God to ensure the rebuilding of the Temple (2 Chron 36:23), little, if any, good has every come from such alliances. The people of God must guard themselves carefully to ensure that a political way of thinking does not permeate their ranks. If it is true that the Kingdom of God is going to throw down all of the kingdoms of the world, bringing them to extinction (Dan 2:44; Rev 11:15), it is not likely that any of their principles and thoughts will bring advantages to the household of faith.
JESUS TAKES HIS DISCIPLES AND WITHDRAWS
“ 6b. . . how they might destroy Him. 7a But Jesus withdrew Himself with His disciples to the sea . . . ”
HOW THEY MIGHT DESTROY HIM. This is the first mentioning of such a purpose. Until this time, the Pharisees were content to merely oppose Jesus, and attempt to catch Him in a violation of the Law, or their tradition. Now, however, Christ’s work and influence have become completely intolerable to them. They seem to sense that if He succeeds, they will surely fail. In every way, they are diametrically opposed to each other. Christ and the world cannot work together, and even the wicked sense this.
Matthew says the Pharisees and Herodians “held a council against Him, how they might destroy Him” (Matt 12:14) – a special gathering where they pooled their diabolical ideas. Luke writes, they “communed one with another what they might do to Jesus” (Lk 6:11). This evil caucus was held early in Christ’s ministry, during the first year of it, or, at the very latest, very early in the second year. Before less than one third (3-1/2 yrs) of Christ’s early ministry was completed, His incompatibility with dead religion and worldly politics became apparent to the chief leaders of both groups.
Their wicked plans, however, would not be culminated until God brought them into synch with His own purpose. Although they were both shrewd and influential, the Pharisees and Herodians could not lay a hand on Jesus until the appointed time, when He would lay down His life. Thus, when He was arrested in the Garden, Jesus said to the soldiers, “When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against Me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness” (Luke 22:53). Until that time, the plans of this wicked conclave were frustrated again and again. However, all of those frustrations did not cause their desires to wane, for they were wicked men under the domination of the wicked one. For the next two years they continually, through the alliance of religion and politics, sought to rid themselves of Christ Jesus. Their efforts were totally without success.
In our time, there is also an effort to rid the people of Jesus. It can be no more effective than the efforts of those early Pharisees and Herodians. No child of God should reason as though the enemy was invincible. Far better to side with the King of glory. The saints of God do not do well to live in fear of those who oppose the Lord Jesus, to whom all power in heaven and earth belongs. Nor, indeed, should we be surprised at carnal opposition, whether it comes from the professed church, the government, or some other quarter.
BUT JESUS WITHDREW HIMSELF. Jesus did not press the issue, accenting the conflict with the Pharisees and Herodians. He did not take time out to argue with them, or to seek to persuade them, or to further, and publically, expose them. At one time He announced His purpose for coming into the world was not to render judgment. “And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world” (John 12:47). This is why Jesus was never diverted into endless arguments with scribes, Pharisees, sadducees, lawyers, and Herodians. Christ’s withdrawal is obvious: His time had not yet come. In His Gospel, John refers to Christ’s hour not yet coming four times (John 2:4; 7:6,30; 8:20). Two times He accounts for the inability of His enemies to lay hands on Him, “because His hour was not yet come” (John 7:30; 8:20). Jesus walked wisely among men, not purposely provoking aggressive opposition until His hour had arrived.
Notwithstanding this irritating circumstance, Jesus did not provoke the situation, but withdrew from that agitating environment. He did what Solomon said, “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself” (Prov 22:3; 27:12). Solomon was speaking of danger, Jesus was thinking of Divine purpose. He was not only introducing the people to light, and to God Himself, but was preparing Himself to lay down His life a ransom for many, and teaching His disciples as well. He would not be diverted from those involvements.
WITH HIS DISCIPLES. Jesus did not retire to a place of solitude at this time, but took His disciples with Him, for He was going to choose them “that they should be with Him” (Mk 3:14). Ten times we read of Jesus being “with His disciples” (Mk 3:7; 8:10,34; 10:46; Lk 8:22; John 6:3,22; 11:54; 18:1). They were His preferred company. Our text says He took them “to the sea” – of Galilee. Right here we see one of the distinctions of Christ’s disciples. They follow Jesus wherever He goes, while His enemies are the ones who leave Him. Jesus alluded to this consistent trait when He said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). His sheep “know not the voice of strangers” (John 10:8), and “know,” or recognize, the voice of Jesus (John 10:4). As simplistic as it may appear, Christ has no disciples who do not follow Him. There is no such thing as a “sheep” that is not inclined to Jesus, does not recognize Him, or does not pursue Him.
THE PEOPLE ARE DRAWN TO HIM WHEN THEY HEAR OF HIM
“ 7b . . . and a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judaea. 8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things He did, came unto Him.”
The earthly ministry of Jesus introduced the manner of the Kingdom, and the nature of the New Covenant. Jesus did not come to introduce an era of Law, in which men would be directed by the bit and bridle of rules and regulations. “The day of salvation” is a time when real disciples are inclined to Jesus – drawn to Him by the Father (John 6:44), and compelled by their perception of the One who was “raised” on a redemptive cross (John 12:32). John the Baptist introduced this mode of operation. During his ministry the people flocked to him (Matt 3:5-6; Mk 1:5). Here was “a man sent from God” (John 1:6), and the people came to him. In this regard, he foreshadowed the ministry of the Savior, to whom men would also come, and whom, they would willingly and eagerly follow. Where this trait is not found, Jesus has not been properly declared or seen.
A GREAT MULTITUDE FROM GALILEE FOLLOWED HIM. Galilee is the place where the people who “sat in darkness” saw a “great light” (Matt 4:15-16). It is where Jesus had “went about . . . teaching in their synagogues” (Matt 4:23). Now, having witnessed His works and heard His word, a vast throng followed Him. They were drawn by what He said and what He did, and they pursued Him without regard to convenience.
AND FROM SURROUNDING AREAS. The areas from which a vast multitude came included “Jerusalem,” “Idumea,” “beyond Jordan,” and “about Tyre and Sidon.” At the time, Palestine (Joel 3:4) was divided into three parts: Galilee on the North, Samaria in the middle, and Judea in the South. “Jerusalem” was the capital city, and was in Judea. “Idumea” was formerly inhabited by the Edomites, and was South of Judea. The word “Idumea” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word “Edom.” “Beyond Jordan” refers to the East side of Jordan, while the writers of Scripture lived on the West side of Jordan. “Tyre and Sidon” were situated on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, in the Western part of Judea. These cities were approximately twenty miles apart.
Approximate distances to the sea of Galilee from these various locations are as follows: From Idumea – 100 miles; from Tyre and Sidon – 50 miles; from Jerusalem – 85 miles; from beyond Jordan – 50-150 miles. People, therefore, came to Jesus from an area approximately 135 miles from North to South (Tulsa OK to Mt Vernon MO), by 75 miles East to West (Joplin MO to Fayetteville AR). Within about one year, the word concerning the Savior had penetrated those areas, constraining people to go to Jesus hearing His words and beholding His works.
THEY HEARD WHAT HE DID AND CAME TO HIM. The Spirit is very specific about the things that had been reported concerning Jesus– “what great things He did.” Extraordinary things were told of the extraordinary Savior. Some of those responses are recorded – responses that took place prior to this text. When the palsied man was healed – “They marveled and glorified God, which had given such power unto men” (Matt 9:8). When the unclean spirit was cast out of a man – “And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commandeth He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him” (Mk 1:27). Words like this spread throughout the region, drawing attention to the Lord of glory. The manner in which He had rebuffed the scribes and Pharisees had no doubt been reported also. This was a different manner of Man, teaching a different manner of doctrine, and performing a different manner of work.
The Blight of Mediocrity. One of the unfortunate conditions extant in the modern churches is that of mediocrity, or averageness. The greatness of Jesus is not standing out. The uniqueness of the New Covenant is not being proclaimed. The marvelous nature of “newness of life” is not being lived out – at least, not on any measurable scale. However, the very Jesus who drew attention to Himself during those early days, is the same Jesus who has been exalted to the right hand of God. Peter made a point of this on the day of Pentecost: “God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). By means of His resurrection from the dead, Jesus has been declared to be “the Son of God with power” (Rom 1:4). That “power” dwarfs any human ability, and is unworthy of any comparison with it. When the church sets objectives that can be realized through human appeals, consulting with the worldly wise, and following worldly principles, it should not surprise anyone that it does not draw the attention of people. Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness surely involves a quest for the Lord to reveal Himself in unquestionably great ways that violently interrupt ordinary life.