Mark 7: 24 - 8:10

Today’s reading contains three episodes which continue Mark’s theme of emphasizing Jesus as the Messiah. When Jesus fulfills the request of the Gentile woman he again makes clear the man-made traditions about what is clean and unclean were being swept away by the Messiah. The dialog between Jesus and the woman underscores the primary task of the Messiah at that time. He came to announce the coming Kingdom of God to Israel. The inclusion of non-Jews in the healing signs of the Messiah points to the reality that the whole world will be reconciled by God after the resurrection of Jesus.

The Messiah is coming as the true King. This was a subversive message to the reigning Jewish king as well as the Roman Emperor. Jesus sought to maintain a low profile so that he could continue his teaching and thus he went to places like Tyre, the Ten Towns and the wilderness. Mark is reminding us that Jesus was not an itinerate healer or do-gooder, he was the Messiah. The healings and miracles were signs of his messianic authority. For the Jews the way Mark describes the healing of the deaf and mute man would immediately recall the words of Isaiah 35: 5-6a,

And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind

and unplug the ears of the deaf.

The lame will leap like a deer,

and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!

I see three signs of the Messiah in the way Mark describes the feeding of the 4,000. The people had been in the countryside with Jesus for 3 days. Mark does not mention any signs and wonders during those 3 days. For 3 days the Messiah had been teaching the people. The Messiah is teaching his people about the Kingdom of God. No signs and wonders, no healing, no miracles. As we have already seen the Kingdom of God is altogether different than the ways of our culture. I still have much to unlearn, so I can learn and practice the ways of the Messiah.

I also see that the Messiah has a personal concern for his people. And, when the Messiah reaches out to meet the needs of his people he involves his disciples in the process. He asked his disciples to identify their resources. He blesses their resources and sends his disciples to feed and care for his people.

What word or phrase in these verses

attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

2-Nov-11      Mark 8:11-26