Another Lesson in Compassion
Text: Mark 8:1-10, Matthew 15:32-39
27 April 2014
ANOTHER LESSON ON COMPASSION
1. Compassion on the multitude Mark 8:2a (Cf. Mark 6:34 “moved with compassion”)
2. The multitude had been with Jesus for three days and had nothing to eat Mark 8:2b
3. Some had come from far away Mark 8:3
4. Some might faint along the way if they made their journey back without food Mark 8:3
RESPONSE OF THE DISCIPLES
1. How can we satisfy these people with bread in the wilderness? Mark 8:4
Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude? Matthew 15:33
2. The problem of unbelief still prevailed
3. The lack of compassion was still there
SEVEN LOAVES AND A FEW SMALL FISH
1. Giving of thanks and blessing Mark 8:6-7 (1 Timothy 4:3-5)
2. Organising the Lunch Mark 8:6-8
3. Distributing the loaves and fish Mark 8:6-8
4. Collecting the leftovers – seven large baskets Mark 8:8
THE SIZE OF THE MULTITUDE
1. Four thousand men Mark 8:9
2. Women Matthew 15:38
3. Children Matthew 15:38
LEAVING FOR ANOTHER MINISTRY
1. After feeding the multitude
2. Leaving for Dalmanutha Mark 8:10
Region of Magdala Matthew 15:39
a) Dalmanutha (mentioned only in Mark)
b) Region is near Magdala (two regions close to each other; Magdala is more famous than Dalmanutha)
3. Conclusion of a ministry among Gentiles
a) Tyre and Sidon
b) Decapolis
POEMS – Charles Tan
#8 FOR THIS PURPOSE I HAVE COME FORTH II
The suggestion from the Disciples seems reasonable to the ear,
There are so many in the present community who are eager to hear.
Why go to all the trouble to preach the Gospel to people far and wide?
They could happily serve right here with their Master close beside.
Jesus did have a successful ministry in the region of Galilee,
Many had flocked to hear Him speak of God’s kingdom and eternity.
They brought their sick to Jesus for His grace and power that healed,
They also discovered great spiritual truths that Jesus had revealed.
The time spent with God in prayer confirmed for Jesus His ministry,
He cannot stay in Galilee because many more had not heard salvation’s story.
His Father had revealed and confirmed His will for His beloved Son,
He must leave His comfort zone and continue to labour till His work was done.
Jesus had been sent forth with a powerful Divine decree,
His heart and mind must seek to fulfil His Father’s will most faithfully.
There were many more whose hearts He must seek to touch and win,
They were sheep without a Shepherd and would remain lost without Him.
The work that lay before Jesus was demanding and really tough,
But time with God in prayer would prove more than enough.
As He arose from prayer He sought to share His greater vision,
The Disciples must lift up their eyes to see what lay beyond the horizon.
Inspiration: Mark 1:38
#42 A GREAT CONTRASTING FAITH
The Jews had such a rich and wonderful spiritual heritage,
God manifested Himself mightily in every single age!
Yet they ended up with a religion that was deemed in vain,
That their hearts remained hard and stubborn was so plain.
A Syrophonecian woman heard that Jesus had come to the Tyre and Sidon shores,
Her heart had been deeply burdened but not by domestic chores.
She had a daughter who was seriously ill, possessed by a demon,
She longed to see her healed, but that would surely be up to heaven.
She did not know much about God and even less about Jesus the Lord,
She had heard people call Him, “Son of David” and then He would exercise His power from God.
She took this approach and called, “Son of David!” But He just stood still and not a word was said,
She heard His disciples asking permission to drive her away and deep down she was terribly afraid.
Jesus spoke to her and said that He could not give bread to little dogs, with a gentle voice,
Her heart trembled, but that the Lord Jesus would even speak to her, in that she rejoiced.
Yes, she knew that she was not one of the children of Israel and she was no better than a dog,
But little dogs do get little morsels of food thrown to them by their master and their lord,
Jesus saw the heart of the Syrophonecian woman and He was pleased with her faith in every way,
She possessed a faith that not even His disciples had though they were with Him every day.
He will grant her the request of her heart, for she was clearly deeply distressed,
The demon would trouble her daughter no more! By God’s power she is now blessed!
Inspiration: Mark 7:24-30