Mark (17)

Introduction: Repetition is a great teacher. For example , algebra, hitting a baseball, taking a foul shot, memorizing scripture, driving, and as well see today being reminded of the great truth that Jesus in the Satisfying Savior.

Transition: Were going to read our focus text this morning from Mark 8:1-21, then were going to see some comparisons of repetition that help us identify the main truth of this passage. (Read)

See comparison chart.

Reason for Repetition?

Showing emphasis on a key truth.

Jesus is the Satisfying Savior.

Application

Beware of false influences (leaven) that seek to destroy or delude this truth.

What specific parts of my life does this truth need to be applied? Where am I most discontent? How does the truth that Jesus is the satisfying Savior impact your current situation? (Here are a few examples of what I mean)

God. family crisis. loss of loved one. divorce. care giving. long term physical illness. upcoming surgery. marriage. parenting. pregnancy. dating. singleness. church family. finances. job. career changes. college decisions. business. politics. elections. proposed legislation.

Closing: Maybe like the crowd, you are in a desolate place today and in desperate need of a meal that satisfies beyond the temporary hunger pains of your stomach. Are you aware that you need bread from the Bread of Life that satisfies the soul?

Perhaps like the Pharisees you are seeking Jesus only in order to test Him. Your heart is full of argument and debate and you demand that Jesus do something to prove Himself to you. Perhaps, that He show you a miracle by removing all your pain and hurt, fixing your financial problems, or alleviating the suffering going on in your life. If that's you today, hear the gospel loud and clear. Jesus has already proven Himself, He has already accomplished the greatest miracle possible by dying in your place for your sin and raising from the dead. His resurrection is the testimony of God’s acceptance of those sinners who will surrender in faith to Christ. God will resist the proud, but He has satisfying grace for the humble.

Maybe you can identify with the disciples today. You recognize that Jesus has called you to follow Him. But your understanding of what it means to be a disciples is still growing. The truth of Jesus’ full and complete satisfaction is falling upon a heart of unbelief. Perhaps your faith need to be stirred in you and the truth of Christ’s as the Satisfying Savior needs to sink deep into the marrow of your soul in order to fill up the old crevices of sorrow, guilt, insecurity, false identity, or bitter hurt.

Wherever we are today, Jesus is enough to satisfy our every longing, He is sufficient for our every need. He is the Christ King of glory who does all things well. He is enough to bring rest to every discontentment.

How can this be true of me? How can I live in this reality? Paul wrote to the church at Phillipi from prion in Rome around the same time the Roman Christians would have been receiving this gospel of Mark. Philippians 4:10-13

Philippians 4:10–13 ESV

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

A preacher, Luther Bridges, was born in 1884, he married Sarah Veatch and three lovely sons were born of their union. Pastor Bridges accepted an invitation to minister at a conference in Kentucky in the year 1910, so he left his family in the care of his father-in-law and made the trip to Kentucky. There, two wonderful weeks of ministry resulted. The last service closed with great joy and he was excited to be called to the telephone. He couldn't wait to tell his wife about all the blessings.  But it wasn't her voice on that long distance line. He listened in silence to the news that a fire had burned down the house of his father-in-law and his wife and all three of his sons had died in the blaze. That distraught father leaned heavily on His Satisfying Savior and he was reminded of the words he a written to a hymn only a year before this tragedy…He Keeps Me Singing