The Religious Leader’s Demand

Matthew 16:1–12
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When a traveler in the early days of the west, came to the Mississippi, he discovered there was no bridge. Fortunately it was winter and the great river was sheeted over with ice. But the traveler was afraid to trust himself to it, not knowing how thick it was. Finally with infin … More

Faith

We find the Pharisees and Sadducees who are normally opposing each other, uniting in one common effort to silence Jesus (v. 1). The Pharisees were the traditionalists of their day and the Sadducees were the liberals. For the fourth time these religious leaders were asking for a sign more spectacular than healing.

In reply Jesus rebuked them for not being able to interpret the “signs of the times” that had already been given. They were able to predict the weather but they could not or would not interpret the spiritual signs of the times (v. 2-3). They did not lack evidence; they lacked honesty and humility. Their demand for a sign revealed the sad condition of their hearts; they were evil and adulterous. Once before Jesus had spoken of the “sign of the prophet Jonah” (Matt. 12:39-41). As Jonah had spent theee days in the belly of the great fish, so Jesus would spend three days “in the heart of the earth” before His resurrection.

As Jesus left these religious leaders, He warned His disciples against leaven (false doctrine) of the Pharisees and Sadducees (vv. 4-5). The disciples misunderstood Him and thought He was referring to the fact they had forgotten to bring along bread for the trip. They were more concerned about their own lack of food than what Jesus was trying to teach them (vv. 6-12). Because of this He rebuked them for their lack of faith in Him to provide. He reminded them of how He had multiplied the bread and fish for the 5,000 and the 4,000. Their “little faith” kept them from understanding His teaching and depending on His power to meet their needs.

Application

Have I ever found myself so concerned about some need that I have, that I forgot that God has already met similar needs and He will meet this need also? Concerns and anxiety can hinder me from learning the spiritual truths He wants to teach me in a present circumstance.

Matthew 16:1-12 (English Standard Version)

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