2021-06-13
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Last week, we were in the book of Matthew where we discussed the birth of the Messiah, the prophetic work of John the Baptist and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry where He called those to follow Him. Today, we are going to spend time in the book of Mark where we see the miraculous works of Christ as He spent time in His ministry reaching those around Him.
Specifically, we’re going to take a look at two events which took place during the ministry of Christ. One event is very well known, the other is not quite as celebrated. However, I believe the lesser known is the one in which we can learn the most.
Mark 8:1-8 In those days there was again a large crowd, and they had nothing to eat. He called the disciples and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they’ve already stayed with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a long distance.” 4 His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread here in this desolate place to feed these people?” 5 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked them. “Seven,” they said. 6 He commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground. Taking the seven loaves, he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people. So they served them to the crowd. 7 They also had a few small fish, and after he had blessed them, he said these were to be served as well. 8 They ate and were satisfied. Then they collected seven large baskets of leftover pieces.
1. He Is Always Sensitive to Our Needs
Vss 1-2 In those days there was again a large crowd, and they had nothing to eat. He called the disciples and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they’ve already stayed with me three days and have nothing to eat
- Jesus had a desire to meet their most basic needs
- This is an important message we cannot allow to be lost in the noise of the day
Mark 6:34 When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd
2. We Are All Too Quick to Forget
Vs 4 His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread here in this desolate place to feed these people?”
- Even His closest followers had already forgotten “nothing is too hard for Him”
- How does this parallel in your own life’s journey?
Mark 6:37 You give them something to eat,” he responded. They said to him, “Should we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?
3. He Is Always Quick to Remind Us of His Faithfulness
Vs 5 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked them. “Seven,” they said.
- Jesus asked the same question He had spoken earlier which must have been a sad reminder to the disciples
Mark 6:38 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” When they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.”
4. He Will Never Let Us Down
Vs 6-8 He commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground. Taking the seven loaves, he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people. So they served them to the crowd. 7 They also had a few small fish, and after he had blessed them, he said these were to be served as well. 8 They ate and were satisfied. Then they collected seven large baskets of leftover pieces.
- Even in our lack of faith, He will never abandon us
- And when God provides, it is always more than we could ever ask
Mark 6:42-44 Everyone ate and was satisfied. 43 They picked up twelve baskets full of pieces of bread and fish. 44 Now those who had eaten the loaves were five thousand men.