What does "discussed among themselves" indicate about the disciples' communication and faith? Setting the scene • Mark 8:16 – “So they began to discuss this with one another, saying, ‘It is because we have no bread.’” • Matthew 16:7 – “They discussed this among themselves and concluded, ‘It is because we did not bring any bread.’” • John 16:17 – “Some of His disciples asked one another, ‘What does He mean by saying…?’” • Luke 22:23 – “And they began to question among themselves which of them might do this thing.” What the phrase flags about their communication • Horizontal, not vertical—They turn first to each other rather than to Christ. • Whispered uncertainty—The Greek dialogizomai pictures quiet reasoning, even murmuring. • Limited information loop—Each disciple only repeats what the others already know, so confusion snowballs. • Group-sized echo chamber—Human logic prevails when divine insight is neglected (cf. Proverbs 3:5). • Guarded tone—They speak privately, hinting at fear of looking foolish before the Lord (Mark 9:34). • Genuine fellowship—Despite weakness, they are comfortable enough to share doubts inside the band. What it reveals about their faith • Short-term memory—They forget fresh miracles of multiplied bread (Mark 8:19-21). • Earth-bound focus—Material lack overshadows spiritual provision (Matthew 6:31-33). • Underdeveloped trust—Faith is present (they’ve left all to follow) yet not exercised in the moment (Luke 17:5). • Growth in progress—The impulse to confer shows they are thinking, wrestling, moving toward understanding (John 16:18). • Need for revelation—Only when Jesus speaks do the clouds lift (Mark 8:17-21; Luke 24:45). • Contrast with later boldness—After Pentecost, the same men speak openly to God and crowds alike (Acts 4:31). Lessons for believers today • Take questions to Christ first—Prayerful inquiry beats circular discussion. • Check assumptions—What seems like “no bread” may be God’s stage for provision. • Let Scripture shape the dialogue—Colossians 3:16 urges us to speak truth to one another, not just opinions. • Expect growth—The disciples’ missteps did not disqualify them; neither need ours. • Move from secrecy to transparency—Bring doubts into the light of Jesus’ words and watch faith strengthen. |
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