Matthew 16:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread.

NIV: When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread.

NASB: And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread.

CSB: The disciples reached the other shore, and they had forgotten to take bread.

NLT: Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread.

KJV: And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

NKJV: Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

Jesus had just had another confrontation with a group of Jewish religious leaders (Matthew 16:4). In reporting the same conversation, Mark said that Jesus "sighed deeply in his spirit" when answering them (Mark 8:12). Following that conversation, Jesus and the disciples got into the boat and sailed again to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. The following verse will show, though, that Jesus is still thinking about the Pharisees and Sadducees.

The disciples, though, are thinking about bread. More specifically, they have realized they did not pack enough bread for this trip. They might be concerned Jesus will be upset about their poor planning. Instead, He will be concerned about the focus of their hearts and minds.

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.

Accessed 5/3/2024 6:34:01 AM