Mark 8:14-21

In this week’s reading of the Gospel of Mark, Mark 8:14-21 is a passage that highlights the disciples' ongoing struggle to fully comprehend Jesus' teachings and miracles, while also underscoring Jesus' patience and effort to guide them towards deeper spiritual insight. Here are the key points of the passage:

1. Forgetfulness of the Disciples:

   • The disciples had forgotten to bring enough bread, having only one loaf with them in the boat.

2. Warning Against the Leaven:

   • Jesus warns them to "beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod." This metaphorical statement refers to the corrupting influence of the Pharisees and Herod.

3. Misunderstanding of the Disciples:

   • The disciples misunderstand Jesus’ warning, thinking He is concerned about their lack of bread.

4. Jesus’ Rebuke:

   • Jesus rebukes the disciples for their lack of understanding and faith. He questions their ability to perceive and remember, asking them why they are discussing the lack of bread.

5. Recalling the Miracles:

   • Jesus reminds them of the two miracles where He fed thousands of people with just a few loaves and fish. Specifically, He refers to the feeding of the 5,000 with five loaves and the feeding of the 4,000 with seven loaves.

6. Lessons on Faith and Understanding:

   • Through His questions and reminders, Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and spiritual understanding over literal interpretations and physical needs. He urges them to recognize His ability to provide and the deeper spiritual truths He teaches.

Forgetfulness is easy and surprisingly common. It can be attributed to a variety of factors, both biological and psychological. We grow forgetful when we have too much to remember, when there are too many distractions, or when what we are to remember does not have enough significance for us to want to do so. The disciples’ forgetfulness could be for any of those reasons, but when Jesus tells them to beware of the “yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod”, he is concerned that their forgetfulness is connected to distraction.

For me, when I begin to forget about God’s goodness and grace it is usually due to distractions in this world that have pulled me away from remembering. Today, if you are struggling to remember God’s goodness and grace, maybe take a moment to ask yourself what may be distracting you right now.

In God’s grip,

Pastor Chuck Church

If you are reading the Gospel of Mark with Pastor Chuck this year, below is a short and simple guide to doing so for this week:

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your words expose my innermost thoughts and desires. I am an open book before you when I read your book. May your truths work as I read of your holiness, truth, and love. May the power of your word be known in my life so that I might genuinely have the abundant life you came to give.  Amen.

Read: Mark 8:14-21

Questions to guide your thinking:

• In what ways have I seen God's provision in my life, similar to the miracles of feeding the multitudes?

• How do I respond in situations of scarcity or need? Do I trust in God’s provision, or do I worry and doubt?

• Am I sometimes like the disciples, focusing on physical needs and missing the spiritual lessons Jesus is teaching me?

• How can I cultivate a greater awareness of spiritual truths in my daily life?

• Do I remember and reflect on the “miracles” or significant blessings in my life? How can recalling these strengthen my faith?

• What are some specific instances where God has provided for me or guided me in unexpected ways?

• Why do I tend to forget God’s past faithfulness and provisions? How can I remind myself regularly of His goodness?

• What practical steps can I take to remember and meditate on God’s works in my life?