ACC ~ Mark 8 v11 - 21

OVERVIEW:

The Lord wished to avoid any impression that his purpose might be to usurp civil authority. Here leaven signifies a small or hidden thing that may have a vast effect later, as in the touch of zyme put in dough to make it slowly rise. In this way Jesus warned against mendacity among religious leaders. He advocated open correction rather than taciturn indulgence. Friends who trust each other do not require special signs of friendship (CHRYSOSTOM).

8:12 | Why Does This Generation Seek a Sign?

THE NEED FOR A SIGN

CHRYSOSTOM: But for what sign from heaven were they asking? Maybe that he should hold back the sun, or curb the moon, or bring down thunderbolts, or change the direction of the wind, or something like that? … In Pharaoh’s time there was an enemy from whom deliverance was needed. [1] But for one who comes among friends, there should be no need of such signs. GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 53.3. [2]

[1] Cf. Ex 3—15.

[2] TLG 2062.152, 58.528.28-30, 57-59; NPNF 1 10:328-29*. The hallmark of Jesus’ communication was openness, without special deceptions, as friends talk with friends, where no subversions are required.

8:13 | He Left Them, and Getting into the Boat Again He Departed

HIS SPEEDY EXIT

CHRYSOSTOM: No sign more impressed the crowds than the miracles of the loaves. Not only did they want to follow him, but also seemed ready to make him a king. [1] In order to avoid all suspicion of usurping civil authority, he made a speedy exit after this wonderful work. He did not even leave on foot, lest they chase after him, but took off by boat. GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 53.2. [2]

[1] Cf. Jn 6:15.

[2] TLG 2062.152, 58.527.60-66; NPNF 1 10:328*. Jesus left the crowd abruptly to avoid any suspicion that he might be willing to usurp civil authority.

8:15 | Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees and the Leaven of Herod

HIS WARNING

CHRYSOSTOM: It was not to learn faith that they [the Pharisees] sought him, but to seize him. GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 53.3. [1]

[1] TLG 2062.152, 58.528.18-19; NPNF 1 10:328.

8:21 | Do You Not Yet Understand?

HIS TRENCHANT REPROOF

CHRYSOSTOM: Can you hear the intense displeasure in his voice? For nowhere else does he appear to have rebuked them so strongly. Why now? In order to cast out their prejudices about clean foods. [1] … For not everywhere is permissiveness a good thing. As he earlier had allowed them to speak freely, now he reproves them. … He even reminds them of the specific numbers of loaves and of persons fed, both to bring them to recall the past, and to make them more attentive to the future. GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 53.4. [2]

[1] Cf. Mk 7:19.

[2] TLG 2062.152, 58.529.35-38, 40-42, 48-51; NPNF 1 10:329-33*.