Matthew Henry Commentary Mark 1

Isaiah and Malachi each spoke concerning the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the ministry of John. From these prophets we may observe that Christ, in His gospel, comes among us, bringing with Him a treasure of grace and a scepter of government. Such is the corruption of the world that there is great opposition to His progress.

When God sent His Son into the world, He took care, and when He sends Him into the heart, He takes care, to prepare His way before Him. John thinks himself unworthy of the lowliest service for Christ. The most eminent saints have always been the most humble. They feel their need of Christ's atoning blood and sanctifying Spirit more than others.

The great promise Christ makes in His gospel to those who have repented and have had their sins forgiven them is this: they shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost; shall be purified by His graces and refreshed by His comforts. We use the ordinances, word, and sacraments without profit and comfort, for the most part, because we do not have that Divine light within us; and we do not have it because we do not ask. For we have His word that cannot fail: our heavenly Father will give this light, His Holy Spirit, to those who ask for it.

Christ's baptism was his first public appearance, after he had long lived unknown. How much hidden worth is there, which in this world is not known! But sooner or later it shall be known, as Christ was. He took upon himself the likeness of sinful flesh; and thus, for our sakes, he sanctified himself, that we also might be sanctified, and be baptized with him (John 17:19). See how honourably God owned him, when he submitted to John's baptism.

He saw the Spirit descending upon him like a dove. We may see heaven opened to us, when we perceive the Spirit descending and working upon us. God's good work in us is sure evidence of his good will towards us, and preparations for us. As to Christ's temptation, Mark notices his being in the wilderness and that he was with the wild beasts. It was an instance of his Father's care for him, which encouraged him all the more that his Father would provide for him.

Special protections are earnests of timely supplies. The serpent tempted the first Adam in the garden, the Second Adam in the wilderness (with different success indeed); and ever since he still tempts the children of both, in all places and conditions. Company and conversation have their temptations; and being alone, even in a wilderness, also has its own. No place or state exempts, no business, not lawful labouring, eating, or drinking, not even fasting and praying; often in these duties there are the most assaults, but in them is the sweetest victory.

The ministration of the good angels is a matter of great comfort in reference to the malignant designs of the evil angels; but much more does it comfort us, to have the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

Jesus began to preach in Galilee after John was put in prison. If some are laid aside, others will be raised up to carry on the same work. Observe the great truths Christ preached. By repentance we give glory to our Creator whom we have offended; by faith we give glory to our Redeemer who came to save us from our sins.

Christ has joined these two together, and let no one think to put them apart. Christ honors those who, though lowly in this world, are diligent in their business and kind to one another. Industry and unity are good and pleasant, and the Lord Jesus commands a blessing on them. Those whom Christ calls must leave all to follow him; and by his grace he makes them willing to do so.

Not that we must necessarily go out of the world, but we must hold the world loosely; forsake everything that is against our duty to Christ and that cannot be kept without harm to our souls. Jesus strictly kept the Sabbath day, by applying himself to, and abounding in, the Sabbath work, for which the Sabbath rest was appointed. There is much in the doctrine of Christ that is astonishing; and the more we hear it, the more cause we see to admire it.

The devil is an unclean spirit because he has lost all the purity of his nature, because he acts in direct opposition to the Holy Spirit of God, and by his suggestions defiles the spirits of people. There are many in our assemblies who quietly attend under merely formal teachers; but if the Lord comes with faithful ministers and holy doctrine, and by his convincing Spirit, they are ready to say, like this man, What have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth! No disorder could enable a person to know Jesus to be the Holy One of God.

He desires to have nothing to do with Jesus, for he despairs of being saved by him, and dreads being destroyed by him. See whose language those speak who say to the Almighty, Depart from us. This unclean spirit hated and dreaded Christ, because he knew him to be a Holy One; for the carnal mind is enmity against God, especially against his holiness. When Christ by his grace delivers souls out of the hands of Satan, it is not without tumult in the soul, for that spiteful enemy will disquiet those whom he cannot destroy.

This led all who saw it to consider, What is this new doctrine? A work as great is often done now, yet people treat it with contempt and neglect. If this were not so, the conversion of a notorious, wicked person to a sober, righteous, and godly life, by the preaching of a crucified Saviour, would cause many to ask, What doctrine is this?

Wherever Christ comes, he comes to do good. He cures, so that we may minister to him, and to others who are his, and for his sake. Those kept from public ordinances by sickness or other real hindrances may expect the Savior's gracious presence; he will soothe their sorrows and lessen their pains.

Observe how numerous the patients were. When others fare well with Christ, it should motivate us in seeking after him.

Christ departed into a solitary place. Though he was in no danger of distraction or of temptation to vainglory, he still retired. Those who have the most public responsibilities, and of the best kind, must still sometimes be alone with God.