Missing What’s in Front of You

They began to discuss with one another the fact that they had no bread. – Mark 8:16, NASB

When it comes to providing for our needs, how quickly we can forget God’s provision. In Mark 8:1-21, Jesus again feeds thousands with a few loaves of bread and fish with baskets of leftovers. From there, they travel to Dalmanutha where the Pharisees ask him to perform a sign to prove He is the Messiah. Jesus responds to them, “Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation (12).”

My first question to the Pharisees is, “where were you when I fed the four thousand not that long ago, as well as all the other miracles I’ve been performing?” The Pharisees were jealous of Jesus and the crowds that gathered to hear Him. They were focused on earthly things. Jesus warned His disciples as they leave, “Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod (15).” The influence of this earth and its worldly things can be attractive.

And yet the disciples seem to miss the point. After they just saw Jesus feed four thousand with a few loaves of bread and fish, they are focused on the fact that they have no bread. Jesus is there in their midst and they are concerned about not having bread. It’s no wonder Jesus told his disciples, “Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet see or understand (17)?”

Jesus reminds them how he just fed the four thousand and the five thousand before that—nine thousand in all with seven baskets of leftovers. It seems obvious that he could also provide for the twelve. Jesus told asked them, “Do you have a hardened heart (17)?” How close are we to becoming numb to the Word of God and the miracles we see every day? How often do we seek worldly answers to our needs instead of trusting God to provide? How often do we ask for a miracle, when miracles are around us everyday.

Think for a moment what Jesus might tell you as you fret about not having enough bread like the disciples. “And do you not remember when…(17)” you were in tears and I provided someone to come to your side? How about the time when you were sick and people provided for your needs? Do you not remember when I provided for you with baskets overflowing with leftovers?

And He was saying to them, “Do you not yet understand?” – Mark 8:21, NASB