Beyond the Weekend

November 18 | The Review

November 18, 2020

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember?” Mark 8:17-18

Read: Mark 8:11-24

Listen: Mark 8

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Crossing the lake (an action you can box), the disciples are concerned they don’t have enough bread to eat. But Jesus isn’t worried about their next meal. He’s concerned about their lack of trust in him. Surprisingly, Jesus appears to lose it—challenging them with eight rapid-fire questions. The questions force them to remember something they’re missing. Jesus wants them to remember what he did for the 5,000 and then 4,000. By remembering his miraculous provision for the crowds, the disciples are strengthening their faith. Trust is built by remembering.

It’s easy to forget. We remember being laid off at the start of COVID. Thank goodness we received a job offer just days later. We remember long-time friends who recently moved south after retirement. Thank goodness for the new couple who just joined our small group. We remember the recent challenges our children experienced. Thank goodness for an amazing counselor who helped us all. But we often miss something. We miss the One who provided the job. We don’t recognize the One who directed the couple to your small group. We don’t see the One who provides real wisdom.

It’s about trust. We learn to trust God today based on what he did then. When we don’t give God credit, we don’t allow ourselves to build trust. There is a connection between how God provided back there and our ability to trust him right now.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

On pages 73–74 of your journal, make a list of where God has provided for you. Take your time as you go back five years, ten years or even decades. When you finish, thank God through prayer for what he has done. Then use his faithfulness to give you confidence in his ability to handle the challenges of today.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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