Later, after [Jesus and the disciples] crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. “Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread.
Key Thought
The religious leaders have been THE issue in Jesus’ recent encounters with the crowds. They give him a hard time. They test him and try to entrap him. They are hypocritical. They are not looking for the truth. They are more concerned about the minutiae of their traditional interpretations of the law than they are about the will of God or the needs of his people. But the religious leaders are clearly opposed to Jesus while the disciples just don’t get it. Sometimes I don’t understand how Jesus puts up with them. Their concern is their belly. They can’t hear the deep things of God for being consumed by the growling in their guts.
But about the time I wonder, “How stupid can they be?” I remember myself, my short-sightedness, my weakness, and my inability to see, hear, and understand the most simple and plain things about the Lord. I am indeed thankful that he is gracious. But then, that brings me back to the hypocritical religious leaders: I must avoid people like them, because they are not gracious since they don’t know God, just their traditions.
Today’s Prayer
Give me a heart that is humble and tolerant, Almighty God. I recognize a weakness in my own character in that I can see the faults in others more clearly than I can see the ones in my own life. Give me more holy insight into my own heart so that I may fully yield it to your control. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Hebrews 12:15-17Philippians 3:17-191 Timothy 1:15-16Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.