IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Be on Spiritual Guard

Date: Jul. 29, 2015

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 16:6

Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

First, a wicked and adulterous generation (1-4). The Pharisees and Sadducees asked Jesus to show them a sign from heaven. Jesus understood that this would not turn their wicked hearts to him. So Jesus challenged them. They knew well how to look at the sky and accurately forecast the weather. But they deliberately refused to honestly examine the signs Jesus had already given. When interpreted with an open heart, Jesus' miracles and teachings reveal that he is the Messiah. Jesus would give them the sign of Jonah, which points to Jesus' death and resurrection.

Second, be on your guard (5-12). Jesus warned his disciples to be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees. The disciples interpreted "yeast" to mean their lack of bread. Jesus reminded them that he can provide all things. Bread was not a problem. But the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees was a serious problem. Their hypocritical and legalistic teaching eviscerated any relationship with God.

Prayer: Lord, please guard our hearts against any teaching that draws us away from you.

One Word: Guard your heart; study the Bible

Daily Bread

God is Our Deliverer

Psalm 78:40-72

Key Verse: 78:65

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
like a strong man shouting because of wine.

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