January 29th, 2012

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"Do you still not understand?" (Mark 8:14-21)

A. Preconceptions prevent you from receiving Jesus' message (14-16)

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. (14) "Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." (15) They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread." (16)

1) The disciples worried about forgetting bread

2) Jesus' message
 

B. Experiencing something is not the same as understanding it (17-21)

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? (17) Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? (18) When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" "Twelve," they replied. (19) "And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?"

1) The fact you remember

2) The truth you need to understand
 

Summary
Just as the disciples were so worried about forgetting to bring some bread along with them onto the boat that they misunderstood Jesus' warning against the evils of religious teachers and those who have power, we can also be in a place where we are unable to receive God's message, depending on the state of our hearts. The basic reason why the disciples failed is the fact that they did not understand the true meaning of the two miracles they saw involving bread. If they had understood from the miracles that Jesus will always open up a path for those who follow him regardless of the circumstances, they would not have been so obsessed with forgetting bread nor would they have been prevented from receiving his teaching. Are you confident that Jesus will always fill your needs, whether they are spiritual or physical? If you are, you will be freed from worrying and you won't need to be in conflict other people. You will be able to understand Jesus' words correctly.

Hints for Discussion
1) Why did the disciples misunderstand Jesus' message?
2) What was the truth that they should have understood from his miracles involving bread?