Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”
Luke 12:1 NIV
Hidden
In an online article on hidden gems in Canada, a British website says “The entire province of Prince Edward Island could be described as a hidden gem – it’s the smallest province in Canada in both land area and population. The red sand beaches are also well-known but less well known are its singing sands of Basin Head Provincial Park. The jury is out on whether these sands actually sing but they do make some sort of sound, also described as a whistle and a squeak.
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When yeast is mentioned in the Bible, it is often associated with sin. Even today, on the day before Passover starts, Jewish families will go through their homes and remove all yeast. Only unleavened matzo bread is used during the Passover. Jesus used yeast to teach a lesson about hypocrisy. It didn’t take long for Jesus to attract huge crowds. And that attracted the notice of the religious leaders. Whenever a crowd gathered to listen to Jesus teach, the Pharisees came to listen too, hoping to hear Jesus say something they could use against Him. Jesus knew this, and Luke records this in Luke 12:1: “Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Hypocrisy in the life of someone who claims to godly is a terrible sin. It infects the heart and it turns people against the Lord. The religious leaders looked so good on the outside, but Jesus looked into their hearts. He looks into ours as well. Let’s make sure the yeast of hypocrisy has been removed.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley