There is so much in Matthew Chapter 16, so please read it. However, I want to focus on two passages.
Verse 6- "Be careful,' Jesus said to them. 'Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
What is the "yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees"?
First of all, those of you that bake bread will know that a little yeast makes a big difference. Quietly and almost magically this little bit of yeast causes bread to rise. So it is with the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Ok, so what is it? This yeast is false teachings. The Pharisees and Sadducees were trying to make people hate and doubt Jesus.
This yeast still exists today. Be especially careful of the yeast of doubt. The yeast of doubt can quietly and almost magically kill our faith. Our prayer life is crippled by this yeast. Our worship is maimed by it. So be on your watch for the yeast of doubt delivered by Satan.
The disciples in Chapter 16 were worried that they had no bread, even after they had watched Jesus feed 5,000+ and 4,000+ already. The yeast of doubt makes us forget what God has already done for us and question if God could possibly do it again.
Verses 24-26- "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?"
The life of a true Christian is categorized by death and carrying a cross. We must die to our old self and take up the cross and burden of Jesus. We studied this a few chapters back. The cross Christ gives us is lighter than the one we try to carry and earn salvation by carrying. However, this new cross must be carried. If death and cross carrying is not part of your Christian life, change that fast. Believe me it is more than worth it.
What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul. TobyMac sings, "I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul."
I'd suggest another song as well. "I'd Rather Have Jesus." Look up the lyrics to that song and ask yourself if that is your prayer as well.
So beware of the yeast of doubt and be ready to carry the cross Christ gave you to carry today.
Since I won't be at young adult group Sunday night, I hope it's cool I post my comments on the chapter here:
ReplyDeleteVerses 1-4
Sometimes we look for huge signs all the time. We continue to ask Jesus to show us something huge to remind us He is there, when honestly the most subtle thing is how He responds. We miss it if we don't look for that. We can be just like the Pharisees.
Verses 5-12
How often do we think like this? The disciples were so focused on materials and earthly desires that they forgot that Jesus is the true bread. They were so worried about the literal term of yeast that they didn't realize that Jesus was truly telling them to worry about these false teachings.
Verses 13-20
Pop quiz for disciples! Passing grade!
Jesus mentions the church and tells Peter that he will have keys to the kingdom of heaven. That is so cool! As believers, we have this key as well.
I find it interesting that Jesus talks about what we bind on earth will be bound in heaven. Does this mean we focus on earthly things?
Verses 21-23
Sometimes, it makes more sense for us to think like Peter did. How are we to comprehend the marvelous plan that God has? That's our stumbling block though. It takes nothing but faith for us to go along God's plan, because we can never see it happen until it's too late.
It is also a great way for us to rebuke Satan when he fills our heads with desires not driven toward heaven.
Verses 24-28
How cool would it be to be rewarded by God himself? Wow...I am so pumped for that. It is totally worth losing my own life to gain that.
Thanks for the notes.
ReplyDelete