As I read Matthew 16, I am struck by Jesus' rebuke of his disciples. They were so focused on their physical needs and their lack of bread that they completely missed the spiritual lesson he was trying to teach them. Instead, Jesus reminds them of his miraculous feeding of the five thousand and the four thousand, and how much was left over.
It's easy to judge the disciples for their lack of faith and understanding, but I see myself in their shoes more often than I care to admit. How many times have I been so preoccupied with my own needs and wants that I completely miss what God is trying to teach me?
Jesus goes on to warn his disciples about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees, which I believe represents the false teachings and the changing norms of society that can affect our spiritual faith. This resonates with me, as I see the ever-changing cultural norms and the pressure to conform to them, even when they are not aligned with biblical principles.
Romans 12:2 warns us not to conform to the ways of the world but to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. This transformation allows us to know and prove the will of God, which is good and perfect.
As I reflect on this passage, I am reminded that Jesus is our provider. It's not about what we can bring to the table “the bread” or our own works, but about who he is and his abundant provision for us. Our works are the fruit of our faith in him, as Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us.
Instead, I want to focus on Jesus, the true provider, and trust him to meet all my needs according to his will. I am also challenged to be more conscious of the changing norms of society and to guard against the false teachings that can affect my spiritual growth.
Comments