Read Mark 7:24-9:1
Observations:
Continuing the narrative: Jesus retreats to Tyre, attempting to lay low, but he "could not be hidden." He heals a Gentile's daughter of demon possession and a deaf man in Sidon. A great crowd gathers with little food. Jesus has compassion on them, concerned that they eat before traveling home. He blesses 7 loaves and a few fish and it feeds 4,000 with 7 baskets of leftovers. Jesus shows emotional disappointment/frustration (he "sighed from deep within himself") when the Pharisees demand a sign. Then the disciples become worried when they have no bread. Jesus questions them and reminds them of the miracle He has just performed. Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah, and Jesus teaches them plaining what is coming in the days ahead. He teaches the gathering crowd the value of the eternal and the futility of living for the here and now. He warns that anyone who would follow Him must deny himself and take up his cross.
Principles:
1. News of Jesus traveled fast. Even though He kept telling people to "tell no one" when he healed them, they didn't listen. They couldn't help but share the amazing things that He had done.
2. Jesus came to offer the Kingdom to the Jews, but He didn't reject when Gentiles came to Him looking for help or hope.
3. Jesus experienced human emotions when He was pressured by the Pharisees and forgotten by the disciples.
4. Following Jesus isn't a "fun" activity. There is a tension in giving your life to Christ. It involves self denial and cross bearing. But ultimately it is the only way to "find life" because living for the world is futile.
Write/draw:
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