Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?

Mark 8:1-26

Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? Mark 8:17c-18

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 8:1-26.  Excerpts from the commentary's third (of four) division (vv14-21):

• For the third division, the title is: "Disciples Will See Great Works but Fail to Fully Understand."
• "[Jesus] cautioned them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” A small amount of leaven will permeate a whole batch of bread dough. The leaven of unbelief has gripped the hearts of the Pharisees and Herod and has taken control of their entire lives. Watch out! Don’t let unbelief take you down and away from the divine truth you see and hear in Me."
• "[Jesus'] questions were not intended to shame but to instruct." What compassion!  
•  We are encouraged by the commentary to lean on text where it shares (1) believe that all things are possible with God - Luke 1:37; (2) how to be content in all circumstances and to see how through Him all things are possible and how He provides - Philippians 4:12-13, and 19.

V18 in particular is key as we should remember what God has done as constant reminders of what God has done will keep us focused on who God is, and how we are utterly dependent on Him for all things - big and small. See also this post from a couple of days ago.  God is always at work, and for those who love Him, He is able to make "all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - You reached down into the pit, while still an enemy and hostile to You, and saved me.  You continue to pour out an inexhaustible supply of grace and mercy every day - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.