February 19, 2010, Mark 8

Key Verses

"The Pharisees began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from Heaven. He sighed deeply and said "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given"."

(Mark 8: 11-12)

Central Truth

Like His earthly life, Jesus' plan for the world sometimes does not follow paths that we would expect.


THINKING OUTSIDE THE BUN

I love clever or humorous slogans and advertisements. One of my favorites is Taco Bell's, "Think Outside the Bun". Of course, they are encouraging us to think about tacos and burritos rather than burgers and fries when we are ready for fast food. The slogan has proved so popular that it has become part of everyday language for many people. It is a clever way to remind ourselves or others to think outside the box -- to not be hemmed in by normal expectations.

The eighth chapter of Mark documents four very important occurrences. Jesus performs two more miracles, Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah, and Jesus makes the first prediction of his death and resurrection. He was on the cusp of fulfilling the prophesy of His death and resurrection. He had lived a sinless life. He performed incomprehensible miracles. His appeal was magnetic. Even His birth was miraculous. Yet the Pharisees and, doubtless, many others, wanted a Heavenly sign that He was the Messiah. They wanted some voice, some earthly or celestial event, to confirm that He was the chosen one. I love Jesus' response of "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign?" In other words, "Geez, guys, what else do you want me to to do!?"

Jesus didn't fit the mold of a king. Nothing about His earthly existence was pretentious. He was compassionate and approachable. He was all-powerful; yet He associated with women, children, and the undesirables of society. He usually chose flawed, common people to carry out His plan.

As we experience life's events, it is normal for us to attempt to put them into human perspective, especially our difficulties. We often can see that tough circumstances ultimately work for good, but sometimes we simply never understand why something does or does not take place in our lives. That's when we have to draw on our faith that the God who sent His son to live a perfect, yet unexpected life, is in control. His plan for us could take some unorthodox turns, but He won't abandon us. He loves us and has fulfilling lives chosen for us. Perhaps some events will be "outside the bun," but that's the way our wonderful Master often operates.