Slices
Prepare
Think of a time when you’ve looked everywhere for something only to realise that it was right in front of you. Today’s reading explores this idea.
Bible passage
The demand for a sign
16 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.
2 He replied, ‘When evening comes, you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,” 3 and in the morning, “Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.” You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.’ Jesus then left them and went away.
The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees
5 When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6 ‘Be careful,’ Jesus said to them. ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’
7 They discussed this among themselves and said, ‘It is because we didn’t bring any bread.’
8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, ‘You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ 12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Explore
The Pharisees and Sadducees were the two main factions in the Jewish leadership of Jesus’ day. They were normally enemies. Here they joined together trying to trick Jesus, asking him for a sign from heaven (v 1). He accused them of being unable to read the signs of the times (v 3).
Look at verse 4. How do you think they reacted when Jesus called them a wicked and adulterous generation? Read Matthew 12:39,40. How does that explain ‘the sign of Jonah’ (v 4)?
The Pharisees and Sadducees asked Jesus for a sign from heaven, but they missed the only sign from heaven they would ever need, Jesus. What signs do you see of God at work today?
Jesus and the disciples crossed the lake again (v 5). The disciples forgot to take the bread for lunch. Notice the crossed wires in the conversation that follow between Jesus and the disciples (vs 5–7).
Why might Jesus have rebuked them (vs 8–10)? What lessons have you learnt from Jesus that you sometimes forget? They were focused on bread for lunch. He was talking about the problems created by the symbolic yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees (v 11).
Finally, the disciples understood that Jesus was warning them about the false teaching of the religious leaders (v 12).
Respond
What has the Lord spoken to you about today? Ask Jesus to help you now
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 41,42; Hebrews 5
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for the continuing work of Mission Partner Hope for the Valleys in South Wales and that Ilan Tricker’s links with schools and youth clubs will lead to stronger relationships and more effective outreach. Pray that their work will draw many young people and families to know Jesus Christ.
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