We Must Rely On God Series

We Must Rely on God

Mark 8:1-26

Introduction

- Jesus is demonstrated in this book as a “servant”

-- Key verse: Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

- IMP: What God says to us here is critical application for living for Him

- Encouragement: When we encounter God’s truth, it should cause a change

-- We should feel uncomfortable in some areas of our life

-- Sometimes however, it IS our entire life that needs to change

-- The Gospel is not for the weak at heart, so count it an honor to be included

- Continuing in our study, we see Jesus performing more miracles/healings

-- His approach is direct, but sometimes the “why” is hidden from us

-- Let’s explore these passages and see if we can discover the “why” for ourselves

- Today we will look at three different events that happened as they were traveling

-- APP: They travel intentionally, and they minister to whomever they cross

-- It’s a great encouragement to us to SEEK ways to reach other people

- Read Mark 8:1-13

∆ Point 1 – Feeding another 4,000 (1-13)

- This feeding is different than the first feeding of 5,000

-- Later in v19-20 we see that He mentions the two events so we know this is new

-- We also know that His reaction to them is the same He shows all

-- The bible says, “He has compassion for …” (v2) Jesus looks at us the same

- What I’d like to ensure you see that this is also happening in a diff location

-- The first time was along the Sea of Galilee; this is in the Decapolis area

-- More importantly, the first feeding was primarily Jewish people (Jewish region)

-- Here, Jesus is outside and more than likely there are LOTS of Gentiles here

- Why is this important? Because Jesus is showing that what He offers is for all

-- Continuation of Wed night: See Mark 7:28: He comes for ALL!

- Paul writes in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

-- The kingdom will be made up of Jews & Gentiles; this is demonstrated here

-- After three days (v3) of travel, Jesus is compassionate on all who are with Him

- What happens here is just like the miracle with the woman in Ch. 7 and her faith

-- IMP: Solidifies that only God can judge who is clean and who is unclean

- Jesus’ asking them to determine the food available is the same as before

-- The total is woefully inadequate, again showing need for Divine intervention

-- APP: In this remote place, where only God can provide … He does!

- After they ate their fill, Jesus continued onward to region of Dalmanutha (v10)

-- And once again … cue the party poopers who wish to cast doubt on Jesus

-- By refusing to see what happened, they turn their back on God and deny Christ

- This becomes clear in v11 where all they want is a sign (prove you are real …)

-- Perhaps they wanted fire from Heaven, or something else, but not Christ

-- It cannot be Him, because He doesn’t fit our mold … therefore He’s a problem

- This is where we need to see ourselves as well. Do we test God on who He is?

-- Do we demand that He prove Himself to us in the face of His righteousness?

- Here’s an opportunity for self-examination …

-- The Pharisees spiritual radar was 100% off-kilter: prayerfully ours is not also

- In v12 Jesus clearly shows His frustration with “this generation’s attitude”

-- Let me see if I can paraphrase this and attempt to show Jesus’ disgust

-- “I am not a magician & I am not here for your amusement or to do parlor tricks”

- TRANS: His departure is clearly a sign of Him dusting off His feet; it’s abrupt

- Read Mark 8:14-21

∆ Point 2 – The Yeast of the Pharisees (14-21)

- As the disciples are leaving, once again, they forget to take food with them

- Yeast was normally a bad thing in the Bible; it leavened (raised) the bread

-- Paul writes in Galatians 5:9, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”

-- APP: Once it is inside the dough, it cannot be removed

-- It is an infector of everything it touches and is not to be used

- Why does Jesus talk in this way? Well, look how He says it in v15