WEEK 6 – DR. THOMAS WEST
WHAT DO YOU HAVE?: Mark 8:1-13
Below is an outline of the sermon, along with some additional comments.
JESUS ALWAYS HAS A PLAN, BUT WE MAY ONLY SEE THE PROBLEM.
Read Mark 8:1-2
Two chapters earlier we learn about the feeding of the 5,000 (Mark 6:30-44) Almost an identical miracle. In the feeding of the 5,000 – the disciples expressed their skepticism at the possibility of providing food for such a multitude (Mark 6:37, 38; John 6:5-8).
Jesus shows compassion for real human needs.
First Miracle: five loaves and two fish. After cleaning up, 12 small baskets of bread,
exclusively for Jews
Second Miracle: seven loaves and a few small fish. After cleaning up, seven huge man-sized-hamper baskets, a predominantly Gentile group; a Whole new audience being exposed to the miracle and its implications
Read Mark 8:3-4
Jesus is the bread of life. He could have turned stones into loaves of bread. He’s drawing his disciples out. The disciples seem to have forgotten the feeding of the 5,000. Now they complain that the location is too remote.
- How do we answer Jesus in the same way?
- The breadmaker was standing right in front of them and they couldn’t see him…
- What does it look like when we do this in our own lives?
Read Mark 8:5-7
Beginning with the feeding of the five thousand, Mark’s narrative is tied together by bread as the underlying theme.
- Mark 6:30 – the multitude was provided miraculous bread
- Mark 7:2 – the Pharisees were concerned the disciples were eating bread with unrinsed hands
- Mark 7:28 – the Gentile woman asked for the crumbs of bread that fell from the table
- Mark 8:1-7 – Now the four thousand will be fed by the multiplication of the seven loaves of bread
- Mark 4 – The disciples whine: Where can anyone get enough bread?
- Mark 8:16 – Later Jesus will have a heated discussion with the Twelve over bread
The miracle is virtually undetectable in Mark’s language. Jesus pronounces a blessing, breaks the loaves, and passes them to the disciples. He does the same with a few fish. No hint of amazement.
The thousands simply eat and are satisfied.
Is Jesus’ purpose to underwhelm by the lack of spiritual perception? How quickly we walk past verses when we should marvel
Read Mark 8:8-10
Seven large baskets full. Then Jesus sends them away.
- Notice how it goes…
- We come to Jesus empty – we go away full
- We come to Jesus weak – we are strengthened by his power
- We come to Jesus with needs – we leave with his provision
JESUS OFFERS MANY PROOFS, BUT WE OFTEN REJECT THEM.
Read Mark 8:11-13
Now, for the first and only time in Mark, the Pharisees demand that Jesus give them a sign. To demand a sign reveals a precondition of stubborn disbelief. People who demand signs never believe them when they come.
- They test the Lord. 8:11
- They grieve the Lord. 8:12
- They lose the Lord. 8:13
WHAT ABOUT US?
- Jesus cares. Are we resting in him?
- Jesus provides. Are we depending on him?
- Jesus satisfies. Are we enjoying him?
- Do we test the Lord?
- Do we grieve the Lord?
- Do we lose the Lord?