Matthew 16:5-12

5 And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 They began to discuss this among themselves, saying, “He said that because we did not bring any bread.” 8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, “You men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves that you have no bread? 9 Do you not yet understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets full you picked up? 10 Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets full you picked up? 11 How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. - Matthew 16:5-12

Dear Jesus,

How easily I let my earthly limitations capture my heart. I worry about having enough money, about having the right opportunities, about getting the most success from my daily endeavours, when all the while you are concerned about the spiritual enlightenment of my soul and the safety of my heart in the pure gospel. So, here I see you warning the disciples about the worldly teaching among religious leaders called Sadducees and Pharisees while the disciples are preoccupied with the food that they don't have for the next few days. You have my attention Jesus, I will be on guard against the Sadducee-ic mind that denies the miraculous and supernatural and in liberality makes all things permissible as long as you can rationalize it away. I will also watch out for the Pharisaic mind that focuses on outward behavior and dead formalism. Instead, I will listen to you and your penetrating words that lead me to repent of selfishness and cling to grace and forgiveness for peace of mind each and every day. I will concentrate on trusting in you for daily bread instead of my plans and successes. I will focus on loving my neighbor instead of building my own nest. I will rest at night knowing you will take care of the world while I sleep.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Only the teaching where God is all in all, can suffice a human craving for truth.

Additional Reading: Psalm 27