St Matthew 16: 5 – 12
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.” 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? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 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.” 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.
Reflection
As the disciples crossed the lake with Jesus, they realised they had forgotten bread. Their minds were fixed on a small mistake, but Jesus wanted them to realise a greater truth. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
At first, they misunderstand. They thought he was scolding them for their lack of food. Patiently, Jesus reminded them of the miracles of feeding the thousands with only a few loaves. There, bread was never the issue. He had shown the crowds he could provide abundantly. The real concern is spiritual. Like yeast that quietly spreads through dough, false teaching and unhealthy influence can work its way into our hearts and communities, changing us without us noticing.
The disciples were bound by the Pharisees’ rigid legalism and the Sadducees’ skeptical unbelief, both of which distort God’s truth. Jesus urged his disciples, and us today, to be on guard. Our challenge is not the absence of bread but the subtle presence of ideas, attitudes, or voices that pull us away from trust in Christ.
So, ask yourself “where am I overly worried about ‘bread’, the daily needs, small mistakes, the practical concerns when Jesus has already shown he can provide? Am I alert to the ‘yeast’ around me, all the teachings, influences, or habits that quietly shape my faith for the worse?” That is why Jesus tells us to be watchful.
Jesus’ Call is not to remember the bread, but to remember Him, the true Bread from Heaven, the one who satisfies our deepest hunger and keeps us steady in truth. When our minds drift and our hearts are pulled by other voices, Jesus invites us back to trust in him. In Christ we have all we need. Let us go into the day ahead, keeping our eyes on him, feeding on his word and finding our hope in his presence.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding me that you are my provider. Forgive me when I am anxious about things you have already promised to supply. Help me to stay watchful, discerning, and rooted in your truth, so that no false teaching or subtle influence takes me away from you. Keep my heart pure and my faith strong. Amen.