What Jesus Did! 'How Many?' — Mark 8:19-21

Saturday, May 18, 2024

[Continuing his rebuke of the disciples for arguing about forgetting to bring enough food, Jesus said,] "When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterward?"

"Twelve," they said.

"And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?"

"Seven," they said.

"Don't you understand yet?" he asked them.

— Mark 8:19-21 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus is trying to help his closest followers remember with the eyes of faith. This faith means the disciples must remember more than merely what has occurred; they must recall what the events had meant based upon their faith in Jesus and their past experiences with the power of God. Lest we are tempted to look down on them for their forgetfulness, let's remember all the times and ways that God has blessed, rescued, and provided for us. Let's also remember how often we find ourselves needlessly worrying about our future and wondering if God is going to help us - and it is God who has gotten us to where we are.

Today's Prayer

Heavenly Father, I'm so very sorry for the many times I've failed to remember your tremendous care, provision, rescue, comfort, and protection. Use your Holy Spirit to help me remember through the eyes of faith and to take comfort in your constant presence and care in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 8:19-21 NLT — "Don't you understand yet?"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, May 18, 2024

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
2 Corinthians 10:17-18
""Let him who boasts boast in the LORD." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Testing the Purity of Our Hearts' (De. 13:1-3)
"Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'You Thrill Me!' (Ps. 92:4-5)
"You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. O Lord, what great works you do! And how deep are..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Nothing Else Matters!' (Jn. 6:63)
"[Jesus said,] "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you — they are full of the Spirit and life.""

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!