Our text for today is Mark 8:16-18
The disciples followed Jesus onto a boat, but forgot to bring bread. They only had one loaf. Jesus warned them to beware of the yeast of the Pharisees. They mistook his comments about yeast to be a reprimand to them for forgetting to bring bread. Mark 8 tells us, “they said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’”
Jesus responded to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?” (Mark 8:16-18)
Jesus’ concern for them was that they became so fixed on the bread of this life, that they failed to see that Jesus was sharing a bigger, spiritual thought.
As I read that story, I remembered another story that happened during the terrible bombing raids of World War II. Many children were left orphaned and starving as a result of the bombing strikes. Those who were lucky enough to be saved were put in refugee camps where they were fed and given proper care. Many of these young people who had suffered such great losses were unable to sleep at night. They feared that when they woke up, they would still be hungry and without a place to live.
Nothing seemed to reassure the children. Someone finally had the bright idea of giving each child a slice of bread to hold while they slept. These kids could at last sleep peacefully while holding their bread. Bread continued to remind them throughout the night that “Today I ate and I will eat again tomorrow.”
Holding on to the bread at night really didn’t change anything for the children, but it made them feel secure.
In contrast to clutching actual bread, we would all do well to go to bed while clinging to our spiritual bread, Jesus, the bread of Life. Our assurance for the following day will come from holding Him during the night.
Lonnie Davis