Matthew 16:5-12 [NIV] | 5 When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” 8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 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.” 12 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.

Jesus can use our situations in life to help teach us and grow in our relationship with him. In our reading the disciples were following Jesus when the realized they had forgotten to bring along bread on their journey.  While the disciples were worrying about bread, Jesus used the opportunity to teach of the danger of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Yeast is a key ingredient in bread, for it causes the dough to rise. “Yeast” in this passage symbolizes evil. Jesus was teaching that just as only a small amount of yeast was needed to make a batch of bread rise, so the evil teachings and hypocrisy of corrupt leaders could infiltrate and infect the entire society.

We too must be on our guard against evil messages our society sends out to the people that oppose God’s Word and our trust in Him. Jesus rebuked the disciples for hardness of heart, but here Matthew focused on their inability to grasp his true power. These men, closest to Jesus, would carry a huge responsibility after he was gone. Jesus wanted to be sure that they were getting the message. Jesus has the power to overcome and the power to prove. As we look around, we can see the miracles of God at work. Like the disciples, Jesus wants to make sure we do not lose site God and his power.

We face situations in life when we may wonder if God is listening or cares. As we spend time in God’s Word, we are reminded of the many miracles Jesus performed during his earthly ministry. We must be patient in prayer as we wait for God to respond. The yeast of the world would have us look to our own solutions, other means of placing our trust, and ultimately directing us away from Jesus. We are to keep our focus on Jesus, the author and protector of life. God absolutely loves and cares for us all.

Prayer:
Lord, help me keep my eyes focused on you and not allow the evil of the world to infiltrate my life. When I face times of doubt or fear situations in life, may I remember that you concurred sin, death, and the Devil. Keep my heart pure as I place my trust in you. Amen

Action Plan:
Today I will focus on the Word of God and not allow the evil in the world direct my thoughts, words, and actions.