Word@Work 094 - Mark 8:17-21
Published: Wed, 04/02/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 8:17-21 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? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" "Twelve," they replied. "And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" They answered, "Seven." He said to them, "Do you still not understand?" (NIV)
When Jesus asks a question, it is not a sign of His ignorance, but to challenge thinking. The disciples are grumbling about inadequate food rations - just after 4,000 had been miraculously fed by their Master. So He fires eight questions at them. Asking about their moaning conversation, He shows that he has seen and heard it all. Then His probing unmasks their foolish blindness. The connection between what they have seen and what it means, is glaringly absent. Even though they have been with Jesus so long, they just do not understand.
Understand what? They might have understood, after the second mass picnic, that Jesus could provide for them. But they have not got even that far! Their hearts were so hard, they were unable to respond to the God who made them. What they needed to understand, was not so much what Jesus could do for them, as, "who is this Jesus?" The presence of the Creator of the universe, Messiah of the Jews, King of heaven and Lamb of God - should have left them awestruck. But instead they were bothered about going hungry!
It is the same today. Receiving God's blessings is not the same as welcoming God's Saviour. Going to church does not mean we go to heaven. Everything hinges on who we believe Jesus is. That is the evangelistic challenge for every believer every day - to live and speak so that Jesus is known ... for who He really is.
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for opening my eyes to see who Jesus is. Please help me to explain that to someone today, so that my friend/colleague may welcome Him as well. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
When Jesus asks a question, it is not a sign of His ignorance, but to challenge thinking. The disciples are grumbling about inadequate food rations - just after 4,000 had been miraculously fed by their Master. So He fires eight questions at them. Asking about their moaning conversation, He shows that he has seen and heard it all. Then His probing unmasks their foolish blindness. The connection between what they have seen and what it means, is glaringly absent. Even though they have been with Jesus so long, they just do not understand.
Understand what? They might have understood, after the second mass picnic, that Jesus could provide for them. But they have not got even that far! Their hearts were so hard, they were unable to respond to the God who made them. What they needed to understand, was not so much what Jesus could do for them, as, "who is this Jesus?" The presence of the Creator of the universe, Messiah of the Jews, King of heaven and Lamb of God - should have left them awestruck. But instead they were bothered about going hungry!
It is the same today. Receiving God's blessings is not the same as welcoming God's Saviour. Going to church does not mean we go to heaven. Everything hinges on who we believe Jesus is. That is the evangelistic challenge for every believer every day - to live and speak so that Jesus is known ... for who He really is.
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for opening my eyes to see who Jesus is. Please help me to explain that to someone today, so that my friend/colleague may welcome Him as well. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@W094 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on