Mark 8:1-21 "Don’t Miss The Point"
Because of our perspective, the conclusions we draw about certain events in our lives can be either accurate or wholly off-base.
To understand what God is doing in our lives, we must first understand what God is after.
In our text, there are lessons of faith that Jesus will teach us to repudiate all self-reliance and trust in the God who alone can truly meet our needs.
Empty Stomachs: A Revelation Of The Savior
The feeding of the 4,000 is different than the feeding of the 5,000 in Mark 6.
5,000 4,000
Jews Gentiles
5 loaves 7 loaves
2 fish a few small fish
12 small baskets 7 large baskets
In both miracles of feeding the multitudes we see, in Jesus, a tender ministry.
Man is basically a tri-partite being. Body, soul and body.
Body – physical and material needs.
Soul – mental and emotional needs.
Spirit – the most important need the Lord meets.
This miracle is a teaching miracle.
Jesus is seeking to teach His disciples that they can trust Him instead of relying on their own human resources.
What was Jesus trying to say through these miracles?
- Jesus is the bread of life.
- When He provides, there is more than enough.
Blind Eyes: A Rejection Of The Skeptic
Look at the Pharisees’ demanding request. They wanted a sign from heaven.
The Pharisee’s were:
- Argumentative
- Skeptical
- Cynical
We see a discouraged response in Jesus. - He was grieved in His spirit.
Jesus only rejected those who would not believe.
Dull Hearts: A Rebuke Of The Self-Reliant
Notice the insensitivity of the disciples.
Leaven, in Scripture, is generally symbolic of evil.
They argued among themselves and missed the point.
Jesus was incredulous.
Jesus challenges the disciples. Vss. 17-21.
Being overly pragmatic can keep you from stepping out in faith.
Jesus wanted the disciples (and us as well) to cease trusting in themselves and begin to trust in what He could do.
God makes it so simple, while we make it complicated.
Give us this day our daily bread in legal contract language:
"We respectively petition, request, and entreat that due and adequate provision be made, this day and the date hereinafter subscribed, for the organizing of such methods of allocation and distribution as may be deemed necessary and proper to assure the reception by and for said petitioners of such quantities of baked cereal products as shall, in the judgment of the aforesaid petitioners, constitute a sufficient supply thereof." The Wall Street Journal
Jesus makes it simple: He says, “Just tell Me what you need. I’ll be there for you.”
If we trust God, He will not only provide what we need, He will provide more than enough.
