Believing in Christ’s Provision
Do we believe in the provision of Christ? In reading Mark, chapter 8, the first thing I noticed (v.1-3) is that Jesus is not frustrated or annoyed by the crowd or by the fact that the crowd has been following him around for 3 days; instead he has compassion on them, he wishes to care for them.
The second thing I noticed (v. 4-5) is that even though Mark 6 relates that the disciples witnessed and took part when Jesus fed 5,000 men, the disciples apparently learned nothing and here they are like deer in the headlights when confronted by the need to feed 4,000.
I wonder what expression Jesus had on this face at this point. Have you seen that GEICO car insurance commercial where some teenagers are trying to hide from a killer and they end up hiding behind a wall of chainsaws? Behind them stands the killer quietly shaking his head in disbelief. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ-hlcux66s
Dare I say that is Jesus slowly shaking his head side to side in disbelief that his disciples are dumbfounded as to what to do. Lest you think perhaps I am taking too much liberty here, let’s look at some other examples of Jesus showing frustration toward his disciples.
Jesus’s Response
Jesus’s response in v.18, “Are you so dull?” he asked. Ouch.
Jesus asked, “Do you still not understand?” Perhaps Jesus’ did an eye roll and a forehead slap as he listened to the disciples’ discussion, saying to them, “Come on guys work with me here?”
Sometimes I just want to yell into the Bible at the disciples, “Hello seriously guys… you think the point is that you forgot to bring bread into the boat??!!”
What is the lesson for us? The same as it was for the disciples, we have a decision to make.
Trusting Christ
The preacher known as the “Prince of Preachers,” Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892), wrote the following:
“What! when there are only a few of you disciples on board ship, do you begin to distrust your Lord because you have only one loaf, when he found enough food for five thousand and for four thousand out of a few scanty loaves? O ye unbelieving children of God, what infinite patience your gracious God has with you, though you so often and so shamefully doubt him! “Do ye not remember?” “How is it that ye do not understand?” Can it be that all your Lord’s lessons of love and deeds of kindness have taught you nothing? Do you still doubt him, still distrust him? Has he delivered you in six troubles, and can you not trust him in the seventh? Has he kept you, by his grace, till you are seventy years of age, and can you not trust him for the few remaining years of your earthly pilgrimage? Oh, shame upon us that we are such dull scholars in the school of Christ!”
That is the issue isn’t it, if the Lord has helped us before, is he not equally ready to help us again? And is he not equally capable of helping again?
Who is Jesus?
Chapter 8 of Mark ends with Jesus calling out his disciples. Mark 8:27-29
“Who do you say I am?”
Notice how Jesus did not care about what others said about him. No, Jesus only cares about who do I/you say he is.
We like the disciples have plenty of evidence in Scripture and in our own lives to be able to answer the question. So who do you say Jesus is?
Perhaps the disciples were still evaluating Jesus and who he was, perhaps you are as well. What were their thoughts of Christ as they watched the fish and the bread multiple before their eyes?
What are your thoughts of Christ? Who do you say he is? Do you see him just as a miracle worker or can you proclaim, “You are the Christ!” as Peter did?
Knowing Who Jesus Is
The thoughts we meditate on about who Jesus is will shape the way we respond to him. Ultimate Outcomes offers a study, “Jesus, the Living Word,” which looks to John 1:1-18 to develop understanding of who Jesus is and how we should relate to him. Knowing who Jesus really is, is the most important understanding we can gain in life.