A neutral observer, knowing little of Pharisees or Sadducees, could suggest that the groups asking the questions here are being reasonable. To them, Jesus might seem rather brusque and unsympathetic. Surely it’s allowed to ask questions about our faith and to seek to know more of God. It is also fine to admit that we do not understand some teaching or apparent guidance. It is better to be honest about these things. But what Jesus knows full well on this occasion is a reality we can also surely see. It is the motive of those doing the asking which angers Christ; the mindset of people so blatantly serving their own interests. Do we really suppose that the religious leaders look for a sign in order to give glory to God (v 4)? Do they sincerely hope that Jesus just might be the true Messiah? 

As for Jesus’ own followers, can we wonder at the Lord’s frustration? The disciples seem to have forgotten his bountiful provision (Matthew 15:37); what he teaches in parables and in his vivid images (Matthew 13); and that, above most things, he values faith (Matthew 15:28). Be warned: this same Jesus might be less than gentle with us if we so wilfully miss the point. 

What are the antidotes to unbelief and ‘little faith’? Pray that God will grant you discernment and trust.
These verses tell us of two types of unbelief. The religious leaders were not those who truly feared God, and requested signs as assurance for their belief. They seem rather to be seeking reasons to disbelieve, to discredit Jesus, while also requesting an apocalyptic demonstration of his power. One is reminded of Moses’ complaint against Israel,¹ when the people frequently tested God in the wilderness and rejected Moses, God’s prophet.² Yet it is unlikely that the leaders’ fixed minds and stopped ears would be convinced by demonstrations of power by Jesus. Even his resurrection (implied by ‘the sign of Jonah’, v 4³) would not convince them (the Sadducees denied resurrection anyway).

Jesus’ opponents were active in their unbelief but, in contrast, the disciples seem passive in theirs. They had witnessed the miracle of the loaves, but still did not understand his power, because of their ‘little faith’ (v 8). It is hard to see how they could think that ‘the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees’ referred to their forgetfulness about bread – perhaps they were too self-absorbed (v 7). Jesus is clear, however, that spiritual understanding only comes about by faith (vs 8,9). Their real problem is that their faith is growing so slowly.⁴ Their apparent obtuseness and slow understanding (v 11) are frustrating for Jesus. Yet his rebuke is like that of a loving, concerned parent. 

As at other times, Jesus is concerned that his disciples should realise that they must be aware of the dangers of hypocrisy and cynicism, as has been shown in the religious leaders. Their passive unbelief perhaps indicates that the Pharisaic leaven is closer to them than they would have guessed – and their Lord wants that to change. 

‘Begone unbelief, / my Saviour is near, / and for my relief / will surely appear’.⁵ Pray for a growing and discerning faith, aware how your faith needs to develop.

¹ Deut 32:5  ² Ps 78:18–20  ³ See Matt 12:40  ⁴ Cf Matt 15:10,16  ⁵ John Newton, 1725–1807