Sermon title:  A Question of Faith

Text: Mark 8:10 - 26

Sermon links:

http://www.buzzsprout.com/15930/317306-oct-18-2015-mark-8-10-26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk3AnFIaIzE

Quotes from The Pillar NT Commentary: The Gospel According to Mark by James Edwards

Discussion Questions:

- What is the leaven of the Pharisees?

OT Parallel:  The antagonism of Israelites to Moses in the wilderness (Ex. 33:5, Psalm 95:10-11, Deut. 32:18 - 21)

"The word asked = attempt to gain control of."  The Pharisees were in essence attempting to gain control of Jesus.

"The word test = obstacle/stumbling block."  The Pharisees were in essence not only attempting to control Jesus, but also trying to place a stumbling block in front of Him.  The use of this word also occurs in Mark with Satan's temptation of Jesus...

"Faith that depends on proof is not faith but veiled doubt...Faith, like love itself, cannot be proven; it can only be demonstrated by active trust and commitment."

- What mistake were the disciples making?

Their failure to comprehend can produce a hard heart.  They were in essence seeing, but not understanding, which predisposed their hearts to being hardened.

- Is Jesus _____________?  How do you fill in that blank?  I would encourage you to ask yourself if Jesus is enough.  "The disciples who have witnessed baskets full of bread doubt Jesus' sufficiency in the boat."

- Why did Jesus have to touch the blind man twice?

Basically I believe that God did this miracle this way so Mark could place it in his gospel here to foreshadow that the disciples faith would be healed.  They see and over time their understanding will become clearer.

Application Question:

- Where are your eyes of faith failing you?

There you have the rough outline please go and take a listen.

Blessings,
PT