We read another account of a mass feeding of Jesus’ followers – this time 4,000 men. I wonder why Mark and Matthew included two such similar stories? There are many similarities between the two accounts. But I think the significant point in all of these encounters is that Jesus has compassion on the people. While the disciples are content with just sending them away – Jesus wants them to look into the possibility of finding a way to care for each other. And in reality it is through the sharing of what little they had, that much was accomplished. We see this miracle happen time and time again in our world, where the resources seem so meager, and certainly not sufficient enough, and then through the graciousness of God, we see that there is enough.
Pastor Rick always likes to remind me (us) that the resources are in the harvest. This means that Jesus already knew how He was going to feed the people, He just needed the disciples to understand this principle as well. If we are lacking – it is only because we are not looking in the right places.
The Pharisees once again try to get Jesus to prove who he is. Jesus of course refuses to go down this road with them and points out that even if He did do some “magic trick” for them, they still wouldn’t believe. They have made up their minds and so, for Jesus to stoop to their level would just be… well, wrong. He also warns the disciples not to be influenced by them or Herod.
Mark tells us now about Jesus healing a blind man. This time the healing is not instantaneous. But it is only with a recurring touch of Jesus’ hand that enables the man to see clearly. I think this could be indicative of the way some people come to know Christ. It may not be an instantaneous event, but rather something that occurs over time. A growing closer to the Savior as one continues on their faith journey. The scene becomes clearer and clearer as we continue to encounter Jesus.
Mark concludes this chapter with Peter’s confession. Jesus asks his disciples “who do the people say that I am?” The responses are as expected, but Peter gets it. Peter understands just who Jesus is… He is the Messiah, the Savior. But just as quickly, Peter misses the significance of what Jesus is saying. Peter feels that the Messiah should be honored… the Son of Man should be worshipped and adored. As the Son of Man (a title used in Daniel 7:13) Jesus should be the sovereign ruler, with all power, not despised and rejected, not killed. But the cost of following God is not for us to determine. We must be willing to do whatever it takes. Peter will understand this and he will faithfully follow Jesus.
Faithfully following
Pastor Kathy