July 1
Mark 8:14-21
Looks like the disciples need some more whopping! Jesus is trying to teach them of the importance of not letting worldly views corrupt their beliefs, and they think he is talking about supper. Jesus tells them to “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” (vs. 15b NIV) The Pharisees and Herod were both corrupt but in different ways. As we have already learned, the Pharisees were bogged down in legalism and trapped in their own man-made religion. Herod was a king known for his lust for power and, well… lust for the ladies. Both Herod and the Pharisees represented lives that were filled with sin and not with Jesus. By using the example of the yeast, Jesus is saying that a small amount of corruptness (is that a word?) can affect a whole person. Just as yeast works its way through all the dough, sin – even in small amounts – can corrupt someone’s entire life. What a powerful message Jesus was trying to teach the disciples. And they didn’t get it, because they thought he was angry that they only had one loaf of bread. (Let me just point out that it has now been twice that they have seen Jesus feed thousands with just a little bit of bread). Obviously they missed the point. So, what am I missing? What is God trying to teach me that I can’t see because I’m thinking about dinner?
Principle: Preoccupation with physical needs hinders spiritual perception and growth.
Application:
1. Where am I focusing on my present needs or trials, forgetting God’s past faithfulness?
2. What steps will I take to learn and live out the deep teachings of Jesus?
3. Will I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any possible evil influences in my life that hurt me or others?
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"[T]hey thought he was angry." This is an interesting way of viewing the disciples reaction to Jesus' statement about the bread. Yesterday, I listened to a sermon about fear. The speaker said that so many people don't really believe that God really loves them and that He's not angry with them all the time. They don't understand "perfect love drives out fear." I'm one of those people. I don't feel like the disciples might have felt; I don't feel like God is angry, but I do fail to focus on truth: God is for me! And because sometimes I let the spirit of fear take hold of my mind, I miss the simple truths of God...like he's not talking about literal bread! I have thought from time to time, "Those disciples, they were so silly," but really I am just as silly. I got the bread illustration, but I miss so much in my own life...God keep my eyes on you!
ReplyDeleteSarah, I just want to thank you for doing this study and encourage you to keep up the good work. You're doing a great job! May God bless you for your faithfulness in shedding light on His Word.
ReplyDeleteQuestions #1 are really relevant to me. If I will spend more time counting my many blessings instead of worrying about the list of things I still have to do,I know that God will be more than happy to help me! I know I will accomplish more when my spirit is light and there is a song in my heart. Like the 4th verse of the hymn “Count your many Blessings” says: “So amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged; God is over all. Count your many blessings; angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.”(all the other verses are great too!)
ReplyDeleteOh, how many times have I heard what I wanted to hear instead of what Jesus was saying to me. I am sure too many to even try and count. I get caught up in my own matters that I don't really listen.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 3, Yes I will pray this, the hard part, which I think I need more help in, is listening to what is revealed to me and taking the actions to correct the situation.