“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?” Mark 8.14-21
One commentator explains, “In this verse, Jesus is cautioning his disciples to be wary of the teachings and attitudes of the Pharisees and Herod, comparing them to yeast that spreads and influences. The disciples misunderstand, thinking Jesus is talking about physical bread, showing their lack of spiritual insight. Jesus then reminds them of the miracles he performed, multiplying bread to feed thousands, emphasizing that their concern over physical provision is unnecessary. He challenges them to see the deeper spiritual meaning behind his words and actions, highlighting their need for spiritual understanding and faith.”
Isn’t it just like humans to misunderstand God’s divine activity in the world? The disciples hear Jesus talking about bread, the yeast of the Pharisees, and they think about that loaf they brought from the miracle, or the one they bought the HEB last week! But Jesus’ words have deeper spiritual meanings. When Jesus is speaking we often hear his words but view them from our own lens. God wants us to have a supernatural-Holy Spirit eye sight. He wants us to view things through his lens and not our own.
In verses 17-18 Jesus appears to get a little frustrated with his disciples saying….”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?” And then he adds “Do you still not understand?” V. 21. He had been with his disciples for some time and they were still failing to catch the movement of his Spirit and understand his teachings and activity. But to be honest, what Jesus often does is boggling! God’s ways are not our ways and so I often relate with the disciples and fail to understand.
But the good news is that God sends us a Helper, the Holy Spirit, to guide, lead and help us to understand God’s ways. And although it sometime takes time for me to catch on to what God is doing, I will continue to seek, follow and call out to him trusting him to take me along the path or righteousness.
God has a purpose for each of us. He wants us to seek and love him with our hearts. And in return, the Lord will direct our steps and accomplish his work through us.
“Come now, Lord Jesus….guide us into the way of the Lord. Help us be on mission for you and to see what you see. Help us to find strength in your hands and life in your Spirit. Be patient with us Lord as we seek to understand your direction for our lives. I love you Lord and praise your name. Come Holy Spirit, find us willing and waiting. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen