“How many times do I have to tell you before it sinks in?!” For a guy that was subject to be very hard-headed, I’ve heard that phrase many times in my life. Now that I have kids of my own, I understand exactly why people say this phrase. My own dear, sweet children sometimes favor their Daddy and it is exasperating to tell someone, show someone, plead with someone over and over to get your point across.
Mark 8:14-21 is an example of this frustration. Jesus is trying to teach and his followers are still concerned with trivial, physical things. The group is concerned because they forgot to bring along enough bread. Jesus hears their conversation and becomes frustrated with them. Why? Because they aren’t listening. They don’t see. More importantly, they don’t trust. A very short time ago, Jesus had fed thousands with just a few loaves of bread and they have already forgotten. It’s so easy for me to say, “They just saw this! How can they forget so quickly? Jesus is trying to get them to focus on the spiritual and they can’t get past the physical!”
And yet, I doubt him. I worry. I concern myself with trivial matters around me. I’ve see God’s power in everything around me. I’ve seen his work in others around me. May God forgive me for my lack of understanding and strength.