Don’t Get Mixed Up

Matthew 16:6, “Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Jesus gives a clear warning to the disciples, and to us. 

We know that leaven is used in baking and it only takes a little to change the entire outcome. 

Leaven is used as an illustration for sin at times in Scripture. Jesus taught in parables and illustrations, but He used things people would understand. Leaven was used in everyday life. 

The disciples take this warning very literally; they’re thinking about bread. However, Jesus knows their thoughts and sees the confusion. Jesus explains in verses 8-11 that He is not talking about literal leaven and bread. He is referring to the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Their teachings. 

You see, these two groups were very strict people. The Pharisees followed the law to the letter. Outwardly, they couldn’t be accused of being in violation of the law. They were very devoted to their beliefs and traditions. The Sadducees were also very strict in their beliefs, even though their doctrine was incomplete. This group held tightly to the Torah, the first 5 books of the Bible. Anything beyond these teachings, they did not accept as true, including the resurrection of Jesus. 

Both groups have dedication, but their doctrine is incorrect. Jesus warns us to beware of these false teachings. Satan is behind all false doctrine and false religion. He does not want us following God’s truth. 

This is still very true today. God warned us in Galatians 1 of people perverting the Gospel of Jesus. 2 Peters 2 warns us that there will be false teachers among us. 2 John 1:9 speaks specifically of the doctrine of Christ. Colossians 2:8 gives examples of the false teachings of men. Romans 1:16 Paul takes his stand for not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ. He wasn’t just teaching any feel good message. He was declaring the Gospel of Jesus. 

We must know God’s Word for what God says it is, not man’s interpretations. God inspired and preserved His Word for us. We get to read and study it whenever and wherever we wish to. He wants us to know Him and we know Him through His Word. We have the privilege to know Truth so we don’t get mixed up with false teachings. Which takes us to Matthew 16:15. “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?”

Who is Jesus to you? We know what others say about Him, what the pastor may say on Sunday, and what our culture says of Him. But who is Jesus to you? He asks a personal question because He is a personal God. He is not a far off God who does not care about His creation!

We must know who He is so we can identify false doctrine, and stay far away from it. 

Ephesians 4:14, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”

Colossians 2:7, “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

God is not keeping Himself a secret from us, we just have to look in His Word. 

Knowing God for ourselves helps keep us from getting mixed up with false teachings.

Stay in The Word, stay close to the Shepherd, and let Him lead you in paths of righteousness. 

With Hope in His Service,

Heather