Let the Reader Understand

This short story is full of meaning for the reader. Now at sea and heading to the confines of Palestine, the disciples are concerned that they only have one loaf for the thirteen people in the boat. The two incredible multiplications of chapters six and eight have gone right by them. Their actions and attitudes remind Jesus of how religious and political types react to him.

For the third time in the Gospel Jesus directly challenges them (see 4:13 and 7:18). But this time it is much more severe. By providing echoes from Isaiah in verses seventeen and eighteen, he is comparing them to unrepentant Israel. It is little wonder that two times in this paragraph he asks, “Do you still not understand?”

Understand and see what? Remember what? There is no straight answer to that question in the text. Jesus had already shown them the mysteries of God’s rule in chapter four. Pharisees and Herod did not have access to those truths. Needless to say, Jesus wrestles with their incomprehension.

So he invites them to do the math! He invites them to confront the corruption and malicious power of evil in their own lives that is symbolized by yeast. He wants his disciples to confront their own unbelief.

The use of bread invites the reader to think back to how God provided manna for his people while they were journeying from Egypt. This great saving event, now re-enacted by Jesus, underscores that he is greater than Moses and he can meet all human needs whatever they might be.

We have even greater signs to help us understand. We know about the resurrection and Jesus’ ascent into heaven and have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Let’s keep our eyes open!

Respond in Prayer

Lord Jesus, I know that I often do not understand, see, or remember what you are up to in my life and my world. Forgive me, I ask. Thank you for these stories that refresh my memory so that I can trust you more.

Glenn Smith