Ephesians 4:29  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Recently I asked my accountability partner why 12 baskets were left over after feeding the five thousand. He replied “Only you would ask a question like that.” It occurs to me that there are many questions that are not asked by believers but scoffers might.

If I am going to ask the question then I better have an answer for if someone who is weak in the faith should ask. So I will answer my own question.

The simple answer for twelve baskets is twelve disciples went into the crowd that had been divided up into smaller groups so that no one should be left out in the blessing.

The larger answer is ceremonial tradition. Twelve appears throughout history by tradition and the ceremonial beginnings of the number might have been lost to history but the tradition continues.

When Israel was freed from Egypt twelve tribes were numbered in the division of the promised land. Jacob had twelve sons but Joseph and Levi were not named in the inheritance. Levi’s portion was the Lord, they did not participate in the inheritance but rather the sons of Joseph, Manassas and Ephrim were included in the tribes of inheritance.

When Jesus ministry with twelve disciples was disrupted by Judas committing suicide the eleven were compelled by tradition to select a replacement and keep their numbers at twelve. They cast lots and added Matthias to return their numbers to twelve. Since Jesus promised them 12 thrones to sit in judgment over Israel in Matthew 19:28. Traditions hold meaning in this world and numbers throughout the history of Israel and the bible. Some are at the direction of God while others are created by man.

Jesus received only thirty-nine stripes and I have been taught that forty was a number of blessing and the unbelieving thought enough about traditions of others not to grant a blessing in His torture and death. Three crosses at His crucifixion. Three is the number of man by tradition. Traditions hold meaning even if only symbolic.

• Matthew 15:2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.”
• Matthew 15:3 He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?
• Matthew 15:6he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God.