The theme of the disciples expressing concern is a recurring motif in the New Testament, reflecting their human nature and the challenges they faced in understanding Jesus' mission and teachings. These moments of concern often serve as teaching opportunities where Jesus provides deeper insights into His divine purpose and the nature of God's Kingdom.

Concern for Provision

One of the most notable instances of the disciples expressing concern is found in the accounts of the feeding of the multitudes. In Matthew 14:15-17 , the disciples approach Jesus with concern about the large crowd, saying, "This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food." Jesus responds by instructing them to feed the crowd, leading to the miraculous feeding of the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. This event highlights the disciples' initial lack of understanding of Jesus' power and provision.

Concern for Safety

The disciples also express concern for their safety during the storm on the Sea of Galilee. In Mark 4:38 , they wake Jesus, saying, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Jesus calms the storm and questions their faith, teaching them about trust in His divine authority over nature. This incident underscores the disciples' struggle with fear and their need to grow in faith.

Concern for Understanding

In John 14:5 , Thomas expresses concern about understanding Jesus' teachings, saying, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus responds with the profound declaration, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). This exchange reveals the disciples' difficulty in grasping the spiritual truths Jesus imparted and His role as the mediator between God and humanity.

Concern for Status and Position

The disciples also express concern about their status and position in the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 18:1 , they ask Jesus, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus responds by calling a child to stand among them and teaching that humility and childlike faith are essential for greatness in God's Kingdom. This moment reflects the disciples' ongoing struggle with worldly concepts of power and status.

Concern for Jesus' Mission

Peter's concern for Jesus' mission is evident in Matthew 16:22 , where he takes Jesus aside and begins to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord! This shall never happen to You!" in response to Jesus predicting His suffering and death. Jesus rebukes Peter, saying, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me, for you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men" (Matthew 16:23). This interaction highlights the disciples' struggle to comprehend the necessity of Jesus' sacrificial death and the divine plan of redemption.

Concern for the Future

In Matthew 24:3 , the disciples express concern about the future, asking Jesus, "Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus provides a detailed discourse on the signs of the end times, emphasizing the need for vigilance and readiness. This passage illustrates the disciples' curiosity and concern about eschatological events and their desire for assurance and understanding.

Throughout these instances, the disciples' expressions of concern reveal their humanity and the developmental journey of their faith. Jesus' responses to their concerns consistently point them toward greater trust in Him, deeper spiritual understanding, and alignment with God's will.