SIGN FROM HEAVEN? YOU GOT IT!

Watch closely as we come to the climax of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee – the pace is breath-taking in Mark 8!                 

Over 5000 Jews have recently been fed bountifully with just 5 fishburgers, the scraps filling 12 SMALL baskets (kophinos). 

Will Gentiles have to settle for only crumbs from the Jew’s table?  

No, this time Jesus feeds 4000 people with just 7 fishburgers, the scraps filling 7 LARGE picnic hampers! (spuris)...God’s favourite number is 7!                                  

The Pharisees want a sign from heaven? – you guys have it right there. In the face of such plentiful divine provision even the disciples miss it, fretting over their one loaf of bread and exasperating Jesus who upbraids them. 

  

Before heading all the way to Caesarea Philippi there is one man in Bethsaida who needs that very personal touch from Jesus to see clearly: spit in the eye!...outside the town that has rejected his ministry.                                                

There will be nothing more for Galilee.                                                                             

So who is this Servant of God, called Jesus?            

The Christ who must face death... but Satan is right there to use Peter in rebuking him!                                          

This is the first time the disciples learn this and that the Son of Man will be raised after three days.

Will you deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him?

HOW DESPERATE?

The Pharisees in Capernaum are so jealous of Jesus’ authority they have been plotting how to kill Him, while the Jews in Nazareth feel offended by their local carpenter.  

What now?...(Mark 7)                                                       

Here come more Pharisees all the way from Jerusalem to fault Jesus but all they can come up with is the washing of hands!                                                            

Jesus throws their accusations right back in their faces...   

“This people honour me with their lips but their heart is far from me”.                                       

Yup, clean hands but defiled hearts.

He’s not finished with them yet and hammers it home...              

“You really reject the commandment of God that you may keep your own tradition!”

Over what??  “Honour thy father and mother”

This is not just Moses’ Law – it is the Word of God!                                                                                           
Who is this warning for? Anyone with ears – that’s everyone!

Jesus has had enough and heads off to Tyre and Sidon for a breather.                                                  

Here comes a woman to fault Jesus? No!                  

This most unlikely Gentile is so desperate for her daughter she falls at this Jew’s feet. Yes, she is just like a puppy dog begging at a Jew’s table for crumbs from the children.

Next to be blessed is a deaf man in Decapolis who has this Jew’s spit.... applied to his tongue!

This Jesus does all things well, so how desperate are you for healing from Him?