Source sequence 49 of 85

Beware of Leaven

Scripture

Primary passage

Matthew 16:5–12

5 The disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread. 6 Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 They reasoned among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” 8 Jesus, perceiving it, said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, because you have brought no bread? 9 Don’t you yet perceive or remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up, 10 or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 11 How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Primary passage · World English Bible

Luke

Luke 12:1–3

1 Meanwhile, when a multitude of many thousands had gathered together, so much so that they trampled on each other, he began to tell his disciples first of all, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light. What you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

Unreviewed grouped account · World English Bible

The command

Hear what Jesus commands.

Watch for teaching and hypocrisy that spread quietly through a community and distort its life.

In context

Hear the whole passage.

The disciples first mistake Jesus' warning for a comment about bread; He identifies the leaven as influential teaching and hidden hypocrisy.

What this reveals

What this reveals about God.

Jesus forms alert communities that recognize how small tolerated distortions can shape belief and character.

Practice this command

Take one concrete step.

Identify one repeated message or hidden double standard influencing your community. Test it against Jesus' words and name one corrective practice.

Discuss

Talk about it.

Which teachings or hypocrisies spread most easily because they appear small or respectable?

Pray

Pray this.

Jesus, expose hidden leaven in our beliefs and habits. Make our public words and private lives truthful before you.

Teach

Teach it simply.

Use Jesus' image to explain pervasive influence; avoid turning the warning into vague suspicion without examining specific teaching and fruit.

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