Lesson 722

(Lesson 722)(08-11-13) Todays example of faith in found in Matthew 16:8. For context, our quote is from verses five through twelve, "And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."

The Apostles totally misunderstood what Jesus was talking about when He mentioned the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They thought Jesus was scolding them for fotgeting to bring food. Jesus, in reality, scolded them because of their demonstrated lack of faith. These same Apostles had witnessed, in the very recent past and first hand, the miracle of the loaves and fishes. On two separate occasions the faith demonstrated by Jesus had fed thousands and had baskets full of food left over.

Jesus had assured His Apostles in Matthew 10:9-10 that they need not ever be concerned about the things they might need on their journey to spread His gospel, "Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat."

The Apostles, relying on themselves instead of Jesus, were concerned about what they would eat, which prompted Jesus to say, "O ye of little faith".

Sadly "Christianity" today, qualifies for that same judgment, 'O we of little faith'. ~