Mark 8// The Message Remix Pause

(16-19)Meanwhile, the disciples were finding fault with each other because they had forgotten to bring bread. Jesus overheard and said, "Why are you fussing because you forgot bread? Don't you see the point of all this? Don't you get it at all? Remember the five loaves I broke for the five thousand? How many baskets of leftovers did you pick up?"

They said, "Twelve."

(20)"And the seven loaves for the four thousand—how many bags full of leftovers did you get?"

"Seven."

(21)He said, "Do you still not get it?"

Crap. That's right I said it. Crap. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again. It was a few years ago and I said that word during a sermon. Today I said that word when I read this passage of scripture.

I noticed something in the passage. A few verses before Jesus tells his followers, "Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of Pharisees and the followers of Herod." And in the next sentence it say that they were finding fault with each other! No sooner had Jesus finished sharing with them a warning, they turned around and became exactly what he told then to avoid. How often are we like this. How often do we here from Christ and turn around and do the exact opposite? I do it way to often.

It is easy to become like the followers of Jesus here in this passage. It is easy for us to get wrapped up in the judgment of others. It is easy for us to question others motives. It is easy for us to get mad and upset with each other. It is so much harder for us to grow up and follow Jesus' instructions. What are God's instructions here? simple. Rely on me for everything. When we had five loaves to feed five thousand? When we had seven loaves to feed four thousand? I provided. I made a way. I made it possible. SO, Seth, stop relying on yourself. Stop relying on your own power. Stop relying on others. Stop. Just trust in me. I will provide!