Take Two: Mark 8, Proverbs 18

As we look at this chapter, there are two primary sections or movements in it. Mark 8:1-26 gives more miracles that Jesus performs, while Mark 8:27-9:1 begins a shift toward discipleship and Messianic teaching.

Bear in mind two things. First, scholars agree that Mark is not a "chronological account" of the life and ministry of Jesus. It is a collection of events and is true...but the arrangement was not "necessarily" chronological. As such, it is fair to ask why the arrangement appears as it does. What is Mark's point in arranging the material (under the inspiration fo the Holy Spirit) as he has? Second, this collection of events in Mk 8:1-30 parallels the structure of events in Mk 6:31-7:37. James Brooks (NAC) noted that this is probably due to Mark's accentuating that Jesus' disciples were dull of hearing and had to be instructed twice. This might also explain the inclusion of the only account where Jesus had a two-stage healing (Mark 8:22-25).

In Mark 8:1-10 the second mass feeding is recorded. It is a different account than the feeding of 5,000, even though some have tried to say that it is simply a modified re-telling. (Jesus refers to the events distinctively. See Mark 8:19-21). Some have proposed that the reason for the two accounts is that the 5,000 involved a Jewish audience, while the 4,000 involved a predominantly Gentile audience (since He was likely in the region of Decapolis). The text is not specific but this seems like a reasonable assumption.

After the feeding. The next story is the Pharisees' request for a sign from God (heaven) (Mark 8:11-13). Jesus had performed many miracles and His power was well attested even among the Pharisees. The fact that they asked for "another" sign is consistent with Mark's purpose to show that even the disciples did not "get it" (Mark 8:14-21) the first time around.

Mark 8:27-30 contains Peter's confession of Christ (parallels Matthew 16). This is a turning point in the gospel. Jesus then explains to the disciples plainly that He will suffer and die (Mark 8:31-33). Peter rebukes Jesus over the message.

NOTICE: In one breath he confesses Christ, and in the next, He rebukes Christ as being mistaken about what would come to pass. WHAT! Remember though...Peter was looking at the Messiah through the lens of what he had always been taught about the Messiah. His presuppositions were dictating his understanding. Jesus corrects Peter.

Every one of us look at God through a particular lens. Usually, that lens is formed by the teaching and training we have received. Ultimately...the authority of Jesus was....Jesus. Ultimately, our authority on God is...God. Regardless of what we may have learned before or are reading now...the only true authority on who God is...is God; and, the only reliable record of who God is...is God's Word. (Not this preacher, nor John Piper, nor your favorite post-modern commentator.) What does the Word say? Why does the Word say it? What does it mean to me? The Word is unchanging. It is not defined by our interpretation or preaching. The Word is the Word...even if we are wrong in our understanding of it. To say (as many are becoming fond of doing today) that we "feel" that Jesus is different than we read clearly in the Scriptures...is simply and absolutely wrong.

Mark 8:34-9:1 closes out the section with the cost of discipleship. Being a "Christian" (or as I prefer, a Christ-follower/disciple/fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ), requires an unconditional surrender to the will of God and an intentional pursuit of Jesus as Lord. It is not to be stagnant, contently backslidden, or intentionally rebellious. If you KNOW you are "not right" with God...and you know what needs to change to become "right" with God...yet you choose to ignore the actions...then you need to question who you are following...because it is not Christ. (See Matthew 7, especially Mt 7:21-23).

It is one thing to be "thick" and not fully grasp God's will. It is quite another to set oneself up as a rebel who defies God's will. The former...could make you an immature disciple. The latter reveals the need for a heart change.

Proverbs 18:2 is the takeaway today. Some people want to spend more time talking than listening. I meet them every week. They walk away from a message having heard something that simply affirms what they already believe. They claim to be full of understanding and believe that they have arrived. They confidently claim that someone else is wrong because they do not agree with them. Here is what I have come to understand along my journey of walking with Jesus...I am more aware of my own ignorance today...than ever in my life. Much more than when I started in ministry as a teacher. Then, I was assured (in my mind) that I had the answers. Now, I am amazed at how God answers my questions in ways I never expected or deserved. I spend more time now trying to understand others than ever before. I am still discerning and decisive. Just because someone has a different idea...doesn't mean (necessarily) that I am wrong...but it just may be the case.

Grace,