Beware the Leaven of Both Sides

In one paragraph

This message worked through Matthew 16 and Mark 8, where the Pharisees and Sadducees together demand a sign from Jesus, and the disciples forget to bring bread. Pastor Brian used those two scenes to talk about how factions harden people against truth, and what it looks like to trust Jesus with a simple, honest faith. The service also included the baptism of Brooke Combs. The Pharisees and...

Read together

1. Acts 17:28 opening verse: 'for in him we live and we move and we have our being'
2. Psalm 29:11 read before the offering: 'the Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace'
3. John 3:16 paraphrased in prayer: God gave his only son that whoever believes will not perish but have everlasting life
4. Ephesians 2:8-9 quoted after baptism: 'God has saved you by his grace when you believed, you can't take credit for this'
5. Philippians 2:12 referenced twice: Monday night study text, and paraphrased in baptism prayer about God giving power and desire to do what pleases him
6. Matthew 16:1-12 main sermon text: Pharisees and Sadducees demanding a sign, leaven warning, disciples forgetting bread
7. Mark 8:14-21 parallel passage to Matthew read alongside for comparison on the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod
8. Mark 8:22-26 healing of the blind man at Bethsaida, two-stage healing
9. 1 Corinthians 1 referenced to warn against factions: some saying 'I am of Apollos, I am of Paul'
10. Psalm 33:4 closing: 'the word of the Lord is right and true, God is faithful in all that he does'

Talk about it

1. Jesus said the Pharisees and Sadducees could read the sky but could not discern the signs of the times. Where in your own life have you found it easier to pay attention to practical, everyday things than to what God might be doing around you?
2. Pastor Brian pointed out that the disciples had just watched Jesus feed thousands of people, and yet they were worried about forgetting bread. When have you caught yourself anxious about a practical need even after seeing God provide in a significant way?
3. Jesus warned his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees, meaning the teaching of both sides. Pastor Brian said there is a little truth on both sides but that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. What makes it hard to resist attaching ourselves to a faction or a party rather than simply following Jesus?
4. The healing of the blind man near Bethsaida happened in stages rather than all at once. Pastor Brian connected that to how understanding and faith often grow a little at a time. How have you experienced that kind of gradual growth in your own walk with God?
5. Brooke's baptism was held up as a picture of simple, trusting faith. Pastor Brian said that everyone who recognizes their helpless condition and turns to Jesus is made whole, while those who think they have it all figured out go away without. What does it look like practically to keep that posture of dependence rather than confidence in your own understanding?