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 8:14-21
Listen: Mark 8
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The man being blind physically and receiving his sight is a metaphor for being blind spiritually and receiving sight spiritually. It’s not the only time Jesus teaches the disciples about spiritual blindness. In Mark 8, Jesus tells his disciples to “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod” (Mark 8:15). Missing his point entirely, Jesus asks them, “Do you still not see or understand?” Like the man born blind, this is a metaphor about seeing spiritually. Those closest to Jesus are at risk of not being able to see what is right in front of them.
It is also possible for us to be close to God and unable to see what is right in front of us. We can attend weekend services for years and become sermon-proof. Or become blind and numb to the beauty of God’s creation, our own sin or the extent to which we need Jesus daily. We need to be reminded that spiritual blindness is a real possibility for all of us who attend church. We can become comfortable in our blindness.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Watch Ada Bible Church’s worship team sing, “Goodness of God.” Use the lyrics as the basis of a prayer to remain focused spiritually and remind yourself of who Jesus is and that he still gives sight to the spiritually blind. “All my life, you have been faithful. And all my life, you have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able, oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.”
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
PHILIPPIANS 4:5b–7
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
