Don’t You Get It?

Mark 8:17-21

¹⁷Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? ¹⁸Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? ¹⁹When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" "Twelve," they replied. ²⁰"And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" They answered, "Seven."²¹He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"

One of our favorite sayings used to be: how many times do you have to hit your head against the wall before you realize it hurts? In other words, don’t you get it? We pray in the Lord’s Prayer: give us this day our daily bread. What does it mean to depend on the Lord for your daily bread? He provides for the needs of his children. He promises that.

For the disciples, they were in the boat and realized that they hadn’t brought enough bread for everyone. They start complaining about it and Jesus, trying to make a point, cautions them about being seduced by the need for signs, like the Pharisees. Missing the point, as they often do, they continue whining about not having enough bread. Jesus flies off the handle into a rant:

Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? ¹⁸Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? 

In other words: Don’t you get it? Why are you still talking about bread? I’m talking again about things far more important than bread and you’re still hung up on bread. Enough about the bread! We’ve been through this and both times didn’t I provide more than ample bread for everyone? 5,000 people, 4,000 people and still more bread than they could eat. Jesus reminds them that the devil is in the details. He reminds them in no uncertain terms of the two “signs” he has already performed and the immeasurable provision of God.

When we were at the Seminary, we were really poor. Literally, we lived below poverty level for nearly four years. Our income didn’t come close to matching our bills. To be completely honest, I never knew month to month if we’d make it. Yet, only through God’s grace, we were able to come out even at the end of each month. Our daily bread was provided. God gave us only what we needed each day.

He provided exactly what we needed in his Son, Jesus. Each daily, he richly blesses us with only what we need, forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. All of these came through his Son. The disciples got hung up on details and signs, just as we often get hung up on details and worry. When we worry about things, Jesus reminds us: Do you remember when I died on the cross? Remember when I rose again? Remember when I promised that I would be with you always, to the end of the age? Remember…

Heavenly Father, help us to remember your amazing provision, through your Son, Jesus. Empower us to share that news and help others to remember. In Jesus’ name, Amen.