“Blind Weathermen and Forgetful Bread lovers” Matthew 16:1-12 August 29, 2010

Matthew 16:1  The Pharisees and Sadducees came:  united in their opposition of Jesus  to test Jesus ENEMIES OFTEN UNITE IF THEIR UNITY CAN DESTROY A COMMON FOE…

Rivals ?…or not?

Rivals ?…or not? Rivals ?…or not?

Luke 23: 11-12

Matthew 16: 1-12  The Pharisees and Sadducees BOTH opposed Jesus.

Matthew 16: 1-12  The Pharisees and Sadducees BOTH opposed Jesus and shared a similar spirit as described by Paul.  II Timothy 3:5 “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” ESV

“Sign” Request--Matt.12, 16 Matthew 12:38 -- Show a sign from You Matthew 16:1-- Show a sign from Heaven  The use of miracles and signs in Scripture…  Many signs had already been done and they still weren’t satisfied or convinced. (Matthew 12:24) (Matthew 12:24)  What sign could they be shown greater than Jesus himself?

Matthew 16: 2-3 Blind Weathermen  The Pharisees could discern the signs of weather but not the spiritual signs all around them.  Only being capable or willing to discern the signs in the natural world was evidence they were spiritually blind.

How could they not see? How could they not see?  Deuteronomy 18:15 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him.  John 6:14 The people saw the sign which he had performed they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

How could they not see?  Peter in Acts 3:22 “Moses said, “The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren, to Him you shall give heed to everything He says to you.”  Stephen in Acts 7:37 “This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, “ God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren”

Natural Spiritual Natural Spiritual 

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Matthew 16: 4  Evil (Sadducees)  Denied the super- natural and spirit world.  Denied the resurrection from the dead.  Adulterous (Pharisees)  Religion was their idol  Guarded and interpreted the law.  Felt threatened by Jesus who was affecting their influence on the masses.

Matthew 16:4 …except the sign of Jonah” See Matthew 12:38-41 Given the familiarity with the OT, this answer should have been clear to them.

Matthew 16: 5-12 “Forgetful Bread Lovers”  Vs distracted or forgetful? We aren’t alone!  Vs It wasn’t an accident that at this time Jesus issued a warning to the disciples.

Matthew 16: 5-12 “Forgetful Bread Lovers”  Vs. 7 – The lack of understanding among the disciples is revealed.

Matthew 16: 5-12 “Forgetful Bread Lovers”  Vs. 7 – The lack of understanding among the disciples is revealed.  Vs. 8-11; Jesus gave a response that was necessary to bring clarity.

Matthew 16: 5-12 “Forgetful Bread Lovers”  Vs. 7 – The lack of understanding among the disciples is revealed.  Vs. 8-11; Jesus gave a response that was necessary to bring clarity.  Vs. 11; Repeated warning to beware of leaven of the Pharisees. Leaven represents bad doctrine and evil influences.

Leaven looks like… yeast t

Legalism-  Do you believe your service and actions make you acceptable to God in addition to or instead of Christ?  Are you keeping rules and enforcing them on others or expecting others to do the same?

Leaven looks like… Extreme Separatism-  Do you deliberately avoid contact with unbelievers or certain believers that you don’t agree with?

Leaven looks like… Self-Righteousness and Pride-  Are you teachable and approachable?  Do you believe you are past the point of needing correction or instruction in even one area of life?

Leaven looks like… Formalism and Traditionalism-  Do you put more emphasis on man’s traditions or opinions over the Word of God? Is your heart involved?  Are you coming to church just so others see you? Do you read the Word so you can say you did or because you WANT to know what God has to tell you?

Leaven looks like… A Judgmental Spirit-  Are you sitting in judgment of others as if they have to answer to you?  Are you extremely critical, deciding if what others do is pleasing to God?  Are you constantly finding fault in others?  Do you think more about what you or what others need to do to make things right?

Leaven looks like… Hypocrisy-  Do you place an emphasis on what you do as seen by others rather than who you are as seen by God?  Do you act one way in public and another way in private?  Do you seek to make a false impression?  Spiritually speaking, do you allow others to believe things about you that you know are not true?

Matthew 16: 5-12 “Forgetful Bread Lovers”  Vs. 12 – Understanding finally came to the disciples after:  Time  Communication  An open ear and mind to truth

Take this with you…  Seek the Lord, not a sign and heed the warning to beware of the leaven!

Take this with you…  Seek the Lord, not a sign and heed the warning to beware of the leaven!  Open your spiritual eyes and maintain a heavenly focus!