1. Where did this event occur? (v. 1, cf. 7:31; Matt 6:31)
2. What is the crowd’s reaction to Jesus?
3. What is Jesus reaction to the crowd? (vv. 2-3)
4. Why do you think Jesus calls his disciples attention to the needs of the crowd?
5. What was so dull about the disciples question? (v. 4, cf. 7:39-44)
6. What is the irony of the Pharisees’ question and Jesus’ reply? (vv. 11-13)
Notes: Here we again are confronted with Christ's compassion and patience, the crowds flocking to him for healing, the disciples slowness to understand who he is, and the Pharisees’ hardness of heart. In gentile territory, Jesus shows that he chooses to have compassion on all who come to him, both Jews in the feeding of the 5000, and gentiles in the feeding of the 4000. Spiritually, Jesus is the living bread which came down from heaven. If a person eats of this bread, he will live forever (John 6:51). The one who believes, eats, and will never hunger.
< Previous on Mark 7:31-37 Next on Mark 8:11-30 > Mark Index