At that time, a large crowd came again without anything to eat. Jesus gathered the disciples and said, “I care for this crowd because they have already stayed with me for three days without food. If I dismiss them back to their homes while they are hungry, they’ll collapse on the journey. Some came from far away.”
His disciples replied, “How can we feed the people here in the desert?”
Jesus asked, “How many bread loaves are there?” They replied, “Seven.”
Jesus told the crowd to sit on the ground and took the seven loaves, gave thanks, then broke it up and handed it to his disciples for them to distribute. They handed it out to the crowd. There was also some fish. Jesus gave thanks for them and told the disciples to also distribute them. Everyone ate until they were satisfied. They picked up the leftovers; seven baskets worth. There were around four thousand people.
Jesus sent them home, then got into a boat with his disciples and travelled to Dalmanutha.
The Pharisees arrived and argued with Jesus, asking for him to do a miracle from heaven to test him. Jesus groaned in his soul and said, “Why do these people ask for a miracle? I’m telling you, no miracle is given to these people.”
He then left them and sailed again, away to the other side. They forgot to bring the bread, except for one loaf and didn’t have anything else with them in the boat
Jesus told them, “Watch out for the Pharisees’ yeast and Herod’s yeast.”
The disciples then discussed together that they had no bread.
Overhearing, Jesus said, “Why are you talking about not having bread? Don’t you get it? Have your hearts hardened? You have eyes, but they don’t see. You have ears that don’t hear or remember. When I broke the five loaves of bread for the five thousand, how many baskets of leftovers were collected?”
The disciples replied, “Twelve.”
“And when I did the same for the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets of leftovers were collected?”
The disciples replied, “Seven.”
“Don’t you get it?” Jesus asked.
They arrived at Bethsaida, and people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged him to touch the man. He grabbed the blind man’s hand and led him outside the village. Jesus spat in his eyes, put his hands on him and asked, “See anyone?”
The man looked up and said, “I see people that look like walking trees.”
Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his seeing was restored and he could see everything clearly.
He sent the man home, saying, “Don’t go into the village.”
Jesus and his disciples then went to the village of Caesarea Philippi. On the way, Jesus asked his disciples, ” Who do people say I am?”
They replied, “John the Baptist, others say Elijah, others say one of the prophets.”
He then asked, “So, who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”
Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. He then began teaching them it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer a lot and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and law experts, and be killed and rise after three days. Jesus spoke openly. Peter grabbed Jesus and told him to stop talking.
Jesus turned and looked at his disciples and warned Peter, “Go behind me, Satan. You are not thinking about God but about people.”
Jesus gathered the crowd with his disciples and said, “If anyone wants to follow me, forget about yourself, pick up your cross and follow me, because whoever wants to save his life loses it, but whoever loses his life for the sake of me and the gospel will save it. What good is it for a person to gain the entire universe but give up his life? What can someone give in exchange for his life? Whoever is ashamed of me and my message in this unfaithful and sinful group of people, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of them when he arrives in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Mark Chapter 8 Summary
Jesus once again shows His compassion for the hungry crowd. Without enough food, Jesus miraculously feeds four thousand people with just seven loaves of bread and a few fish, with leftovers filling seven baskets. He then travels with his disciples by boat to Dalmanutha where the Pharisees challenge him for a sign from heaven. Jesus, frustrated, notes the importance of faith over signs. Later, Jesus heals a blind man in Bethsaida, restoring his vision in two stages. As they journey to Caesarea Philippi, Jesus questions his disciples about His identity. While some mistake Him for past prophets, Peter recognises Him as the Christ. Jesus then reveals the coming trials He must endure, including His death and resurrection. He also teaches about the cost of discipleship, emphasising the importance of denying your earthly needs and the eternal value of one’s being.
Mark Chapter 8 Bible Study Questions and Answers
- How does the feeding of the 4,000 inspire us in our own Christian walk to trust God’s provision in times of scarcity?
Answer: It demonstrates Jesus’ care and ability to provide even in situations that seem impossible. For us, it can be a reminder that even when resources appear limited or circumstances are challenging, we can trust in God’s provision and grace. - In what ways can we, as Christians, decide when to seek signs and when to walk by faith, taking inspiration from Jesus’ response to the Pharisees?
Answer: A constant need for signs might indicate a lack of genuine faith. In our journey, it’s important to balance our desires for tangible affirmations with an inherent trust in God’s promises and timing. - Reflecting on the healing of the blind man, how does this story encourage believers to be patient in their spiritual growth and understanding?
Answer: Just as the blind man’s sight was restored in stages, our spiritual understanding can also grow progressively. This reassures us that it’s okay to not have full clarity immediately and that God is patient with us in our journey towards deeper understanding. - From Peter’s confession and Jesus’ caution to keep it silent, how can we find a balance between sharing our faith and understanding the right timing or circumstances to share our beliefs?
Answer: Peter’s confession reminds us of the importance of recognising Jesus as the one come to save us, but Jesus’ caution also indicates discernment in sharing our faith. As believers, we can be eager to share the good news but should also be sensitive to the context and readiness of our audience, ensuring our words are both timely and impactful. - Considering Jesus’ call to “pick up your cross and follow me,” how might this challenge modern Christians in their daily lives to live selflessly and aligned with Christ’s teachings?
Answer: Jesus’ call is a reminder of the sacrifices and challenges in the Christian journey. For modern believers, it prompts self-reflection on our priorities, comforts, and ambitions. It encourages us to willingly face challenges and make sacrifices in the name of love, service, and the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
Mark Chapter 8 Explained
Mark Chapter 8 is important for understanding the teachings and ministry of Jesus. The miracles presented, such as the feeding of the four thousand and the healing of the blind man, are not just acts of care but signify deeper spiritual truths.
The feeding of the four thousand is more than just a miracle; it’s a demonstration of Jesus’ provision. In a world that often feels empty and lacking hope, Jesus promises that we will be filled with what we need. The seven baskets of leftovers signify God’s overabundance – that in Him, our spiritual needs will not only be met but will overflow.
The Pharisees’ demand for a sign reveals a deeper issue – the human tendency to seek constant confirmations rather than having faith. Jesus’ refusal emphasises that genuine faith overcomes the need for constant miraculous signs.
The healing of the blind man in Bethsaida is unique. Unlike other miracles, this healing is gradual. It could symbolise the journey of faith, where understanding and spiritual clarity might come in stages rather than all at once.
The discussions about Jesus’ identity highlight the varied perceptions of Him. While some see Him through the lens of history, as a prophet or a great teacher, Peter’s revelation points to a profound truth. Recognising Jesus as the Christ is foundational for Christian belief.
Lastly, Jesus’ teachings in Caesarea Philippi touch on the theme of sacrifice and reward. He calls for self-denial and carrying one’s cross, which implies facing challenges for His sake. In a world that often prioritises personal gain, Jesus challenges believers to think eternally, asserting that the soul’s value is incomparably important.
Together, this chapter discusses Jesus’ miracles, teachings, and the journey of faith, offering readers an understanding of His mission and the essence of Christian discipleship.
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Continue exploring Mark 8
If you’d like to read Mark 8 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Mark 8 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Mark 8 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Mark 8 in the Contemporary English Version.
If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
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For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version
If you’d like to explore Mark in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Mark
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)
Not My Life 