Friday 22 November 2024
"And do you not remember?" (v. 18c)
Background
In the first paragraph, we see strong contrasts to yesterday's passage. Jesus does not get frustrated with the slowness (we might be tempted to say the stupidity) of his disciples, instead he gently prods them towards deeper understanding of his message. On Sunday in Mark 13:1-8 we saw that the disciples couldn’t discern God’s goal of caring for the widows: they were distracted by the impressive size of the Temple. Here their hunger is their focus, so they can’t follow the point Jesus is making.
Jesus speaks about growth using the imagery of yeast that transforms bread.
Those who stand against him choose to use yeast to grow their own 'bread' (they seek to acquire power, influence and privilege for themselves). In contrast, out of compassion, Jesus seeks growth to benefit people who are hungry (both physically and spiritually).
Does Jesus say “And do you not remember?” (v. 18c) to help them look back and apply the wisdom of hindsight to notice the differences between the way the 'yeast' (growth) is looked for and applied? One is negative and for personal benefit and the other is positive and to benefit the weak.
I suggest we, like the disciples, are being asked to understand that Jesus wants us to be 'yeast' (a transforming agent) for others out of compassion rather than for ourselves. If Christians understood that and took it seriously then we would expect to see some significant power shifts away from those trumpeting rules for others to follow and also from those seeking power and privilege for themselves.
To drive home this call for the disciples to be agents of change ('yeast') Mark continues with Jesus, as usual, putting the needs of others first. He restores the sight of a blind man (vs 22-26). He shows a deep, personal connection and compassion for the man, taking time to heal, listen to and support him.
Again Mark has a clear challenge to Christians and the Church today about the types of growth and change we should be seeking to be part of. We are to seek change, not for ourselves, but for those who are hungry and need help.
To Ponder:
- What is the 'yeast' God is looking for today? Where might God be looking for growth?
- Where might Jesus be yearning for us to look back at what God has done and use hindsight to improve our understanding?
Bible notes author: The Revd Dave Warnock
Dave is the Methodist minister in Wythenshawe, part of the Bramhall and Wythenshawe Circuit. From September 2025 he will be sailing around the world for five years encouraging connections between sustainability and faith. See Sustainable Sailing.