Matthew 16:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

NIV: 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.

NASB: Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

CSB: Then they understood that he had not told them to beware of the leaven in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

NLT: Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

KJV: Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

NKJV: Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Finally, the disciples understood their mistake (Matthew 16:5–11). We might be tempted to laugh at them so thoroughly missing the point. We can overcome that temptation by remembering all the times we have been so focused on our own anxiety that we missed what God was clearly showing us. Human anxiety is normal, which is why Scripture so often seeks to reassure us (John 16:32–33; 2 Corinthians 5:6). But worry is also distracting; the more readily we trust God, the more easily we accomplish His will (Matthew 6:33–34).

The disciples now know Jesus was not talking about food. He was not upset they didn't pack bread for their trip. He was not worried about what they would eat. He wanted them to be aware of the false teaching of Israel's religious leaders, and of those who use false assumptions to undermine the truth. This "leaven," which can infect a person's entire belief system, would become a life-and-death issue for Jesus and His followers.

Matthew 16:5–12 follows His confrontation with critics demanding yet another miracle as proof of His authority. The disciples mention they have forgotten to pack bread, to which Jesus responds they need to watch out for "the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." They think He is talking about the missing bread. Jesus challenges their faith. They were present when He fed thousands from a few loaves. Why are they talking about literal bread? He warns them again about the Pharisees and Sadducees, indicating that their teachings are false.

A group of Pharisees and Sadducees demand a miracle from Jesus, though He has already performed many. Jesus refuses and warns the disciples to beware of the teachings of these religious leaders. Jesus asks the disciples who the people say He is, as well as their own opinion. Peter says Jesus is the Christ, and is commended for that statement. Jesus begins to reveal that He must suffer and be killed before being raised on the third day. Peter's attempt to scold Jesus results in a devastating rebuke. Jesus then says all who would follow Him must take up crosses of self-denial.

Matthew 16 finds Jesus returned from the Gentile regions, only to be immediately confronted by another group of Jewish religious leaders. Yet again, these men prove they are insincere: no amount of evidence will ever be enough for them. After a dramatic discussion about Jesus' role as Messiah, Jesus indicates that those who would come after Him must take up their crosses and follow Him. His references to some seeing the Son of Man coming in His kingdom will be fulfilled at the beginning of chapter 17, in an event known as the transfiguration.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.

Accessed 5/8/2024 10:18:24 AM