1 Corinthians 12:1-11
March 17, 2010
The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. "Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread." Aware 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? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" "Twelve," they replied. "And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" They answered, "Seven." He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"
They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?" He looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around." Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Jesus sent him home, saying, "Don't go into the village.- Mark 8:14-25
When watching the news at night, it is easy to become discouraged by stories of our struggling economy. We might start to worry about our own situation and wonder whether our families will have enough to get by.
In Mark 8:14-21 the disciples find themselves in a similar situation when they forget to bring some bread with them to eat. Jesus sees that they are distressed and tells them “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod” (8:15). Jesus wants the disciples to keep from the sinful ways of the Pharisees and their teachings. He wants them to understand that real spiritual nourishment comes only from him.
However, instead of listening to Jesus the disciples continue to complain about the fact that they have no bread. They get so distressed over their empty stomachs that they forget that Jesus has already miraculously fed five thousand people and then four thousand people. Jesus reminds them by saying, “Do you not yet perceive or understand…and do you not remember when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand?” (8:18-19).
Like the disciples we often forget that God provides for all our needs, physical and spiritual. Though we may forget about our daily blessings, God does not forget us. In fact, the Father had you in mind when he sent his only begotten son to suffer and die for you, so that you would receive salvation and forgiveness of sins. Jesus gives himself to us through his word and sacraments so that we may have everlasting life with him in heaven.
During this season of Lent, remember that God not only provides for your physical needs, but your spiritual needs as well by the suffering Christ endured on your behalf.
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who amid so many adversities do fail through our own infirmities, may be restored through the Passion and intercession o f Thine only-begotten Son.
Collect for Monday of Holy Week The Lutheran Hymnal © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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