Matthew 16:1-12

Be Still: Father help me as I read your Word. By your Spirit, I want to become more like Jesus today. Amen.

Read: Matthew 16:1-12

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, 'You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?' (v8)

Encounter: We’ve been thinking a lot about bread this week in the Bread Journal readings. Here Jesus lands his point that all this time he’s not really been teaching them about physical bread, but that his words and teachings are even more important than the bread we need to feed our bodies. Jesus’ words are our spiritual food to eat. He is the Bread of life. 

Jesus goes on to make his disciples and us aware that we are also formed by other teachings and influences: we are being formed all the time by the constant drip-feeding of information we absorb, which in our digital age is off the chart. 

Jesus says to his disciples to be aware that the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees is like a yeast that grows in you. This is a warning. A bit like the trend of sourdough starter that gets shared around and grows and grows. Be aware of the teachings that you are feeding on. They will be forming your heart and mind, directing your loves and ultimately your life. 

Apply: If you’re reading this, then you are hoping to be formed first and foremost, by the words of Jesus. We can be confident that, in the same way that a negative yeast can grow, the words of Jesus in the Scripture that you are reading today, can land in your heart and grow in your life by his Holy Spirit. Intentionally ask and receive from the Spirit the spiritual food of the Bread of Life, Jesus. You will be satisfied because who else has the words of eternal life? 

Devote: Lord give me faith that you hold the words of eternal life. Let me build my life upon your words for your Kingdom’s sake.