Walking around with Jesus all day presented a challenging dilemma for his disciples. When was Jesus making small talk about lunch, or saying something totally profound about the kingdom of God?
On a boat ride Jesus warned the disciples: Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
His disciples thought Jesus referred to their current lack of bread. But Jesus took them to task, reminding them of the two miraculous feedings of thousands with a few loaves. If Jesus wanted bread, he would just make some. Rather, Jesus warned against the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
What teachings? These religious teachers loved places of honor and showing off. They tithed even from their spice rack, while neglecting justice, mercy and faithfulness. They placed heavy burdens on people without lifting a finger to help.
Jesus eventually confronted this clique: You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are (Matthew 23:15).
Nasty yeast.
Nothing turns people away from the Christian faith more completely than abuse fostered on unwitting followers by religious leaders. We read about it all the time, and many faithful people suffer for their past confidence in deceitful spiritual guides.
I pay attention when Jesus brings up the religious teachers of his day, as I’m a religious teacher myself. It’s sobering to recognize the dueling nature of the yeasts mentioned by Jesus. One yields destruction, and another other brings the aroma of the kingdom of God.
Like the disciples, I’m often slow on the uptake. If I want to lead people toward the kingdom of God, I need to pay careful attention of the type of yeast I sprinkle through my dough.
Matthew 16 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022
Photo by Margaret Jaszowska
I loved your thoughts
today and sharing yourself. Mom
Thank you Pat!