Read Mark 8:1-13

The last days of Jesus' earthly life are filled with significant events and teachings. During these weeks leading up to Easter, we'll travel with Jesus toward Jerusalem and his crucifixion, marveling at his determination to finally fulfill his destiny as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Read Mark 8:1-13

During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance."

His disciples answered, "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?"

"How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked.

"Seven," they replied.

He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand were present. After he had sent them away, he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.

The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it." Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.

Reflect

Jesus feeds 4,000 or more people from seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. Immediately after this miraculous meal, the Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign from heaven. They are asking him to prove he is the Son of God. Why do you think Jesus "sighed deeply"?

Respond

How often are we like the Pharisees, begging God for a miraculous sign of his existence or his goodness, in spite of the evidence of his presence and goodness that exist already in the form of our salvation, our good gifts of life and food and housing and Christian community, and the promise of eternity? Spend some time right now simply thanking God for his goodness to you.