Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Gaven Mize, pastor at Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 8:11-21. After several miracles received through faith in Gentile territory, Jesus returns to Jewish territory, only to be met by unbelief. The Pharisees seek a sign from Jesus, a demand springing from their unbelief and serving as a temptation for Jesus to avoid the cross. Jesus refuses to provide such a sign in the face of this unbelief; He seeks faith that relies on His Word. When Jesus leaves with His disciples, He begins to teach them concerning the harmful leaven that the Pharisees and Herodians would bring by their false teaching. The disciples, focusing on their literal lack of bread, show their lack of understanding of who Jesus is. Jesus speaks against their hardness of heart and calls them to remember what He had done in the two miraculous feedings. The disciples’ lack of understanding is on display; as the Gospel goes on, Jesus will graciously continue to teach them. “The