Mark 8:4

Why did the disciples not catch on? Probably several months had passed since Jesus fed the 5,000. People tend to forget even great events. Moreover depending on Jesus rather than relying on self is a very difficult lesson to learn, especially when one has a limited perception of who Jesus is. Furthermore Jesus’ reluctance to perform miracles may have discouraged the disciples from asking Him for help. [Note: Cranfield, p. 205.] Their question revealed their blindness. Rather than thinking about sending the crowds away, they despaired of finding enough bread to satisfy everyone in that wilderness (Gr. eremon, cf. Mark 6:32). At least they referred their question to Jesus this time (cf. Mark 6:37).