COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 30
“ Mark 3:9 And He spake to His disciples, that a small ship should wait on Him because of the multitude, lest they should throng Him. 10 For He had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon Him for to touch Him, as many as had plagues. 11 And unclean spirits, when they saw Him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. 12 And He straitly charged them that they should not make Him known.” (Mark 3:9-12)
PRESSED BY THE CROWDS
INTRODUCTION
It has never been common for men to see religion as having something that people need, much less something that they want. Men tend to think of things pertaining to God as having to do with inhibition, restraint, and demanding that people do what they do not want to do. And, indeed, this was largely true until Jesus “put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Heb 9:26). The prophets foretold of a time when the nature of man would be changed, and he would run to God with great anticipation, earnestly seeking to know Him and enjoy His benefits (Isa 27:13; 35:10; 66:18). With the advent of John the Baptist, this sort of thing began to be seen, and was brought to a crescendo when the Son of God appeared among men. People began to flock to Jesus, to press Him, ask Him questions, seek His touch, and obtain mercy from Him. This was a revelation of the very nature of “the day of salvation.” There was something fresh about Jesus – something few people had ever associated with the Living God. The people were able to see Divinity as He could never be seen by means of Law. Rules and regulations, however lofty they may be, can never make God known as He is revealed in Christ Jesus. That is the significance of the “fulness of the Godhead” dwelling in Him bodily (Col 2:9).
THE USE OF A LITTLE SHIP IS REQUIRED
“ 3:9 And He spake to His disciples, that a small ship should wait on Him because of the multitude, lest they should throng Him.”
HE SPAKE TO HIS DISCIPLES. There are very few times when Jesus solicited help from those who were not devoted to Him. Several woman who ministered to Him were devoted to Him, being among His disciples (Luke 8:3). He dwelt in the homes of His disciples, like Peter and Andrew (Mk 1:29), and Martha (Lk 10:38). When teaching the multitudes on the sea shore, Jesus borrowed the boat of Peter (Lk 5:3). When Jesus sent His disciples to bring an ass and its colt to Him, He told them to tell the owner “The Lord hath need of them.” He then told them, “and straightway he will send them,” confirming it was a person who was a disciple (Matt 21:2-3). While this is not to be regarded as a hard and fast rule, it does suggest the advantages of being a follower of Jesus. Holy involvements are for dedicated people.
WAIT ON HIM. Jesus tells His disciples “that a small boast should stand ready for Him.” NASB In fact, they were to “have a small boat ready for Him.” NIV It is understood that Christ’s disciples are to be ready to do His will. They are learners, but not only learners. They are followers, but not only followers. They are listeners, but not only listeners. There comes a time when Christ’s disciples will be required to DO something. In this case, they were to have a small boat ready for Him – something immediately available to Him.
When Jesus was to ride into Jerusalem in fulfillment of Zecharaiah’s prophecy (Zech 9:9), He sent some of His disciples to fetch the animal (Mk 11:2-3). When the time of the last Passover drew nigh, Jesus sent two of His disciples into the city to obtain a room and prepare the feast (Mk 14:13-15). When He prepared to go into Jerusalem, knowing He would pass through Samaria, He sent messengers before Him to the Samaritans, to “make ready for Him” (Lk 9:52). When He prepared to pay tribute money, He sent Peter to collect it from a waiting fish (Matt 17:26-27).
The disciples of Christ are like a pool of workers, and are to be ready to be called into service to do some particular work. It may be Paul calling for Timothy to bring him his cloak and some parchments (2 Tim 13). It may be Paul sending Titus and another brother to Corinth, to learn of their state (2 Cor 12:18). Perhaps it is like Paul sending Timothy to Corinth to bring them in remembrance of his ways and teaching (1 Cor 4:17). The Apostles once sent “Peter and John” to Samaria, to assist Philip in his ministry (Acts 8:14). The church at Jerusalem “sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch” (Acts 11:22). The church at Antioch sent “Barnabas and Saul for the work” of the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:3).
It is a blessing beyond description when there is a spirit of willingness among the disciples and within the assembly. When there are souls who are eager to serve the Lord, much work will be accomplished, for those are the kind of laborers Christ seeks.
LEST THEY THRONG HIM. The reason for this word to Christ’s disciples was “because of the people, lest they should throng Him,” or “crush Him,” NKJV or “crowd Him,” NASB or “be crowded off the beach.” NLT You might think that those seeking the Lord would not want to put Him at a disadvantage, pushing Him, as it were, into the water. But, after all was said and done, this crowd was mostly interested in what they could get from Jesus. And, from one point of view, that was good. That is the nature of the Kingdom, to “OBTAIN” what the Lord has to give (1 Cor 9:24; 1 Thess 5:9; 2 Tim 2:10; Heb 4:16).
However, there is also something about a crowd that can diminish noble objectives. There were times when Jesus withdrew from the multitudes and sent them away. Matthew’s Gospel records the following. “And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain”(Matt 5:1); “Then Jesus sent the multitude away” (Matt 13:36); “He sent the multitudes away” (Matt 14:22); “And when He had sent the multitudes away” (Matt 14:23); “And He sent away the multitude” (Matt 15:39).
Jesus will react favorably in this instance, but it is not because of any sanctifying effect that crowds are imagined to have. It was a multitude that cried out “Away with Him away with Him, crucify Him” (John 19:15). It was a “multitude” that “cried out again, ‘Crucify Him!’” (Mk 15:8,13). There remains this inveterate tendency in man to imagine that a multitude makes something good or right. There are some churches and religious movements that have nothing more to recommend them than a “multitude.” While Jesus did begin drawing people to Himself in great numbers, it is what He DID that drew them, not an advertising campaign. Some people have shaped history with their ideas. Others have done so by coercion, bludgeoning people into compliance with their ambitions. Jesus could move people by what He did. These were not feats of strength, or some form of entertainment. Rather they were “the works of God” (John 9:3), that were impossible for men to do.
THEY EARNESTLY SOUGHT TO TOUCH HIM
“ 10 For He had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon Him for to touch Him, as many as had plagues.”
Here is the reason for the pressing multitudes: “He had healed many!” In all of prior history, of whom could such a thing be said? Through Abraham’s prayer, Abimelech was healed, about 2,100 years after creation (Gen 20:17). Moses healed Miriam’s leprosy, about over four hundred years after Abimelech’s healing (Num 12:10-15). Elisha healed Naaman of leprosy, about 1,000 after Miriam’s healing (2 Kgs 5:1-19). Isaiah, by means of a poultice, healed Hezekiah of a grievous boil, about 150 years after Naaman’s healing (Isa 38:21). Before Jesus, there were a few people raised from the dead. The first occurred nearly 3,000years after creation (1 Kgs 17:17-24). The second took place over 100 years after the first raising (2 Kgs 4:18-26). The third occurred over 50 years later (2 Kgs 13:21).
Within a period of four thousand years, five healings and three resurrections of the dead are recorded! Suddenly, within a few months following the introductory ministry of John the Baptist “many” have been healed by a single Man! It is no wonder that the people flocked to Him! Never had such a thing taken place – even among the chosen people of God! In all the history of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – “the fathers” – and for several hundred years after them, there is a record of a single healing. Beginning with Moses, and extending for at least a thousand years, there is the record of a single healing. Then, for around 1,500 years, there is the record of a one solitary healing.
There are several records of Jesus healing “multitudes” – something that had never occurred before. Matthew tells of Him healing “multitudes out of “all Syria” (Matt 4:24). On another occasion, “great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all” (Matt 12:15). On yet another occasion, “great multitudes came unto Him . . . and He healed them” (Matt 15:30). Again, it is written, “And great multitudes followed Him; and He healed them there” (Matt 19:2). On still another occasion we read, “And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple; and He healed them” (Matt 21:14). Upon hearing of this remarkable pouring forth of Divine compassion, the people rushed to Jesus.
THEY PRESSED UPON HIM. The people earnestly sought to get close to Jesus, “pushing forward” NIV to “touch Him” if at all possible. Later Mark records, “and as many as touched Him were made whole” (Mk 6:56). Luke records, “And the whole multitude sought to touch Him: for there went virtue out of Him , and healed them all” (Lk 6:19).
There is a wonderful Kingdom principle seen here – something that the people sensed, though yet in a very elementary manner. In order to obtain benefit from Jesus, you must get close to Him, and “touch” Him. Many a person has sought Divine benefits while living at a distance from the Lord. The “sweet Psalmist of Israel” once delivered a song to “the chief Musician.” It’s opening words were, “They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens” (Psa 65:8). That is, when God does work, it frightens them, and thus they do not seek for Him to work. However, those who associate Christ Jesus with genuine human need will find a way to get to Him. That is the invariable trait of Christ’s “sheep.” Where people do not extend themselves to come to Christ, it is only because they see no real need for Him. To them, Jesus is like a museum piece be seen occasionally, but is not to be taken home.
We also have here a depiction of the manner of a legitimate quest for the Lord. It is characterized by an energy that cannot be quelled. Jesus spoke of this new manner, commencing during the days of John the Baptist, in these words: “The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it” (Luke 16:16). Matthew records, “"violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize—a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]" AMPLIFIED (Matt 11:12). Real revivals are an awakening of this spirit, which is the standard of the kingdom of God’s dear Son. This is why aggressive terms are associated with spiritual life: “striving” (Phil 1:27; Col 1:29), “running” (1 Cor 9:26; Heb 12:1), “fighting” (1 Cor 9:26; 1 Tim 6:12), “wrestling” (Eph 6:12), “pressing” (Phil 3:14), “standing against” (Eph 6:11), “resisting” (James 4:7; 1 Pet 5:9), and “seeking” (Col 3:1; Heb 13:14).
AS MANY AS HAD PLAGUES. Those pressing to touch Jesus had “plagues,” or “afflictions,” NASB or “diseases.” NIV They were painfully aware of their real situation, and had been convinced that only Jesus could help them. This too is the manner of the Kingdom. Those who earnestly seek to “obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need” (Heb 4:16) are dominated by a sense of their need. They cannot get away from it. It is something they carry about with them, against which they have no power. They have, however, been convinced by faithful reports of the working of the Lord, that if they can only reach Him and touch Him, they will be healed. Blessed day of discovery when such a persuasion is possessed.
THE REALM OF DARKNESS CONFRONTS THE LORD
“ 11 And unclean spirits, when they saw Him, fell down before Him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. 12 And He straitly charged them that they should not make Him known.”
Many of them that pressed toward Jesus were apparently possessed of unclean spirits. What manner of grace is this that can draw such souls, moving them to come close to Jesus, whom the spirits who are dominating them want to avoid? This is a most vivid picture of the drawing power of the Lord! There is no other way to account for people possessed of the powers of darkness to rush out to meet Jesus, or press relentlessly to get close to Him and touch Him! Blessed is such a person (Psa 65:4).
THE UNCLEAN SPIRITS. So far as the record is concerned, no unclean spirit, or any other demon, ever moved a person to run from Jesus. In the synagogue, such a spirit plead for Jesus to leave them alone, but did not cause the one possessed to flee from Jesus (Mk 1:23-24). When the possessed wild man of Gadara saw Jesus “he ran and worshiped Him,” the evil spirits pleading that Jesus not torment them (Mk 5:6-7). But we have no record of an evil spirit causing the ones they possessed to run away from Jesus, or to hide from Him. Is this not a marvelous testimony of the subjection of the dark world of demons to the Lord Jesus. It is totally true that angels, authorities, and powers have been “made subject to Him” (1 Pet 3:22). All Jesus has to do is, as it were, point to them, and they must vacate the place they have dominated. Thus Jesus spoke of Himself as casting out demons “with the finger of God” (Lk 11:20). The children of God are out of order fearing Satan, his angels, or any other spirit or person that is within his domain. Those who teach men to be afraid of “the Antichrist” (1 John 2:18) “the Beast” (Rev 13:17), “the False Prophet” (Rev 16:13; 20:10), “the Man of Sin” (2 Thess 2:3), or the “Son of Perdition” (2 Thess 2:3), are not doing well! That such personalities do, in fact, exist, and that they will exercise great influence, cannot be denied. However, God has determined that they will fall, and they shall. We read of those who follow Jesus overcoming these foes (Rev 12:11; 15:2).
THOU ART THE SON OF GOD! When these “unclean spirits” saw Jesus, they “fell before Him.” They did not attack Jesus like one of their kindred spirits did the “seven sons of Sceva” (Acts 19:14-16). They could not throw the Lord to the ground as one of their number did a young boy (Mk 9:20-21). They made no effort to mount an initiative against the Son of God – which thing they would surely have done if it was possible. In fact, the only time such an assault could take place is when God gave them a special “hour” to do their evil deeds – even though it was only to fulfill His will (Lk 22:53; Acts 4:28).
The confession of these “unclean spirits” is most intriguing. They did not say, “You are God,” or “You are a mighty man of God,” but “You are the Son of God.” NKJV That is, He was “God manifest in the flesh” (1 Tim 3:16), or one in whom “dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily” – or “in bodily form” NASB (Col 2:9). Keep in mind, this was the Lord in His most humble state – concealed from men, but not from demons! Unclean spirits knew Jesus because of their acquaintance with the unseen realm. Men know Him by revelation (Matt 16:16-17). This is the capacity in which Jesus must be known if salvation is to be experienced among men. That is why Philip laid down the requirement of believing in order for the eunuch to be baptized. The eunuch answered appropriately, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37).
When Jesus is represented as being primarily a Helper of humanity, and a Means of obtaining personal desires, neither the devil nor men will be moved. If He is seen basically as the Answer to governmental, domestic, personal, and social concerns, it should not surprise us that devilish activity continues, even increasing, and that men remain fundamentally unchanged. It is Christ’s association with God that brings power to religion. If that association is not perceived, embraced, and chronicled, all religion is vain.
THEY SHOULD NOT MAKE HIM KNOWN. Why not let the demons proclaim Jesus? Did not the divining spirit of that woman in Macedonia declare the truth about Paul (Acts 16:17). Technically “Yes,” spiritually “No!” Such a testimony does not promote faith but fear. It associates Jesus with the dark world that promotes bondage, and thus characterizes Him as one not to be desired – just as evidenced in that Macedonian event.
The word used here indicates that Jesus vehemently rebuked the spirit. There was nothing casual or academic about it. Thus another version reads, “He charged them strictly and severely under penalty again and again that they should not make Him known.” AMPLIFIED This word was also driven by the nature of the time – it was not yet time for the powers of darkness to agitate the masses as they would later. Too, God had appointed that those who have tasted of the Lord should be the spokesman for Him (2 Cor 4:13).