COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 87
“ Mark 8:14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf. 15 And He charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. 16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread. 17 And when Jesus knew it, He saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?.”
(Mark 8:14-17; Matthew 16:5-8)
THE FRAILTY OF UNSPIRITUAL THOUGHT #1
INTRODUCTION
Having fed a great multitude, and departed to the other wise of the sea, Jesus had confronted the Pharisees and some Sadducees. Appearing to be earnest inquirers, they had asked Him to show them a sign from heaven, only to be soundly rebuffed by Him. He would not give them a sign, for they were a “wicked and adulterous generation” (Matt 16:4). There is a generation that is willing to be around Jesus, and even ask Him questions. Yet, they have no real heart for Him, but have given themselves over to a wicked world. Such a generation will not be given the sweet morsels of truth. He who reminded men not to give what is holy to dogs, or cast their pearls before swine will surely not do so Himself (Matt 7:6). Remember, this is the real Jesus to whom we are being exposed. He is wholly intolerant of professional and heartless religion. He will not become involved in their manners or desires. Thus Jesus left them, entered a boat, and departed from that area. It was a contaminated area – contaminated with men and their manners. It is not that He Himself stood in danger of defilement, but that such an environment was repulsive to Him. He had been sent on a mission from heaven, and it did not include spending lengthy periods of time with those who had no heart for God. In a response that clashes with modern religion, Jesus left the company of the religious professionals and the disinterested to be with His disciples. If we are ever inquisitive about how Jesus will respond to cold hearts and a casual approach to the truth, let us take up the Gospels and behold there the Word made flesh, moving in and out among men.
THEY FORGOT TO TAKE BREAD
“ Mk 8:14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.”
THE DISCIPLES HAD FORGOTTEN TO TAKE BREAD. Mark says the disciples themselves “forgot to bring bread.” Matthew records: “they had forgotten to take bread.” Here, what appears to be a very practical matter is mentioned. The disciples had forgotten to take with them bread sufficient for the journey. It appears that their usual manner was to gather supplies for their journeys, but this time they had forgotten to do so.
Keep in mind, we are speaking about thirteen passengers in a boat being rowed approximately seven miles across the sea – an effort that probably required several hours. Further, there is no record of them eating since the four thousand were fed – supposing that they also ate at that time. Notwithstanding, they had embarked on this journey without any procuring any supplies of food.
NO BREAD WAS IN THE SHIP. What is even more, there was no supply of bread remaining in the ship from their trip to the area of Dalmanutha. So here is the scene with which we are faced: thirteen men crossing the sea of Galilee with no food, and no record of them having eaten for a significant period of time.
IS THERE A LESSON TO BE LEARNED HERE? It may appear as though this is only incidental information. However, there is some very valuable insight available in this text.
The matter of the Lord’s leadership is one in which a good understanding is required. The Lord is a Good Shepherd, leading forth His people (John 10:3). He goes before them (John 10:4). He leads His people by His voice, and they know that voice (John 10:5). Of old time, the Psalmist declared, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way” (Psa 37:23). Isaiah affirmed that the Lord would “guide” His people (Isa 49:10). Zecharias, the father of John the Baptist, prophesied that the Savior would “guide the feet” of His people (Lk 1:79). God also orders the steps of a good man (Psa 37:23).
Some, armed with a surface understanding of these things, withdraw themselves from the arena of initiative. They are persuaded God will always let them know what they are to do. They feel as though waiting on the Lord is doing nothing until you have that certain feeling or sure awareness that the Lord wants you to do this or that. Such people would never do like Saul following his conversion, assaying [or trying] to join himself to disciples who were obviously afraid of him (Acts 9:26). They would never “assay,” or attempt, to go into Bithynia, only to be blocked by the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:7). They would never purpose to go to the brethren in Rome, only to be frustrated in the attempt (Rom 1:13), or try and to go to Thessalonia again and again, only to be hindered by Satan (1 Thess 2:18). For people like this, the blocking of their plans would mean they were out of the will of God and operating in the energy of the flesh. However, Saul was eventually received by the brethren (Acts 9:27-28), the Gospel eventually got into Bithynia (1 Pet 1:1), Paul eventually got to Rome (Acts 23:11; 28:16), and Paul got to Thesslonica by means of his letters (1 Thess 1:1; 2:1).
The early believers did not suffer under the delusion that the Lord would work everything out for them independent of their own involvement – particularly in the practical matters of life. If, for example, a man did not work, he was to be deprived of the luxury of eating (2 Thess 3:10). There is also such a thing as not having because one does not ask (James 4:2). There is also such a thing as asking for the wrong thing, and therefore not receiving (James 4:3).
Take, our text as an example. The disciples “had forgotten to take bread.” Jesus did not tell them “Do not forget to bring some bread!” He did not move upon them to consider the fact that they had run out of bread, and there was none in the boat. Even though they had remained with Him, and entered the boat with Him, they still forgot bread, and He did not do a thing about it. They had just been instrumental of the feeding of a multitude. They had even gathered up seven baskets full of fragments – surely sufficient to provide something for thirteen men traveling across the sea. But they forgot, and Jesus let them do so.
It is true that David said he had never “seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread” (Psa 37:25). But that does not mean God will abort all hunger, or always interfere when men do not have enough. Lazarus desired to be fed with the crumbs from the rich man’s table (Lk 16:20). Paul himself knew what it was like to be “hungry” (Phil 4:12). His hunger was different than that of the disciples – it took place while he was laboring for the Lord. The disciples were without bread because they forgot to bring some with them.
Sometimes we endure inconveniences simply because of our forgetfulness. The Lord Jesus, however, does not rush to our aid, eliminating all inconveniences. If we are deceived into thinking that is the kind of care He has for us, we will suffer many needless annoyances and aggravations. It is important to learn how to “use the world” and not “abuse” it (1 Cor 7:31).
TAKE HEED AND BEWARE
“ 15 And He charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.”
HE CHARGED THEM. Other versions read, “giving orders to them,” NASB “warned them,” NIV “cautioned them,” NRSV “enjoined them,” NAB “admonished them,” WEYMOUTH and “[repeatedly and expressly] charged and admonished them.” AMPLIFIED Remember, this is the real Jesus. He is one who charges, gives order, warns, cautions, and admonishes. He does not allow souls to continue in their own selfish ways, unchallenged, and content with their own thoughts. Just as surely as Satan hurls fiery darts into our minds, so the Lord provokes us with spiritual inquiries and demands.
A lot of people are not acquainted with this Jesus. They think of Him only in regard to their own needs, troubles, aspirations, trials, etc. Some think of Him only with regard to what absolutely must be done to please God. They do not, however, consider Him as One who directs thought, requires the consideration of certain matters, and expects the profitable use of the mind.
The word “charged” involves something that is distinct and clear. As used here, it also carries the idea of something repeatedly charged, especially confirming that this warning was needed. The picture is that of the Lord delivering this charge over and over, perhaps from differing perspectives, pressing the matter upon the disciples, and not letting it go. Again, this is a Divine manner that must be realized by believers. When the Scriptures say “quench not the Spirit,” it is referring to refusing to ignore the repeated overtures of the Spirit.
TAKE HEED, BEWARE! Other versions read, “Watch out! Beware,” NASB “Take care to be on the watch,” BBE “Watch out, guard against,” NAB and “Look out; keep on your guard and beware.” AMPLIFIED There is an obvious urgency in this word, as there is in all warnings. It suggests the subtlety of the matter of which they are warned. It also suggests there is a natural simplicity resident in men that causes them to be unprepared to face such dangers. Additionally, there are holy instincts and aptitudes that need to be stirred up.
It is possible for a person to adopt an overly simplistic view of spiritual living that causes him to drift through life as though there were no genuine dangers. Thus Satan and his strategies are not seen as real dangers, and wicked men in the religious arena are not perceived. Divine protection is seen as occurring automatically, with all threatening approaches to the child of God being consistently blocked. This way of thinking is too naive for God’s people. It is possible to be “carried away” with a wrong attitude (Gal 2:13), be “defiled” by a “root of bitterness,” and be corrupted by “evil communications” (1 Cor 15:33). This is a day when the “Beware!” mentality needs to be restored in the church.
THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES. Leaven is yeast – a substance that, though proportionately small, effects the whole of a matter – i.g. “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (1 Cor 5:6; Gal 5:9). In this case, there was something associated with the Pharisees that had a spreading and contaminating effect. Matthew states that the disciples finally understood that this referred to the “doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matt 16:12). Other versions read “the teaching,” for that is what “doctrine” is – teaching.
“Doctrine” has to do with instruction – that is, summarizing the Scriptures, drawing certain conclusions from them, and teaching people what they mean and how to apply them. The people were “astonished” at Christ’s “doctrine,” because it was radically different from that of the scribes and Pharisees (Matt 7:28-29). He came to different conclusions, perceived different issues, and urged men to different involvements.
It is what the Pharisees taught that was so dangerous. It was at variance with the mind of the Lord, and therefore led people into the “ditch,” rather than to the narrow way that leads to life (Matt 15:14). Their doctrine, like that of Hymenaeus and Philetus “spread like cancer,” NKJV devouring soundness of mind, tenderness of heart, and purity of conscience (2 Tim 2:17).
THE LEAVEN OF HEROD. This has particular reference to the Herodians, who aPparently had adopted the views of Herod, as well as being devoted to him. The Herodians are mentioned three times in Scripture. The Pharisees once sent out their disciples “with the Herodians” to question Jesus about taxes (Matt 22:16-17; Mk 12:13). Early on, the Pharisees also conspired with the Herodians “how they might destroy” Jesus (Mk 3:6). These were not a religious sect, but a political one that feigned affinity with the Jews. Deep within, they viewed Jesus as a threat to their government – a sort of competitor at a political level.
Jesus warned His disciples to beware of the doctrine of Herod as well – a doctrine that could produce an anarchist like Barabbas among the Jews (Mark 15:7). A parallel in our time would be political people described as “conservative right,” “right to life,” etc. Such people often have little or no interest in “the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Cor 2:14). Their approach to life, therefore, has a fundamentally corrupting influence on the people. Over the years I have observed that a “God and country” emphasis always gives priority to “country.”
WHY DO YOU STILL THINK THAT WAY?
“ 16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread. 17 And when Jesus knew it, He saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?”
THEY REASONED AMONG THEMSELVES. A lot is revealed in the way in which we talk among ourselves. The disciples concluded that Jesus was upbraiding them because they had no bread, and perhaps warning them about eating bread associated with the Pharisees and the Herodians. It did not seem foolish to them to think like this. In fact, it appeared to make perfect sense to them. Yet, they could not possibly have been more wrong. One of the dreadful traits of carnalmindedness is that its folly does not appear to those caught in its snare.
JESUS KNEW IT. Other versions read, “being aware of it,” NKJV and “aware of their discussion,” NIV “perceiving it.” ASV It would transform all communication among believers if they were conscious of the fact that Jesus knows what they are talking about. Solemnly we are reminded, “all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Heb 4:13). This includes even discussions among ourselves.
WHY REASON YE? Jesus does not blurt out, “You are wrong!” He rather summons them into a more sober frame of mind. Other versions read, “Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread?” NASB “Why are you talking about having no bread?” NIV WHY? WHY? They were talking as though He was not even there – as though He had no power – as though His concern was for the bread that perishes. Do you suppose He still, monitors our conversations, and asks us why we are discussing certain things, and reasoning after a certain manner?
PERCEIVE YE NOT YET, NEITHER UNDERSTAND? What a stunning rebuke! “Do you not yet discern or understand?” AMPLIFIED Were they still unable to traffic in spiritual thought? Did they remain in a state where the words of Jesus made no sense to them? When they considered Christ’s words, they saw men as trees walking – they could not make out their subject or direction. This was saying something like He would later say to Philip: “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?” (John 14:9). At the time of our text, Jesus had been with them around two years. He had been with them over three years when He asked Philip that telling question. I know professed Christians who confess to have been with Jesus for decades, and still have no understanding. How do you suppose He speaks to them?
Is Jesus indifferent to those still cannot perceive or understand? Does He overlook those who only know about daily food, earthly obligations, physical conditions, families, and institutional concerns? What of those who can only associate His words with their earthly circumstances? Do these conditions pass unnoticed before the face of the Lord?
Note, Jesus does not ask if they have limited perception, but whether or not they perceive at all. He does not ask if they have a little understanding, but if they have any at all! It is true that there is a sense in which some perception and some understanding are found in the growing believer. There is also a sense in which there is no perception or understanding at all – where nothing of importance is clearly seen.
IS YOUR HEART STILL HARD? Other versions read, “Is your heart still hardened,” NKJV “are your hearts so hard?” BBE “How long will your hearts be hard?” MRD and “Are your hearts in [a settled state of ] hardness?” AMPLIFIED This is how Jesus assessed their situation. It is how He called them to sobriety, and awakened them from spiritual slumber.
Again, here is a most telling question. This is asked by the shepherd who “gently leads those that are with young” (Isa 40:11). This is the Savior of whom it is said, “A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench” (Matt 12:20). This is the Lord who said, “I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matt 11:29). If, however, people are led to believe that His gentleness means overlooking serious deficiencies in the people He loves, they are in serious error. He is careful with bruised reeds, but not so careful as to pass over flawed conditions. He gently fans the smoking flax to cause it to flame again, but that does not mean He ignores what has put out the flame. Jesus is, indeed, “meek and lowly in heart,” but He is not indifferent to any degree of hardness of heart. It is the responsibility of every child of God to not receive and culture erroneous views of Jesus. Such views are always lethal to the soul.
When men do not have “spiritual understanding,” it is directly associated with the condition of their hearts. Erroneous reasoning, a lack of perception, and flawed understanding come from a hard heart – a heart that is more like stone than flesh. Men might prefer not to diagnose things this way, but nevertheless, that is the way it is. There is a direct correlation between the condition of the heart and the ability of the individual to perceive, understand, and discuss the things of God. That is why the heart must be “established by grace” (Heb 13:9). It is also why it is written, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov 4:23). It is to the advantage of every believer to seek to develop a keen sensitivity to the response of Jesus to their level of perception and understanding, and how they reason.