Matthew 16:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered?

NIV: Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?

NASB: Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets you picked up?

CSB: Or the seven loaves for the four thousand and how many large baskets you collected?

NLT: Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up?

KJV: Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

NKJV: Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up?

The disciples are concerned about bread—so much so that they misinterpret a spiritual metaphor from Jesus (Matthew 16:5–9). His frustration comes due to two events which should be fresh in their minds. Twice, Christ fed thousands of people from just a few loaves of bread. He mentioned the first event in the previous verse (Matthew 14:13–21) and now mentions the second, which likely took place only days earlier (Matthew 15:32–39). In both, the disciples saw Jesus feed thousands of men, women, and children from barely enough food for a single meal. In fact, the disciples were not only present, they distributed the food and collected many baskets of leftovers.

Jesus' rhetorical question is likely one He had often, for both His earliest followers and those who claim His name today: Why are you worrying about bread when I am with you? He called the disciples men of little faith and His meaning is clear. They are missing truths He wants to teach, because they are preoccupied with simple needs and personal failures. How often have any of us done something painfully similar?

Matthew 16:5–12 follows His confrontation with critics demanding yet another miracle as proof of His authority. The disciples mention they have forgotten to pack bread, to which Jesus responds they need to watch out for "the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." They think He is talking about the missing bread. Jesus challenges their faith. They were present when He fed thousands from a few loaves. Why are they talking about literal bread? He warns them again about the Pharisees and Sadducees, indicating that their teachings are false.

A group of Pharisees and Sadducees demand a miracle from Jesus, though He has already performed many. Jesus refuses and warns the disciples to beware of the teachings of these religious leaders. Jesus asks the disciples who the people say He is, as well as their own opinion. Peter says Jesus is the Christ, and is commended for that statement. Jesus begins to reveal that He must suffer and be killed before being raised on the third day. Peter's attempt to scold Jesus results in a devastating rebuke. Jesus then says all who would follow Him must take up crosses of self-denial.

Matthew 16 finds Jesus returned from the Gentile regions, only to be immediately confronted by another group of Jewish religious leaders. Yet again, these men prove they are insincere: no amount of evidence will ever be enough for them. After a dramatic discussion about Jesus' role as Messiah, Jesus indicates that those who would come after Him must take up their crosses and follow Him. His references to some seeing the Son of Man coming in His kingdom will be fulfilled at the beginning of chapter 17, in an event known as the transfiguration.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.