Over the past several days champions were crowned in various sports in the United States. Two had the opportunity to share that honor on the same day. The Oklahoma Thunder won the NBA championship over the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game series. The Baseball College World Series had their 2025 champion, LSU, celebrating their victory over Coastal Carolina in a series sweep. Five days earlier the Florida Panthers won their second Stanley Cup in a row beating the Edmonton Oilers in six games. And if you’re a diehard football fan the UFL spring league held its championship game two weeks ago with the D.C. Defenders outscoring the Michigan Panthers 58-34. All these teams will cherish and savor the victory for years to come. They will remember the struggles, the teamwork, the individual achievements, but most of all they will know the championship is theirs through their victory.
The apostle Paul tells us about another victory we can all have with no effort of our own. In fact, this victory requires no work at all. No heavy lifting, training, running sprints, or studying a playbook is involved. Paul states we can have victory over our sin and death through Jesus Christ. None of us can atone for our sin. There is nothing we can do to eradicate our guilt no matter how many good deeds we do, how many stars we get, or how much money we give to charities or the church. It is only through what Christ has done for us on the cross of Calvary by paying the penalty for sins through His death. We are guaranteed eternal life through His resurrection from the grave three days later. Victory! Yes, but it is only by faith in Jesus Christ, confessing and repenting of our sins, and trusting Him for salvation that He gives us the victory.
Don’t feel you need to play a part in achieving this victory. There’s nothing you can do; Jesus did it all. Consider you’re a bench player who never plays for a minute all year, or you’re on the sidelines due to injury. You still got that championship ring. There was nothing you could do. Championships are nice, but victory over sin and death is much better. Make sure you get your ring.
In the sports world, ‘who is the Greatest” is debated over social media and between sports commentators and pundits. Each sport has its own debate as ‘who is the Greatest in their sport and the conversation expands to who is the greatest sport athlete of all time. We refer to that individual as the G.O.A.T. (the Greatest of All Time) Although each sport will also have its own G.O.A.T.. The world has its own categories of ‘who is the Greatest’ among presidents, political leaders, war heroes, entrepreneurs, risks takers, inventors, musicians, entertainers, the list goes on. The world debates ‘who is the Greatest and many in the world desire to be the greatest in their field of expertise. Jesus has some thoughts on who is the Greatest in this week’s look into the gospel of Mark in our Biblical Insights.
Jesus is leaving the Caesarea Philippi region for the last time and heading to Jerusalem where in a few months He will suffer and be put to death on a cross. Traveling with His disciples, His ministry in the Galilean region is now over. Jesus makes a planned stop in Carpernaum His home base during His three years of ministry, also for the last time. The ministry to the people may be completed, but Jesus’ ministry in teaching His disciples is continuing and with greater emphasis for His time is short. Jesus wanted to prepare the disciples for the soon-to-be events, but so far they couldn’t understand what Jesus was referring to when He spoke of His death and resurrection. “(Jesus) wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.’ They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant.” (Mk.9:31-32 nlt)
When Jesus and His disciples arrived in Capernaum scripture says they settled into a house. Most likely this was Peter’s and Andrew’s home where Jesus stayed most often. The first thing Jesus did, probably after the door was close, was to asked them a question. “Jesus asked his disciples, ‘What were you discussing out on the road?’” (Mk.9:33 nlt) Jesus didn’t need to ask them, He knew, but it required an answer which they failed to give. The verb ‘asked’ is in the perfect tense suggesting a repeating. It probably wasn’t the first time Jesus asked them, but asked continually on the road, but they stifled their conversation and did not answer. Now they’re alone with Jesus, the door closed and still no response. Why didn’t they answer, “because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.” (Mk.9:34 nlt) They were embarrassed being concerned about their own status in Jesus’ kingdom than trying to understand what He was teaching them.
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Before we jump on the disciples with criticism, let’s think this through. While we’re thinking of this let’s think about ourselves and the world we live in. Someone’s rank and status in the Jewish culture of the disciples’ day were important roles to achieve. Rank and status in our culture is just as important to those seeking that high position as it was for the disciples. Whatever we may be seeking if it doesn’t line up with Jesus’ mission for us is a selfish reason for wanting to achieve it. Jesus is about to revolutionize our concept of leadership and greatness through teaching the disciples, which they need as well.
The Bible says Jesus sat down and called His disciples to Himself. Whenever Scripture notes that Jesus ‘sat down’ to teach, it is to stress an official time of teaching. Pay attention and listen, the Rabbi, the teacher, is about to speak, and speak Jesus did. “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” (Mk.9:35 nlt) This goes against the grain in our day and I’m sure the disciples questioned this statement. Jesus is not condemning leadership but showing how it is to be exercised. Leaders are always needed in any culture. The disciples had the desire to be first, to be on top. Jesus was reversing that line of thinking. In reality, the disciples’ position in leadership was secure and recognized by Jesus when He called them together. Now they needed to know how to act like leaders.
For that Jesus put a little child in front of them. Since this was Peter’s home, it could very well have been Peter’s child, “Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” (Mk.9:36-37 nlt) The willingness to humble oneself and serve a little child by putting them in your arms is the mark of true Greatest. When we act in this way, we are serving Christ and God the Father. This is also an example of all Christians who have come to know the Lord by simple faith and humbling themselves like a trusting little child.
Who is the Greatest among us? Those who humble themselves at the feet of Jesus accepting Him as their personal savior through faith as a child for forgiveness of sin and assurance of salvation and eternal life. It doesn’t end there, then we follow Jesus’ example when He said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others.” (Mk.10:45 nlt) Who is the Greatest, it is those who serve. It could be you!
‘“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?’ Jesus asked. ‘Anything is possible if a person believes.’” Mark 9:23 NLT
Last week on Biblical Insights Peter, James, and John had an incredible experience seeing Jesus transfigured in front of them with Moses and Elijah talking with Him. They couldn’t wait to get back and tell everyone, but wait, they couldn’t. Jesus told them they weren’t to tell anyone what they saw until He was raised from the dead, which raised more questions from the inquisitive three. They were asking each other what Jesus meant by raising from the dead. Their minds couldn’t accept a suffering dying Messiah.
They did, however, ask Jesus a question on the way down from the mountain. “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?” (Mk.9:11 nlt) Perhaps seeing Elijah speaking with Jesus prompted this question. Jesus answered that Elijah would indeed come first to set things in order, and in fact Elijah had already come. Jesus confirms that His cousin John the Baptist is the Elijah figure that would come before the Messiah preaching repentance which he paid a price for. Jesus said, “But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they chose to abuse him, just as the Scriptures predicted.” (Mk.9:13 nlt)
When Jesus, Peter, James, and John returned to the rest of the disciples there was a large crowd that gathered to watch the dispute between the disciples and the religious teachers. “When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to greet him.” (Mk.9:15 nlt) The arguing between the disciples and the teachers stemmed from the fact the disciples couldn’t cast out a demon from a demon possessed boy. Jesus asked what all the arguing was about. A man spoke out, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk.” (Mk.9:17 nlt) Jesus wasn’t there when the man came so he then asked the disciples to do it, but they were not able to cast out the evil spirit. This led to an argument with the religious teachers who were obviously gloating over the fact the disciples failed.
Jesus’ reaction here may seem uncharacteristic for the Son of God, but it is in the very character of God who condemns our lack of faith. “Jesus said to them, ‘You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.’” (Mk.9:19 nlt) Jesus’ criticism was not only against the father and the disciples but also against the religious teachers and unbelieving people in general.
“So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth.” (Mk.9:20 nlt) Jesus asked the boy’s father how long this was happening to him. The man replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” (Mk.9:21-22 nlt) We may wonder what is meant being thrown into a fire. Open fires were commonplace in first century Palestine. Throwing the boy into water needs no explanation. Notice the evil nature of this demon. This was a violent evil spirit. A violent convulsion can be explained as if tearing the boy apart. The father asked for mercy by healing his son if He can.
The father’s reply to Jesus sparked a serious question from the Lord. “What do you mean, ‘If I can’? Anything is possible if a person believes.” (Mk.9: 23 nlt) The question was not if He could heal his son, Jesus has proven that many times over. The question is: did the father have faith to believe it. This is a question we all need to ask ourselves on occasion. Do we have faith to believe that the Lord will take care of us through all our circumstances. We may be just like the father who then said to Jesus, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mk.9:24 nlt) Sometimes we are all like this father, we can’t deal with our own unbelief. It’s OK. Ask Him to help you. Belief and unbelief often get mixed at the same time. Jesus emphasized faith here for those who needed an increase of their faith in Him. It is important to remember Jesus healed many people who had shown little or no faith in Him at all. Our healing has nothing to do with our faith, but our faith in God who is able to heal us according to His will.
Jesus rebuked the demon and commanded it to come out of the boy. “Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him.” (Mk. 9:26 nlt) Jesus’ power forced the demon to cry out. It knew of His spiritual power against demons in the supernatural world, and it left the scene.
Later that day, the disciples asked Jesus why they couldn’t cast out the evil spirit. Jesus’ reply was, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.” (Mk.9:29 nlt) Two notable points are here. The first is there are demons and evil spirits that are more violent and dangerous than others. The second and more important one is the disciples’ lack of prayer. It is amazing to think the disciples could not cast out that demon when Jesus gave the power to do so. They failed to remember their power came from Jesus and not from within themselves. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary sums it up this way for the disciples and us, “Unbelief and prayerlessness are sure to result in spiritual impotency.” May we never hear the Lord say to us, ‘If I Can?’
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 NIV
It has always amazed me how some people, even Christians, dismissed the Old Testament as having no relevance for today. The New Testament has all the ‘Red Letter’ words of Jesus’ teaching the way of salvation and how to love God and others as yourself. The Pauline Epistles teach us how to walk in the spirit, live the Christian life, and the importance of the church body. And who isn’t fascinated with the end times in the book of Revelation if we can understand it. But there is all of that and more in the Old Testament if we only take the time to go through it.
The most important aspect of the Old Testament, in fact the entire Bible, is that it is about Jesus Christ. When keeping that in mind you’ll begin to find new meaning in the stories you have heard and read as far back as when you were child. Simply put; God created the heavens and the earth, He created us, we sinned against Him, we needed a savior to take our punishment and reconcile us back to God, the Old Testament paves the way for the Messiah born in Bethlehem and there are even prophesies of the end times. It’s all in there.
Isaiah 53 speaks of Jesus’ suffering sacrifice by dying for our sins. This chapter accurately describes the events of Jesus’ death written 700 years earlier. “He was despised and rejected by mankind……Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised……Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering……But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities……He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter……He was assigned a grave with the wicked, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth……For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Is.53 niv)
It’s kind of hard to deny that Isaiah was prophesying about Jesus Christ. It’s not a coincidence, but a factual truth found in the New Testament gospels. Jesus is found all throughout the Old Testament for He is God the Son, the second person of the trinity. The Old Testament proves who Jesus is and what He has done as any portion of Scripture from the New Testament. You can look for Jesus in the Old Testament. He’s there!
“Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power! Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them.” Mark 9:1-3 NLT
This week in Sunday’s Biblical Insights Jesus gives three disciples, His inner circle, a glimpse of His glory and the future kingdom of God. Last week we focused on the discussion Jesus had with His disciples on who did people say He was. The disciples answered Him which Jesus in turn immediately asked them, ‘who do you say I am?’ They confirmed their answer through Peter that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, even though they still didn’t totally understand.
We ended last week with Jesus calling the crowd to Himself telling them, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mk.8:34, 38 nlt) Jesus explained if you hang on to this life with its sin you will lose it, but if you give up your life for His sake you will save it. The fate of those who deny Jesus is noted as Jesus announces His return to earth in the glory of His Father. This is where we begin today.
This passage of Scripture is well-known as the Transfiguration. It is a revelation of Jesus’ deity. The story is also found in Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels. The first verse in our text today, some scholars believe belongs at the end of chapter 8. This may be correct. We are wise to remember the Bible was not written with chapter divisions, but they were added later for clarity and organization of thought. Sad, but, true, they always didn’t get it right. Jesus’ words about His return in His glory in the last verse of chapter 8 flows right in thought with the first verse of chapter 9. “Jesus went on to say, ‘I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!’” (Mk.9:1 nlt) Jesus will return in glory and set up His divine kingdom. The Transfiguration fulfills these words in verse 1.
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Jesus takes three disciples with Him up to a high mountain, most likely Mt. Hermon, the highest mountain in the Caesarea Philippi region. Peter, James, and John were chosen for this trip. These three often witnessed events the other disciples did not. This is nothing against the ones left behind, but it shines a light on Jesus’ teaching method. Jesus had an important message to get out, and little time to do it. He needed well-trained disciples to accomplish it. Note, Jesus chose only twelve disciples and among those twelve He went deeper with three others. And these twelve changed the world with the gospel message after Jesus’ accession into heaven. Sometimes less with deep impact accomplishes more.
Peter, James, and John witnessed a spectacular divine event before their eyes. “Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them.” (Mk.9:3 nlt) Jesus’ divine glory was revealed. His clothing was radiant in white light as it had never been before. This wasn’t a superficial change of outward appearance. It was a change in His essence. Jesus’ body was glorified as it will be when He returns to earth to set up His kingdom. Imagine the reaction of the disciples as they saw this, along with another stunning occurrence, the presence of Elijah and Moses in front of them talking with Jesus. It is interesting that they recognized two Old Testament figures. In Luke’s gospel, it is referenced Elijah and Moses were talking with Jesus about His upcoming death. (Lk:20-21)
“Peter exclaimed, ‘Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’” (Mk.9:5 nlt) Peter had the reputation of speaking first and thinking later. But in this case, I think we can offer him a little grace. The Bible does say that they were all terrified by what they saw. Peter’s suggestion for the shelters has commentators offering several thoughts as to his motives. I must admit it is hard to determine. One opinion is Peter might have thought the millennial kingdom was beginning then and there. He may also have thought they were going to be there for a while, so might as well make permanent shelters. One disturbing thought is Peter seemed to have put Elijah and Moses on equal status with Jesus. This may not have been his intent, and we know all the disciples were still learning. God did remove that thought by removing Elijah and Moses from the scene. But before He did that, God spoke to them as a cloud covered them, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” (Mk.9:7 nlt) The cloud was a symbol of God’s presence of protection and guidance as when leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. It also represented the Shekinah glory that was in the Temple of old. The Lord God tells them to listen and obey His Son. He is the one Elijah and Moses spoke about that was to come. Jesus is the only one left standing. Listen to Him!
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God allowed Peter, James, and John to see Jesus’ divine glory as it will in the kingdom of God. They were not to say anything to anyone about it until Jesus is raised from the dead. Probably hard for them to do, but Scripture said they obeyed Jesus’ words. “So they kept it to themselves, but they often asked each other what he meant by ‘rising from the dead.’” (Mk.9:10 nlt) The disciples still have questions for Jesus concerning this matter, and we will pick it up next week.
“Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, ‘Who do people say I am?’ ‘Well,’ they replied, ‘some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.’ Then he asked them, ‘But who do you say I am?’” Mark 8:27-29 NLT
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We ended last week’s Biblical Insights with Jesus on another trip across the Sea of Galilee, and once again teaching the disciples what they didn’t get the first time. From this point on, Jesus’ teaching will be direct and plainly spoken not speaking in parables or using comparison examples. The disciples will be given a clearer understanding of Jesus’ teaching but will still have some trouble as we will see.
Jesus and His disciples arrived at Bethsaida, a fishing town and home to Peter, Andrew, and Philip. Soon after arriving some people brought a blind man to Jesus begging to heal him. Once again Jesus led him out of town not to draw attention to the miracle He was about to perform. The Bible says Jesus spit on the man’s eyes and laid His hands on him asking, ‘Can you see anything now?’ The man responded he could, but not clearly for the people he saw looked like trees. “Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly.” (Mk.8:25 nlt) This was gradual healing. Sceptics may say Jesus failed the first time, or didn’t quite have it that day. But it was his method in this case. Jesus healed a blind man once again. Jesus then told the man to return to his home and not go back into the town.
Jesus then left Galilee with His disciples for Caesarea Philippi, twenty-five miles to the north, a town at the foot of Mount Hermon. Along the way Jesus asked, ‘Who do people say I am?’ The disciples said some say Jesus was John the Baptist, or Elijah, and others said He was one of the prophets of old who had come back. Jesus then asked them who do they say He is. At this point, Jesus was more concerned what His disciples believed than the public. Peter answered for the group by saying, ‘You are the Messiah’ (or Christ). This is the first time ‘Christ’ is used in the book of Mark, and it marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus hardly used the name ‘Christ’ in reference to Himself due to the association with the political and national interests at the time. But He will now teach His disciples the mission of the Messiah, the anointed one, the Christ. Jesus will begin to tell of His forthcoming suffering, His death, and His resurrection as they travel down to Jerusalem.
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Jesus did warn His disciples not to tell anyone He was the Messiah as He told those that He healed not say anything to not attract a crowd. But in this case, it was more than that, Jesus did not want the political nature of the promised Messiah to take away from His true mission. The Christ will establish an earthly kingdom and rule from Jerusalem, but that time is not now. Jesus’ mission can only be understood through the cross, something His disciples did not yet fully understand, as we will see. Jesus now begins to explain the true meaning of the ‘Christ’ and His mission.
“Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead.” (Mk.8:31 nlt) This is another first. Jesus is predicting His suffering, death, and resurrection for the first time and he is speaking clearly. He is speaking it as a matter of fact using the word ‘must.’ These things ‘must’ happen. They were prophesied in the Old Testament and must take place as part of God’s plan of salvation for sinners. The Messiah will suffer and die on a cross for sinners but will be raised to life defeating death and guaranteeing eternal life for all who believe in Him.
But again, we see, the disciples fell short, well at least Peter did, by reprimanding Jesus that this would never happen on his watch. To be fair, Peter didn’t get it, but his reaction does show his deep love he had for Jesus. What is so damaging in Peter’s actions is his thinking being contrary to God’s plan. Peter could not visualize His Messiah dying on a cross, and in attempting to persuade Jesus away from the cross is line with Satan’s past attempts. This explains Jesus’ words to Peter, ‘“Get away from me, Satan!’ he said. ‘You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.’” (Mk.8:33 nlt)
“Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.’” (Mk.8:34 nlt) Jesus explains the criteria for following Him. It really comes down to this in simple terms, anyone unwilling to deny himself can’t be a true follower of Jesus. To take up your cross is a willingness to suffer and die for Christ. A man who was already condemned to death was forced to carry his cross. When Jesus says, ‘follow me’ He is indicating ‘in His death.’ Tough words. Jesus says in trying to hang on to your life, you will lose it. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, the person so focus on the protection of this life will miss the second. You can save your physical life by denying Christ, but eternal life will be lost.
Jesus then asks a question to all those around Him, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Mk.8:36-37 nlt) No monetary value can be placed on one’s soul. Acquiring all the wealth the world has to offer and achieving success beyond measure cannot match the value of a soul. The soul is the real you! Don’t lose it to the influences of this world. In closing Jesus predicts His coming back again. He notes, those who care more for this present generation by denying Him will find no place in the kingdom of God upon His return. “If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mk.8:38 nlt) So, we all need to answer Jesus’ question. ‘But who do you say I am?’
“The answer every person gives to this question will determine his or her eternal destiny.” John MacArthur
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14 NKJV
The Christian church has local congregations of all sizes. We have mega churches with thousands of members within their building and satellite locations. Mid-size churches with a few hundred people seems to be norm, at least in the United States. Then you have very small congregations with a hundred people or less. Whatever the size of the church, most pastors take on more responsibilities than are necessary but try to tell them that! Their efforts are commendable, and we appreciate their service, but there are times when we, the congregates, need to step up mostly in some of our smaller churches. You may have heard it said, the pastor can’t do everything. That’s true, he can’t.
One main area a pastor needs our help is presenting the gospel message to others. You are probably thinking, ‘well isn’t that his job.’ Well, yes, it is, but it is also our job. We’re fed the word of God each week through sound teaching to equip us to go out and do the Lord’s work. A major part of that work is to tell others about Jesus Christ. Paul, writing in Romans, is explaining the very important and simple way of salvation, “For Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Ro.10:13 nlt) but then he adds, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him?” (Ro.10:14 nlt) So, how are they going to hear about the one who is offering salvation? They need a preacher, not ‘the preacher,’ as in a better translation, “And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (Ro.10:14b nlt) That someone is you and me, along with our pastor.
No, the pastor can’t do everything. So, may we be willing, energetic, and enthusiastic in sharing the gospel with others. Then let us help him set up the tables and chairs for the family fellowship and maybe mow the lawn.
“As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, ‘Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.’” Mark 8:15 NLT
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Continuing with our series in the book of Mark on Sunday’s Biblical Insights this week we see Jesus on the move again. After miraculously feeding another large crowd of almost 16,000 with seven loaves of bread and a few fish, Jesus leaves the Decapolis region and heading back across the sea to the region of Dalmanutha.
Once again people are waiting for His arrival. This time it is the Pharisees who have not given up questioning Jesus but continue to harass Him demanding proof of His deity. They were demanding Jesus show them a sign to prove the divine authority He is claiming. The Pharisees have seen His previous miracles but wanted more. They were looking for a convincing celestial event to prove His power over the heavens and the earth. When Jesus heard this, he sighed deeply. Last week we noted Jesus’ compassion by sighing at the healing of the deaf and mute man, this week He sighs in grief for their refusal to believe. Jesus refused to give in to their demand knowing that the Pharisees really didn’t believe He could perform such a miracle. Their intent was to keep on trying to discredit Jesus and deflate His popularity.
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Jesus left Dalmanutha after this confrontation with the Pharisees. “So he got back into the boat and left them, and he crossed to the other side of the lake” (Mk,8:13 nlt) Jesus went back to the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee arriving at the fishing town of Bethsaida on the northern shore, the home to Peter, Philip, and Andrew. During the trip Jesus’ disciples were taught an important truth, although they were unaware of it at the time. ‘Beware of Persuasive Influences of Sin.’ “As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, ‘Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.’” (Mk.8:15 nlt) The disciples’ minds instantly went to the fact they forgot to take food along for the trip. Whether they thought Jesus was referring to this or something else is not clear, but “At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread.” (Mk.8:16 nlt) How often we’re quick to jump to conclusions thinking we know why something is occurring. It’s usually not the case, just our minds feeding our self-serving attitude. These were the disciples on the boat that day.
What Jesus told His disciples went right over their heads. Jesus was referring to the yeast as a symbol of evil or corruption. A tiny amount of yeast can ferment a large amount of dough. A little yeast of sin in our lives will ferment into a large lump of uncontrollable sin leading to disaster. The Pharisees had the yeast of hypocrisy. This was seen by their earlier demand for Jesus to perform a sign when they didn’t believe He could perform one. Herod’s yeast was secularism and worldliness. A little influence in these areas is all that is needed to quickly rise the temptation of sin. This is what Jesus was telling His disciples back then and to us in our day. Beware of persuasive influences of sin.
Jesus knew the disciples didn’t get it and knew what they were arguing about. They were missing a vital spiritual point because they were focusing on their material needs, namely food. “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in?……Don’t you remember anything at all?” (Mk.17-18 nlt) The disciples witnessed Jesus feeding 4,000 men plus women and children just days before and saw Him feed 5,000 men plus women and children before that, and yet they’re worried about what they will eat when the miracle worker is right in front of them. So concerned they were that they missed His important teaching about the influences of sin.
Christians today have the same problem of deciphering what to beware of in all the influences in our lives. Herod’s yeast of secularism is likely the most influential to beware of. Living in the world and not being part of the world is a daily struggle. It’s easy to succumb, that is why Jesus gave us the warning, beware. The Pharisees yeast of hypocrisy should not be dismissed as if it can’t be applied to us. It can. It’s too easy to say one thing and do another. We live in a world where it is very easy to be persuaded by all that is around us. We should not be naive in thinking we can always discern if the persuasive influences in our lives are of a sin nature or not without the help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells to beware, and He has sent His Holy Spirit to help us beware and live a life free from giving in to the persuasive influences of sin.
There is a saying, I admit, that I often use. “The truth is somewhere in the middle.” I use it because in most cases it turns out to be true. Take any news story today which has two sides to it as they report it. It lands somewhere in the middle of the two reported stories. Each reporter and/or advocate slant their bias towards their version of the truth, usually a half-truth. They are partially true, but when the whole truth is revealed, their half-truth turns out not to be true. Still, some people hold on to their perspective of the truth even though it is flawed and misleading. This may seem harmless and a just a matter of opinion, but in a life-or-death situation this will be disastrous.
The apostle Paul was adamant of the truth, especially when it came to the truth of the gospel. They are no half-truths in the gospel. The truth is Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6 nlt) That is the whole truth revealed. Those who sugar coat the gospel with charitable deeds, being a good person, obeying the law, being kind to others, and tolerate of other religions who claim alternative ways to heaven and eternal life are doing more than spreading half-truths, but propagating a false gospel. A life-or-death situation cannot succumb to half-truths.
Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth.” (2Cor.13:8 nlt) Paul made sure the Corinthians knew he was always speaking the truth in everything he taught them. Even when he was reprimanding them, it was always the truth. Paul did not mince words to sound less forceful. They needed to hear what Paul was telling them for their own good. We are not doing any favors to those who do not know the true way of salvation by sugar coating the gospel with half-truths. It this case, ‘the truth is never somewhere in the middle.’
Jesus, the healer and miracle worker, continues His ministry departing Tyre in the Phoenician region, and heading back to the Sea of Galilee. Jesus and His disciples traveled 20 miles north passing through Sidon, then traveled southeast to the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee to the area of the Decapolis. As always, when Jesus arrives, a crowd forms and the sick are quickly brought to Him.
“A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him.” (Mk.7:32 nlt) Jesus wanted some privacy with the man and led him away so they could be alone. Mark records Jesus put His fingers into the man’s ears. The reason for this is not given, but a good indication maybe He was letting the man know he would soon be able to hear. The next sequence seems strange to us for our times as Jesus spits and touches the man’s tongue and, “Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, ‘Ephphatha,’ which means, ‘Be opened!’” (Mk.7:34 nlt) The man was healed instantly. He could hear and speak plainly. Mark adds that Jesus sighed while performing this miracle, perhaps a display of His compassion for the man and what he has gone through. We would be careful to note that Jesus’ physical actions played no part in the healing, it was His miraculous power that opened the man’s ears and loosened his tongue.
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Again, Jesus tries to maintain a low profile during this phase of His ministry, but it isn’t possible as the news of this healing begins to spread. The people once again responded in amazement of one who could heal a man who was deaf and mute. Isaiah, in his writings, prophesied about the coming Messiah and what He will do. “And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!” (Is.35:5-6 nlt) The people were witnessing the unveiling of Isaiah’s prophesies.
Soon another large crowd develops, grows, and begins to follow Jesus for three days seeking healing and desiring to hear His teaching. After three days whatever food everyone had was now depleted and they were far from home. Notice Jesus’ compassion for the people as he speaks with His disciples. “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a long distance.” (Mk.8:2-3 nlt) When Jesus looked upon the crowd at the feeding of the 5,000, we looked at a few weeks ago, He stress His compassion for them as sheep wandering around without a shepherd. This time Jesus is stressing His concern for this crowd’s basic need of food, nourishment to sustain them physically. This a lesson all Christians and the church need to heed. Yes, we need to preach the gospel to them, but it goes a lot better when the people are fed and are not hungry.
The disciples, sensing Jesus’ compassion, respond in a manner of concern but failed to remember His previous miracle of feeding the 5,000 plus women and children. They were slow to learn, but so are we at times. Jesus doesn’t criticize them for their lack of faith at this moment, but He will address it later with them. For now, He simply ask them what they were able to find, knowing what He could do with what they brought Him. The disciples had seven loaves of bread and Jesus went to work. Jesus had the people sit down. He then took the loaves, gave thanks to God, started breaking the bread into pieces giving them to the disciples who distributed it to the crowd. Jesus was given a few small fish, but a few small fish is plenty in the Master’s hands. The disciples gave these out with the bread and the Bible says, “They ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food.” (Mk.8:8 nlt)
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Jesus met their physical need of nourishment for the way home, and most likely sent the leftovers with them. This crowd could have been close to 16,000 people when including the women and children. No one went home hungry that day. Jesus’ compassion for them is the same He has for us. It covers our whole being, body, soul, and spirit. He cares about our physical needs, our basic needs of food, clothing and shelter, and most of all our spiritual needs in providing the way of salvation through His shed blood on the cross at calvary. We have a compassionate savior. Have you met Him yet or are you still searching for Him? He’s not hard to find, just follow the crowd.
Word for the Soul 