March 8 – Mark 8:1-21

The disciples struggled with forgetfulness and doubt. The Pharisees were full of skepticism and defiance. It’s no wonder Jesus questioned His disciples in frustration (vv. 17-21) and “sighed deeply” at the Pharisees (v. 12). Yet He doesn’t give up. Our Savior knows we are weak and in need of Him, and He is full of compassion toward us. In fact, today’s passage begins at the convergence of a crowd’s need for Jesus and His compassion for them.
About four thousand people had been with Jesus for three days. They remained near Him at the end of that time even though they had no food (v. 2). Hearing Him teach and seeing Him heal fed their souls, which were hungrier than their bodies. They didn’t want to leave Him, and instead of sending them away, Jesus had compassion on them. But His disciples didn’t see how these people could be fed (v. 4).
The disciples’ confusion might be understandable if they had not already seen Jesus feed five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, leaving twelve baskets of leftovers (Mark 6:30-44). Some scholars try to excuse the men by saying that they had learned that Jesus did not always perform miracles to meet every need, so they were anticipating something different this time. This explanation seems a stretch, though. Jesus had just said that He wasn’t going to send the people away, and they were in a remote place where no one had much food with them. A miracle was the only option left.
Just as when He fed the five thousand, Jesus takes the only food the disciples’ can gather (seven loaves and a few fish), gives thanks for it, breaks it, and gives it to His disciples to distribute. In the end, the four thousand people were fed, and there were seven baskets of leftovers. By the way, this doesn’t mean there were fewer leftovers than the twelve baskets after the feeding of the five thousand. The Greek word translated “basket” in Mark 6 is kophinos, which is a basket that travelers used to carry their food. In this passage, the word translated “basket” is spyris, which is a much larger basket used for food storage. (Paul was inside one when he was lowered over the wall in Damascus in Acts 9:25.) When Jesus provides, He always provides more than enough!
After the people are fed, Jesus sends them away and travels with His disciples to Dalmanutha, where the Pharisees ask for a sign “to test Him” (v. 11). The Pharisees are proud and defiant. Despite Jesus’ miracles, they are skeptical. They don’t want to believe that He is the Messiah, so they try to find a way to prove He is not. But it is sheer obstinacy to refuse to accept the miracles as proof and seek a different kind of “sign from heaven.” When a sign was finally given through Jesus’ Resurrection, they did not believe anyway. This only goes to prove that, ultimately, faith is not about seeing with our eyes—it’s about humbly accepting the truth about Jesus revealed by the Holy Spirit. This was truth the Pharisees refused to accept.
In frustration, Jesus warns the disciples to “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod” (v. 15). Yeast works its way through dough to make it rise, and it only takes a little bit to transform the dough. The Pharisees and Herod had allowed their pride to create defiant, hardened hearts in them. All it takes is a little pride to ruin a heart.
The disciples don’t understand Jesus’ metaphor and take it literally, thinking that He is upset with them for not remembering to bring enough bread on their journey, which shows that they have still not learned the lesson of the feeding of the crowds. Jesus’ questions in verses 17-21 reveal His frustration at their slowness. Haven’t they yet realized that when they have Him all their needs will be abundantly met?
It’s easy to find fault with the slowness of the disciples, but if we are honest, we must admit that sometimes we forget and doubt, too, even if we have been walking with Jesus for a while. So, take a moment today and remember. Has there been a time when God provided for you? Thank Him for it, but at the same time, acknowledge that what you most need is Him. Let your heart be drawn to Jesus today; notice your need for Him—just as the crowd did. He has compassion for you, too. Listen for His whispers to you as you draw near Him in prayer.
Excellent insight, great references to support your points and Jesus's point of view you see. Shows insight that your heart, through Christ has shown you. Keep up the awesome sharing of your heart! ( and God's love you share )