David Bahn – Reflections

Mark 8:10-13

And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

¹¹ The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. ¹² And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” ¹³ And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.

Jesus’ life and ministry wanderings seem a bit like that of a pinball during these days which Mark records here. First he feeds four thousand people, then sends them on their way. Next he leaves to go to another place only to be met with resistance and argument on the part of the Pharisees. And just as soon as he leaves for the other side of the Sea of Galilee he is confronted by the lack of understanding on the part of his own disciples. It would be enough to discourage even the Son of God.

Discouraged or not, however, Jesus journeys on. He will not give up because a group of self-important Pharisees take him on (the folly!). Nor will he be dissuaded because (even) his own disciples don’t understand him. Thank God! Literally! Jesus has come to seek and save the lost – whether they be openly resistant to his ways or slow of heart to believe or understand what they have seen. That’s a good word for me and a source of hope for us all.

^{Mark 8:14-20}

¹⁴ Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. ¹⁵ And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” ¹⁶ And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. ¹⁷ And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? ¹⁸ Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? ¹⁹ When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” ²⁰ “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” ²¹ And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”