Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. “Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? Don’t you understand even yet? Don’t you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of leftovers you picked up? Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up? Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’” Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. [Matthew 16.5-12]
This is such an interesting passage of scripture. Context is everything.
Jesus warned His men about the Pharisees' and Sadducees' "yeast." This statement came in the context of the disciples discovering they had brought no bread to eat. Now, I know a lot of people would like to believe a lot of things, but this discourse is about food.
So, why would Jesus mention "yeast" when they disciples were speaking about bread? Jesus mentioned "yeast" because a little yeast "leavens the whole lump" when it comes to bread!
Jesus referred to two instances of Divine and miraculous provision regarding bread. It is clear here that Jesus fully intended to see miraculous provision of bread again and expected His disciples to believe likewise.
However, the "yeast" of the Pharisees and Sadducees could prevent that (again, keeping in context - thus the "warning"). That "yeast" Jesus referred to was something that would affect the bread - the supply of bread - the miracle of Divine Provision. That "yeast" of the Pharisees and Sadducees was a false belief (and therefore deceptive teaching) that God would not provide bread again!
The moral of the story? In doing God's Kingdom work, He provides miraculously.
Do we believe the accounts of Jesus feeding the 5000 and 4000? Or, do we formulate teachings to reason that the disciples were foolish in forgetting bread and therefore must suffer for it? And, besides that, he would doesn't work shouldn't eat, right? Careful!
Jesus seemed to believe that doing Kingdom work transcended common sense (remembering food).
Is this story not a challenge to our faith? Does this story not encourage us that Kingdom work transcends even common sense?
Father, help us, help me to obey Your Kingdom calling.
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