Seeds for 10/10/2023 - Matthew 16:5-12
Scripture: When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Observation: This is a fascinating two-tiered passage, so let’s reflect on each, one at a time.
First, the yeast. Having forgotten to take bread (what an interesting detail!), we can perhaps understand why they have bread on their mind when Jesus mentions “the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” It turns out that the truth of the kingdom and false teaching have this in common: their influence is like yeast. It only takes a small amount to spread and make a big difference. The Apostle Paul knew this and was zealous to continue grounding the various churches, regions, and persons to which he wrote in the central truths of the Gospel—the person of Jesus, the work of the cross, the reality and power of His bodily resurrection. The Pharisees and Sadducees have hassled Jesus and His disciples about their practices around fasting, Sabbath-keeping, and more. They have misattributed Jesus’ power to drive out demons to the prince of demons. Now, in the previous verses, they request a sign on demand after signs have already been plentiful in Jesus’ ministry thus far, earning Jesus’ rebuke. Jesus’ point is clear: Do not get drawn in by this nonsense. Give it an inch, it will take a mile. Be clear in your thinking and don’t give it an opportunity to get a foothold.
Second, the yeast and bread confusion. This is now the fourth time that Jesus has addressed a disciple or a group of disciples as, “you of little faith.” The disciples have a reputation for being thick-headed and this is a great example. Yet Jesus persists. His purpose is to equip them to bear the message of the kingdom and the good news of the Gospel. He will be giving them the Great Commission by the end of the story after all. What a comfort to know that however slow we may be to understand, still Jesus persists. We are, as Paul says it, “God’s workmanship,” and He is set on continuing to work at us so that we may become fully mature in Him.
Application:
When has a spiritual insight or biblical truth dawned on you that you felt you should have understood long ago?
What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?
Prayer: Lord, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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