THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:14-21
“Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?” (Mark 8:18)
Once again, stated in several ways, Jesus is challenging them to think.
He warned them about the ‘yeast’ of the Pharisees and Herod.
They thought He meant physical bread, which they forgot to bring.
We need to think beyond what we see and hear, we need to think spiritually.
Spiritual is not the opposite of physical, but is a deeper way of being.
When you see a person, you see more than their body; you see their person.
This ‘something more’ can be a good or bad influence (like yeast).
Our possessions, our friend’s opinions, our habits – these can be good or bad.
Stop ponder, think, what is the meaning behind what we see and hear.
Sin has blinded (hardened) us from seeing it, but we can if we want to.
Look at your own life; what are the life lessons God wants you to see?
What ‘yeast’ do you need to beware of in your life (and it’s not bread).
To many people – including christians – are not paying attention.
As we struggle or crash Jesus wonders, “do you still not understand?” (v.21)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I know the ‘yeast’ in my life, the small but dangerous influence that undermines me. I need to stop being hardened, and open my eyes to the seriousness it
Yeast requires energy in order to grow. We see the growth but not the energy that it requires. It is being within.
What makes us grow? It also comes from within. But the source of the growth is vital. The energy for yeast to grow does not need sunlight. The growth comes from within. The pharisees and Herod also had growth but it too came from within. Self centered. All for self. Yet to truly grow, one needs ‘SonShine’ – the love of Jesus in their hearts in order to grow and live for Him. True growth is being His disciple, His follower, His servant, His ambassador doing His will. As His disciples were being trained for service while willingly following Him they were growing in the Lord, not know what was in store for them. I too need to grow in Him while not knowing what is in store for me this day but I know who leads me and guides me along the way for it is He Who directs my steps.
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
I am tired and I need Thy strength and power
To guide me over my darkest hour
For just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Or just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
I am lost if you take your hand from me
I am blind without try light to see