This verse is a reference to one of Jesus' miracles where he fed a large crowd of people with only a few loaves of bread and some fish. It's part of a larger conversation where Jesus is trying to get his disciples to understand that he has the power to provide and protect them.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand": This refers to the miracle recorded in Matthew 15:32-39 (also in Mark 8:1-10). Jesus fed four thousand people with just seven loaves of bread and a few small fish.
"and how many baskets you took up?": After everyone had eaten their fill, the disciples collected the leftovers. The phrase highlights how much abundance remained even after feeding such a large crowd, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the event. In Matthew's account of the feeding of the 4000, seven large baskets were collected of the leftover pieces.
Contextual Meaning:
In Matthew 16, Jesus is warning his disciples to be wary of the "leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." The disciples mistakenly think he's talking about literal bread because they forgot to bring any. Jesus, frustrated with their lack of understanding, uses these rhetorical questions about the previous miracles to remind them of his power and provision.
Essentially, Jesus is saying:
"Have you forgotten the miracles I've already performed? Do you still not understand that I am capable of taking care of your needs? You're worried about literal bread, but I'm talking about something much more important – the corrupting influence of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
By reminding them of the past miracles, Jesus seeks to open their eyes to a deeper spiritual understanding and to trust in his power to provide and protect them from spiritual dangers.
This verse is a reference to one of Jesus' miracles where he fed a large crowd of people with only a few loaves of bread and some fish. It's part of a larger conversation where Jesus is trying to get his disciples to understand that he has the power to provide and protect them.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand": This refers to the miracle recorded in Matthew 15:32-39 (also in Mark 8:1-10). Jesus fed four thousand people with just seven loaves of bread and a few small fish.
"and how many baskets you took up?": After everyone had eaten their fill, the disciples collected the leftovers. The phrase highlights how much abundance remained even after feeding such a large crowd, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the event. In Matthew's account of the feeding of the 4000, seven large baskets were collected of the leftover pieces.
Contextual Meaning:
In Matthew 16, Jesus is warning his disciples to be wary of the "leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." The disciples mistakenly think he's talking about literal bread because they forgot to bring any. Jesus, frustrated with their lack of understanding, uses these rhetorical questions about the previous miracles to remind them of his power and provision.
Essentially, Jesus is saying:
"Have you forgotten the miracles I've already performed? Do you still not understand that I am capable of taking care of your needs? You're worried about literal bread, but I'm talking about something much more important – the corrupting influence of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
By reminding them of the past miracles, Jesus seeks to open their eyes to a deeper spiritual understanding and to trust in his power to provide and protect them from spiritual dangers.