“Do you not yet understand?”

Mark 8:21, And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

We see the longing Jesus had for his disciples hearts to be softened, their ears to be opened, and their eyes to see all that he had for them. Their focus turned once again away from his amazing sovereignty over the bread that fed the multitudes, to their lack of having more than a single loaf of bread! He was more concerned that they recognize the danger of having the same sad, pervasive unbelief of the religious rulers. We too can be hard of hearing and slow to recognize his amazing truth, and that he cares for us and intercedes for us. We are also warned about the “leaven of the Pharisees,” seemingly small things that can work their way through our whole lives and bring corruption. He wants us to know him better, to realize all that he has for us. Do we understand?

We thank you that you are patient with us even when we slip and stumble; continue to soften our hearts, to open our eyes and ears to hear you and to understand your purpose for us!

ESV Lectionary