Bible In A Year | Read: Matthew 16
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. Matthew 16:5-12
After all the miracles Jesus has done, the Pharisees and Sadducees ask for a miracle to prove that Jesus is from God. The Sadducees were a rival group of the Pharisees, but this time they are teaming up to oppose Jesus. Jesus tells his disciples they will see the sign of Jonah. Jesus had said this once before in chapter 12 with more explanation there. The story of Jonah was told in the Old Testament. He had been thrown off a ship and swallowed by a fish. After three days, the fish spit him out on the shoreline. Jesus is predicting he will be dead for three days and rise from the dead. We won’t see this till later, but most Pharisees and Sadducees will reject that sign too. Jesus asks his disciples who they think he is. Peter correctly answers that Jesus is the Christ or Messiah. Jesus then begins to move toward his death.
Perhaps you have talked with someone who has said that if they could witness one of those miracles, like the ones described in the Bible, they would believe in Jesus. The people who did see those miracles didn’t all believe in Jesus, so more miracles aren’t the answer. We can believe in God from what we can see in creation and changed lives, but it still takes faith to trust in a God we cannot see.
This also gives us insight for leaders.
Guard yourself against the teachings of these religious leaders. Who can you trust? Just because a leader is sincere, says things you like, has a huge following – does that mean they should be followed?
In Matthew 15 and 16 we see:
Some leaders worry more about the external than the internal – do not follow them.
Some leaders get offended when their perspectives are exposed – do not follow them.
Some leaders tear others down to build themselves up – do not follow them.
Some leaders draw you away from Jesus to them – do not follow them.
Some leaders seek signs from God, but never follow through with obedience – do not follow them.
Some leaders (disciples) learn slowly – give them a break! If their hearts are right, they figure it out eventually.
Prayer
Father, Jesus put up with the disciples even though they took time to understand what He said. That is like most of us. We learn slower than we should – but our hearts are right. Help us avoid leaders with hard and proud hearts. They will not lead us to You. In the end, You want leaders that point Your children to Jesus. Father, that is my prayer as well; I want to be that kind of leader. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Action Step
What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
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