I am continuing my journey into Matthew 16, verses 1-12, "The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested Him by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied,"When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away. When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." They discussed this among themselves and said, "It is because we didn't bring any bread." Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, "You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Then they understood that He was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Amen in Jesus name!
Well this is certainly a great passage! First, did you know that sailors have a saying "Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky at dawn, sailors forlorn."? So much common sense advice is provided in the Bible and it is an account of the ministry of Christ as well as those that followed in His foot steps. Christ was telling the Pharisees and Sadducees that He was not fooled by their inquiry and about this time Christ knew that His time was short on the earth so He really didn't have time for their foolishness any more. No more time to placate folk that are intent on playing games. He was moving on and so should we when we have exhausted our ability to provide insight to those who will not accept the love or word of God. There are many people who still need to be touched in our Kingdom building efforts and when its time to roll then keep this passage in mind.
I also found it funny that Christ had to tell His disciples that they needed to stop acting as foolish children and begin to reflect on the life they had been exposed to by walking with Christ! As is recounted here, He was so through with this bread business and feeding the multitude, He provided them with a rebuke. Christ however rebuked the behavior of His disciples and didn't dismiss them. He loved His disciples and grieved over the lack of their faith in His abilities and the abilities that can come forth through their own FAITH. The disciples needed to begin to REFLECT and then ACCEPT the power of God through His Son Jesus and get over listening to what others said. I am so glad that Jesus loves me enough to continue to put up with the crappy stuff that comes out of my life sometimes and I thank Him, thank Him, thank Him for hanging with me.
I pray that you have a Faith filled day and I thank God for you in Jesus name! Amen and amen!
Stephanie
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