Mark 8:17-21

Passage

Jesus is aware that they didn’t understand His invitation.  So instead Jesus breaks into teaching mode with a little chastisement thrown in on the side.  He asks them why they are discussing the fact that they have no bread.  He then asks them why they don’t get what He is talking about.  Then He asks them if their hearts have become hardened.  Jesus reminds them that He fed the 5,000 with 12 baskets left over.  He also reminds them that He fed the 4,000 with 7 baskets left over.  Once more He causes them to wonder if their hearts have become hard.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Ouch.  Hearts hardened.  I think this has got to be one of the sharpest possible critiques of the human spirit.  Imagine hearing Jesus say such a thing.  Yet, here He is, saying exactly that.  These are Jesus’ hand-picked and chosen disciples.  Because they are His hand-picked and chosen disciples Jesus doesn’t pull any punches.  He tells them the honest truth because He doesn’t want them to fall away.  Truth isn’t that which makes us happy.  Truth is that which drives us closer to God.  That is why Jesus is so blunt with His disciples.  He wants them to be careful that they do not stray too far.

How far have you strayed from God in the past?  Why do we stray?  Who or what is it that is your reliable source for speaking truth into your life when you need it most?

Second Thought:

Of course, I do have to say that Jesus knows His disciples aren’t straying permanently.  He’s God; He knows.  But He still has to teach the disciples how to be aware that their hearts are focusing in the wrong direction.  This isn’t about doubt as much as it is a learning opportunity for the disciples to learn about themselves.

How does Jesus turn this moment of the disciple’s weakness into a moment for learning?  Why is it important to learn something from the times we fail?

Third Thought:

They are worried about bread when they have Jesus.  He is the provider of physical and spiritual needs.  The sad reality is that bread or no bread, with Jesus your needs are already met.  Of course, this doesn’t mean we can just sit on our hands and expect God to miraculously provide everything for us.  But, we don’t need to worry!  We don’t need to focus on our physical needs when we should be abiding with the Son of God!

How good are you at abiding in God?  How easy is it for you to lose that feeling of abiding and slip into a feeling of worry about the physical world?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 8:22-26