6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. 7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea, 8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him. 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 3:6-12 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
BURKITT : | Mark 3:1-4 |Mark 3:5| Mark 3:6-12 | Mark 3:13-19 | Mark 3:20-30 | Mr 3v31-35 |
Observe here, 1. The Pharisees’ sinful and graceless disposition, and that was the hardness of heart. The heart of man is naturally hard and full of obstinacy and enmity against Christ: but there is an acquired hardness, which continuance in sin occasions; the Pharisees laboured under both.
Observe, 2. A double affection which this hardness of heart found in the Pharisees did stir up in Christ: namely, anger and indignation, grief and commiseration: He was grieved for the hardness of their hearts.
Learn hence, 1. That human passions are not sinful, and that the Christian religion does not destroy natural affections.
2. That anger at sin, either in ourselves or others, if kept within its due bounds, is not only lawful but commendable. This passion of anger was found in him, in whom was no sin.
3. That our anger against sin ought to be accompanied with grief and compassion towards sinners. We should pour out our tears of compassion when men pour forth their abominations.
4. That all sins, hardness of heart, and unbelief are most grievous and offensive, most displeasing and provoking to Jesus Christ: He looked about with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts.
Obsreve, 3. The sudden and instantaneous cure which our Saviour wrought upon the man that had the withered hand: our Saviour did not touch him, but only said to him, Stretch forth thy hand, and it was presently cured.
Learn hence, That Christ’s having absolute power over all bodily diseases and infirmities to cure them miraculously without means, only by a word speaking, is one argument that proves him to be truly and really God.