Read Mark 8:11–13. What approach by the Pharisees deeply disappointed Jesus?

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Why not demonstrate His divine power and convince these cavilers?

The problem goes back to the end of Mark 3, where Jesus speaks of the

sin against the Holy Spirit. If one’s ears are shut and eyes are closed,

another miracle, even a sign from heaven, will not convince. It would

just be dismissed like everything before. Even miracles are not enough

to convince those determined not to believe.

Read Mark 8:14–21. What had the disciples forgotten, and what point

did Jesus make from this?

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Jesus takes the opportunity to warn the disciples against the “leaven”

of the Pharisees and Herod (Mark 8:15), meaning their teachings (compare with Matt. 16:12).

But the disciples misunderstand and think that Jesus is talking

about avoiding buying literal bread. As is typical when the disciples

misunderstand, Jesus gives them instruction. The Lord asks a series of

questions, the first several rhetorical in nature, expressing His disappointment that they have not understood His mission. His words are

reminiscent of what He says in Mark 4:10–12 about outsiders who do

not understand. His strong words are meant to wake the disciples from

their spiritual lethargy.

In Mark 8:19, 20, He asks simple factual questions about how many

baskets of fragments they had taken up after He fed the 5,000 (Mark

6:30–44) and also the 4,000 (Mark 8:1–10), which are meant to illustrate that they should have understood by now that mere limitation of

resources is no barrier for the Lord’s Messiah. His final question in

Mark 8:21 is rhetorical once again: “ ‘Do you not yet understand?’ ”

(ESV). After all, look at all that they have seen and experienced already

with Jesus.

How can we learn to keep our hearts and minds open to the reality of God and to His love? Dwell on all the evidence that we have

been given for God and for His love. At times, though, why does

it seem so easy to doubt?