Thursday, April 20, 2017

Morning Moments with God: Day 69


                               Image result for Book of Matthew
Day 68: Eyes on the Material or Eternal?

Please read the Bible verses for today:
Matthew 16: 5-12

The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

5 "When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread.Be careful,” Jesus said to them. Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 
They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” (Matthew 16:5-7)

I am truly enjoying these verses. It reminds me of what seems to happen between my kids and I EVERY day! In this story we see the disciples were thinking about earthly matters, but Jesus was thinking about heavenly ones. The disciples forgot the bread. I'm sure they were worried about what they were going to eat and worried about disappointing Jesus. Jesus was thinking about His last encounter with the Pharisees and Sadducees and how they demanded a sign. (Matthew 16:1-4) And just at that moment, when both were deep in thought, Jesus said, "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."  The disciples thought Jesus was talking about the yeast in the bread -the bread, that is, that they forgot to bring! Perfect confusion! Happens every day! But no, Jesus was comparing the Pharisees and Sadducees teachings to yeast. The yeast of sin, and pride! Once the yeast of sin is in your life it will multiply out of control. Jesus was warning them to be careful of the lies the Pharisees and Sadducees spread.  
8 "Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 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 16:8-12) 
Here Jesus reminds them of the miracles of feeding the four and five thousand people, which was how He can make something from nothing. The disciples did not need to worry about forgetting the bread because Jesus could have remedied that in one second. What He wants them to be concerned about and on guard about is the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 

Pray with me:
Jesus, I am sorry for all the times, every day in fact, that I have my eyes fixed on the concerns of this world and not on you. Forgive me for not trusting you and seeing the big picture. Lord, thank you for your patience and desire to see me made whole. I love you with all my heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen. 

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