Departing to the Other Side Again - Mark 8:13

Mark wrote how Jesus and His disciples “came into the parts of Dalmanutha. And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, Why does this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation”, and in chapter eight and verse thirteen of his book, Mark wrote how Jesus “departed to the other side” again where we read:

And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.

The verse reads, “And he left them, ...” Mark began with the words, “and he” which means “and Jesus” “left them” or “departed from and went away from the Pharisees”. Mark shared how Jesus simply “left” the Pharisees without fulfilling their request.

The verse goes on to say, “... and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.” Mark continued with the words, “and entering” which means “and stepping or coming” “into the ship again” or “into the sailing vessel or boat another time” “departed” which means “left and went forth” “to the other side” or “toward the other side of the Sea of Galilee”. Mark shared how Jesus left the area of “Dalmanutha”, and began sailing to the opposite side of the Sea of Galilee again.

When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we see how Jesus did not remain long in the “Dalmanutha” region. Because He was met by these “Pharisees” and their request for a “sign”, He did not stay with them. Rather, Jesus went back to the “boat” and sailed with His disciples to the opposite side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus desires to have a relationship with people, but if they reject and question Him with requirements, suggestions and demands, He is subject to leave them. This is what happened in “Dalmanutha”, and those who are wise shall learn from their mistake.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus' disciples, “had forgotten to take bread”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".