Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

19 October 2024

Reading From Matthew 16, Mark 8, Luke 9:18-27

“Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. “Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? Don’t you understand even yet? Don’t you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of leftovers you picked up? Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up? Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’”

Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

–Matthew 16:5-12

     Yeast in bread was symbolic of sin.  A little yeast in the dough makes the whole loaf rise, so a little sin in my life has greater effect than I realize.  The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees was the spiritual harm that their teaching had on people.  Their sin was their self-righteousness and it caused them to miss the mark in leading the people. 

It is interesting to me that Jesus clearly speaks of the feedings of 5,000 and 4,000 as two separate miracles.  I have read it speculated that perhaps these were two inconsistent retellings of the same event, but from His statement here, there were definitely two different miraculous feedings. 

I also marvel at but also identify with the disciples missing the point of what Jesus was trying to communicate with them and arguing about it!  Just like them, I don’t always immediately understand the meaning of what He’s trying to teach me.  Sometimes it takes a while or different ways of explanation. 

“Lord Jesus, thank You for being patient with everyone in Your eternal family.  We don’t always get it the first time, so we are grateful for You explaining Your truths in multiple ways.  You began a good work in us and You will be faithful to complete it.  I pray that Your sons and daughters will take to heart that it only takes a tiny amount of sin to effect our whole lives.  Forgive us and continue to reveal more of Your truth to us.  Amen.”

But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,

Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.

 –Psalm 86:15

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

 –II Peter 3:9