Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,… John's position had been one of honour. We now contemplate him as the occupant of a dungeon. I. THE HISTORY OF JOHN'S CONNECTION WITH HEROD IS VERY INSTRUCTIVE. It shows — 1. The feeling of the world in certain cases towards the truth of its teachers — they "hear it gladly." 2. The experience of the faithful reprovers of human sin — a prison. 3. A leading feature of that kingdom which John introduced. 4. This was fitted to undeceive the Jews. Are you satisfied with the gospel economy? II. No sooner was John cast into prison THAN JESUS HIMSELF BEGAN TO PREACH THE GOSPEL. 1. When a servant of God has finished his work, he must be satisfied to retire. We think experience, etc., lost; but no. 2. The world will never succeed in suppressing the truth. Let us not be oppressed with anxiety! III. The Evangelist records the SUBSTANCE as well as the fact of Christ's preaching. IV. As soon as Christ began to preach the gospel HE CALLED HIS DISCIPLES. 1. On the fact of His calling His disciples we may remark: (1) He made provision for the perpetuity of His kingdom; (2) He brought those who were to be main pillars in the Church under His own training — spiritually; (3) He placed the apostles in circumstances which qualified them to be witnesses to facts. 2. On the manner of His calling His disciples, we may remark: (1) He honoured diligence in humble employment; (2) He chose seemingly weak instruments; (3) He taught that we must leave all in order to follow Him; (4) He furnished an example of effectual calling. Have you "left all"? (Expository Discourses.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, |
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