Why is it so hard to remember?
The disciples entered the boat. After finding themselves in the midst of the crowds drawn to him, they finally get Jesus to themselves.
But then it happens. Someone notices something. It’s what’s missing that is recognized. No one brought lunch for the journey.
But the disciples forgot to pack a lunch. Except for a single loaf of bread, there wasn’t a crumb in the boat.
Meanwhile, the disciples were finding fault with each other because they had forgotten to bring bread.
And the arguing commences. Someone dropped the ball. Now what? Hungry stomachs fuel angry spirits.
And then….Jesus.
Jesus overheard and said, “Why are you fussing because you forgot bread? (
Remembering the lunch isn’t the problem.
Remembering who is the Bread of Life is.
Did they forget Jesus was in the boat?
Don’t you see the point of all this? Don’t you get it at all? Remember the five loaves I broke for the five thousand? How many baskets of leftovers did you pick up?”
They said, “Twelve.”
“And the seven loaves for the four thousand—how many bags full of leftovers did you get?”
“Seven.”
He said, “Do you still not get it?”
I see myself in that boat. How many times does Jesus need to remind me that I have witnessed him multiplying loaves and fishes?
Yet, I forget.
Anne Vos Kamp in “The Broken Way” calls it “soul amnesia.”
Despite, witnessing the divine intersecting earth, I am back to my human perspective of troubleshooting. One that often involves fear and sometimes blame.
Did I forget Jesus is in my boat?
Thankfully, his patience never ends. Despite my repeated short term memory. Nor does his desire to meet my needs.
Sometimes I need to hear the reminder. “Do you still not get it?”
This post is based on the text from Mark 8:14-21)
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“Do you still not get it?”
Yeah. The Holy Spirit often asks this question, or a version of this question. And I often have to say, “Apparently not.” Glad I am for His patience and that He doesn’t require sanctification to happen overnight.
That question….we’ve all been there. I’m so glad that he is the bread of life!
It’s always reassuring to see that Jesus was patient with the disciples and that he kept teaching them and reminding them- and that he does the same with us too!
Oh boy! Am I just like those disciples!!! This is great Stephanie! And a wonderful reminder I needed! Cindy
That rings true, Stephanie: “my repeated short-term memory.” Jesus must have gotten so frustrated with his disciples at times, despite his great love for them. I don’t believe God is frustrated and irritated with ME in the way I understand frustration from my human perspective , but I believe it gives him great joy when I respond in trust like a little child. I am grateful for his patience with us.