WHAT IS YOUR VERDICT?
“He marvelled because of their unbelief.” — Mark 6:6a
The amazement expressed by the Savior in our text for today expresses His reaction to the question raised by “many” who witnessed His ministry “in His own country,” “From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?” (v.2) That question embraces two things; His discourse (“wisdom”) and His deeds “mighty works.” Those under indictment here “saw,” but did now perceive; they “heard,” but did not comprehend; they queried, but did not reach the right conclusion. They have many descendants even to this present day. They are judged elsewhere as those who are “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the TRUTH [II Tim. 3:7].” And the Truth, of course is Christ Himself (cf. 14:6).
It leads us to recall the occasion later in His ministry when Philip asked, “Show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” Jesus’ reply: “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake [John 14:8-11].”
When John the Baptist sent to verify His person, Jesus called attention to His works:
“And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me [Luke 7:19-23].”
Sufficient evidence had been set before them, yet they failed to reach the right verdict. Knowledge is one thing; wisdom and understanding another. It was true then, it is true today. If He marvelled then, He marvels still.
Evidence for God and the gospel has always been the same: His word and His works. The apostle Paul wrote:
“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools… [Rom. 1:16-22].”
If men perish, it will not be for lack of evidence; it will be because of their unbelief. “Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him [Heb. 11:6].” For, “…faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God [Rom. 10:17].” And, it is by faith that we embrace the truth of God—”Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear [Heb. 11:3],” and the gospel—”The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved [Rom. 10:8-14].”
A university education, a PHD, will not bring about salvation from sin and eternal life. Faith will. Indeed, a “little child” who trusts the Savior has more understanding than a university professor, rises higher than a king, obtains more enduring wealth than Croesus, and will live infinitely longer than Methuselah! (See Mt. 18:2-3) “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God [Ps. 14:1],” but “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved [Rom. 10:14,]” and justly able to say, “I have more understanding than all my teachers… (See Ps. 119:99, 144).”
"Pastor" Frasier
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