The Spiritual Impact of the Leaven of Pharisees

Join me in carefully considering one of Jesus’ warnings from Gospels about “yeast” and how it impacts our spiritual journey. Scripture passages from Berean Standard Bible, images generated through Night Cafe Studio, and Canva Pro.

Central passage: Mark 8:14-21

The Leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod
(Matthew 16:5–12; Luke 12:1–3)

14Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15“Watch out!” He cautioned them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod.”

16So they began to discuss with one another the fact that they had no bread.

17Aware of their conversation, Jesus asked them, “Why are you debating about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Do you have such hard hearts? 18‘Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?’ And do you not remember? 19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces did you collect?”

“Twelve,” they answered.

20“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces did you collect?”

“Seven,” they said.

21Then He asked them, “Do you still not understand?”

Context

Mark was written by John Mark. John Mark was close to the Apostle Peter. He writes an account of Jesus with a focus on Peter’s experiences and view. Jesus has fed the 4,000 in Mark. When the disciples had forgotten to bring some bread, Jesus uses this incident to teach an important spiritual truth to His disciples.

Key question: What is the leaven of Pharisees and Herod?

Leaven or Yeast

Leaven or yeast is the ingredient that causes bread to rise. Consider that Jewish customs requires the eating of unleaven or “flat” bread to celebrate the Passover. Bread and yeast are topics His disciples understood. Baking bread requires a small amount of yeast to make the bread “rise.”

A cooking website with bread baking instructions indicates how much yeast to use for 1 loaf:

https://www.severnbites.com/2018/03/01/bake-better-bread-fresh-yeast/

“Simple bread recipes require 1% to 1.5% of the weight of flour.”

Consider just 1% or 2% for a loaf! This is very little in weight–so a small amount of yeast makes a difference. What is Jesus saying to us?

Jesus explains His teaching to a disciple. A.I.

Leaven of Pharisees

Source Article

https://www.gotquestions.org/leaven-of-the-Pharisees.html

Main explanation: emphasis mine

The “yeast” or “leaven” of the Pharisees was the subtle yet pervasive influence the Pharisees exerted over people.

Those who followed the Pharisees might demand signs, but they would gradually increase in unbelief until they had hardened hearts, just like the Pharisees.

The man-made teachings of the Pharisees were as pervasive as yeast in a loaf of bread. Their corruption advanced in hardly perceptible ways, but it was extensive.

The demand for signs, hypocrisy, and rejection of Jesus as Messiah leads to “hard” hearts. The issue is that the common people accepted and viewed the Pharisees and Scribes as being the religious authorities. Pharisees would teach in the synagogues and guide people in their understanding of God and His ways. Hypocrisy is like yeast in it’s ability to infiltrate spirituality and religion. Just a little goes a long way in contaminating and ultimately leading others astray.

Jesus’ disciples grappled to understand Him and His teachings! He has just fed thousands of people, yet they are worrying and troubled about not having bread themselves. We tend to focus on the things of the world and everyday concerns without reflecting on the spiritual realities!

How often are we worried and troubled by the failures and difficulties of our own lives? Do we trust in Jesus to be our source of peace and redemption? Or are we focusing on other humans–particularly political leaders/parties? What subtle thoughts or ideas lead us to seek other solutions apart from God and His Ways?

Hypocrisy

My primary concern for contemporary church/society and Christianity is the hypocrisy that thrives in local communities of believers: legalism, blatant judging, and condemning of “others”. The hypocrisy of condemning others and focusing on certain “sins.” The hypocrisy of “othering” those in community/nation who don’t attend same church, have the same theological beliefs, or support same political party.

Human beings prefer to associate with people who are like us: same race, similar backgrounds, etc. This is counter to God’s Word wherein God instructs in numerous passages that we are to be the “salt and light” and provide care for the needy, widow(s), aliens (immigrants), etc. Do we care about those in our community who come from other nations, speak different languages, or participate in other religions?

This hypocrisy extends to creating standards of behavior, appearance, and other aspects. For example, making generalized statements about various categories of people (race, political views, socioeconomic status, physical appearance, etc). Is anyone welcome to attend and participate in your congregation/corporate worship service?

Self-reflection and Gospel Living

Numerous cliches and friend groups that exclude others for various reasons are a visible indicator that this yeast of sin is at work within a community. Do we regard and treat others as Christ guides us in His Gospels? Do we allow our personal bias and past bad experiences cause us to overlook or exclude others? Are we living for Christ, guided by Holy Spirit, and seeking opportunities to be a Gospel witness in our communities? People recognize our character and priorities by our actions more than our words!

Jesus’ Warning to His Followers

“By warning the disciples against the hypocrisy, or “leaven,” of the Pharisees, Jesus sought to keep His followers from an insidious influence that would undermine faith and corrupt their walk with God. Believers today should heed the same warning from the Lord and guard against pharisaic attitudes and the temptation to take pride in man-made teachings and traditions. Once a bit of pharisaism is introduced into the church, it can quickly spread.”

Source: Got Questions “What is the leaven of the Pharisees”

By Georges Reverdy – Rouillé, Guillaume (1553) Promptuarium Iconum Insigniorum pars secunda, Lyon: Apud Gulielmum Rovillium, p. 8 OCLC: 716696497., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=143310641

Herod Antipas and Herodians

Herod Antipas is a tetrach of Galilee. He is the local king whom Rome allows to rule.

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Herod-Antipas

He is staunchly pro-Roman and establishes his authority. A sect of Jews called the Herodians supported him believing that he and cooperation with Rome would bring prosperity to the land. Got questions explains this group and it’s impact on history, quotes in this section are from:

https://www.gotquestions.org/Herodians.html

Key Quote from Got Questions

“Many scholars believe that the Herodians looked to Herod as a messiah, a savior of sorts who would put the Jewish land in favor with the Roman Empire and bring blessings to them. Jesus’ presentation of Himself as the Messiah was a threat to the Herodians’ attempt to make Herod the influential political power in the land.”

Modern Herod/Herodians

Is this happening today? Consider the current political discussions and ads wherein a candidate or political party presents itself as the solution (salvation from) our culture/nation’s issues. Beware of simple solutions to complex problems!

American Evangelical Christians tend to support a particular political party and its candidates. It’s common to hear comments in public that if a candidate or party is elected that they will “save our country.”

Both Democrats and Republicans make this claim frequently on YouTube channels and media. How does this line up to a proper interpretation of God’s Word? Do we look to a human leader/party to perform the miracle of salvation, transformation?

The lesson we learn from the error of the Herodians is that we are not to trust in man, as they trusted in Herod (Psalm 118:8).

We are to put our trust in the Lord Jesus and let His will be done in our lives and on the earth.

I am not recommending a particular candidate or party. I am writing to encourage you to be discerning and gracious in interactions with others.

He is our Peace, Hope, and Savior! Stock Image Canva Pro.

The Anti-Christ, Satan’s Beast

“In the future, the Bible tells us that many will be deceived by the antichrist and will view the antichrist as a “messiah.” He will be a political leader as well as a false religious leader, and he will promise peace and prosperity through his political programs. The Herodians at the time of Jesus were also focused on political goals rather than the eternal goals that Jesus proclaimed.”

Are we focused on political objectives or seeking to be more like Christ and living as faithful witnesses? This is what matters and how we are witnesses. This is the solution to the rising political strife, violence, and hatred that is prevalent in our nation! God’s Word gives us guidance!

Two friends encourage and uplift each other! Stock photo from Canva Pro.

Paul’s Guidance Romans 12

First, be discerning verse v. 2. God transforms us to be able to discern right from wrong and walk in His Ways. God call us to love others sincerely (truthful). This is a love that acts in accordance with His nature–giving to others from the overflow of His love in your life.

2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Second, love sincerely and detest evil! v9-13

Love, Zeal, Hope, Hospitality
(John 13:31–35; 1 John 3:11–24)

9Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

11Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

13Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Third, practice forgiveness and trust God to avenge! Overcome evil with good. This isn’t easy, quick, or cheap! However, it’s our call as Christ followers!

Forgiveness
(Matthew 18:21–35)

14Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.

19Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

20On the contrary,

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him a drink.

For in so doing,

you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.