The Battle for Inclusion

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – May 31, 2020

 

Series Title: “Discovering Your Life in the Life of Jesus”

Today’s Title: “Why are you talking about having no bread?”

Today’s Text: Mark 8:1-21

Gospel Parallels: Matthew 15:32-39 & 6:1-12

THE BATTLE FOR INCLUSION

 

ISN’T THIS GENTILE CROWD TODAY JUST AS HUNGRY AS THE JEWISH CROWD WAS A FEW WEEKS AGO?

 

            “another large crowd” (v1)

 

            “remote place” (v4)

 

            “told the disciples to distribute them.” (v7)

 

            “the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over” (v8)

 

 

EXCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP ONLY CREATES MORE EXCLUSION

 

                        - “To test him” (v11) – see Mark 1:12-13

 

                        - “a sign from heaven.” (v11) – see Matthew 4:4-6

 

                        - “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” (v15)

 

- The Pharisees – Corrupt religion

 

                                    - Herod – Corrupt politics

 

                        - “Do you still not see or understand?”(v17) – you need a change of mind

 

- “Are your hearts hardened?” (v17) – why is this a “heart” issue?

           

                        - “twelve” (v19) – tribes of Israel, apostles

 

                        - “seven” (v20)  – number of completion, healing, perfection, fullness

 

 

DO I HAVE AN EXCLUSIVE ATTITUDE ABOUT GOD AND HIS PEOPLE?

 

• An exclusive gospel where I determine who’s “in” and who’s “out”? Who’s worthy and who’s unworthy?

 

• Who am I willing to feed? To help?

 

• Is there any political leaven influencing my mind and my heart?