Mark Commentaries 3

 

 

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Mark Commentaries 1

Mark Commentaries 2
Mark Commentaries 3

 

ILLUSTRATIONS, DEVOTIONALS, HOMILIES
Gospel of Mark
Our Daily Bread:
(Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Our Daily Walk - F B Meyer
Our Daily Homily - F B Meyer

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Robertson, A. T. Word Pictures in the NT (Greek studies) Click
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Spurgeon, C. H. Devotionals:  Morning & Evening, Faith's Checkbook Click
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Vincent, Marvin Word Studies (Greek studies) Click
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Related Resources:
Our Daily Bread
(does not duplicate ODB entries below)
Today in the Word

Mark 1

 

Mark 1:15

 

"Repent, and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15).

 

Ever wondered about people who say they believe in Jesus yet demon­strate no evidence of a change of heart? They show no remorse for wrongdoing, no longing for righteousness. They lack repentance.

 

Several years ago a prominent underworld figure attended a large evangelistic crusade. Realizing that the cause of evil would be weak­ened if this man would be converted, those conducting the meeting witnessed to him about Christ. One night they urged him to "open the door" of his heart and let Jesus in. The man supposedly accepted the Lord, but as the months passed his lifestyle remained the same. When confronted with this fact, the gangster said that no one had told him that in saying yes to Jesus he would be turning his back on his former life. He knew of Christian football players, Christian cowboys, Chris­tian politicians—why not a Christian gangster? When they explained the need for repentance, the man wanted nothing more to do with Christianity.

 

The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, means "to change the mind." This involves thinking rightly about sin, self, and God. We recognize that we are condemned sinners before God and unable to save ourselves. We turn from our self-sufficiency to Christ and by faith receive Him as our Savior.

 

If we are willing to repent, God will empower us. But we need to know that turning to Christ means turning from sin. We can't have one without the other. —D. J. De Haan.

 

We do not repent in order to go to Christ; we go to Christ in order to repent.

Our Daily Bread

 

Mark 1:13

 

He was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto Him.

 

In what different circumstances is the last Adam to the first! He began in a garden which the Lord God had planted; but his great Antitype in a wilderness, the thorns of which spoke of that primal sin. But whereas the first Adam transformed the garden into a wilderness, the last will convert all desert places into gardens — whether they be in the heart, or the world around — so that they shall blossom as the rose.

 

To Adam the beasts came, that be might name them; but at the coming of the last Adam they were wild. “He was with the wild beasts.” Yet they were tame to his pure manhood. “He had dominion over the works of God’s hands.” On his brow the crown of royalty over the inferior races, which man had lost, was already placed. Is it not also true that holy men still have power over the lower creation? Certainly Francis of Assissi had. And in the ages, yet future, the children shall play, unhurt, amid the wild beasts of the forest.

 

Again it is true of thee, O son of man, that, like thy Lord, thou art between the wild beasts and the angels. On the one side thou teachest the lower, and on the other the higher. At every moment thou art called to choose between these twain. Thy body calls thee this way, and thy spirit that. Be sure to deny the lower appetites; rule them; be king and lord in the realm of thy soul. Make them crouch around thee, as the lions of Daniel’s den. Get thy Lord to master them for thee. Else thou wilt miss the angels of God, who come to encamp around thee, and minister to thee, as one of the heirs of salvation. Was it here that Christ learnt to contrast his homelessness with the lairs of the beasts!

 

Meyer, F. B. Our Daily Homily

 

 

Mark 1:35

 

WHEN we set aside time to study the Bible, read a devotional guide, and pray, we may feel as if we are doing God a favor. We think that the primary reason to spend time with God is to make Him happy.

 

But look at the devotional life of Jesus. Why did He set aside time to pray? Mark 1:35 describes what Jesus did just prior to His first preaching tour of Galilee. Before He began to teach, He went to a desert place to pray.

 

On another occasion mentioned in Luke 5, Jesus' ministry was gaining fame, causing more and more people to come to Him. How did Jesus meet the challenge? "He . . . often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed" (LU 5:16). And in Matthew 14:23, Jesus had spent time with God just before He rescued the disciples from a storm at sea.

 

Jesus established a pattern for us to follow. First He drew aside and prayed; then He went out to help others. Our time alone with God should both prepare and motivate us to do good works. Devotion to God leads not to withdrawal from others but to a life dedicated to helping others in God's power--J D Branon

 

Our Daily Bread

 

Mark 2

 

Mark 2:22

 

New wine into fresh wine-skins.

 

Ah, our Lord! Thou hast been speaking of the bridegroom and his coming to the feast. Thou remindest us of the olden comparison of thy love as better than wine, and of thy first miracle at Cana of Galilee. May thy love be poured into ear hearts as the fresh juice crushed from the grapes! We have no love of our own to offer Thee; but, oh, pour thy love into hearts that yearn to love Thee with thy love. And let it not be only the memory of the love that was, but the living, fresh enjoyment of the love that is ever new. The new wine of thy love is what we long for, that it may sweep into our hearts as the spring tide along the golden sands, which it frees from their accumulation of débris and waste. Oh for the constraints of thy love — new, fresh, living!

 

But the Master says, Children, if you have your request, the new wine may refuse to take on with the old shapes; it will make for itself new channels and forms of manifestation; when others fast, you will feast; when others feast, you will be sad. You will be counted eccentric and peculiar. Men will murmur at you, and find fault. They may even cast you out of their churches and social circles.

 

There is but one answer: Leave us not to ourselves. Permit us not to follow the promptings and suggestions of our undisciplined wills; but provide for us the new wine-skins also. Show us what Thou wouldst have us be and do; and let the methods in which our hearts’ devotion shall express itself be so lovely, so befitting, so helpful to the world, and so full of God, that men may recognize thy hand, and adore Thee. Let not thy love be spilled, but stored for the refreshment of others; through our lives. Oh, give us love!

 

Meyer, F. B Our Daily Homily

 

Mark 3

 

Mark 3:14

 

He appointed twelve.

 

This is the threefold work of the Church, and of each disciple.

 

That we might be with Him. — The Master dearly loves our company. Let us seek it more. Not necessarily praying, or praising, or learning — but just being quietly with Him. It was said of a holy man, Mons de Rentz, that his union and converse with God were so wonderful, that after he tied spent several hours therein, he found himself in the end as if he had only then begun it, except only that he had then yet more desire to continue it. And at length he arrived to that height that it seemed as though he never ended it at all; being wholly and constantly in inward recollection and application to God. After whose example let us press, that we may enjoy like near approach to God, and our lives be suitably ordered for his glory.

 

That He might send them forth to preach. — He cannot come forth train the secret chamber of eternity to preach, as once He was wont to do; and therefore He is ever raising up voices, witnesses, lips which He teaches how to speak, and touches with his live coal. Has He not sent you forth, if not by lip yet by life, to bear witness to his love? Like the seraphim, if you have two pairs of wings for reverent modesty, you have at least one pair for flight. On, breathe the prayer, Send me.

 

That they might have authority over demons. — The power of Satan is strong; it mastered Adam, but it mot more than its match in the Christ-nature. If that nature is regnant in you, you, too, will have power over all the power of the enemy, Nothing shall by any means hurt you, and you will be able to deliver others who have long been held captive.

 

Meyer, F. B Our Daily Homily

 

Mark 4

 

Mark 4:1-20

 

"Good Soil"

 

Other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increassed, and produced - Mark 4:8

 

John Chrysostom was one of the most captivating preachers of the early Christian church. However, he recognized that even great orators cannot make everyone listen.

 

Chrysostom noted, "My preaching is addressed to all..., but it is the duty of each one of my listeners to take what is suited for his affliction. I do not know who are sick, who are healthy. Therefore, I discuss subjects of every sort and suited to every illness."

 

In Mark 4, the parable of the sower and the soils teaches the importance of how we respond to the Word of God. It tells us the success or failure of a crop isn't necessarily in the skill of the farmer or in the power of the seed, but in the quality of the soil.

 

Some listeners are like rich soil, and the message takes root in their heart. Other audiences resemble the church parking lot, and the seed simply bounces off them. Still others are like a weed patch that chokes potential growth.

 

Preaching is not "the fine art of talking in someone else's sleep." We need to "drink in" the teaching of the Word just as the sick need medicine or as crops need rain. That's why Jesus urged, "Take heed what you hear" (v.24). Whether or not you benefit from a sermon is largely up to you. - H W Robinson

 

As planted seed in fertile soil

Has life and will take root,

God's Word, if nurtured in our own hearts,

Will grow and bring forth fruit.- Hess

 

Thought for the Day:  In good soil, the seed takes root and will soon bear fruit.

 

Our Daily Bread.

 

 

Mark 4:19

Cares;… Riches;… Lusts.

 

There is enough nutriment in the land for the thorns alone or for the wheat alone, but not for both; and so there is a brief struggle, for mastery, in which the sturdy weed prevails against the slender wheat, and chokes it. Nourishment which should go to its support is drained away from it; and though it does not actually expire, it leads a struggling existence, and becomes unfruitful. What are these weeds?

 

For the poor man — Cares. — The Greek word for care is Division. Cares divide our heart, and distract it in many different directions. What shall we eat? What shall we drink? Wherewithal shall we be clothed? How shall we meat our rent and other expenses? It is almost impossible to settle to our prayer, or Bible study, or Christian work, or to the culture of the soul-life, while questions like these intrude. What shall the poor man do to prevent the word becoming unfruitful? He must take his cares to his Father, and by one act deposit them in his safe keeping. And thereafter, as a care tries to break in on the peace of his heart, he must treat it as a positive temptation, handing it over to God.

 

Far the prosperous man — riches. — They will distract as much as anxiety does. How much they amount to! Oh, the endless figurings in the brain—how to keep, or invest, or increase. The case for him is to look on all be has as a stewardship for God, deducting only a moderate percentage for himself.

 

For us all — lusts. — Strong and inordinate desires for what may be right in itself, but which we follow with extravagant zest. What is right in itself may become wrong if we put it in God’s place, and allow it to monopolies us unduly. On, Great Husbandman, root up the thorns by thy Holy Spirit!

 

Meyer, F. B. Our Daily Homily

 

 

Mark 4:4

 

LOSING THE WORD

 

as he sowed, some [seed] fell by the wayside, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it. Mark 4:4

 

What a strange sight greeted my gaze as I looked out over the bay. There was old "Pete the pelican" bobbing around on the waves, and perched right on top of his head was a sea gull. Looking more closely I discovered that "Pete" had caught a fish, but its tail was sticking out one side of his huge beak. What a dilemma the old pelican was in! He had gotten his fish, but now to eat it he would have to open his mouth, and sitting right there ready to snatch it as soon as he did so was Mr. Sea Gull. He knew he had "Pete" right where he wanted him.

 

As I saw the wise old sea gull ready to grab the food from the pelican's mouth, I was reminded of Jesus' parable about the sower and the fact that as some seed fell by the wayside, "the fowls of the air came and devoured it." Jesus explained that this was a picture of Satan's tactics in taking the Word from the hearts of those who, although receiving the message of grace, fail to understand and believe it.

 

How important it is that we not only "receive" the Word, but also that we study it and meditate upon it. Unless we do so, we are the losers. It is possible for the "seed" to be sown in our hearts, and yet not to take root! How many there are who, having been really blessed by a message, come out of a church service, only to be met by friends who begin at once to talk about the weather, the ball game, business, world conditions—anything and everything but the Word of God which they have heard. And the first thing you know, that which had been received is snatched away, and the precious seed fails to bear fruit. The Psalmist de­clared, "Thy word have I hidden in mine heart . .." (Ps. 119: 11). Remember, when the Word is sown, receive it gladly, medi­tate upon it intently, talk about it to others, memorize it, and then allow it to bring forth fruit in your life!

 

The seed of the Word falls on many a soil,

The fertile, the thorny, the hard;

Lest haply it fruitless in thy heart be sown,

Blest soul, be thou ever on guard. — H.G.B.

 

Take heed to the Word; remember, a man's spirit needs daily food as well as his body!       —Edmund Nelson

 

Our Daily Bread

 

 

Mark 4:35-41

 

Facing Hardships

 

Even when believers follow Christ’s bidding, they may face hardships. For example, Jesus’ disciples were doing God’s will when they took Him across the lake, for he had commanded them to do so. Yet they were buffeted by a dreadful tempest, and they seemed to be in danger of drowning. A storm - and Christ on board! It seems a contradiction. Wouldn’t His presence ensure a peaceful journey? Not at all! Life frequently becomes more difficult after a person has accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. The Christian encounters the devil’s opposition. But a storm - and Christ asleep! That even deepens the perplexity! Our Lord’s silence, the frustrating delays, the mysteries of his dealings - these are too profound for us to understand. Yet we can be certain that His purpose in testing our faith is to strengthen it. God will surly fulfill his plan for us through our struggles, and His deliverance will lead us to praise Him.

 

Needless fears beset the disciples because they did not trust Jesus words. If they had just thought for a moment, they would have remembered that he had said, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” He didn’t say, “Let us go to the middle of the lake and be drowned.” They should have been saying to the raging waves, “You can do us no harm, for Christ the mighty Savior is on board!”

 

Our Daily Bread

 

 

Mark 4:39

 

Breton fishermen on the coast of France have a brief prayer that humbly acknowledges God's control of nature and life:

 

"God, your sea is so great and my boat is so small."

 

In recognizing that the sea belongs to God, the fishermen see God as the only source of safety for their boats.

 

In calming the Sea of Galilee, Jesus taught the disciples not only about His power over nature but also about external and internal peace. The lesson about external peace was the easier of the two; He stopped the storm. Dealing with the storm inside the disciples was more difficult; fear had replaced the disciples' faith.

 

Trust and tranquility are twins in the spiritual life. Perfect peace comes from complete trust (lsa. 26:3). —D. J. De Haan

 

Better the storm with Christ, than smooth waters waters without Him

Sometimes God calms the storm, sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.

 

Mark 5

 

Mark 5:19

 

"Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you" (Mark 5:19).

 

Many Christians, enthusiastic about foreign missions, answer the call to service. By going to foreign countries, praying faithfully, or giving financial support they help reach the lost in faraway lands. Yet some who have a great burden for people in spiritual darkness across the sea seem oblivious to the same need in their neighbors across the street.

 

A young woman, excited about her salvation, wanted to share the gospel with others, so she asked her pastor where she might go to serve most effectively. He told her to come back the next day and he would have an answer ready for her. When she returned to his office at the specified time, the pastor handed her a folded slip of paper. "I'm suggesting someone who needs you right now more than anyone else in all the world," he said. The young woman quickly left the pastor's study, eager to read where her mission field might be. When she opened the note, she saw that the pastor had written two words: "Your father." She had been so enthusiastic about reaching the lost in dis­tant lands that she had neglected someone close to home. Convicted of her negligence, she acted on the pastor's advice. She visited her dad regularly, ministered to his physical needs, showered her love upon him, and witnessed to him.

 

Serving the Lord on some remote mission field is challenging, and the tremendous sacrifices and hardships are praiseworthy. But, like charity, missions must always begin at home. —R. W De Haan

 

There is no "home" or "foreign" in God's missionary vocabulary.

 

Our Daily Bread

 

 

Mark 5:35

 

Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

 

What hopelessness! They had watched the sweet flower fade, till no color was left on the pale cheek, and the merry voice was still; and then they thought of the Galilean Teacher: “Why cost thin time and trouble? his visit will be useless now! It was very kind of Him to be willing to come! But it is now of no use! Very kind; but no use.”

 

We go to God in comparatively small trials, and think He can help us. But there are times when we say: It is no use troubling farther; we must just bear our trial as well as we can, God Himself cannot help us. Can he give back that twin-soul? Can He restore the love that has died out? Can He nude this unhappy marriage? Can He deliver from that life-long paralysis? Life is extinct; hope is dead; the light has dipped below the horizon. It is no use to trouble God or man. We have no alternative but to suffer till eternity explain the mysteries of time.

 

But Jesus knows the way out. He says in his sweet undertone, “Fear not! only believe.” He has the keys of death. He never would have let things come to this awful pass by his delay unless He had known that, even if the worse came to the worst, all would end well. He has purposely delayed till this, that He might have the better opportunity of showing you what God can do. Fear not! the hand of the Almighty Savior has yours within its grasp. He will not let you stumble as you go down this dark staircase by his side. Only believe: have faith in Him. All may seem very mysterious now, but you will came to see that it was the wisest and best after all. You shall yet clasp to your heart the lost one, arrayed in resurrection beauty.

 

Meyer, F. B. Our Daily Homily

 

Mark 6

 

Mark 6:14-29

 

KIND DISAPPROVAL

 

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.--Ephesians 5:11

 

How  should  we  as Christians relate to people  who  are  living contrary to biblical standards?

 

I faced this question recently in a shopping mall when I met  two people  who  had left their mates and children  and  were  living together  without  getting married.  They were  friendly,  and  I greeted them politely.  I did not berate them, but neither did  I imply that I approved of what they had done and were doing.

 

On  another occasion a father told me that his son  had  declared himself  to  be  a  practicing homosexual.  "I  know  you  are  a preacher,"  said  the  father, "but I hope  you  are  enlightened enough to understand."  I told him that I didn't despise his  son or feel any ill-will, but that God says such conduct is sinful.

 

John  the  Baptist told King Herod that he had no right  to  have Herodias  as  his wife, because she had divorced her  husband  to marry  him  (Mark 6:17-18).  Although the Bible doesn't  tell  us John's manner, I think he was respectful but firm.  If his rebuke had  unduly antagonized Herod, the king would not have  continued to respect and listen to John.

 

Let's be kind toward those who live in sin, but let's always make it  clear  that  God  hates  sin,  and  that  there  are  serious consequences for those who don't repent. H V Lugt

 

The sad world with all its repining,

Its bitterness, care, and tears,

Needs the wealth of your lovingkindness

To sweeten the sin-soiled years.--Hall

 

True kindness warns and rescues.

 

Our Daily Bread.

 

 

Mark 6:30

They told Him all things, whatsoever they had done, and taught.(r.v.)

 

Talking things over with Jesus! It is a precious secret! When one has been out in the world, it is delightful to talk over what has happened in the seclusion of the home. We have read of a wife who reserved one room in the house, which no one was permitted to enter but her husband and herself; and there they interchanged their mutual confidences. So it is a blessed habit to talk over everything with Jesus, and to review the events of the past beneath the light of his loving eyes.

 

“We have had much success, Master,” “we cry; the cities were moved; the devils were subject; the crowds followed us everywhere.” Ah, children, He seems to say, Those who cry “Hosanna” today will cry “Crucify” tomorrow: the real work of God is not done amid congratulating crowds, but in the heart’s depths, and in the ante-chamber. See that ye dwell not on the excitement of the outward reception, lest you attribute vent success to something in yourselves, and pride yourselves upon it, and become unsuitable for my use. All success comes from above.

 

“We have been greatly persecuted, and our mission seems to have been a failure, Master,” we cry at another time. “Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” Care not for it, the same wise Counsellor replies: I at least am satisfied; I will see to it that your reward is according to your faithfulness, if not to your success; and there shall be a remnant of good soil that shall repay one hundredfold.

 

Thus his loving words extract the poison from success, and rally us from despondency. Oh, Christian workers, get into the secret of his presence, that He may correct, criticize, or encourage, as He please.

 

Meyer, F. B. Our Daily Homily

 

 

Mark 6:31

 

THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

"Come ye yourselves apart, and rest awhile: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."—Mark 6:31.

 

THERE IS something in our blood which cries out at certain times for |rest and change. We may love our home, our work, and chance of doing our share in the toil of this work-a-day world, but when the summer comes we long to escape from the crowded city, the arduous toil, and pine for respite and rest. The love of Nature is a sacred heritage from the love of God, and it is His voice that calls to us: "Come, My children, Be glad with Me, breath the scented air which I have flavoured in its passage through clover-fields, gorse, and heather; rejoice in the woods and flowers, golden sunsets and purple mountains; the glory of the ocean and the sea-shore."

 

But we must be unselfish, if we would really enjoy our holiday. It is difficult to resist the temptation to obtain the best possible return for our money, and a little over, even at the expense of others. Always think of some one else--the short Zacchaeus who cannot see over your shoulder! The child who loves to look out of the carriage window; the invalid who cannot stand the draught! the tired mother with the restless children! Look out for daily opportunities for showing the gentleness, sweetness, and unselfishness of the Lord Jesus.

 

Make time to be alone sometimes. It is a mistake always to be in the presence of another. The soul must be still and quiet. There are accents in the voice of God so deep and still, that the breathing of a companion may make them inaudible. But it is delightful to have a choice friend and companion with whom you can hold sweet fellowship, and "there is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother." He will draw near and walk with you, and as He talks with you by the way, your hearts will bum within you.

 

Remember those who are in poverty, in sickness, and in need, and amidst your own gladness and joy, send a portion unto them for whom nothing is prepared (Neh 8:10-12).

 

PRAYER

 

What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits to me?

I will praise, and bless, and give thee Thanks, all the days of my life. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power. AMEN.

 

F B Meyer. Our Daily Walk.

 

 

Mark 6:31

               

GETTING AWAY 

 

"Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." - Mark 6:31

 

I'm not writing this article from my usual office location.  Most of the time when I talk to you  through the pages of Our Daily Bread, I'm hidden behind the walls of my office, routinely going about another workday.

 

Today, though, I've decided to get away from all that.  I've taken my computer to a campground where I can hear birds singing and feel a warm breeze.  It's amazing how the change makes it easier to read the Bible and pray.

 

It wasn't my idea.  My daughter Julie needed a getaway day -- far from the rigors of school and the pressures of junior-high life.  So she brought her bike and I tagged along.  While she is rejuvenating by the lake, I am finding how mind-clearing it is to escape into the quiet.

 

Of course, the idea of getting away is not original with Julie.  Jesus did it too.  He took time to escape.  He went to the desert to rest and think about the death of John the Baptist,and He went to the mountain to pray (Mk. 6:14-31,46).

 

When God speaks, we listen more attentively, it seems, if there are fewer distractions.  That's why it's good to carve out some time to get away. Even if the retreat is a city park or a booth at a restaurant, take time to escape.  Then talk with God and let Him lift your spirit. -- J. David Branon

 

Alone with God, the world forbidden,

Alone with God, O blest retreat!

Alone with God, and in Him hidden,

To hold with Him communion sweet.

 

Those who wait on the Lord renew their strength.

 

Our Daily Bread.

 

 

MARK 6:31

 

According to tradition, when the apostle John was overseer in Ephesus, his hobby was raising pigeons. It is said that on one occasion another elder passed his house as he returned from hunting and saw John playing with one of his birds. The man gently chided him for spending his time so frivolously. John looked at the hunter's bow and remarked that the string was loose.

 

"Yes," said the elder, "I always loosen the string of my bow when it's not in use. If it stayed tight, it would lose its resilience and fail me in the hunt."

 

John responded, "And I am now relaxing the bow of my mind so that I may be better able to shoot the arrows of divine truth."

 

We cannot do our best work with nerves taut or frayed from being constantly under pressure. When Jesus' disciples returned from a strenuous preaching mission, their Master recognized their need for rest and invited them to come with Him to a quiet place where they could be refreshed. Jesus invites you too. —D. J. De Haan.

 

If we are to function our best, time is needed to rest.

 

Our Daily Bread

 

 

Mark 6:31

 

Aesop Riddle - According to a Greek legend, in ancient Athens a man noticed the great storyteller Aesop playing childish games with some little boys. He laughed and jeered at Aesop, asking him why he wasted his time in such frivolous activity. Aesop responded by picking up a bow, loosening its string, and placing it on the ground. Then he said to the critical Athenian, “Now, answer the riddle, if you can. Tell us what the unstrung bow implies.”

 

The man looked at it for several moments but had no idea what point Aesop was trying to make. Aesop explained, “If you keep a bow always bent, it will break eventually; but if you let it go slack, it will be more fit for use when you want it.”

 

Our Daily Bread, June 6, 1992

 

 

 

Mark 6:34

 

Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them (Mark 6:34).

 

At times, the world seems to be an uncaring, unsympathetic place. People are often cruel and indifferent, not giving a second thought to the plight of their suffering neighbors. Wrapped up in their own interests, they don't seem to notice the anguish and despair that is at their doorstep.