A little bit of leaven
“Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came.” Matthew 16:1
It seemed that anytime things were going great in the ministry of Christ, the Pharisees and Sadducees showed up. Sometimes, they were described as the “religious leaders” or “teachers of the law.” These people had an esteemed position in society, demanding respect. They were antagonists of Jesus, always critical, skeptical, never positive. They had a motive of defaming Christ. They were not interested in the people, the healing, the good that Jesus was doing. Instead, they picked Jesus apart, trying to humiliate him.
And when they came around, Jesus almost always used them as a lesson for the disciples. Earlier, Jesus said to the disciples concerning the Pharisees, “they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind both will fall into a ditch.“
Jesus tells the disciples to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” The disciples initially misunderstand, but they eventually figured out the warning.
“Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:12
When baking bread, an extremely small amount of yeast, 1% to 2% of the flour, is used. A very small amount of yeast works its way into the entire loaf, impacting the rising and taste of the bread.
The warning was clear. A little bit of the Pharisee teaching could multiply. So, what was the teaching? Jesus gives the description below.
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. Matthew 23:2-7
The Pharisees were about themselves, not others. They practiced religion for all to see. They wanted fame and glory. They wanted the crowds to see how “religious” they were. They did not want anyone receiving the glory or attention they were to receive. When they were around Jesus, the slander, the negativity spewed. They wanted to tear Jesus and others down, so they would be lifted up. This type of attitude and behaviour was contagious, multiplying among the people.
On the other end of the spectrum, Jesus taught humility and a servant’s heart. After making the statement about the Pharisees above, Jesus says, “But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:8-12
From the start of his ministry until the death on the Cross, the life of Jesus was one of humility and servanthood. Jesus was about other people, not receiving glory for himself.
When one glorifies himself, others must be put down. Often, this takes the form of slander or negative talk. And, it is amazing how contagious this type of behavior is. When the slander starts, all seem to join in. When the negativity enters the room, it spreads rapidly. It is true that a little bit of yeast can destroy the whole loaf.
Today, follow the example of Christ, be about others. Swing that leaven positive.
Impact others. Live generously.
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