THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 16:5-12
“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (v.6)
Yeast is fascinating, how adding just a small amount to flour can make a huge loaf.
In the bible yeast is often a symbol of sin, how a small amount makes a huge mess.
Here Jesus warns against religious teachers… oh, I guess that includes me.
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1)
There are teachers ‘out there’ who are eloquent, smart and convincing, but oh so dangerous.
Paul warns about dangerous teachers too — “Command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work — which is by faith.” (1 Timothy 1:3-4)
Such teachers overwhelm you with texts and facts, but present complicated systems of legalism.
They drag you into debates about obscure Greek words, and vague Jewish prophecies.
The message of Jesus, by comparison, is simple – ‘trust me, follow me, love and forgive each other.’
Often we are looking for good teachers who are profound, who can teach us ‘deeper’.
But depth is not in the complicated reasoning, its in the personal application.
What goes deeper than Jesus’ message of ‘trust me, follow me, love and forgive each other’?
Our loaf of knowledge has grown beyond huge, yet we still struggle to do what Jesus says.
We don’t need more information, we need more transformation!
Jesus’ teaching is like yeast too; start loving people more, and await the huge impact!
Um, note to myself as a teacher… stop trying to sound deep, start trying to love deep!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to advance Your work by teaching and practicing simple faith, hope and love. Help me not to be one of THOSE teachers You warn against.