Friday, October 7, 2011

A Morning Cup of Tea: Feeding Four Thousand

We are now in chapter 8 of Mark. Once again Jesus has been teaching the multitudes. They have been with Jesus and the disciples for three days, and they have no food. Jesus had compassion on them and asked the disciples to feed them. They came up with seven loaves of bread and a few small fishes. Jesus blessed the food and the disciples distributed it to the four thousand men. After everyone had eaten, the leftovers were picked up. Seven baskets were filled with what was left. Jesus then sent the people on their way.
 Jesus and his disciples entered into a ship and headed to Dalmanutha. The Pharisees there came to him and wanted to test him, asking for a sign. Jesus answered, Why does this generation always ask for signs? You aren't going to get a sign (v12). And he left, back onto a boat.
 Jesus warned his disciples to beware the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. He was warning them of false doctrine, but because they had forgotten to bring bread on this journey, they thought Jesus was speaking of bread!
 How is it you don't understand? He asked (v21). He reminded them of the two times they had fed the multitudes, how everyone was fed and there was food left over. He wanted them to see that they had the answers right in front of them if they would just open their eyes and pay attention. While we don't have Jesus himself walking with us and teaching us directly, we do have his teachings right here with us. If we are open to the truth and read for ourselves, we will know when someone is teaching falsely and can avoid them.

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