God's Gospel Truths
Mark 8:14-21
The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod
14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”
16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”
17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
“Twelve,” they replied.
20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
They answered, “Seven.”
21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
Pondering Point
Here in Mark 8 is a clear-cut warning from Jesus about becoming like the pharisees. There's an attitude that Pharisees were known for, at least concerning those who tended to clash with Jesus. They were marked by arrogance and an attitude of superiority. That is part of the “yeast” Jesus is alluding to with His disciples. Once yeast is present, it eventually works through an entire batch of dough. Such spiritual traits that the pharisees were known for clearly run against the grain of our God who denigrates pride and elevates humility.
Prayer for the Day
Father God, help us to maintain an attitude of humility not just toward You, but also toward our fellow man. Help us to be wary of it when we run across it in others so that it does not spread to us as well. Amen.