A Daily Purpose (Day 24)

Written By: Torrie Slaughter

As we finish Matthew chapter 15 today, we read about the many signs, wonders, and miracles Jesus performed. Wherever He went, Jesus brought physical and spiritual restoration. 

And now we encounter two religious sects that refuse to believe what they see. They were a house divided against one another until they united and fought a common enemy, Christ Jesus. They (Pharisees & Sadducces) wanted to test Jesus and demanded more signs to authenticate His Messiahship. But instead of doing more, Jesus calls out these Pharisees and Sadducees. 

Quick thought to ponder: have you ever worked at a job, proven you were capable only to have the employer ask you to list your qualifications or show you more? 

Now, under those circumstances, you may not see that as a sign of spiritual blindness, but that’s exactly what it is, and Jesus points it out as well. Matthew 7:11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Oh, the yeast of it all. 

We too can misunderstand the good gifts from our Lord and miss opportunities to be a blessing to others through talents and God’s wisdom. That takes practice and discernment when someone asks you for more signs to authenticate your knowledge- don’t get discouraged by the teaching and methodology of others. Trust God and follow His instruction. And what did Jesus say? In a word, no. But  

Matthew 16:5-12

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.

That Yeast  

As believers, we sometimes have our sinful nature displayed, and everyone sees our real character. The Pharisees were so caught up in their ‘logic’ that they failed to see the Law’s compassion; they missed love. We prove how unenlightened we are by dismissing feelings, danger, or what is happening. Envy, excuses, and arrogance will have us sitting on the sidelines because we fouled out.

Jesus teaches us that if we love Him, love ourselves; we will naturally love others. The chaos and stress of life is the enemy’s way to control our thoughts. It becomes a burdensome narrative to always think of the dark side. God wants us to train our minds to obey Christ.

Nothing is hidden that will not be made known. We can cover up how we feel only for so long before our truth will rise. Jesus is the calm in our mental, physical, and spiritual storms. Let’s trust the Creator with our entire being.

The Master has prepared a Great Feast for us. His bread is the way, the Truth and the Life.