We left ourselves yesterday with the challenge to give up all we have for the joy of being part of God’s Kingdom. One of the things that makes this difficult is, as Jesus pointed out, his Kingdom co-exists with the opposition. That means that we are constantly subjected to opposing messages.
For the first time, I think, I understand Jesus’ remark to the disciples:
Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew16.6, ESV)
Puzzled, the disciples finally understood that Jesus was talking about “the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (verse 12).
But now I’m puzzled because didn’t he just describe the Kingdom as leaven? (Matthew 13.33)
So in this case, “leaven” is not positive or negative – it’s just teaching. Teaching can permeate a culture, whether it’s good or bad. And today, we are inundated with all kinds of leaven/teaching, which has certainly poisoned our culture. From the current state of abortion opinion (55% of Americans identify as “pro-choice”) to gender confusion to plain old consumerism: “If you just buy this product, your life will be better.” And when we buy enough, we can’t even be generous because we don’t have any money. One pastor used to say, “The stewardship decisions are not made in church; they’re made in the real estate office and on the car showroom floor.”
Jesus would say to us, “Beware the leaven of…”
1 Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.
5 O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.
6 Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,
7 for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
9 They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.
10 Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. (Proverbs 8.1 – 11, ESV)