What Are Baskets?

In biblical times, baskets were used to store and carry items such as food, grain, or leftovers. But more than being just containers, baskets in Scripture also symbolize how God provides, and how easily we can forget His faithfulness.

Baskets in the Bible

There are several key passages where baskets are mentioned, especially in the context of Jesus’ miracles:

Matthew 15:37 (ESV)

“And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.”
Mark 8:8 (ESV)

“And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.”

After feeding thousands of people, Jesus’ disciples collected the leftover bread in seven baskets—a clear sign of abundance, not lack.

We also see baskets used in economic terms in Jesus’ parables:

Luke 16:6–7 (ESV)

“He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’”

Here, baskets are used to measure value and debt in a financial transaction.

The Forgotten Bread: A Warning from Mark 8:14–21

Later, in Mark 8:14–21, the disciples forgot to bring bread on their journey and began to argue about it. This is striking because they had just witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands of people. Despite that, they were worried about not having enough.

Mark 8:17–18 (ESV)

“And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, ‘Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?’”

Jesus reminded them: when He fed five thousand, twelve baskets were left over. When He fed four thousand, seven baskets were left. They had seen it with their own eyes—yet forgot.

The Deeper Message: Where Is Your Focus?

The disciples’ fear came from placing their security in what was inside the basket, instead of who filled the basket.

This is the same issue many believers face today. We often worry about the future:

“What will I eat next month?”
“How will I pay my bills next year?”
“What will happen to my plans?”

When we begin to focus on our own lack, we lose sight of God’s past faithfulness and His promise to provide.

Jesus calls us to shift our focus:

Matthew 6:31–33 (ESV)

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ … But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

The promise is clear: If we make God’s kingdom our priority, He will take care of our needs.