5 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. Matthew 16:5-12
What is it with the disciples and food? You’d think that at least one of them would have been in charge of getting enough for them for the journey.
In any event, Jesus used their forgetfulness as another an object lesson, this time about yeast.
Throughout these chapters it’s clear that Jesus was doing what He could to protect and warn His disciples about what was to come for them when He left the earth. The religious leaders played a big role in these talks because Jesus viewed the leaders as cunning but dangerous. He knew they’d be the people who would ultimately round Him up and crucify Him.
He didn’t trust the leaders and neither should His disciples.
Sadly, many Christians today fall prey to the shysters and conmen on television. Because video is such a powerful and relatively inexpensive medium, many of these TV preachers can reach many more than they would by pastoring a church. With that wealth and power comes control, and often men and women who are not held accountable.
Willing and gullible children of God get sucked in by elaborate programming, emotional and carefully choreographed pleas for “partnership” and support, and a huge following. Not all TV preachers and teachers are like this of course.
In the age of Covid-19, these preachers have ramped up their programming to accommodate those who are not permitted to go to churches. These teachers are deceptive and cunning. Sadly, many Believers give more to these preachers because of their emotional appeals than they do to the local church.
It’s no secret that I’ve been saying we’re leaning towards very dark times in this country. The church will not be exempt from what goes on. The challenges we face as a nation and as a church are unprecedented.
Continue to stand on the rock of Jesus Christ in the midst of this chaos and confusion.
Don’t waver or falter.