“Is This Not Good Enough?” – MARK 8:1-13

We just do not seem to get it the first time.

These disciples had already seen Jesus miraculously provide food to 5000, and had helped Him pass it to the people. Still they questioned Him on how this crowd of 4000 could be fed (8:4). They did not say it was impossible, they just did not immediately show faith that Jesus was the answer. This time the starting point would be seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. The end point would be seven baskets full of leftovers!

We just need to learn to trust the One who has already proven Himself able!

Sometimes, we just do not want to believe. The Pharisees wanted a sign from Jesus (8:11). Their approach was quite different than the disciples, and so Jesus responded to them differently. Jesus could have said, “I guess the feeding of 4000 or 5000 is not enough of a sign? What about the healings and the demons?” Instead He was short with them – there would be no sign (8:12). In truth, signs abounded (Acts 2:22). Jesus knew the hearts of the Pharisees, however, and He knew their purpose. They were testing Him and He would not fall for it. We just need to learn that some people will refuse to heed the Word of God no matter how plain and simple it is presented.

Notice the patience of Jesus.

As long as folks are trying to “get it”, He bears with them. The disciples should have already gotten it, but they were still trying. A disciple is a “learning follower”. We must be ever-learning. We must be ever-following. At the same time, we must be ever-grateful that when we do not get the first time, Jesus bears with us. The danger is in putting your faith in His forbearance alone. Yes, He is gracious, but willful sin crosses the line. When we know what must be done or what must be given up, and still keep on, we cease to be like the disciples and start to be like the Pharisees.

That line had been crossed by the Pharisees. They were purposefully “testing” Jesus (8:11). The children of Israel in the wilderness “tested” God (Hebrews 3:7-12) out of the hardness of their hearts. Satan “tested” Jesus by trying to get Him to “test” God (Matthew 4:7). Here, the Pharisees are combining these two wrongs, and Jesus knew it. “Put on a show for us Jesus” they said as they echoed Satan’s temptations. “We’ve seen what you have done, but it is not enough” they mocked as they echoed the voices of their hard-hearted fore-fathers in the desert.

In crossing the line, unbelief costs dearly (Hebrews 3:19).