Welcome to episode 59 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 8:1-30.  The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!”  Today, we discuss: 

• The provision by the savior (vv. 1-10) 
• The provoking of the savior (vv. 11-13) 
• The patience of the savior (vv. 14-21) 
• The power of the savior (vv. 22-26) 
• The prompting by the savior (vv. 27-30) 

Key takeaways: 

• Mark’s second feeding miracle repeats the main themes found in the first (6:30–44):  Jesus is the good shepherd who has compassion on the sheep and the spiritual and physical resources to meet their needs. 
• The feeding of the 4,000 is another sign indicating that salvation has come to all who believe, including Gentiles. 
• While God sometimes provides signs to those who request them and even demands that Ahaz ask for a sign, in general such requests are considered dangerously presumptive, an example of “testing” the Lord God. 
• Up to this point, Jesus has not allowed anyone to tell the news that he is the Messiah.  Even when Peter says that Jesus is the Messiah, he is commanded not to tell anyone.  Jesus will define his purpose on his terms and in his timing. 
• Verses 27-30 form the hinge of Mark’s gospel.  From here on, Jesus’ message will shift from the announcement of the kingdom of God to one of the suffering servant. 

Quotable: 

• Ultimately, every person will have to answer the question that Jesus asked the disciples.  Who do YOU say he is?  Your answer has eternal consequences. 

Application: 

• Like the Pharisees, we are sometimes blind to the spiritual realities around us and the “signs” that are manifestations of God’s presence and power.  All of us need to take care lest the things of this world—position, power, money—blind us to the greater purposes of the kingdom of God. 
• Jesus’ questions to his disciples in vv. 17-21 are good for us to remember as well.  If he is capable of superabundantly providing for so many, why are the disciples worried about having enough bread?  Why are we worried about him not providing for our needs? 
• The disciples misunderstand the Messiah’s role. They cannot conceive of a Messiah who will suffer and die.  The tendency to create Jesus in our own image is a danger still with us. Our perceptions of Jesus are inevitably shaped by our felt needs. 

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