Today's Passage - Matthew 16:5-12

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River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Matthew 16:5-12 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. Jesus and His disciples seemed to be on two different subjects; disciples were worried about their physical needs, while Jesus was teaching them about the spiritual meaning. This time the disciples forgot to take bread and were having some discussion among themselves. They probably accused one another being responsible for having no bread, or they probably tried to catch some fish. In the midst of their discussions, out of nowhere Jesus said "Be careful. Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." . What is yeast? Yeast is a fungus for fermentation. As long as there is yeast in flour, fermentation will happen. Yeast can have both good and bad implication. Good implication refers that the kingdom of God is like yeast in flour, meaning that it will spread. Bad implication refers to the traditions and laws of the Pharisees. The Pharisees do not believe in Jesus and hold on to their own traditions. This spirit of unbelief will spread. The spirit of the Pharisees causes people to live by sight, not by faith. But the will of God is the opposite. The Lord wants us to live by faith, not by sight. Therefore, the Lord is reminding the disciples to be on guard against the spirit of unbelief. . The Lord reminded them: why argue because of no bread? Have you forgotten I have used five loaves to feed five thousands and seven loaves to feed four thousands? And not only there were enough to feed the people, but there were leftovers! It is difficult to imagine that the disciple would argue because of no bread after witnessing all these miracles. But in reality, it is human nature to be weak. . Regardless how many miracles we have experienced, we always face new challenges and obstacles. We need new faith and new strength as we face new challenge. May the Lord help us not to be like the Pharisees, who do nothing but hold on to traditions. May the spirit of God help us to keep moving forward in faith, for the Lord is with us and will add strength to us. Let us trust the Lord! Pray with Pastor Tong Dear Lord, I thank you, for You are reminding us to be on guard against the spirit of unbelief. Even though we have experienced many grace from You, but as we face difficulties in life, we pray that You would strengthen our faith to continue to trust in You. And Lord You will open a way for us in the midst of our difficulties. I thank you and I pray all these in the might name of Jesus, Amen! River of Life Christian Church | office@rolcc.net | ROLCC Website

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