COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 84
“ Mark 8:1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples unto Him, and saith unto them, 2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with Me three days, and have nothing to eat: 3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.” (Mark 8:1-3; Matthew 15:32)
THE FEEDING OF THE FOUR THOUSAND #1
INTRODUCTION
The Gospels provide us with an index to the heart of Jesus, as well as His words and works. This is an aspect of the Divine nature that is often either overlooked or misrepresented. We learn considerable about Jesus in His responses to scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and lawyers, seeing that He is in no way tolerate of pretension. We also learn of His heart in His responses to the unbelief and slowness of heart that were found among His own disciples. Those who sought Him earnestly and relentlessly were always honored. Those who revealed they had other priorities – like riches, burying the dead, or, asking Him to help straiten out family contention – also brought out the nature of Jesus. There was nothing pretentious or artificial about Jesus, things that are often associated with religion. He had no interest in maintaining cherished religious views, choosing to oppose them when they clashed with the truth. His zeal to do the will of God often moved Him to leave multitudes to rescue one poor soul, or choose to have mercy upon a person who actually was condemned by the Law. If a person really wants to represent Jesus as He IS, it will require a thorough acquaintance with the Gospel – “the record” God has given of His Son. The Gospels are a kind of spiritual photograph of Jesus that reveal things that are not apparent to the disinterested. The more you peruse them, the more of Jesus you will see. His nature will be seen as anything but simplistic, challenging even the most prodigious thinker. All of these conditions are owing to the fact that “all Scripture” is given “by the inspiration of God” (2 Tim 3:16). It is not like a spiritual newspaper. Every word is deliberate, calculated to reveal the mind of God.
A GREAT MULTITUDE WITH NOTHING TO EAT
“ Mk 8:1 In those days the multitude being very great . . .”
Jesus has been with the multitudes, healing their sick. Being near to the sea of Galilee, “great multitudes came to Him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet” (Matt 15:30). The deaf man with an impediment of speech (Mk 7:32-37), was one of this vast multitude, being especially brought to Jesus by some of the people (7:32).
There is something important to be seen here. Jesus had been ministering for nearly two years, with the majority of His ministry being in Galilee (Mat 4:12-15,18,23; Mk 1:14,28,39; Lk 4:14,44 Multitudes from Galilee had followed Him throughout His ministry, to this very point (Matt 4:25; Mk 3:7). In great compassion, Jesus had already healed great multitudes of people from this region (Matt 12:15; Lk 5:15). Yet, in this very area, where Jesus had done most of His mighty works (Matt 11:20), there still remained great multitudes of sick people. When, therefore, it is written that Jesus “healed all that were sick” (Matt 8:16), it does not mean that this was always His manner. In fact, it is also written that “He healed many that were sick with divers diseases” (Mk 1:34; Mk 3:10). Once, at the pool of Bethesda, it is written that there was “a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt,” and “withered.” Jesus went to that place and healed one of the people (John 5:2-9).
The point to be seen in all of this is that Jesus fulfilled His ministry in strict accord with the will of God, not the need of man. He was not driven by crisis, but by the purpose of God. Often, praise God, this involved great miracles. Yet, Jesus consistently sought His Father’s will. As He Himself said, “I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me” (John 5:30). This certainly does not rule out the experience of Jesus having compassion on us in our temporal circumstances, and none should even think in such a manner. This very text will discourage such thinking. Yet, in our quest for Divine intervention in our earthly situations, we must make our requests subject to the will of the Lord. One of the lepers Jesus healed knew this to be the case. He came to the Lord and said, “If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean” (Matt 8:2).
Many poor souls, not understanding this facet of Jesus, have fallen into despair because their prayers were not answered as they desired. They were pure in their motives, sought for the Lord to be honored in their condition, and prayed because they were convinced the Lord could help them. Yet, when He did not, they felt that some flaw was in them, and therefore became unduly discouraged. While it is not a pattern for addressing all infirmities, Jesus refused to remove Paul’s “thorn in the flesh,” reserving something better for him (2 Cor 12:7-9). For Paul, that was the will of the Lord, and he was able to receive it. It was not the will of the Lord for Epaphroditus to remain sick, and “nigh unto death.” God raised him up, and he continued serving the Lord free of his infirmity (Phil 2:25-28). In both cases, an awareness of the Lord was critical. No child of God must allow his own will to become preeminent.
THE MULTITUDE WAS VERY GREAT. These days, many people cannot think of Jesus in association with multitudes. We are familiar with vast throngs of people and various forms of religion – even with Christianity. In our text, however, we are speaking of Jesus Himself attracting the multitudes, not one of His representatives. He who is the Truth the One who spoke, and He, as the Power of God, is the One who was working. And, yet, with Him speaking only the truth, multitudes were drawn to Him. People following Him are described as “great multitudes” (Matt 4:25; 8:1,18 “the multitudes” (Matt 5:1; 9:33,36), “the whole multitude” (Matt 13:2), “so great a multitude” (Matt 15:33), and “a very great multitude” (Matt 21:8). Once, when Jesus was by the sea side, “all the multitude resorted to Him” (Mk 2:13). Another time a “multitude sat about Him” (Mk 3:32). On still another occasion a multitude was “thronging” Him (Mk 5:31). Yet, another time “an innumerable multitude of people” were “gathered together” to Him (Lk 12:1).
Let no one imagine for a moment that such a phenomenon could not happen again! When the Gospels speak repeatedly of multitudes of people following Jesus, they are confirming the truth of the words of Jacob: “unto Him shall the gathering of the people be” (Gen 49:10). A sudden and great revival is, indeed, possible, as confirmed by the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 2:41-47, and the conversion of the city of Samaria (Acts 8:5-8). The persuasion of this brings great encouragement to those who have given themselves to the preaching of the Gospel of Christ. They know that if Jesus can ever be seen as He is, no matter how incomplete that view may be, Jesus will draw men to Himself (John 12:32). If the people among whom we are ministering are not coming to Jesus, then let it not be because we are not presenting Him as He is. Bethsaida was exposed to the real Jesus, and they did not receive Him (Matt 11:21). However, this was not owing to a misrepresentation of Jesus. It was their unbelief that caused the condition. Blessed is the person who can employ this knowledge profitably, proceeding with confidence in Gospel labors.
JESUS HAS COMPASSION ON THE HUNGRY MULTITUDE
“ 1b . . .and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples unto Him, and saith unto them. 2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with Me three days, and have nothing to eat.”
HAVING NOTHING TO EAT. How long will people follow Jesus? What is the “attention span” of the common people – for that is who these people were (Mk 12:37). Some, who have no spiritual understanding, affirm that the normal attention span is 15-30 minutes. They say this even though there are one hour political speeches, two and three hour sporting events, and two hour movies. College classes are at least an hour, and who ever heard of a fifteen minute opera or other musical program. Those who affirm such nonsense are trying to carve out a career. They would no doubt expressed their foolish idea to the very Christ.
The multitude of our text are described as having “nothing to eat.” None of them were saying, “I’m starving, where can we get something to eat?” They are not in the city, or even a small town, but are in a mountain, close to the sea of Galilee (Matt 15:29). What kept them there past mealtime? Why was there not a massive exodus from the area in a quest for food? Even surface thinkers should be able to see that there are times when all of one’s attention can be focused on the Lord, and even an appetite for food becomes secondary. Before there was a Bible, or a record of the deeds of holy men, Job confessed, “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).
The reports of historical and contemporary revivals all have this common trait: the people lost all interest in time. Lengthy prayer vigils and gatherings were common as people became preoccupied with matters pertaining to life and godliness.
JESUS CALLED HIS DISCIPLES. Now, Jesus turns from the multitudes to His disciples. He calls them to Himself, in a sense separating them from the multitude, because in order to work for or with Jesus, there must be a point at which He becomes our most prominent consideration. Further, Jesus perceives that the Father is about to work. As He said elsewhere, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do” (John 5:19). He will therefore now give His disciples an opportunity to respond to the occasion.
I HAVE COMPASSION. Other versions read, “I feel compassion,” NASB “I have pity,” BBE “My heart is moved with pity,” NAB and “I have pity and sympathy.” AMPLIFIED The fact that Jesus says this suggests that the disciples had not viewed this multitude in the same way.
The Psalmist reminds us that God is “full of compassion” (Psa 78:38; 86:15; 111:4). Five times the Gospels say Jesus was “moved with compassion” (Matt 9:36; 14:14; 18:27; Mk 1:41; 6:34). What is “compassion,” and how is it that such a feeling can move the Lord to action? The word “compassion” means “to be moved as to one’s bowels,” THAYER and “to have bowels of yearning.” ISBE i.e., to be touched with pity deep within. Compassion is, as Jeremiah put, when “mine affecteth mine heart”
(Lam 3:51). Words associated with compassion are mercy, pity, and sympathize. With Jesus, compassion was brought to its most profound depth. The “fulness of the Godhead” dwelt in Him “bodily” (Col 2:9,19), and God is noted for His “compassions” that “fail not,” and are “new every morning” (Lam 3:22). This Divine trait was embodied in, and expressed by, the Lord Jesus. There was never a person or group who touched the heart of God who did not also touch the heart of Jesus. It is equally important to note that such people are always in the proximity of the Lord. There is no record of the Lord having compassion on those who stood aloof from Him.
THEY HAVE BEEN WITH ME THREE DAYS. The reason for compassion being stirred up within Jesus is stated: “they have now been with Me three days, and have nothing to eat.” The word used here (“now”) has an interesting meaning: “already,” THAYER and suggests that the time has been spent “with great pleasure.” STRONG’S Emphasizing the rapid and pleasurable passing of the time, the New International Version reads, “they have already been with Me three days.” Enamored of Christ’s unique and authoritative teaching (Matt 7:29), and marveling at His wondrous works (Mk 7:38), the time has passed swiftly. The people were enjoying the words and works of Jesus, and He was enjoying expressing them.
Here we have a Davidic expression being lived out: “For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psa 84:10). If ever a place could qualify for the expression “Thy courts,” it is the place where Jesus is found teaching and working. The people did not want to leave this place of blessing.
I have often been disappointed with the lack of spiritual appetite among professed believers. It is a sure sign that they have no idea when they are in the presence of the Lord. In that respect, such poor souls fall far beneath the attainments of the multitude of our text.
And how long had these people been with Jesus? Three days! Matthew reads, “they continue with Me now three days” (Matt 15:32). The text does not say that they had not eaten in three days, although that may very well have been the case. In fact, the text suggests they had not eaten for a long time, else there would be little reason for having such compassion upon them. Their condition at the time is clear: they had “nothing to eat” – nothing at all.
THEY WILL FAINT BY THE WAY
“ 3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.”
The Lord Jesus elaborates on His compassion, for Divine reason supports His compassion. It is more than a mere emotion. A rational cause must support compassion for it to move the individual possessing it.
IF I SEND THEM AWAY FASTING. Other versions read “send them away hungry,” NKJV and “send them away to their houses with no food.” BBE Matthew reads, “I will not send them away fasting” (Matt 15:32).
There is something to be seen here that is of great value in assessing human need. The generation in which we live is not noted for either patience or perseverance. It cannot endure, but demands the instant gratification of its desires. This attitude has spilled over into the church, so that many professing Christians actually become intolerant with God if He does not run when they call, and leap into action at their demands. Here, Jesus waited three days before expressing His compassion for the people. He does not bound into action as soon as they began to be hungry, but waited until they absolutely had “nothing to eat.” As long as there is a thread of hope in the flesh, it is not probable that God will spring into action on our behalf. That is not because He is capricious, but because He must receive all of the glory for what He does.
THEY WILL FAINT BY THE WAY. Jesus adduces another reason for His compassion upon the multitude. Not only have they continued with Him for three days, and now have no access to any food, they also will “faint by the way” if He sends them away without feeding them. Matthews says they will “faint in the way” (Matt 15:32), or “collapse on the way.” NIV The Amplified Bible reads, “they will be feeble through exhaustion and faint along the road.” This confirms they had not eaten in some time, while they listened to Jesus’ words and witnessed His mighty works.
How tragic that in our day many souls have never been subjected to any extensive working of the Lord. They have never inconvenienced themselves to be with Christ – never gone with food or sleep in order to obtain a blessing!
THEY CAME FROM AFAR. Our blessed Lord provides one other observation that may have eluded the disciples: “for some of them have come a long distance,” NIV or “a long way.” AMPLIFIED They had come a long way to be with Jesus, and had spent a long time there with Him. They had inconvenienced themselves, choosing the “good part” – and as Jesus did with Mary, He would not take it away from them (Lk 10:42).
Thus, Jesus has given the disciples enough facts to stimulate their thinking. (1) He had compassion on the multitudes. (2) They had been with Him three days. (3) There was nothing for them to eat. (4) He will not send them away hungry. (5) Many of them have come from a long distance. (6) If they are not fed, they will collapse from weakness on the way home. Armed with these facts, will the disciples be able to arrive at a sound spiritual conclusion.
A LESSON TO BE LEARNED. Here we have a very wonderful depiction of spiritual life. Those who have followed Jesus, remaining with Him, must be fed. Jesus delivered a great commission to Peter, uttering it three times on a single occasion: “Feed My lambs,” “Feed My sheep,” and “Feed My sheep” (John 21:15-17). Many years later, no doubt remembering these words, Peter wrote to scattered believers admonishing their leaders, “Feed the flock of God which is among you” (1 Pet 5:2). Prior to that, Paul exhorted the elders of the church in Ephesus, “feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:38). How important is this word? Ezekiel thundered against false shepherds: “ye feed not the flock” (Ezek 34:3). Through Jeremiah God promised the people, “And I will give you pastors according to Mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jer 3:15).
One of the great phenomena of our day is fainting and falling Christians. The condition is of such proportions that a host of supposed experts are being raised up to assist in recovering these fallen ones. Special schools and courses have been developed to qualify these recovery experts. However, no one seems to be addressing the reason for the fall of so many souls. Could it be that they have “fainted in the way” because they have not been fed? Indeed, this is the case. Their “pastors,” like those of Jeremiah’s day, have “become brutish,” or “dull-hearted” NKJV (Jer 10:21). They have not seen the condition of the people, and thus have not fed them. Woe to them! Woe to them for providing such impoverished portions for those who have some interest in the things of God. Woe to them for sending the people away hungry, malnourished, and in a state of spiritual starvation.
It is not an innocent situation when professing believers remain in a state of perpetual spiritual ignorance and weakness. Life in Christ is too rigorous and demanding to live it without being fed. If Jesus is noted for bringing His sheep to a place where they can “go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9), to whom do the pastors belong who fail to do so?