S. Matthew 16:5-12
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.
O. Jesus was teaching the disciples to be alert or on guard against the yeast of the pharisees. The disciples were thinking that Jesus wanted them to bring bread with them (v.7)
Jesus reminds them He can produce all sorts of bread (He’s the bread of life). They were not listening carefully or not listening with faith (or both).
Followers of Jesus need to think about what the world might be teaching and believe that He can do miraculous things if we would listen carefully and faithfully.
A. I at times do not pause long enough to think about my circumstances, how the Lord might use me and what He might be teaching me. I will be more mindful to think carefully and faithfully about what God is doing in my life and how He may want me to respond.
P. Thank you Father for this word today. Holy Spirit help me to be consistent in pausing, thinking, praying and asking “Lord, what are you teaching me today and how can I be of use for you today.” In Jesus’ name!
