Open Eyes, Open Hearts: Seeing Beyond the Surface – Mark 8 v 14-21

14 Now they had forgotten to take bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 And Jesus ordered them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod!” 16 So they began to discuss with one another about having no bread.

Jesus gives the disciples a warning about the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod. They’re scratching their heads, thinking about literal bread, while Jesus is talking about something deeper. Sometimes, we miss the point because we’re focused on the surface.

17 When he learned of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Have your hearts been hardened? 18 Though you have eyes, don’t you see? And though you have ears, can’t you hear? Don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of pieces did you pick up?” They replied, “Twelve.” 20 “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of pieces did you pick up?” They replied, “Seven.” 21 Then he said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

Jesus reminds the disciples of the miraculous feeding of thousands, yet they seem to have forgotten. Forgetfulness can cloud our vision. We might forget the miracles God has done in our lives, leading us to doubt His current work. It might be good to try to keep a journal. Some people will want to write pages and for others a simple reminder of what God has done for you will help.

Jesus goes on to question their understanding: “Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?” It’s a call to move beyond physical sight and hearing, challenging us to see with spiritual eyes and hear with receptive hearts.

Having “spiritual eyes” typically refers to a symbolic way of perceiving the world beyond the physical. It suggests a deeper understanding or insight into spiritual or transcendent aspects of life. “Receptive hearts” often implies openness to emotional and spiritual experiences, being willing to receive and understand things at a deeper level. Together, these expressions convey a mindset of being attuned to spiritual insights and receptive to profound experiences.

**4. *Spiritual Perception:* Jesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual perception. It’s not about physical bread but understanding the spiritual truths He’s sharing. Lesson four: Spiritual perception requires open eyes and receptive hearts, tuned in to the deeper meanings of God’s message.

**5. *The Danger of Shallow Understanding:* Shallow understanding can lead to confusion and missed opportunities for growth. Lesson five: Jesus urges us to go beyond the surface, to dive into the depths of His teachings, and to seek a profound understanding of His Word.

**6. *Cultivating Awareness:* Cultivating spiritual awareness involves remembering God’s faithfulness, being open to His teachings, and seeking a deep understanding. Lesson six: Awareness is a key ingredient in spiritual growth, helping us avoid spiritual amnesia and see beyond the surface.

So, what’s the takeaway for us?

• Look Beyond the Surface: Sometimes, we miss the point because we’re focused on the surface. Look beyond the literal to understand the deeper spiritual truths.
• Remember God’s Miracles: Don’t forget the miracles God has done in your life. Remembering His faithfulness helps clear the fog of doubt.
• See with Spiritual Eyes: Jesus calls us to see with spiritual eyes and hear with receptive hearts. It’s about understanding His message on a deeper level.
• Cultivate Spiritual Awareness: Cultivate spiritual awareness by remembering, being open to teachings, and seeking a deep understanding.
• Avoid Shallow Understanding: Shallow understanding can lead to confusion and missed opportunities for growth. Dive into the depths of God’s teachings.
• Seek Profound Understanding: Jesus urges us to seek profound understanding, going beyond the surface to comprehend the richness of His Word.

So, incredible crew, let’s embrace the “Open Eyes, Open Hearts” mindset:

• Look beyond the surface to understand the deeper spiritual truths.
• Remember God’s miracles and faithfulness, dispelling doubt.
• See with spiritual eyes and hear with receptive hearts.
• Cultivate spiritual awareness by remembering, being open, and seeking understanding.
• Avoid shallow understanding; dive into the depths of God’s teachings.
• Seek profound understanding, going beyond the surface to grasp the richness of His Word.

Because in the story of “Open Eyes, Open Hearts,” Jesus invites us to see beyond the surface and cultivate a profound understanding of His transformative message.