19
Feb '20
Running with Mark 53
19
Feb '20
Day Fifty-Three – February 19, 2020
Read:
Mark 8:14-21 New Revised Standard Version
The disciples had forgotten to bring any bread and had only one loaf of bread in the boat.
Even though they had witnessed miracles of Jesus multiplying loaves and fish, it sounds like they were still worried about not having enough bread.
Jesus says to them, “Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” He is not talking about literal yeast (I always wonder how people who claim they take the Bible literally understand passages like this.). What do you think he meant by the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod?
Here’s what I think he may have meant. The Pharisees were religious leaders who sometimes got stuck on the interpretation of the law, rather than the spirit and the people behind it. They also had a tendency toward judging others. Herod, as the Roman King of Judea represents power and oppression. Both the Pharisees and Herod missed opportunities to show love, to demonstrate compassion, to show grace.
I also wonder if Jesus meant that the thinking and the attitudes of the Pharisees and Herod are like bad yeast that can get into us. Bad yeast can slowly dissolve our values and beliefs. Bad yeast can make us hard hearted. Bad yeast can make us judgmental.
Anytime we put someone above God we are committing idolatry. Bad yeast means the bread will not rise. Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35) For today, make a conscious choice to feast on the bread of life. Read Scriptures that fill you with comfort. Sing songs that bring you hope. See if feasting on these things prevent you from being distracted by the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.
Music:
Prayer Focus:
Take a few moments today to eat a piece of bread. Savor each bite. Ask God to be as real to you as that slice of bread.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Karen Bruins
