A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

KNOW THE TRUTH      

Matthew 16:11 “. . . be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”  

Yeast is essential in the baking of bread. Without it, the dough would remain tough and virtually inedible. Add yeast to the dough, let the yeast ferment in the dough, gas bubbles will form and the dough will expand. What was inedible will become light and delicious. 

Jesus, in today’s devotional verse, was not concerned with the baking of bread. He used this parable to warn His disciples against the teaching of the Pharisees. His point was their teaching was like yeast, penetrating and corrupting those who heard them. As yeast permeates the entire piece of dough so false teaching passes through the heart and mind of its hearers and negatively infects them. 

The Greek word used here by Jesus for guard means “. . . a continuous state of readiness to learn of any future danger, need, or error, and to respond appropriately—‘to pay attention to, to keep on the lookout for, to be alert for, to be on one’s guard against.’” (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament) How do you guard against false teaching? Jesus directs you to His Word, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to hear Your Word and gladly keep it. Amen. (This prayer is taken from the Lutheran Study Bible)   

Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word;  
Curb those who by deceit or sword  
Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son  
And bring to naught all He has done. 

Lord Jesus Christ, You pow’r make known,   
For You are Lord of lords alone;  
Defend Your holy Church that we  
May sing Your praise eternally. 

O Comforter of priceless worth,  
Send peace and unity on earth;  
Support us in our final strife  
And lead us out of death to life.  

Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word // LSB 655