The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod

How quickly we forget in times of trouble. Remind you of anyone?

Mark 8:14
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?”

Down to the very last detail, Jesus is teaching. He has them remember and compare the baskets of left over bread after feeding the 5000 and then the 4000. He has them remember. This goes to show just how deliberate and well planned all the miracles were. Every single angle and every detail taken into consideration. This is the lesson that we must learn. The product of that is faith.

The focus of this verse is on the inability of even those closest to Him to see that they will always be taken care. The lack of trust and understanding that plagues our walk on this earth, and the need for His teaching to make our way towards the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Towards Jesus.

The questions Jesus asks are incredibly thought provoking and should serve as s reminder to us that Jesus elicits change in our lives. That He expects it, and He will forever know our hearts.

Love your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your mind first. Then love yourself the same way. Then you will be able to love all other. #JesusSaves

Amen.
DK