Mark 8:2  “…three days…”
Jesus has been teaching for three days, and the crowd that is with Him has been there the whole time.  Would be interesting to know all the details of where they were and exactly how this took place.  But we have what God wanted us to have.

4  “…How can one satisfy these people…”
How can they ask this question.  They have already seen Jesus feed five thousand with five loaves and two fish and then walk on water.  Seems like they should have said hey we have seven loaves, Jesus.  Can you multiply these to feed the crowd.

7  “…also had a few small fish…”
Had fish too.  They didn’t mention them this time.  Would really like to know what the disciples were thinking through all this.  I know they were in a rut with their thinking and they didn’t have the advantage of the Holy Spirit, but they had already witnessed miracles in similar situations.  Why couldn’t they open even to the possibility.

10  “immediately got into the boat with His disciples…”
Moved on immediately.  Not given a reason.

10  “…region of Dalmanutha”
On the western shore of the Sea of Galilee near Magdala which is the name Matthew uses.  Mark says region so he wasn’t trying to be specific.

11  “…Pharisees came out…”
They are always around.  Jesus really posed a threat to them.

12  “…He sighed deeply in His spirit…”
Wouldn’t know this except Jesus told the disciples.  Would have liked to have been in on those conversations.

21  “…How is it you do not understand?”
Frustration with the Pharisees and now frustration with His disciples.  He even brought up the fact they didn’t seem to remember how He fed two large groups.  They did remember yet couldn’t seem to make the connection to His power, who He was, or what He had been trying to teach them.  I look at this from my perspective, but I have to remember they didn’t have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as I do.  It’s hard to imagine they couldn’t see something, but perhaps the Spirit gives us more insight than we realize.  How did the centurion make the connection when they couldn’t.  He knew Jesus had the power and that He was under authority.  Interesting points.

25  “…He put His hands on his eyes again…”
Why the two stage healing.  Was it just to be different in the method.  Commentaries offer speculation.  Each tries to make a spiritual connection.  I find it interesting that He took the man outside the town away from the others before performing the healing.  And then He uses a progressive healing.  I’m sure He had a reason for doing it this way, but it’s unclear from the text.  Just not enough info to be specific.  The ideas suggested are good as long as they agree with scripture.  Just have to make sure we don’t read more into it than God intended.  It is also interesting that He told the man to not go into town nor tell anyone in the town.  A bit more than the common tell no one command.  Get the impression something was going on.  Perhaps the method was for the man’s benefit.  Mark is the only one that mentions the incident so can’t compare others’ recollection.  Interesting mystery.

30  “…they should tell no one about Him”
Probably the idea that He was the Messiah.  Was apparent to Jesus that the disciples had the same idea about the Messiah as other people.  They wanted Him to be an immediate world ruler.  He wants them to know the truth, but understand all of it.  He has come first to save the world from sin.  The world ruler will come later.

31  “…He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things…”
Follows His command to not tell anyone He is the Messiah or at least their idea of who the Messiah would be.  If they only see Him as a possible world ruler they’ll miss the more important aspect of Him being the Savior.  He’s pointing them in that direction.

33  “…Get behind Me, Satan!…”
Strong and harsh.  Mark doesn’t tell how Peter walked on water then began to sink, but he tells this.  Not pulling any punches.  Adds authenticity to the narrative.  Also shows what Peter was thinking when He said Jesus was the Christ.  His mind was on the world ruler part, and Jesus knew that.

34  “…Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Feels like He is turning a corner.  An increased intensity of the message.  Shun the idea of an earthly ruler and focus on the sacrifice.  He’s going to sacrifice Himself on the cross.  His followers need to recognize they will have to sacrifice their lives for Him as well.  Can’t just be content to wander about healing people and gathering a following.  That would be what someone wanting to instigate an overthrow would do.  Not His purpose.  As it says, He began to show them that He must suffer many things.

38  “…when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels”
Bit of offhand prophecy.  No if about it.  When He comes.  No matter what happens next, one day He will come in the glory of the Father and with the holy angels.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.