Mark Chapter 8

Jesus Feeding four Thousand:
(Read: Mark 8:1-26)
Jesus had compassion on the people and fed them with seven loaves. Though the disciples witnessed the feeding of the five thousand they were still worrying about how to feed the four thousand people. Jesus could have created food out of nothing, but he chose to use what was available.  The people were satisfied, and the leftovers filled seven baskets. The Lord not only meets our spiritual needs but also our physical needs.  To know more, read the note on Matthew 15:32-39.  The Pharisees tested Jesus by asking him to show a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his identity. He did not show them any sign. Jesus warned the disciples, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod''. They failed to believe that Jesus can provide their needs. They were not spiritually enlightened yet.   Jesus compares the unbelief of the Pharisees to leaven that spreads its influence fast. This is a warning against false religious teachers. Only God can enlighten us to understand the gospel (Ephesians 1:18).   Since God has revealed his grace to us, we can now share the good news to others.  Jesus healed a blind man in two stages.   Initially his eyesight was only partially healed, so that people look like moving trees (Mark 8:24).  Jesus touched the man’s eye a second time and healed him completely. It was to confirm the faith of the disciples. Jesus wanted no publicity and sent him home. Like the disciples, we need the help of the Holy Spirit to understand Christ. God uses his Word and the Holy Spirit to enlighten us spiritually (John 14:26). He reveals our sins because he loves us and does not want us to perish in our sin. Are you saved?  Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).
 
Peter’s confession of Christ:
(Read: Mark 8:27-38)
Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went to Caesarea Philippi. It was a place of idle worship. Jesus asked the disciples ``Who do the people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah and others say you are one of the other prophets”.  Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?”  Peter replied, “You are Christ ''.  Though Peter recognized Jesus’ true identity, he failed to understand that he is the suffering Savior.  Jesus began to teach them of his coming suffering, death, and resurrection. Peter rebuked Jesus by saying "Let it not happen to you".  Jesus said to Peter ``Get behind me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God but on the things of men''.  Many people recognize Jesus as a great teacher, prophet and as a good man but they fail to receive him as their Savior and Lord. The Platitude of Jesus will not save anybody.  Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone and in Christ alone. Jesus said, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his own cross, and follow Me”.  One who denies self and follows Jesus is the true disciple. It is a radical call.  A disciple gives Jesus Christ the preeminence in life. He willingly and joyfully surrenders himself to God’s plan and purposes. He is a learner and follows him faithfully.  He knows Jesus intimately.  The Lord loves them and strengthens them in their walk with him. Jesus said “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?”  So, it is important to surrender ourselves to God. The disciple should not be ashamed of Christ.  Before we do anything for Christ, we must recognize what Christ has already done for us.  Pray that God would remove our spiritual blindness to see the beauty of Christ in a new and fresh way. It is important to surrender ourselves to God to rule over our lives.