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Mark 8:13-21
The Pharisees have asked Jesus for a sign (Mark 8:11) and as Jesus and His disciples depart from them by boat once again, Jesus commands His disciples (Mark 8:15, NKJV), “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” Leaven is the ingredient in bread that makes it rise or grow. Jesus is warning His disciples to beware of the teachings of the Pharisees as their intentions are not from the heart but for self-centered gain (Matthew 23).
Jesus’ disciples, however, thought that He was saying this because they had forgotten to bring bread for their journey. Jesus then questions them as to their lack of understanding and explains the miracles of the feedings of the five thousand and of the four thousand.
This is an example of the unseen sinful nature that works to prevent us from perceiving and understanding the working of Jesus in our lives.
We all have experienced situations where we have come to a realization and understanding of a situation that when we did, we exclaimed, “Why did I not see this before?” We have all experienced situations in which we were “hardened” to perceiving and understanding; it is part of the growing and learning process of life. No matter how smart or experienced you are, there have been situations like this in all our lives. The Bible teaches us in Luke 24:45 (NKJV), “And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” And in 1 John 5:20 the Bible teaches us, “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” Put your trust in Jesus today and He will help you to perceive and understand the things that He is speaking to your heart – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
You have declared through the Prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 24:7), “Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.” Please let it be so LORD, in Jesus name I pray, amen.