COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 67
“ Mark 6:29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb. 30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told Him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31 And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. 32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.” (Mark 6:29-32; Matthew 14:12-13)
FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF JOHN
INTRODUCTION
John the Baptist has just been beheaded according to the desire of Herodias, and by the command of Herod, who thought only of his own reputation. Thus the ministry of Christ’s “forerunner” was concluded – but not before he had prepared the way for the Lord as he was commissioned to do. He was to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord”(Lk 1:17). According to the word of Gabriel the angel, he turned “many of the children of Israel” to the Lord (Lk 1:16). He called upon the people to “make His paths straight,” clearing away obstacles that stood between them and the Lord, repenting, and confessing their sin. John’s preaching was of such a nature that “all men were in expectation,” even wondering if he was ‘the Christ” (Lk 3:15). It had been a long time since Israel had seen a public figure that was undoubtably holy, and declared a message of someone other than himself. People might tend to think John should remain as a salient influence among the people. After all, he was not competing with Jesus – at least not in word or deed. His role in God’s great salvation, however, was never intended to be an ongoing one, but one that was introductory – getting the people ready for Jesus. Now, as is the manner of the Kingdom, all of the preeminence must be given to Jesus Himself, for He is the Savior of the world, not John. John led people to repentance, and baptized them “for the remission of sins” (Mk 1:4). However, that was all in anticipation of “the Lamb of God,” who would do something John could not do – “take away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). Therefore, by default, the attention must be turned toward Jesus. If this was not necessary, John would not have been beheaded.
JOHN’S DISCIPLES BURY HIS BODY, TELL JESUS
“ Mk 6:29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb . . . And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.” (Matt 14:12).
This event occurred well into the ministry of Jesus, and yet John still had many disciples – many followers who held on to his teachings. Even when he was in prison, they remained his disciples.
We are told that John taught his disciples to pray: “And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1). It was on this occasion that Jesus delivered, what is commonly called, “the Lord’s prayer” Lk 11:2-4). John’s disciples also were noted for frequent fasting: “And they said unto Him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers . . . ?” (Luke 5:33; Matt 9:14; Mk 2:18).
Once, while John was in prison, his disciples reported to him the rapidly growing ministry of Jesus: “And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumor of Him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. And the disciples of John showed him of all these things” (Luke 7:16-18). It was at this time that John sent his disciples back to Jesus to inquire whether or not He was the Christ. No doubt he did this for their sake more than for his own. We also read that Jesus eventually “made and baptized more disciples than John” (John 4:1).
JOHN’S DISCIPLES HEAR. Somehow, through the providence of God, word of John’s death reached his disciples: they “heard of it.” Their lives were so ordered that they were exposed to profitable reports. They also did as Jesus told His disciples to do: “Take heed what ye hear” (Mk 4:24). It is possible to maintain associations and frequent environments where significant reports are never given. There is a society of people among whom nothing of any godly worth is ever reported or discussed. Reports of John’s death would not be found in such places. The fact that John’s disciples “heard of” John’s death is a commentary on the kind of relationships they maintained.
THEY BURY JOHN’S CORPSE. This must have occurred very soon after John was beheaded. Mark says John’s disciples “came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.” Matthew says “they took up the body, and buried it” (Matt 14:12). In so doing, they “sowed” John’s body in the hope of the resurrection (1 Cor 15:42-44).
A Case for Burial. In these days, cremation is rapidly becoming one of the preferences for handling the bodies of the dead. Those endorsing this practice contend that what we do with the body is of no consequence at all, and scoff at any objections to the practice of cremation. They reason that “God is able to gather ashes together in the resurrection.”
Throughout history, however, those who have been acquainted with God have consistently practiced burial – the interment of the body, versus consuming it by fire. People who are specifically said to have been “buried” include Sarah (Gen 23:19), Abraham (Gen 25:9), Deborah (Rebekah’s nurse – Gen 35:8), Rachel (Gen 35:19), Isaac (Gen 35:29), Leah (Gen 49:31), Jacob (Gen 50:13-14), Joseph (), Miriam (Num 20:1), Aaron (Deut 10:6), Moses was buried by God Himself (Deut 34:6), Joshua (Josh 24:29-30), David (Acts 2:29), Solomon (1 Kgs 11:43), John the Baptist (Matt 14:12), Stephen (Acts 8:2), and even the Lord Jesus(1 Cor 15:4). Jesus was even “anointed” for His “burial” (Matt 26:12).
Cremation was introduced to the Western world around 1,000 B.C. It had its roots in heathen nations, and was associated with heathen gods. History records that around 100 AD, although cremation was a “status symbol” of Rome, it was “stopped because of the spread of Christianity.” BRITANNICA It was not until 1874 that cremation was again accepted by the Western world, beginning with Britain. The first crematorium was built in America in 1876. Even then, it was exceedingly rare with only 8% of the dead being cremated during the 1970's. BRITANNICA
Examples of cremation include Achan and his family (Josh 7:25), wicked priests slain by Josiah (2 Kgs 23:20), and Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:24-25). When God judged Moab, sending a fiery judgment upon it, one of the reasons sited for Him doing so was, “he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime” (Amos 2:1-2).
THEY TELL JESUS. John’s disciples did the proper thing after they had buried the body of John – “they went and told Jesus.” No doubt it was a difficult report to deliver. A great man of God had been seemingly brought down by a fickle despot. There was no justice in it, to be sure. Yet, this was the means by which John “decreased,” giving way to the One whom God “sent into the world” to resolve the dilemma of sin. However, the Almighty God was not indifferent to the grievous death of John, a servant described as “a man sent from God” (John 1:6). The whole matter will be fully addressed on the day of judgment.
JESUS’ DISCIPLES REPORT WHAT THEY HAVE DONE
“ 30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told Him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.”
Mark now resumes the narrative that he had begin prior to the word about John the Baptist. The word concerning the death of John was apparently delivered to Jesus around the same time the apostles returned from their mission. Remember, it was said of that charge, “And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them” (Mark 6:12-13). This was the occasion when Jesus instructed them to remain in one house while they were in a city, and to shake the dust off their feet off against the house that did not receive them (Mark 6:7-11).
THE APOSTLES GATHER TO JESUS. Now, “the apostles” have returned from their labor, and they “gathered themselves together unto Jesus,” or “gathered around Jesus.” NIV Luke says they did this “when they were returned” (Lk 9:10). Later, the “seventy” who were sent out will do the same thing (Lk 10:17). These men had a lively sense of their responsibility to the Lord who had commissioned them. A soon as they had completed their Kingdom business, they returned to the One who sent them out.
There is a threefold sense in which this is, and will be, fulfilled toward present day servants. First, it is the business of everyone who senses Jesus has sent them forth, to return to Him. Second, those who do the work of the Lord should find some disciples to whom they can report their labors (Acts 4:23; 14:27; 15:4). Third, a day has been appointed when all of Christ’s stewards will give an account of their labors directly to the One who made them stewards (Rom 14:12; Heb 13:17; 1 Pet 4:5). Our approach to our labors for Christ must not be attended with anything that causes these responsibilities to become obscure.
THEY TELL HIM WHAT THEY HAD DONE AND TAUGHT. The apostles “told Him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.” Luke says they “told Him all that they had done” (Lk 9:10). Right here, we are being exposed to the kind of people Jesus sends, and how they react to that sending. Those who are really laboring for the Lord have no compunctions about reporting what they have “done” and “taught.” It is possible to give a report that has evil effects, as the report of the ten faithless spies, who “brought up an evil report of the land” and “discouraged the heart of the people” (Num 32:9,32). However, a cognizance of the person of Christ is conducive to more forthright and honest reports.
Thus the apostles reported “what they had done.” It goes without saying that their report had to correlate with their commission. Mark tells us they “cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them” (Mark 6:13).
Jesus had given them several instructions. 1 – They were to “take nothing for their journey” (Mk 6:8). 2 – They were to abide in the same house as long as they were in a city (Mk 6:10). 3 – If someone did not receive them, they were to shake the dust of their feet off against them (Mk 6:11). 4 – They were not to go “into the way of the Gentiles,” or “any city of the Samaritans” (Matt 10:5). 5 – They were to go “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt 10:6). 6 – They were to preach, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 10:7). 7 – They were to “heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils,” or demons (Matt 10:8). 8 – They were to “freely give,” not charging for their services (Matt 10:8). 9 – When they entered into a house, they were to “salute it” (Matt 10:12). 10 – If the house was “worthy,” they were to let their “peace come upon it” (Matt 10:13a). 11 – If the house was not “worthy,” they were to “let” their “peace return” to them (Matt 10:13b).
However they may have reported concerning what they had “done,” it had to be in strict comportment with what Jesus said they were to do. It appears to me that this kind of mindset is exceedingly rare in our time. This is owing to the near-total absence of a working knowledge of the Scriptures, Christ’s Person, and the purpose for godly labors.
The apostles also reported “what they had taught.” This responsibility is passed along to everyone who professes to speak in the behalf of Christ, or to in some way represent Him. What is being taught? Jesus told the apostles to preach, saying the kingdom of heaven is at hand – or about to be gloriously revealed. Mark tells us that they “preached that men should repent” (Mk 6:12). I do not believe there are many professed preachers who could make a correlation between preaching the closeness of the Kingdom and calling men to repentance.
There is an enormous number and variety of things being preached today that by no means are in synch with the “gospel” that God sends men to preach (Rom 10:15). Men must get away from such contaminating messages, “purging” themselves of those who teach such things, as they are commanded to do (2 Tim 2:16-21).
I suggest that it is an excellent practice to report back to the Lord precisely what you have taught. Lay it before Him, with an acute awareness that your soul is in His hands (Ezek 18:4). What you cannot report to Him is never suitable for either embrace or declaration.
JESUS TAKES HIS DISCIPLES TO A DESERT PLACE
“ 31 And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. 32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.”
Matthew tells us that this was Jesus’ response to the report of the death of John the Baptist. “And his disciples came . . . and told Jesus. When Jesus heard of it, He departed thence by ship into a desert place apart . . .” (Matt 14:12-13). Mark says He responded after the disciples had given their report of what they had “done” and “taught.”
Here was a mingling of the bitter and the sweet – the pleasant and the unpleasant. In a way, sorrow was blended with joy – sorrow for John’s death, but rejoicing in the fulfillment of a Divine comission.
Salvation causes the soul to be versatile so that “bitter herbs” and nourishing meat with pleasant “bread” can be eaten at the same meal (Ex 12:8; Num 9:11). It is no wonder that this seeming admixture is frequently mentioned in Scripture. “By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2 Cor 6:8-10). Blessed is the person who does not maintain a kind of fairytale view of life.
HE SAID UNTO THEM. Jesus responds to the report of John, and the report of His disciples – at the same time. He is not oblivious to sorrow or to joy. He knows when hearts are heavy, and when hearts are wafted heavenward in the wake of faithful labors.
COME YE YOURSELVES APART. It was time to go away from the multitudes – time to take leave from their vigorous labors. Matthew says that Jesus Himself “departed thence by ship into a desert place apart” (Matt 14:13). How He must have recalled the day when He was baptized by John in the River Jordan, and how John had clearly identified Him as “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29,36), “the Son of God” (John 1:34), “the Bridegroom” (John 3:29), He that would “baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire” (Matt 3:11), the One who was “mightier” (Mk 1:7), and the One who would “throughly purge His floor,” gathering in the grain and burning the chaff (Matt 3:12). John had identified Jesus as “He that cometh from above is above all” (John 3:31), the One who “speaketh the words of God,” and to whom God gave the Spirit “without measure” (John 3:34). John knew who Jesus was, while multitudes saw Him as nothing more than a temporary deliverer. It is no marvel that Jesus departed for a season to a desert place and solitude.
But Jesus does not go alone. He takes His apostles with Him. He has a mind to be with those whom He has chosen. The very fact that He has determined to ultimately gather His people, that they might be “with” Him where He is, makes this no strange occasion (John 14:3).
REST A WHILE. What a considerate word is this – “and rest a while!” The word “rest” carries the idea of refreshment, and gaining strength. The apostles had been going through the land, entering into cities and preaching, healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead, and casting out demons. All of them had been active, for Jesus had sent them our “two by two.”
Once, after the churches had undergone a considerable time of persecution, they were granted some “rest” from the Lord. “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied” (Acts 9:31). This was a period of refreshment, refurbishment, comfort, and encouragement. Like the “rest” of our text, it was intended to ready the disciples for further labors.
It ought to be noted that only those who “labor in the Word and in the doctrine” are provided such a “rest.” There is no Divinely provided rest for those who flay the air like a shadow-boxer (1 Cor 9:26). Those who spend their time in profitless endeavors, or self-centered activities, are offered no “rest.” Their problem is that they are doing the wrong things. If they are worn out, then they ought to cease doing what is wrong in order that they might do what is right. Then, rest will be given to them in due time.
THEY HAD NO LEISURE. The flow of people coming to and from Jesus was so significant that He and His disciples “did not even have time to eat.” NASB Rare, indeed, are activities of this sort, that do not even provide time to eat. However, it is the nature of truth, and a love for it, to so engage both heart and mind, as to consume one’s whole interest.
By definition, “leisure” is “convenient time.” STRONG’S or “to have opportunity.” THAYER Activities were so incessant that a window of opportunity did not even open for them to eat. In our “church world,” this kind of spiritual activity is totally unknown. In fact, the modern church insists upon building all religious activity around leisure, so that anything that interrupts the normal is despised ands rejected.
You will note that such an approach to religion is nowhere associated with Jesus. He set the standard for denying self, crucifying the flesh, and loving the Lord with all of the heart, soul, mind, and strength. Those to whom He gives “rest”welcome it with great gladness (Matt 11:28).