Unlimited: The Yeast of the Pharisees
May 2, 2024 1906
The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
“Twelve,” they replied. “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” (Mark 8:14–21, NIV)
After feeding the four thousand, Jesus and the disciples travelled on by boat. But it seemed that the disciples hadn’t learnt the lessons of the great miracles that Jesus had recently done.
Typically, the disciples weren’t following what Jesus talked about. Jesus was talking about his life-giving power, because that’s what bread does: It gives life.
Yeast Gives Life, But Not The Yeast of the Pharisees
Anyone who has ever done any baking knows that yeast almost seems to have a miraculous power. It makes bread and cakes to rise, beautifully light and fluffy. But if you use yeast that’s old, it doesn’t work, and your bread ends up worthless.
When Jesus warned his disciples about the yeast of the Pharisees, he warned them that they had no power. They cannot give life. Their teachings are worthless.
Jesus referred back to when he miraculously gave bread to the five thousand, and he highlighted that there were twelve basketfuls left, and after he fed the four thousand, there were seven basketfuls left. Jesus highlighted these particular numbers because they have special significance.
For the Jews, numbers had a spiritual meaning. The number twelve refers to the rule of God. And the number seven refers to his perfect, completed work.
Jesus was pointing out that when you accept his rule, he will perfectly and completely work to supply every need that you may have.
You can trust him, even if, like the disciples, you forgot to bring bread in the boat.
Too often, like the disciples, we forget to bring bread. By this, I mean that the reason why we are in the trouble that we’re in is our fault.
But Jesus is still merciful and kind and has promised to provide for your needs.
– Eliezer Gonzalez
Eli’s Reflection: Are you willing to simply trust in him? What do the miracles of Jesus teach you? Which ones do you need to revisit to increase your faith?
Olivia
Dec 31, 2020
I believe in Jesus and his work his teaching has given me hope I trust him with my life and the work Jesus do I believe in his miracles deeply within my heart and soul I have seen his Marvelous work on my life and the life of my love one's
Olivia
Jan 2, 2021
I thank Jesus for blessing me with the bread that he strength my body with in his name sake my lord oh how bless I am by your mighty hands and from your knowledge of understanding in your name sake my lord that you accept me as your child of God I thank you my lord your child of God and my children children in your amazing name sake amen.