“The disciples had forgotten bring bread, except for the one loaf they had with them on the boat. “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out fo the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”” (Mark 8:14-15 NIV)
The disciples were discussing lunch but Jesus called them out on more. Somehow, through their casual conversation, Jesus caught hints of pride, power-playing and potential hypocrisy. He warned them of the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod; enemies of the Kingdom.
This feels like a stretch until we remember that the picnic miracles had just happened. Did the disciples truly ‘forget’ to bring bread, or were they strong-arming Jesus for a third supernatural smorgasbord? Were they testing the waters – could they manipulate the Messiah to action?
When we consider these potential motives, we are poised to understand Jesus’ response a bit more. The disciples may have been prodding for a miracle and that was awful close to Pharisee-Herod tactics. The ‘yeast’ of the Pharisees included pride, power-mongering (manipulation) and rampant hypocrisy. Jesus flat-out warned His disciples. Yeast quickly infects the entire loaf. Identify and eradicate it before it contaminates the entire organization.
Jesus goes on to remind them of the previous miracles. Five loaves fed five thousand souls with twelve basketfuls leftover. Seven loaves fed four thousand, with seven basketfuls leftover. It seems that the less we have, surrendered with humility; the more God can do with it. One measly loaf isn’t much until it’s yielded to a holy God. It’s not a power play; perhaps just the opposite. Our greatest potential is realized in absolute surrender. It’s not about our talents, abilities or intelligence. It’s about our humility and availability.
“He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” (Mark 8:21 NIV)
This entire encounter reminds me of a conversation I had with my dad decades ago. As a young teenager, I could be quite manipulative. My dad pointed it out: I’d flutter my eyes and tell people what they wanted to hear so that I could move them like pawns across a chessboard to get what I wanted. I wasn’t especially conscious of this power, it was still in it’s infancy. But my dad had seen it in action and had no patience for manipulative women. I still remember him sitting me down and saying “Manipulation is un-Christlike and you are getting good at it. You need to be aware of your tendency and decide not to use this power because you could likely get very, very good at it.” My dad was a wise man in this matter. He could see the potential for destruction in my story.
“For such people are not serving the Lord but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people.” (Romans 16:18 NIV)
That conversation was life-changing for me. I began to take note of my persuasive powers and realized I would have to work at being authentic and straightforward. Manipulation is a form of lying and manipulators are not a lot of fun to be around because you never know if it’s your idea. Also, it’s a lot of work to endlessly play people. It’s far more satisfying to work at being your true self; the most honest and godly self you can be.
I love this conversation with the disciples because it reminds me of my childhood conversation with my dad. I’m so grateful that my dad loved me enough to be straightforward with me about my flaws. He somehow knew they would interfere with my potential. This text bears those same marks of parental concern and potential. Jesus knew who His disciples would become – the founding members of the Church. He warned of yeast because He knew pride, power-mongering and hypocrisy in leadership would eventually corrupt the entire body. I’m not sure that the disciples understood Jesus’ correction immediately, but maybe, like me, they were still thinking about it thirty years later. Maybe Jesus’ words made a lasting impression on their souls.
“Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to who shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the holy of One God.”” (John 6:68-69 NIV)
Lord, thank You for loving us enough to correct us. You are so good to speak to us straight-forwardly about our sin; even little inclinations that could grow and expand into destructive behaviors. Help us stay close and listen well. We know You have the words of life. We receive even what we don’t understand. Make holy impressions that last decades. Amen.