14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”

16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”

17 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? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

“Twelve,” they replied.

20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

They answered, “Seven.”

21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” Mark 8:14-21

The Bread of Life was teaching them about bread and yeast, but we all know it wasn’t about food. It was more about the subtleties of evil and evil philosophies and how it weaves its way into life.

Jesus returned to the subject of faith for it too can permeate the fabrics of life.

While it doesn’t look like it, they were being discipled. Yes, they were slow to learn and catch on, but with enough time and discussion, it was beginning to click for them.

Faith. Yeast. Bread. Miracles. It was all leading to something wonderful (and dreadful). They were beginning to understand the faith that would lead them through the toughest of times.

After reading passages like this, I’m still amazed that Jesus chose these men to be His torchbearers after His death. He was risking a lot, but He was also building these truths into them. Day by day, moment by moment, they were learning and absorbing.

Similarly, I’m still amazed that He uses someone like me. We all know our faults and frailties, and yet God still chooses to use us!

Glory.