Mark Chapter 8

Jesus feeding of the four thousand has many comparisons with the story of the feeding of the five thousand earlier in the gospel. Jesus takes meager supplies and feeds a multitude. It is a miracle however the result was achieved. What is particularly telling is how the story ends with Jesus preparing to leave and being approached by Pharisees. They want a sign to show that he is indeed the Messiah. Jesus refuses because he knows it will make know difference. Why seek a sign after all the healing miracles, the feeding miracles and so on. Those with the eyes of faith, who are open to work that God is doing would see the signs already surely. Another sign would make no difference.

Jesus heals a blind man. Once more the healing miracle is successful. Jesus warns him not to enter the village. Is this yet another attempt by Jesus to keep the matter private? Is this another way of denying an easy way out to faith? Is it still essential that each person should confront the question : 'Who is Jesus to me?'

'Who is Jesus?' this question has been a theme of the gospel from the beginning. Jesus asks his disciples who people are saying he is. They reply that he is John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the prophets. These are all forerunners of the Messiah in Jewish thinking. Then we have the critical question addressed to the disciples. Who do they think that Jesus is? So he asks.

Peter is the one who responds. 'You are the Messiah' he says. This is a high point. Jesus is recognised as the promised saviour of the people of God. Jesus warns them not to tell anyone else.

He does go on to explain what this 'Messiah' will be and what he will endure. He will be arrested, beaten, crucified and three days later will rise from the dead. Peter cannot bear it. He says that this cannot be allowed, it must be stopped. Jesus turns and says 'get behind me Satan'. Poor Peter goes from hero to villain in an instant. This is a tough lesson learning that Jesus has to die as part of God's plan.

Jesus goes further. To follow him means sacrifice. You have to symbolically take up your cross and follow Jesus. That means setting aside the selfish desires of ourselves to serve God and one another. These are tough lessons. The investing of all of ourselves, our whole life for God is required of us. There can be no turning back.

Mark 7

The first part of chapter seven brings s back to the conflict between Jesus and the religious professionals. These are senior academics from within Jewish life. They have journeyed from Jerusalem to keep an eye on Jesus. We might argue that they are spying on him to see if they can find proof against him. We might read ahead to the crucifixion and see this spying as a means of preparing the case against Jesus. We might be jumping ahead here. Maybe there were those among these academics and religious professionals who are still not sure and are trying to find out.

The controversies surround Jesus and his disciples eating with unclean hands. Here we must be careful. This is not about cleanliness it is about the ritual cleaning prior to eating practiced by Rabbis and their followers. Jesus enters the controversy by attacking the rituals which are a distraction from the really important issues of the day. The reference to Isaiah by Jesus is relevant. The prophet is talking about the outward show of religious practice. The ritual is now more important than the substance of people's behaviour.

The classic example of this is the practice of 'Corban' the activity of giving money to the poor. This is a good practice in itself but many in Jesus day were using the practice to excuse themselves from their responsibilities to their fathers and mothers. They could gain recognition for their donations in public respect while at the same time failing in their family responsibilities.

This conflict between outward piety and inward sinfulness is at the heart of Jesus message. What enters a person makes them unclean not outward things.

The theme of uncleanness and acceptance is continued in the chapter. Jesus is now in Syrophoenicia a Gentile area comprising part of present day Lebanon. There he and his disciples are met by a local woman who needs healing for her sick daughter. She appeals to Jesus but his reaction is quite strange. He ignores her and indicates no interest. The disciples beg him to send her away for they are being tormented by her appeals.

Jesus eventually relents and speaks to her. 'You must not give the children's food to the dogs' he says. What does this mean? Jewish people regarded Gentiles as 'dogs'. They were effectually inhuman and of no value. Jesus is repeating this shocking racism. Why? At it's heart it is a test of the woman's resolve. If she really wants healing so badly she will not be put off by insults.

She never hesitates. 'Even the dogs eat what falls from the children's table' she says. He is struck by her indestructible faith. The outward ritual of insult has no affect. She will have her child healed. That is exactly what happens.

A deaf man from Tyre also approaches him. He too is a Gentile. He begs to hear and speak clearly.

Jesus puts his fingers in his ears and spits upon his tongue and the man is healed.

Once more Jesus is declaring an open place for all within God's plan. Even the isolated and forgotten, the despised and ignored are welcome to receive his acceptance. Jesus talks and acts in this chapter around the themes of the acceptable and the accepted.