Our Bible reading comes from Matthew 16:5-6.
When they crossed to the other side, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Watch out!” Jesus told them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
The following verses reveal how completely the disciples missed Jesus’ meaning. They assumed He was concerned about lunch—the bread they’d forgotten to pack. It’s almost amusing, yet painfully relatable. How often do we become consumed with surface concerns while missing life’s deeper truths?
During my college summers, I worked at a steel foundry—demanding work, but enjoyable. One day, a coworker observed, “You act like you own this place.” Without hesitation, I replied, “I don’t, but my Father does.” He laughed and called out to the others, “This kid says his father owns the foundry!” He had no idea I meant my Heavenly Father.
Returning to our passage: Jesus wasn’t offering baking tips. He was issuing a warning about dangerous influences. The “leaven” symbolized the insidious, spreading nature of the religious leaders’ unbelief and hypocrisy. Yet the disciples remained fixated on their empty lunch basket.
We must distinguish between the physical and the spiritual. While we rightfully pray about finances and health, we must not miss the deeper call: “Guard your heart. Pay attention to what’s molding your soul.” “Watch out!”
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.