SCRIPTURE:
"Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
Matthew 16:6
OBSERVATION:
I love Jesus’ metaphor here about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. We know that yeast is the active leavening ingredient in baking, and that through fermentation, results in lighter and tastier bread and baking. We also know through the scriptures that Jesus’ metaphorical warning was to be on their guard against the Pharisees and Sadducees teaching and influence, as scholarly and astute, as they might seem. I would surmise that the Pharisees and Sadducees position, attire, scholarly achievements and delivery could and would be impressive and influential to many in those times; whereby, they received and accepted what was taught as correct and true. Yet, Jesus is so clear and direct in warning them about the potential theology, misinterpretation, and practices at hand.
APPLICATION:
So to can we be mesmerized or sold by slick talkers and salesmen that have the look, the style, the speech, and suave in what they tell us, teach us, or sell us. It is wise not to be gullible and enamored with just what we see, but what we know of the character and heart of people; less we be fooled by deceit. It is also true in what is presented to us by people and churches that profess to be preaching the Gospel. Do they walk their talk and are they fruitful? Whether it be our time, money or heart; Jess is speaking to us today to guard ourselves against the yeast of deceit. It’s so easy to be sold a bill of goods as we are influenced by and in our fast-moving society. We also know that fake news and false narratives are very prevalent. For many of us who have the honor of leading people, or our family; much of our decisions we make will be determined by our discernment as to what is of God and what isn’t. May we ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, direction, discernment, and encouragement.
PRAYER:
Lord, please give me the eyes to see through to the heart of people, that I may not be gullible, or enamored with position, money, slick presentation or narratives. Rather, may you guide me through the Holy Spirit, to be discerning as to see what is of you, and what isn’t. I know that you’ve given me the honor to be a leader and that I want to have discernment of character, intention, and alignment with you. Please guide me as to when to open the doors of my heart, and when to close those doors.
