Matthew 16:5-20
5 When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
7 They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 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.” 12 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.
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, e and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. [1]
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What struck me today is Jesus’ warning to his disciples regarding the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He was warning them against false teaching about who He really is. Jesus had just rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees for demanding a sign, in other words, seeking to discredit His identity.
Jesus’ correct identity was also at issue in his questioning of the disciples at Caesarea Philippi. Jesus commends Peter for His correct confession, and proclaims that He will build his church upon this confession of Jesus’ true identity.
Jesus is not tolerant of false teaching about who He is and what He came to do. Too much is at stake. His mission is nothing less than the redemption of the universe, the reconciliation of all humanity and the breaking in of the New Creation. As I mentioned in last week’s sermon, He is our personal Savior, not a personalized Savior. He will not tolerate making up our own version of His identity and mission.
So Jesus’ warning to His disciples is just as valid today. Keep in mind that His warning had to do with the accepted religious leaders of His time, the most influential voices in His culture. We are not dealing with Pharisees and Sadducees, but we are surrounded by many false views regarding Jesus, who He is, and what His life, death and resurrection mean.
And Jesus commendation of Peter is just as valid today. He commends our confession of His true identity as we seek to follow Him faithfully in word and deed.
Jesus, you warn me against false teaching regarding who You are and what You have done. Keep my eyes, mind, and heart focused on the truth of Your Word, that my life and faith rightly confesses You to the world.
What is the Word leading you to pray about today?
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[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Mt 16:5–20). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
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