Mark 10:32-34 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed… Experience ought to teach us that our fears are seldom fulfilled. I. "As they followed"; THEN EVEN THE GLORIOUS ARMY OF MARTYRS WERE AFRAID. For "they" includes St. Peter. Fears disheartened them. Never let us think that the greatest souls are heroic right through, ever and always. The battle with the flesh was keen in them. Besides, some fears have their moral uses. It is well to be afraid of ourselves, if our dependence on Christ is strengthened. Then, what courage may not fear afterwards merge into! II. "As they followed": THEN FEAR DID NOT HINDER THEIR PROGRESS. If there was fear in their hearts, there was fidelity in their steps. III. "As they followed"; THEN WE NEED NOT DOUBT OUR DISCIPLESHIP BECAUSE WE ARE AFRAID. It is indifference that is to be dreaded, and presumptuous self-confidence. Forgiveness is needed for others, not for them. IV. "As they followed": THEN THE DEPARTURE OF SOME FEARS DOES NOT DO AWAY WITH THEM ALL, They did not fear poverty, they had left all to follow Christ; they did not fear change in Jesus, they found His word of promise sure. We shall never lose all fears here; this discipline is wise for us. V. "As they followed"; THEN LET NONE TURN BACK. Even when the intellectual beliefs are burdened with difficulty, never be afraid. Follow on. Be faithful unto death. (W. M. Statham.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, |
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