Today’s verse: Matthew 16:12

Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Scripture: Matthew 16: 1-12

We can see the word beware written in many places. Jesus also asks us to be aware in many places. In today’s passage, His warning is about the unleavened of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He also explains to us what it denotes.

The Pharisees and Sadducees who asked for a sign (verse 1-4):

The Pharisees and Sadducees asked for a sign to find fault in Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:20-22). Their intentions weren’t good. They feared that their teachings would be affected by Jesus’ teaching Hence they asked for a sign and thought of making a problem with it if Jesus couldn’t do it. Jesus knows what is in their heart (Psalm 139) answered according to it. The life and prophecy of prophet Jonah became a sign. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection denote that He is the true Son of God (Matthew 27:50-54). If we believe that we wouldn’t ask for another sign.

The ignorance of the disciples (verse 6-12):

The disciples were confused not knowing what the unleavened of Pharisees and Sadducees meant. Jesus explained that it is about their wrong teachings (verse 12). Just like how a little unleavened spoils the entire flour, a little wrong teaching will direct our lives in the wrong direction (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). Although the disciples were with Christ they did not understand the meaning of what He spoke. Are we also like them? We should seek the help of the Holy Spirit to understand the word of God. If we grow in biblical knowledge, we can identify the wrong teachings and turn away from them easily.

Ask yourself how to enhance your biblical knowledge?

Dear God,
Amidst a lot of teachings, help me to understand Your word in the right way. Amen.