Sermon text: Mark 8:1-26
Summary
In vv. 1-10, we read about Jesus’ second feeding miracle. He fed 4000 people, likely mostly Gentiles. He tested his disciples to see if they would trust him. Once again, they failed the test (see vv. 4, 17-21).
The Pharisees sought to destroy Jesus’ credibility among the people by demanding that he give them a sign from heaven (vv. 11-13). Jesus, knowing that they were hardened by unbelief, rejected them. Jesus was not an on-demand miracle worker but a preacher of the gospel. His miracles undergirded his message. He was a compassionate Savior who performed miracles on those who sought him in faith.
After the feeding of the 4000, the disciples somehow failed to secure any leftover bread or fish (v. 14). As they discussed this problem, Jesus warned them of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod (v. 15). Jesus points out their hardened hearts – they have ears but do not hear and eyes but do not see (vv. 17-18). Like the Pharisees, they are spiritually blind. The lesson is clear – if Jesus has fed the 5000 and the 4000, then why are the disciples worried about a lack of bread and provision (also see Matt 6:31-33).
To illustrate that the spiritual eyes of the disciples will be gradually opened, Mark records Jesus’ only two stage miracle (the only such miracle recorded in the Gospels). When Jesus touched this man the first time, his vision was restored but it was still blurry (v. 24). When Jesus touched him again, he saw clearly (v. 25). Similarly, the disciples knew that Jesus was from God but they still didn’t understand that his kingdom was not of this world and that he would be crucified for the sins of the world. Jesus was not coming to conquer the Romans — he was coming to conquer Satan. His substitutionary work on the cross would provide the way for mankind to be reconciled to God (2 Cor 5:21) and his resurrection proved his deity (Rom 1:4).
Outline
We see the problem, but Jesus supplies the provision (vv. 1-10)
Unbelievers want to see signs but reject them anyway (vv. 11-13)
We have seen God work but still fail to fully understand and trust Him (vv. 14-21)
Jesus heals our blindness, but it may come gradually (vv. 22-26)
Verses Referenced
Rom 5:8; 8:32; John 3:3