Mark 8:1-21  In this "desolate" place... somewhere on the coast of the Galilee..  the multitude stayed with Jesus for 3 days.  They had eaten up all the food that they had brought along... and were hungry.. so hungry that Jesus was concerned that they would faint on their way home. Four thousand hungry fainting people..  this is quite a picture that Mark is sharing with us. 

Of course the disciples once again thought in practical terms.."Where will anyone be able to find enough to satisfy these men with bread here in a desolate place?"  How could they forget?! "How many loaves do you have?"  Jesus asked them.  They had 7 loaves and Jesus took those, blessed them, and gave them to the disciples to serve.. "and they served the multitude."  Then they had a few small fish.. which they also served.  "And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces." 

Once again Jesus and his disciples get in the boat and travel across the sea, landing in a region called Dalmanutha.  And... here comes the Pharisees to "argue with Him."  This time they wanted a "sign".. They wanted to dictate to God what God should do to prove Himself to them.. "And  sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, 'Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation."

What an interesting statement!  Jesus had done miracle after miracle.. He had healed the sick and blind and deaf and lame.  He had cast out demons and fed thousands with a few loaves and fishes.  His whole life was a sign of God's power, love, and presence.  He spoke the Word and lived the Truth.. yet they wanted a sign??  Jesus wouldn't play their game.  He simply leaves on the boat.

"Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."  Jesus tells His disciples as they traveled to Bethsaida.  The disciples thought He was talking about bread... because they didn't bring enough with them for dinner!   Jesus must have been a bit frustrated with this group.. "Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet see or understand? Do you have a hardened heart?" 

Jesus reminded them of the five loaves that fed 5000 and the 7 loaves that fed the 4000.  He asked them a pointed question, " .. how many baskets of broken pieces did you pick up?"   

"Do you not yet understand?"

How often do we find ourselves in the position of the disciples.. not understanding that with Jesus the focus is not on feeding our stomachs.. but feeding our souls.  It's not about signs that we demand.. but about His love and compassion for those who are lost and in need.  How often do I miss the point?  There is nothing that our God cannot do.. there is nothing that He does not see!  He sees the hunger in our bodies and the hunger in our hearts.. and His priority will always be our hearts.. that we would have eyes to see and ears to hear.. Him. 

Father in heaven, open the eyes of my heart that I might see You clearly... That I might know You more and draw closer to Your loving heart.  Let my life be a sanctuary where You reign and Your love abounds more and more. May I seek You with all my heart and find You.. pouring out Your power and love... high and lifted up.. Oh surround us and fill us with Your Spirit today we pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.