New Testament: Mark 8.17–19

To read the Bible in a year, read Mark 8.1–21 on February 29, In the year of our Lord Christ 2024

By Don Ruhl 

Jesus fed multitudes of people miraculously. However, why did he do it? Was it merely to feed the people? 

He did not want them to become faint from not eating (Mark 8.3), but I think Mark’s narrative shows that Jesus had a higher purpose. 

When he warned them of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod, his disciples thought that he spoke of food. However, listen to what he said to them: “‘Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?’ They said to Him, ‘Twelve’” (Mark 8.17–19). 

He wanted them to see more than just him feeding the people. He wanted them to see that he would provide for their every need as they did his work. 

He wanted them to understand his miraculous power. He wanted them to see his  compassion for the people (8.2). 

Questions: 

• What do you see in the works of Jesus? 
• Does the Lord always provide for you? 

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Don preaches with the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Listen to his sermons here: GrantsPassChurchOfChrist.com