What Were They Thinking?

Matthew 16:1-12

At this point in the gospel of Matthew the disciples have witnessed Jesus miraculously feed a multitude of people not once, but twice. And in each case there were leftovers. And yet, “When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread” (Matthew 16:5). What were they thinking? What made them forget to bring food with them on a journey? We might say that the disciples’ eyes were so filled with heavenly visions that they simply had no time for the mundane things of life. We might say that these followers of Jesus were completely out of their element and easily distracted which made it natural to forget bread. Or we could say that the poor dears just weren’t very smart. Frankly I have no idea. It may be none of these, or maybe all of them together. The point is that when they should have had bread on their minds they did not, and when Jesus tried to use the incident as a teaching moment they still didn’t get it.

Jesus’ point seems to have been that bread is only so important, but that a right relationship with God is essential. No bread? Too bad, yet life goes on. Being led astray by the Pharisees? Now you have BIG trouble. Pay attention, Jesus is saying, and don’t lose sight of the vital issues or of the really important aspects of life and faith. But mostly Jesus is saying, stick with me. I’ve fed multitudes with food left over, I’m capable of feeding you, too.

Prayer: Lord help us to focus on the proper issues of our lives and to listen for your guidance, for it is in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.