Written by Ryan Lucas, junior MDiv student, and brought to you by the Church Planting Initiative at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Scripture

Mark 8:11-21

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side.

14 Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out — beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” 16 They said to one another, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 Then he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

Devotional

Imagine carrying a week’s worth of groceries in one big bag. Now imagine carrying that around for five months as you journey on a trail that starts in Georgia and goes 2,180 miles north to Maine. Backpacking along the Appalachian Trail is a treacherous expedition and requires you to carry a lot of food. Obtaining food is never an issue because you can stop in towns along the way and visit your favorite stores.  Thousands of calories are consumed in a day and if you eat your supply before the next town there are always wonderful people to share their own provisions.  In Mark 8, Jesus reminds us of the miracle in the feeding of the massive crowds and how he always provides for us as long as we have faith. I can assure you that Jesus will never let us be without food just as much that no one goes hungry hiking through the paths of life.

Prayer

God of guidance, bless our feet as we travel down the paths of life. Lead us to be faithful travelers and encourage us to bask in the amazing beauty of your creation. Feed us when we are hungry and encourage us to go the extra mile for your glory which reigns forever.  Amen.

Written by Ryan Lucas, junior MDiv student, and brought to you by the Church Planting Initiative at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Scripture

Mark 8:11-21

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side.

14 Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out — beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” 16 They said to one another, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 Then he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

Devotional

Imagine carrying a week’s worth of groceries in one big bag. Now imagine carrying that around for five months as you journey on a trail that starts in Georgia and goes 2,180 miles north to Maine. Backpacking along the Appalachian Trail is a treacherous expedition and requires you to carry a lot of food. Obtaining food is never an issue because you can stop in towns along the way and visit your favorite stores.  Thousands of calories are consumed in a day and if you eat your supply before the next town there are always wonderful people to share their own provisions.  In Mark 8, Jesus reminds us of the miracle in the feeding of the massive crowds and how he always provides for us as long as we have faith. I can assure you that Jesus will never let us be without food just as much that no one goes hungry hiking through the paths of life.

Prayer

God of guidance, bless our feet as we travel down the paths of life. Lead us to be faithful travelers and encourage us to bask in the amazing beauty of your creation. Feed us when we are hungry and encourage us to go the extra mile for your glory which reigns forever.  Amen.