11 and the Pharisees came forth, and began to dispute with him, seeking from him a sign from the heaven, tempting him; 12 and having sighed deeply in his spirit, he saith, 'Why doth this generation seek after a sign? Verily I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.' 13 And having left them, having entered again into the boat, he went away to the other side;
14 and they forgot to take loaves, and except one loaf they had nothing with them in the boat, 15 and he was charging them, saying, 'Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod,' 16 and they were reasoning with one another, saying—'Because we have no loaves.' 17 And Jesus having known, saith to them, 'Why do ye reason, because ye have no loaves? do ye not yet perceive, nor understand, yet have ye your heart hardened? 18 Having eyes, do ye not see? and having ears, do ye not hear? and do ye not remember? 19 When the five loaves I did brake to the five thousand, how many hand-baskets full of broken pieces took ye up?' they say to him, 'Twelve.' 20 'And when the seven to the four thousand, how many hand-baskets full of broken pieces took ye up?' and they said, 'Seven.' 21 And he said to them, 'How do ye not understand?'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 8:11-21
Commentary on Mark 8:11-21
(Read Mark 8:11-21)
Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we should chide ourselves severely, as Christ here reproves his disciples. How is it that we so often mistake his meaning, disregard his warnings, and distrust his providence?