A Warning Against The Leaven Of The Pharisees

Winter, c. 33 AD

A Warning Against The Leaven Of The Pharisees

As Jesus and His disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee, the Master issued a cryptic warning: "Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." The disciples, thinking in physical terms, worried they had forgotten to bring bread. Jesus rebuked their lack of faith, reminding them of the thousands He had fed from a few loaves.

The "leaven" He spoke of was the hypocritical teaching and legalism of the religious elite. Just as a small amount of yeast permeates a whole lump of dough, the false doctrines of the leaders could corrupt the entire nation. He urges His followers to seek the pure truth of the Kingdom instead.

"And Jesus said to them, 'Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.'"
— Matthew 16:6

Timeline Box: This warning occurred shortly before the confession at Caesarea Philippi.

Prophetic Era, c. 600 BC

Habakkuk Questions The Silence Of God

From his watchtower, the prophet Habakkuk cries out against the violence and injustice he sees in Judah. He asks how long the Lord will look on and remain silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than they. The answer he receives is one of faith: the vision is for an appointed time, and the righteous shall live by his faith.

"How long, O Yahweh, will I call for help, and You will not hear?"
— Habakkuk 1:2

Timeline Box: Habakkuk prophesied during the decline of the Southern Kingdom.

Mosaic Era, 1405 BC

Moses Summarizes The Journey At The End Of Shevat

As the final days of the month of Shevat approach, Moses has gathered the people on the plains of Moab. He has begun the long series of addresses that make up the book of Deuteronomy, recounting the victories over Sihon and Og and reminding the new generation that their success depends entirely on their obedience to the Covenant.

"These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel across the Jordan in the wilderness..."
— Deuteronomy 1:1

Timeline Box: The book of Deuteronomy was spoken in the final weeks of Moses' life.

Editorial: Discerning The Influence

Leaven is invisible but powerful. Moses warned against the leaven of rebellion; Jesus warned against the leaven of hypocrisy. Habakkuk reminds us that even when God seems silent, His plan is rising. We must be careful what we allow into the "dough" of our lives, ensuring that our influence is the truth of the Word and not the noise of the world.

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