IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Guard Against Destructive Teaching

Date: May. 31, 2021

Passage

Matthew 16:1-12

The Pharisees and Sadducees Demand Signs

16:1 And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.

The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees

5 When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” 8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, “O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? 9 Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 11 How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Matthew 16:12

Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

1. Signs must lead to faith in Jesus (1-4)

The Pharisees and Sadducees were usually enemies, but they were united in their total disdain for Jesus. They tested Jesus by asking him for a sign. Jesus had already performed many signs. Another sign would not lead them to faith but further skepticism about Jesus. Jesus rebuked them. They knew how to interpret the sky for the weather but would not interpret Jesus' signs. May Jesus' signs to us deepen our faith in him.

2. Be on your guard (5-12)

Jesus warned his disciples about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The disciples' minds immediately went to their lack of bread. Jesus was not talking about bread. He reminded them that twice he was able to feed thousands with just a few loaves. They ought not to worry about bread. Jesus was talking about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Their corrupted teaching was imperceptible but could also puff up a listener with pride. Any teaching that puts the focus on us and not on God is spiritually dangerous.

Prayer: Lord, give me a humble heart to accept your word. Please give me discernment.

One Word: Seek God through his word

Daily Bread

We Are Your Sheep, Lord

Psalm 79:1-13

Key Verse: 79:13

But we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.

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