What Are We Multiplying?

Numbers 28-29; Mark 8

“The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand men were present…’Be careful,’ Jesus warned them. ‘Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.’”

Mark 8:8, 9, 15

Not all multiplication is life-giving. Jesus warned his disciples about the yeast, or teachings, of the Pharisees and of Herod. Religion, with its rules and self-made righteousness, is popular and multiplying. In religion, there is no need to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. We follow men and try to improve ourselves. The yeast of Herod reminds us that political leaders offer us a better life if we will follow them. This, too, is very popular until the leader proves to be human and disappoints us. Jesus is the bread of life, and when we feed on him, we are satisfied. We find that Jesus provides for our needs and so much more. When we offer our lives to Jesus, we find his life in us multiplying to others. We, too, are broken so that others might find life in Christ.’

“Lord Jesus, I offer my life to you and receive your life in me, for your glory.”