Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Passage: Matthew 15:29-16:12
Focus: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:6.
I have come to the conclusion that when Jesus says, “Be careful,” or “Be on your guard,” a very worthwhile response is to BE CAREFUL and BE ON YOUR GUARD.
And what is it that calls for this kind of attention? Jesus here calls it “the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” In general terms, I would call it RELIGION. Religion, by the definition I’m using, is basically the futile effort of a sinful man trying to reach and appease a Holy God. Salvation, on the other hand, is the theme of the entire Bible and is demonstrated by a Holy God graciously reaching down to a sinful man.
Jesus clearly identified this “yeast” back in verse 3 of chapter 15: “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” I don’t think He really expected them to answer that question. Indeed they did answer by their actions. Their religious bias and bondage was at the heart of their plans to kill Him—the sinless perfect Son of God. Isn’t religion wonderful?!
God’s attitude toward RELIGION is contained in Jesus’ quote from Isaiah: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men” (15:8-9). Now there is something to be careful of and guard against! Yet many still ignore that standard and warning with impunity.