PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 8:14-21
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” (Mark 8:15)
What happens when people misunderstand something, but think they do understand?
If their interpretation is wrong, yet they promote that misinterpretation?
It is like yeast, a small amount that somehow infects the dough, expanding it.
What if it is the disciples who are hardened (v.17) and do not understand (v.21)?
“Watch out” says Jesus, it can happen to you too.
We all read the same bible, yet we all interpret it so differently.
We all are hardened in some ways, and we all misunderstand it uniquely.
But when we push that arrogance and ignorance on others, then it infects others too.
In the debates and disagreements of today, ‘yeast’ continues to spread.
Each side says that it is the other side that is doing the infecting, leading astray.
“Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?” (Mark 8:18)
Yes we all do, and so pay attention (“watch out”) for your own arrogance and ignorance.
I don’t have to believe everything other people say, and they don’t have to believe me.
We all need to be humble and self-aware, knowing that we have our own yeast to deal with.
PRAYER
Lord, all this makes me realize how cautious I need to be when sharing what I think and believe. Help me to stay humble, open to other perspectives, and aware of the limits of my opinions.
“Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” The disciples thought Jesus was talking about bread – but really what was Jesus talking about? To me he was warning me to watch out that I not be ‘poisoned’ or distracted from seeking the truth – seeking to know Jesus more and more and not focus on bread that I need for living – Jesus will provide that to whomever seeks his kingdom first. He has in the past and I know he will for the future! So I need to watch out for clever words and distractions that may deflect me from faithful following!
What a mighty God I serve.
The miracle of the feeding shows once again that He is Lord.
The feeding of the people also shows that it is He Who provides for His people.
And lastly He shows His disciples to be careful of false teachings – the blindness that the Pharisees could not see nor understand what Jesus was doing. They did not see who He was.
My trust needs to be in Him for He is Lord over all.
Lead me and guide me always Lord so that I see You in all that I do.
I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Refrain:
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.