Defective faith (vv. 1–10). The disciples didn’t know what to do with the hungry crowd, yet they had seen Jesus feed the five thousand (6:30–44). They apparently “soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel” (Ps. 106:13). Each work that He does should encourage you to trust Him to help you solve the next problem. Keep a long memory for His mercies and a short one for your failures.
Defective understanding (11–21). The disciples did not perceive what He meant by the leaven (vv. 13–21). The blindness of the Pharisees does not surprise us (vv. 11–12), but why were His followers so blind? Like Israel of old, the disciples saw His acts but did not understand His ways (Ps. 103:7). Ask God to give you spiritual insight.
Defective sight (22–26). This is the only healing miracle recorded that took place in stages. Bethsaida was under judgment (Matt. 11:21–24), so Jesus took the man out of there and told him not to go back. Be careful where you send people whose eyes have been opened to Jesus and His mercy.
Defective devotion (27–38). One minute, Peter is inspired from heaven (Matt. 16:17); and the next minute, his tongue is ignited from hell (v. 33; James 3:6). Peter saw only shame in the Cross, but Jesus saw glory. Peter saw defeat, but Jesus saw great victory. Never be afraid or ashamed to be His disciple and bear your cross, for Jesus bore it first.
