What is the meaning of Matthew 16:10?

Or the seven loaves

• Jesus refers back to the second miraculous feeding: “And taking the seven loaves and the fish, He gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people” (Matthew 15:36).

• By saying “or,” He links this event with the earlier feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21), underscoring that both miracles stand as irrefutable evidence of His divine power.

• The seven loaves, ordinary in themselves, became abundant in Christ’s hands, showing that no circumstance limits His provision (2 Kings 4:42-44; Philippians 4:19).

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for the four thousand

• The audience was large—four thousand men, plus women and children (Matthew 15:38).

• Mentioning the number reminds the disciples that Jesus’ compassion extends to vast crowds as well as individuals (Mark 6:34).

• It also highlights that this second feeding is not a repetition for repetition’s sake but a fresh act of care, proving that God’s resources never run dry (Lamentations 3:22-23).

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and how many basketfuls

• After everyone ate and was satisfied, “the disciples picked up seven baskets full of broken pieces that were left over” (Matthew 15:37).

• The leftovers exceed the original supply, illustrating that God gives “pressed down, shaken together, and running over” (Luke 6:38).

• Remembering the exact number of baskets is crucial; it is concrete, measurable evidence meant to seal the disciples’ trust (Exodus 16:32).

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you gathered?

• Jesus gently rebukes: “Do you still not understand?” (Matthew 16:9). The past miracles should have settled their doubts about lacking bread (Matthew 16:6-8).

• Gathering the fragments had a teaching purpose. Handling the abundance with their own hands was intended to move truth from head to heart (Deuteronomy 6:12).

• The question calls them—and us—to recall God’s faithfulness whenever new needs arise (Psalm 77:11-14).

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summary

Matthew 16:10 points the disciples back to a concrete, recent display of Jesus’ power and generosity. By recalling the seven loaves, the four thousand satisfied, and the seven baskets gathered, Jesus shows that past provisions guarantee future care. Remembering His works turns anxiety into trust and reminds believers that with Christ, scarcity is never final.