Event/ Written on 9/14/21
As a child, I was bullied when learning how to read so I didn’t read much of anything. Not out loud, barely for homework, pushed myself like never before to get my Degree, reading just is not my for-tay. Well, I read Kristin Hannah’s Nightingale once, but it took two years… just ask my book club! I hope they make that one into a movie, it’s a fantastic novel.
So as a newfound passionate reader for Yeshua, let’s take a look at Mark 8:14-21 (Side Note: I’m elated writing this address, the date is very significant to me. This is going to be good, I can tell!) Okay, let’s break it down in sections:
14 The disciples had forgotten to take bread and had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 Then he gave them strict orders: “Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”
Leaven translates to Yeast: Any of numerous fungi that exhibit a one-celled growth form and reproduce by budding, including certain candida's that can cause infections in humans. Froth consists of yeast cells together with the carbon dioxide they produce in the process of fermentation, present in or added to fruit juices and other substances in the production of alcoholic beverages. A powdered or compressed commercial preparation of yeast cells, used chiefly as a leavening agent or as a dietary supplement.
‘Yeast’ is a metaphor for sin, but for me personally at this moment, I think it means exactly what it says… Leaven; Yeast, like just literally. Is this why there are so many conscientious health foodies out there? Do we really know where our food is coming from and how it’s made? This blog is about getting out of the rabbit holes so one way to alleviate any doubt is to make your food yourself, support local farmers, or just don’t worry about food altogether.
16 They were discussing among themselves that they did not have any bread. 17 Aware of this, he said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact you have no bread? Don’t you understand or comprehend? Do you have hardened hearts? 18 Do you have eyes and not see; do you have ears and not hear? And do you not remember?
Why would Yeshua ask these questions? Isn’t it normal to stress or worry about snacks? Is there anything more exciting than when the waiter brings you your food? What is it the disciples couldn’t understand or comprehend? Again, most suggest that it’s a parable to remind you to trust the Lord’s provisions, don’t complain, focus, have faith, but then why are their hearts hardened just because they're hungry?
I believe that line is to let us know how hard the task is, the task being life. Think about it. The disciples knew more about the kingdom than the rest of the world so what is he really teaching here? Verse 18, I kept reading it out loud that verse. Like what is he saying? Why is this in the Bible in the first place because we already know he fed many with little resources? Can anyone remember what they ate yesterday? Is that what they were supposed to remember? He’s asking because this was already mentioned now in the listed addresses:
Matthew 14:13-21; 15:32-39 and in Mark 6:30-44; 8:1-10
So by the time we get to Mark 8:14, it’s the fifth time he’s mentioning this scene. Five. Now reference Mark 8:12 -
12 Sighing deeply in his spirit, he said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
He didn’t say “No generation” he says “to this generation” as in that one, back then, in that present time. Are you open to the possibility that signs and wonders are available to you today? Right now?! Keep Reading…
“19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of leftovers did you collect?”
“Twelve,” they told him.
20 “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of pieces did you collect?”
“Seven,” they said.
21 And he said to them, “Don’t you understand yet?”
My friends, I pondered this one for some time. What don’t we understand because after that question is asked it jumps stories to healing a blind man. Why would that line be written in the Bible? He is intentional, you being alive and breathing is intentional, so why did he put that in there?
5 loaves, 5 thousand, 12 baskets
7 loaves, 4 thousand, 7 baskets
If the Bible is the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, then is Jesus the tour guide? Do you have eyes to see and ears to hear? What is he trying to tell us? Here’s one last question to ponder…
Can we humble ourselves for a brighter future?