One day some of the Pharisees and those of the Jewish sect known as the Sadducees approached Jesus, insisting that he prove to them that he was the Messiah. “Show us a supernatural sign from heaven,” they demanded…. Later, as Jesus and his disciples crossed over to the other side…Jesus spoke up and said, “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees”
Matthew 16:1,5-6 (TPT)
Jesus had an encounter with a bunch of religious people who were contesting his authenticity. Afterwards, when leaving he told the disciples to beware, watch out for, the “Yeast of the Pharisees”.
It was a parable they did not, at first, recognize.
The disciples thought he was telling them to avoid bread made by the Pharisees/Sadducees, because they were out of bread.
He made it clear it wasn’t bread he was talking about, it was the Pharisees/Sadducees doctrine, or way of thinking.
Usually, when Jesus says to beware of something we REALLY need to pay attention (sadly, we usually don’t).
What was it he was saying would spread through them like yeast in a lump of bread?
Notice what the Pharisees and Sadducees were demanding; “show me a sign” from heaven, now, while I wait, to prove to us you are real.
But Jesus had just fed more than 4,000 people with seven loaves of bread. Before that he fed more than 5,000 people with just 5 loaves and 2 fish.
What was it with these guys! What Jesus was doing was NOT enough?! They wanted him to perform for them, on their terms; personally, while they waited. That’s just arrogance.
This kind of arrogance spreads. With all God is doing in people’s lives, all over the world, and in your own backyard, do you demand he do it for you before you believe? Do you demand a personal invitation before you accept?
God doesn’t give performances; he changes people’s lives who surrender to Him.
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