IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Jesus Feeds Four Thousand

Date: Apr. 1, 2016

Passage

Mark 8:1-13  (ESV)

In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” And he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. 10 And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 8:2

“I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat.

First, how many loaves do you have? (1-10) Jesus cared about life. He taught the crowd for three days, and he fed them the word of God with compassion. But his compassion didn't end with Bible study. Jesus deeply cared about the life of each person in the crowd. So when their food was gone, Jesus wanted to give them something to eat. He also wanted to teach his disciples this truth. When they asked where they could get food, Jesus asked them a question: "How many loaves do you have?" When they offered what they had-just seven loaves and a few small fish-Jesus fed the crowd with bread to spare. His compassion is truly overflowing.

Second, no sign will be given to it (11-13). Right after this, Jesus met the Pharisees, who questioned and tested him by asking for a sign. But Jesus did not give them a sign. Jesus is revealed not in signs, but in his compassion.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, help me to repent of sign-seeking faith and offer what I have to Jesus. Help me to learn the beauty of his overflowing compassion.

One Word: Seek the compassion of Jesus

Daily Bread

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

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Intro Daily

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references