The feeding of the 4000 is for the nations – 7 loaves and 7 baskets is representative of the non-Jewish nations. Also, the fact that the 5000 feeding happened near Capernaum and the 4000 in the region by Decapolis (Gentile land) says something.

Perhaps the most significant words in the chapter are Jesus warning against the teaching of the Pharisees. It is subtle and key to understanding Jesus’ way with them. He is careful yet bold and intriguing yet clear. Their teaching seeps in and rises up and pollutes. It begs the question, have their teachings snuck in with you at all (convicting for me as well!). Is false teaching doing any damage to you or us? That’s a great question! Where does our theology stray from the Word?