Drawing from the memories of Peter, Mark now recounts the embarrassing story of Jewish experts in the Law and inner circle followers of Jesus both displaying less grasp of who Jesus is than a spiritually hungry crowd of uneducated Jews and Gentiles. Simple faith pleases God. Everything else just gets in the way.

Mark has consistently put on display the determined unbelief of the scribes and Pharisees as well as the continuing dullness of Jesus’ own disciples. Here he prominently points to belief and understanding found in the unlikeliest of places…among Gentiles! The promise of the gospel for all nations is declared openly right here!

Biblical leadership is one of the critical factors determining the health and growth of a church. Long-term vision and daily decisions both require sound leadership combined with a supportive church family. Only with biblical leadership and biblical structure may a church experience biblical results.

Dr. Heath Thomas, President of Oklahoma Baptist University, brings us a word from the book of Nehemiah. We pray it encourages you in your relationship with God.

Where is God in the wake of tragedy? What does the Bible have to say to us as we process national trauma? Pastor Taylor Gabbert brings us a word from the example of Stephen in Acts 7. We pray it encourages you in this time.

In chapter 7, Mark now provides an introductory transition to Jesus’ upcoming ministry to Gentiles. Breaking the stranglehold of Jewish legalism, the gospel could go out to all people; and Christianity could finally become an invitation to all nations.

In three gospels, the account of walking on water is attached immediately to the feeding of the 5,000. The follow-up miracle serves as confirmation of the previous miracle—Jesus is more than a mere provider of bread; He is the deliverer of His people from all dangers, physical and spiritual. How long would it take for His disciples to grasp this foundational reality?

The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle of Jesus recorded by all four Gospels (Matt. 14:13-21; Lk. 9:10-17; Jn. 6:1-14). Mark’s account, however, is unique in that he is less concerned with the miracle itself, and more interested in what can be learned about Jesus. Here the Great Shepherd reveals Himself, hints of the church, and points to eternity.