Mark 8:1-21

In Mark 6:32-44 we read about Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000 men (probably 20,000 people total) and how He took five loaves and two small fish and miraculously provided food for all. Again, we find Jesus in the same predicament but now He is speaking to a crowd of approximately 15,000 people (4,000 men) who have been without food for three days (8:2). Jesus calls His disciples to Him and kind of hints at the dilemma. They were present when Jesus had fed the other multitude, so you might think one of them would speak up and declare that Jesus can perform another miracle. Instead, they answer Jesus by asking, “How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?” They still didn’t get that Jesus was God and He could do anything. This time Jesus grabs seven loaves of bread and a couple fish and asks the people to be seated. “He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set then before the multitude…so they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments” (8:6-8). Not only did Jesus provide food for the multitude, but He also had some left over. He could do the impossible!

Jesus and the disciples then go by boat to the region of Dalmanutha where Jesus encounters the negativity of the Pharisees. They wanted Him to do bigger miracles to prove He was truly sent from God, but Jesus would not meet their demands (8:11-12). Ultimately, His resurrection would be the greatest miracle, but they still would not believe. So, Jesus and His disciples hop into the boat again and go toward the region of Bethsaida. On their way, the disciples discovered that they were almost out of bread. Jesus took this opportunity to teach them about the false teaching and hypocritical nature of the Pharisees, but the disciples thought He was getting on their case about their lack of bread (8:14-16). Then Jesus decides to confront them about the unbelief which was not only in the Pharisees, but also in their own hearts. He reminds them about His feeding of the five thousand and the fact that their were twelve baskets of fragments left over (8:19). Next, Jesus points out the miracle He had just performed in feeding the four thousand and the seven extra baskets of food remaining (8:20). Jesus reacts by asking them a pointed question, “How is it you do not understand?” The disciples had hardened hearts and failed to believe that Jesus could provide for their every need. They had personally observed the miraculous, but did not personally believe He could do the same for them.

You and I worship the same God of the disciples and we must see His ability to provide for us. When times of trouble come, we must trust that He can evidence His control over the situation. Our God can do what seems impossible to us!

Dear God, help me to trust that You can and will provide mt every need.