The Sabbath-School by C. P. B.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 18, 1889

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 7

The Sabbath-School.

By C. P. B.

Notes on the International Lesson.

THE GREAT TEACHER AND THE TWELVE.

(February 24.—Mark 6:1-13.)

THERE is some difference of opinion regarding the time of this visit of our Lord to Nazareth, but from several considerations it seems probable that it was the same as that recorded in Matt. 13:54 and Luke 4:16, namely, the first after he entered upon his public ministry, and that it took place about six months after his baptism.

IT would seem from the narrative, as recorded in our lesson, that Jesus spent some time, probably a day or two, at least, in Nazareth, before the Sabbath. Just how this time was employed we do not know, nor are we told aught of the memories of his childhood which were brought to his mind by the old familiar scenes; but we know that on the Sabbath he repaired to the synagogue for the purpose of teaching the people, and that opportunity was afforded him to do so.

IF, as we have supposed, this was at the time of his first visit to Nazareth, our Lord’s discourse upon this occasion was from Isa. 61:1. Reading this prophecy, he identified himself with it; and this, together with the fact that his teaching was so different from that of the scribes, filled his hearers with astonishment, and caused them to ask, “From whence hath this man these things?” They were probably not aware even of his ability to read, and when he not only read to them out of the Scriptures, but expounded to them in a forcible and intelligent manner that which he had read, they immediately began to question among themselves where he obtained his knowledge.

BUT it was not alone surprise that occasioned this questioning; they disliked his doctrine, and finding themselves powerless to resist his reasoning or to answer him from the Scriptures, they began to say, “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.” The idea that one of the humblest of their own townsmen should assume to instruct them, was offensive to them. Had some great man of the world come among them they would probably have received him, but they were moved with envy against Jesus; why he, a humble carpenter, formerly of their own humble town, should rise to distinction rather than themselves, they were not in a condition to understand; they were envious, hence they were offended at him.

THE natural heart is prone to envy, and this is one reason why a prophet is without honor in his own country. Because of envy, his friends and neighbors refuse to pay him the same honors that he receives from strangers; they feel that in some way or other the honors ought to come to themselves. And this is true from the family circle to the councils of nations; few if any rise to distinction without exciting more or less envy. Joseph’s brethren were filled with envy against him because of the affection which his father had for him; Saul envied David because of the esteem in which the people held the youthful warrior; and even Satan’s fall was caused by envy.

“And he could there do no mighty work,” This does not mean that Jesus did not have the power to work miracles in Nazareth, but that the circumstances were such that he could not consistently do such works. To have wrought mighty works there would have been like casting pearls before swine, and Jesus could not do that, in the same sense that an honest man cannot lie nor steal; or more properly speaking, in the sense that God cannot deny himself.

THE incident of our Lord’s sending forth the twelve is full of interest and instruction. Why did he not send them forth singly? is a question which might arise, but the answer is not far to seek: he who “took our infirmities,” who “was in all points tempted like as we are,” knew that if sent out alone, the disciples would sink under discouragement; hence he sent them two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage each other. It is God’s order that men should be associated together in his service for mutual encouragement, and those who ignore this fact, and from choice attempt to stand alone, are likely to fall. A spirit of humility will prompt those who have it, to seek help from every available source; and while every one should feel individually strong in the Lord, none ought to feel that they have no need of human help and sympathy,—not to take the place of the help of God, but simply as a divinely ordained means of grace.

CHRIST sent forth the twelve two and two; the seventy were also sent forth in pairs; Peter and John labored together; Paul and Barnabas were for a time yoke-fellows, and when they separated they each chose a companion. It is not alone for encouragement that men are thus associated together in the service of God; it is also for prevailing power in prayer. Said the Saviour, “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in Heaven.” Thus it appears that not alone in temporal, but in spiritual things as well, “in union there is strength.”

C. P. B.