Hosanna Restoration Church

One thing is for certain, the disciples were always learning! As we read we may wonder what in the world they were thinking sometimes, but if we are honest we have to admit that God may wonder that about us at times as well. Still, a person has to wonder how after seeing Jesus feed huge crowds with only a few loaves of bread, could they possibly be concerned about whether they had bread or not. Jesus, in typical fashion, decided to use their thinking as an opportunity to teach them about dangerous influences around them.

It was immediately after they understood that He was not talking about bread that Jesus questioned who they and others said that He was. Can you imagine Jesus going back now and elaborating on the dangers of that leaven? I can! After all, it is not so unusual for people be presented the facts and still not get the point. It is very possible that they never equated the fact that they knew what the people were saying with the leaven of the Pharisees.

How could they be concerned about bread? How could they think Jesus was concerned about bread? Why didn’t they pay attention? The mention of bread for them should mean another miracle is coming! But then I think about how often God has taken care of one situation after another and yet I am still slow to immediately expect Him to handle the next thing. I am so glad that God is patient as we learn!

The key to learning is going over things till we get them right! When Jesus pointed out the previous miracles of feeding thousands it was an opportunity to get it down deep inside them that bread was not a problem. Jesus can handle provision. Jesus’ concern was with doubt, fear, selfishness, pride, and all of the other things the Pharisees stood for. These are the very things that cripple our faith and keep us from all that God has for us. These are the things Jesus wants to flush out of us. Reading this is an opportunity to get all of this deep inside of us.

Jesus was leavening their lives every moment He was with them. He wanted them to be sure that they were saturated with the good stuff and quick to steer clear of the bad stuff. That is what He wants for all of us as well. It is not about bread, it is about life with Christ.

God help us to learn how to cast down any thinking that feeds doubt or fear in our lives. Help us to keep our hearts and minds on your promises and the very things you have done as examples of your faithfulness. May we be always learning!