Feeding the 4000

Mark 8:1-4 - different from the feeding of the 5000.   On the east side of the sea of Galilee - Gentile territory, mostly Gentile crowd

Matt. 15:29-31 - many miracles - non-Jews praising the God of Israel.

This one different.  Feeding of the 5000 was mostly a Jewish crowd.

Mark 8:4-10 - disciples didn't ask Jesus to do the same miracle.  Now are back in Jewish territory.
Mark 8:11 - Pharisees' question Jesus.  Not to discover the truth but to "test" Him!!  (trip Him up)  

Compare:  Mark 1:12-13 - "tempt" - from same Greek word as "test".

Pharisees want a 'sign from heaven!"  This doesn't mean another miracle or bigger miracle!!  They want proof of the Source of His miracles!!

Note:  they don't deny the miracles ... only the Source - example:  Matt. 12:22-24

Jesus' Response = Mark 8:12-13 - "Exasperation:!!  Because - NO SIGN WILL SATISFY!! 
Example:  Luke 16:27-31
Problem is not that they Can't Believe... Problem = they WON'T BELIEVE!!

Jesus' Reply  "no sign but sign of Jonah" - Example:  Jesus' resurrection.
Matt.  16:1-4

Mark 8:13-21
Matt. 16:11-12
Yeast = seems insignificant!!
yet = mighty influence!!!

Lessons?  Life Application for us??

(1)  It's not just unbelievers who are slow to see/learn
Why were the disciples so slow?  Answer = they are human and have tendency to set own agenda for the Kingdom of God

(2)  Nevertheless,  You don't have to have all the answers to be a faithful follower!

(3)  And... There's a difference in being slow to grasp and being defiant.  (some don't want to see!!)

Past Revelation denial is Rebellion!! - ie:  once He makes it clear to you.
Light Received increases light.
Light rejected increases darkness.

(4)  A little false doctrine can have a huge effect   (similar to a little yeast)

(5)  (As a general rule)  Jesus doesn't stay where He's not welcome!  He may be welcome in your quiet time, your Bible Study, your prayer time, but is He welcome in your work time, recreation time, finances, etc.