Crumbs 110

 

Crumbs 110

Misunderstanding

ScriptureMark 8:11-21 nw International Version  The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” 13 Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. 14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” 16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied.20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” 21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” Crumbs This passage contains at least four warnings.

The first is a warning against asking for a spectacular sign.(12) True faith is not formed from sensations, A life transformed by Christ requires something deeper

The second is a warning against Pharisaism (15). The Pharisees reduced faith to regulation and then added traditions. When that became inconvenient they sought loopholes within the regulation. It produced a nitpicking religion, but where was the love?

The third is against the seductions of sensuality and power. (15) What drives so many folk? Status, sex and cash! Does social position mean anything at the feet of the Saviour? Do dubious images trigger undesirable desire? Or overall, is cash king? Sadly none of us is immune and perpetual prayerful watchfulness is needed or the love is stained and witness ruined.

The fourth is against a failure to recognise who Jesus really is. (21) It took years for the disciples to learn who Jesus really is. Set ways of thinking, lines laid down by our current culture, can prevent us from hearing the voice of God. The bottom line is our knowledge of and our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Questions

1. What improper demands do Christians make of their faith?

2. In what ways do Christians fall into the snares of the Pharisees and the Herodians?.

3. Who is Jesus ?