Mar 8:14-21 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Mark 8:14-21: 8:14-21 This account of the journey across the Sea of Galilee reflects on Jesus’ greatness, as manifested in the two feeding miracles, and emphasizes the dullness of the disciples, who do not see , hear , or understand because of their hardened hearts (see 4:9-20 ; 6:52 ). 8:14 The reference to having only one loaf of bread reminds readers of recent occasions when the disciples had not had enough bread and Jesus miraculously provided enough bread to feed thousands of people.

Summary for Mark 8:14-21: 8:14-21 ^a This account of the journey across the Sea of Galilee reflects on Jesus’ greatness, as manifested in the two feeding miracles, and emphasizes the dullness of the disciples, who do not see, hear, or understand because of their hardened hearts (see 4:9-20 ^b; 6:52 ^c). 8:14 ^d The reference to having only one loaf of bread reminds readers of recent occasions when the disciples had not had enough bread and Jesus miraculously provided enough bread to feed thousands of people.
8:15 ^e Matthew says that the yeast of the Pharisees refers to their false teaching (Matt 16:12 ^f). It could also refer to their unbelief and hardness of heart (Mark 8:10-13 ^g). The reference to Herod could point to his unwillingness to accept what he knew to be true (6:14 ^h, 16 ⁱ, 20 ^j).
8:16 ^k The disciples completely missed the point of Jesus’ warning (8:15 ^l) and forgot that because Jesus was with them, their supply of bread was irrelevant.
Summary for Mark 8:17-20: 8:17-20 ^m Jesus asked eight questions that rebuked the disciples. They, of all people, should have been aware of the miraculous power of the Son of God. Although the disciples still remembered the feeding miracles, they never considered the implications for their immediate situation.
Summary for Mark 8:19-20: 8:19-20 ⁿ Jesus’ questions precisely recalled the feeding miracles (6:30-44 ^o; 8:1-10 ^p).
8:21 ^q Don’t you understand yet? This question implies a time when they would truly understand. Mark’s readers knew that Jesus’ resurrection would give the disciples understanding of Jesus’ identity and power (see, e.g., Acts 4:23-31 ^r).