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

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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[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

  • Hebrews 13:5-6
  • Romans 8:28-29
  • Matthew 6:31-33

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Illustration

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

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.

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