Last week at our gathering I put out the challenge for people to look at 3 consecutive chapters of Mark’s Gospel — 6, 7 & 8 — and tell me the relationship between the two miraculous feedings.  Chapter six has the story known as the feeding of the 5,000.  Chapter 8 has the story known as the feeding of the 4,000.

This came up because I had spoken about Jesus interaction with a woman from Syrian Phoenicia I suggested that this is not just a story in passing but a  pivotal point in the theology of Mark’s Gospel and that it was book-ended by the two miracles of the two meals.

I gave some clues:

• I read from the book of the prophet Isaiah – chapter 42, verses 5 to 12.
• I suggested that 4 could be more than 5 and 7 could be more than 12.
• I also mentioned the two stories on either side of the story of the women also book-ended by the two miracles.  One is Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees who chip him for his disciples uncleanliness.  The other is the healing of a man (a particular man) who is deaf and blind
• I suggested that looking at Isaiah chapter 42 and also suggested that it related to the deaf bloke.
• Now all I need is for someone to take me up on the challenge.   I need a response by July 15.  There may be a  prize!!