He Still Heals Part 2 Sermon

An exposition of Mark 8 moves between humor, geography, and hard truth to press the congregation toward clearer spiritual sight. The narrative recounts two feeding miracles — seven loaves and a few fish multiplying to feed thousands — to show that physical provision points to a deeper dependence on Christ. Attention to place and distance (Decapolis, Magdala, Bethsaida, an eight-mile crossing of the Sea of Galilee, and a thirty-mile walk toward Caesarea Philippi) frames the movements of Jesus and gives texture to the lessons. Confrontations with the Pharisees expose a generation hungry for spectacular signs, while Jesus’ stern warning about the “yeast of the Pharisees” reframes that hunger: the danger is corrupt teaching spreading quietly, not mere scarcity of bread.

The disciples’ repeated failure to “see” after so many miracles becomes a central indictment: sight does not automatically follow exposure to wonder. That theme culminates in the two-stage healing of a blind man at Bethsaida — a literal, gradual giving of sight that mirrors the slow work of sanctification. Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah turns quickly into a rebuke when Jesus predicts suffering; Peter’s human-centered resistance draws Jesus’ strongest rebuke, “Get behind me, Satan,” underscoring how even faith can be warped by misplaced priorities.

A personal, candid encounter with a struggling woman who spent the night in the church parking lot becomes a living parable: quick judgment must give way to mercy and humility. The narrative blows past easy spiritual platitudes and presses for practical maturity — Scripture study, repentance, submission, and actions that flow from real understanding. The final appeal calls for honest self-examination: keep digging, keep listening, and allow the patient, sometimes awkward, work of Christ to reshape hearts so that provision, prophecy, and pilgrimage yield transformed lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God multiplies physical provision The feedings of thousands reveal that God can and will supply real needs in tangible ways, but the signs of provision are meant to provoke trust rather than spectacle-chasing. Miracles point beyond themselves to the character of the Provider; gratitude and dependence should be the expected response. Treasured leftovers signal abundance, not merely consumption, inviting stewardship and worship. [09:08]
• 2. Beware the Pharisees' subtle leaven Jesus warns against a creeping influence that contaminates belief and practice over time; a little corrupted teaching spreads far more quickly than one expects. Discernment requires knowing Scripture and watching how ideas change behavior in ordinary life. The antidote is rooted, communal fidelity to Jesus’ priorities rather than tactical wins or sensational signs. [16:27]
• 3. Spiritual sight often comes slowly The blind man at Bethsaida who sees “like trees walking” before receiving full sight models sanctification as a process, not an instant checklist. Repeated, patient encounters with Christ — sometimes awkward, sometimes incremental — reshape perception and moral vision. Expect growth marked by stages: clarity increases as obedience deepens. [23:31]
• 4. Faith must shape Christian action Confronting a needy family exposes how quick judgments betray immature faith; true belief issues in compassionate doing, not merely correct doctrine. Spiritual understanding should produce practical mercy and humility, even when circumstances confound human logic. Mature discipleship interprets facts through love and obedience to Christ’s priorities. [26:31]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:25] - Mission statement and humor
• [04:22] - Opening prayer and transition
• [07:39] - Scripture read: Mark 8:1–10 (feeding)
• [12:51] - Pharisees demand a sign
• [13:51] - Watch for the yeast (warning)
• [22:12] - Healing at Bethsaida (blind man)
• [29:19] - Journey to Caesarea Philippi
• [31:02] - Peter’s confession: “You are the Messiah”
• [31:47] - Jesus rebukes Peter (suffering foretold)
• [36:34] - Personal application and confession
• [40:50] - Announcements and closing

1. The disciples, after witnessing Jesus feed 5,000 people with just a few loaves and fish, questioned where they would get enough food to feed 4,000 people. [08:24] What does this reaction reveal about their understanding of Jesus' power and previous miracles?
2. When the Pharisees demanded a sign from heaven, Jesus sighed deeply and stated, "Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation." [12:51] What might have caused Jesus' deep sigh in this moment?
3. Jesus warned the disciples to "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." [13:51] The disciples initially thought he was talking about their lack of bread. What does this misunderstanding highlight about their spiritual perception?
4. In the healing of the blind man at Bethsaida, Jesus' touch resulted in the man seeing people "like trees walking." [23:31] What is significant about this initial, imperfect vision?
5. Peter confessed Jesus as the Messiah, but then rebuked Jesus for speaking about suffering and death. [31:47] How does Peter's response demonstrate a misunderstanding of God's priorities?

1. The sermon summary notes that the feeding miracles show "physical provision points to a deeper dependence on Christ." [09:08] How do the disciples' repeated questions about food, even after witnessing miracles, demonstrate a lack of this deeper dependence?
2. The warning about the "yeast of the Pharisees" is described as a "creeping influence that contaminates belief and practice over time." [16:27] How can subtle, corrupting teachings spread so easily, and what makes them dangerous?
3. The gradual healing of the blind man is presented as a model for sanctification. [23:31] What does the "trees walking" stage of healing suggest about the nature of spiritual growth and understanding?
4. The encounter with the woman in the church parking lot is described as a "living parable" where "quick judgment must give way to mercy and humility." [24:29] How does our initial, human reaction to difficult situations often differ from Christ's call to mercy and humility?
5. Jesus' rebuke of Peter, "Get behind me, Satan," is called his "strongest rebuke." [31:47] What does this intense reaction reveal about the danger of human-centered resistance, even from those with genuine faith?

1. The sermon highlights that God multiplies physical provision, but these signs are meant to provoke trust rather than spectacle-chasing. [09:08] When have you seen God provide tangibly in your life, and how did that experience deepen your trust in Him?
2. We are warned to "beware the Pharisees' subtle leaven," which is a corrupting teaching that spreads quietly. [16:27] How can we actively cultivate discernment in our lives to identify and resist subtle, ungodly influences in our thinking and in the world around us?
3. Spiritual sight often comes slowly, like the blind man who saw "like trees walking" before full clarity. [23:31] In what areas of your life do you feel like you are still seeing "like trees walking," and how can you patiently continue to seek Christ for clearer vision?
4. The sermon emphasizes that faith must shape Christian action, moving beyond quick judgments to compassionate doing. [26:31] Can you recall a time when your initial judgment of a situation or person was challenged by a deeper understanding or a call to act with mercy?
5. Peter's confession of Jesus as Messiah was quickly followed by a rebuke when his priorities were human-centered. [31:47] How can we examine our own priorities to ensure they are aligned with God's concerns, rather than merely human ones?
6. The sermon encourages us to "keep digging, keep listening, and allow the patient, sometimes awkward, work of Christ to reshape hearts." [40:50] What is one specific way you can commit to "digging deeper" or "listening more closely" to Christ this week?