Matthew 16:5-12, The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees

5 When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” 8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, “O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? 9 Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 11 How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 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.

Comments

The disciples were concerned with another food shortage, leaving us to wonder if they had learned anything from witnessing two miraculous feedings! Jesus used the occasion to warn them about the cancerous teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. It is amazing how bad teaching can lead so many astray, even today.

In the prayer below we see a vision for those who see corruption in the Church and want to do something about it. In history, many have walked away, looking for healthier, better churches. However, the Church will always have poor leaders and unhealthy teachers. Instead, we need to look to God to bring correction and reformation. When people do it in their own strength, they end up repeating the sin of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Prayers

Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.

(BCP, p. 816)